Mike Wright dealing with shoulder soreness

CHICAGO - The Orioles will be one pitcher short in their bullpen today for the series finale against the White Sox. Manager Buck Showalter told reporters that right-hander Mike Wright felt some shoulder soreness after the game last night. He is unavailable today.

He pitched two scoreless innings in the win over the White Sox. But he gave up some hard-hit balls in the sixth and seventh innings. Wright has a 5.56 ERA in six games and 11 1/3 innings.

"That is a little bit alarming because that was with three days off," manager Buck Showalter said. "That is why I didn't pitch him the day before. We'll see how that is tomorrow. Dr. (Michael) Jacobs (team orthopedist) will see him when we get back tomorrow."

When asked if Wright has dealt with any shoulder soreness earlier this year, Showalter indicated yes.

"He's had treatment on it off and on during the year," Showalter said. "He had it last year and treated it. Lot of guys treat elbow, shoulder, back. But nothing that kept him from pitching. Yesterday was a little different feeling after the game. I was talking to him this morning and we made everyone aware of it last night back in Baltimore.

"He got hit pretty good yesterday. We were lucky that a lot of those balls were at people and guys made some good plays on them. He said he threw one slider to (José) Abreu and said he didn't feel good after that in his second inning."

Meanwhile, outfielder Seth Smith is not starting for the third day in a row and could be a disabled list candidate soon. He had a strain in the middle of his back.

"If he is not available tomorrow, then we probably have to think about DL," Showalter said. "This is the third day (they can backdate the move). Hopefully we can stay away from that. Hoping to get some good news today. See if he is available today. Don't know yet."

O's closer Zach Britton will throw his simulated game later today at Single-A Frederick. His comeback remains on schedule and he is slated to pitch for short-season Single-A Aberdeen during the IronBirds' season opener on Monday night.