Markakis in Braves lineup and more on bullpen

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - Former Oriole Nick Markakis is on the field playing catch today before batting practice. Extra coach Einer Diaz walked over and gave him a hug, and Ryan Flaherty called out to him while heading to the batting cage.

Markakis, who still has a full beard, is batting third today and playing right field.

For the Braves
Eric Young Jr. CF
Joe Benson LF
Nick Markakis RF
Freddie Freeman 1B
Jonny Gomes DH
Chris Johnson 3B
Christian Bethancourt C
Alberto Callaspo 2B
Andrelton Simmons SS

Alex Wood LHP

The Orioles now have 35 players in camp after the Rangers claimed Logan Verrett off waivers this afternoon.

Catcher Matt Wieters, shortstop J.J. Hardy and outfielder David Lough will be placed on the disabled list and first baseman Chris Davis will remain on the restricted list, eliminating four more players. Reliever Ryan Webb is expected to be designated for assignment if the Orioles can't work out a trade.

Verrett's removal doesn't guarantee that the other Rule 5 pick, pitcher Jason Garcia, will break camp with the team. It just increases his chances.

If the Orioles don't make a trade, their bullpen will include Zach Britton, Darren O'Day, Tommy Hunter, Brad Brach, Brian Matusz and Wesley Wright. Kevin Gausman could be the seventh if he isn't in the rotation - I'm still predicting Ubaldo Jimenez is the fifth starter - or optioned to Triple-A Norfolk.

T.J. McFarland also remains in camp, though he could be optioned and inserted into the Tides rotation with three left-handers already in the Orioles bullpen.

The Orioles liked Verrett, but Garcia is touted as having more upside with his upper-90s fastball. It's still tough for a contender to carry a pitcher who hasn't pitched above low Single-A, which his why I thought Verrett had a better shot.

Bud Norris said he still hasn't been told whether he's starting the home opener on April 10 against the Blue Jays, but that's the expectation.