Morning notes on Hardy, Britton, Tillman, pitching and more

FORT MYERS, Fla. - While players boarded the two buses this morning for the trip to Hammond Stadium, home of the Twins, closer Zach Britton was preparing to throw batting practice to a group that included shortstop J.J. Hardy.

Britton was slated to throw about 20 pitches as he nears his first Grapefruit League appearance. Hardy has been taking batting practice and could play Monday or Tuesday, since the Orioles are home both days.

Britton recruited Caleb Joseph to catch him and he chose to wear the orange practice jersey. Hardy was fine with black. This was serious stuff.

Much more serious is Chris Tillman's bullpen session, another reason for manager Buck Showalter to stay back in Sarasota until an anticipated noon arrival at the Twins' complex. Tillman must demonstrate that his shoulder is fine and there's no reason to push him back beyond April 15, when the Orioles need a fifth starter.

The Orioles are starting Dylan Bundy today and their bullpen includes Joe Gunkel, Zach Stewart, Jayson Aquino, Tim Berry, Bobby Bundy, Stefan Crichton and Ryan Meisinger.

Bobby Bundy is Dylan's older brother. He re-signed as a minor league free agent.

Berry is back in the organization after the Marlins claimed him off waivers on Dec. 23, 2015.

The Orioles also brought infielders Adrian Marin and Drew Dosch and outfielder Cedric Mullins from minor league camp.

Kevin Gausman starts Monday against the Phillies' Jeremy Hellickson in Sarasots. No starter is listed for Tuesday's game against the Rays in Sarasota. Ubaldo Jiménez starts Wednesday against the Pirates' Jameson Taillon in Bradenton.

For the Twins
Byron Buxton CF
Jorge Polanco SS
Brian Dozier 2B
Miguel Sano 3B
Max Kepler RF
Byung-ho Park 1B
Robbie Grossman DH
Chris Gimenez C
Danny Santana LF

Phil Hughes RHP