Notes on Britton, Hardy, Rickard and roster (O's lead 2-1)

BOSTON - Today marks the final game of Players Weekend and the unique uniforms and equipment. The Orioles are 2-0 since the switch.

"Is this the last day we're wearing the orange, the fluorescent?" said manager Buck Showalter. "If we win today, you may see these again."

Zach Britton threw in the bullpen earlier today and Showalter wants to get his closer into a game. Save situations always preferred, but not required.

Britton hasn't pitched since Wednesday afternoon, when his streak of successful save conversions ended at 60. He underwent an MRI on his left knee that didn't reveal any structural damage.

"If he physically feels like it, he needs to get out there," Showalter said. "Velocity and arm and everything feels fine. Stuff-wise he's fine. But we'll see how it goes today."

J.J. Hardy remains with Triple-A Norfolk on his injury rehab assignment, which is the extent of the update. He's 2-for-12 with an RBI, two runs scored, five walks and four strikeouts.

"It went well," Showalter said. "He's going to play today, I think. I think his shoulder's making progress. He feels fine.

"He needs to get some at-bats, but it's not far. It's close. Depending on what you define as 'close.' "

Rosters expand on Friday, but Showalter insists that Hardy will dictate when he's finished with the rehab assignment. Convenience doesn't factor into it.

"If he and Bobby (Dickerson) feel like he's ready, he'll come before then," Showalter said. "It's got nothing to do with the roster expansion. It's when he's ready to play. I've been saying that all along.

"Why is that so newsworthy? Is it because of the impending thereafter?"

Showalter has no interest in revisiting the debate over how Hardy will be worked into the lineup while Tim Beckham continues to swing a hot bat. He can't relate to the media's obsession over it.

"Why bite off tomorrow ... we'll deal with it tomorrow when we get there," Showalter said. "People like to project."

One reason is because Hardy is the only player remaining on the disabled list. It's been pretty crowded this summer.

The mere mention of Hardy being the last one raises jinx concerns and leads the questioner to knock on the wood desk in front of Showalter.

"Different periods it's tougher than other ones," Showalter said. "You know you're going to deal with it. Some people make all this analyzation of a 25-man roster when you come out of camp, which you should and I'm glad you do, but we all know it's about a 35-man roster. You're going to see 35-40 players and the strength and depth of that sometimes dictates your success."

Outfielder Joey Rickard will be added to the expanded roster. He's 6-for-29 with six walks since the Orioles optioned him to Norfolk.

Showalter said the reports on Rickard are "good."

"He had a real good game defensively last night," Showalter said. "Joey's been throwing better this year. So many outfielders at this level lose arm strength. They don't throw enough. Kirb (Wayne Kirby) is really good about that. He makes them throw to a target every day and that's something where our guys have maintained their arm strength and in a lot of cases gotten better.

"Joey's doing well."

Showalter said he probably would meet today with executive vice president Dan Duquette and discuss the expanded roster. A third catcher will be added, as usual.

There are no minor league catchers on the 40-man roster, which currently holds 39 players. Hardy will bring it back to 40, so room will need to be made.

"We're actually looking at batting practice throwers with the addition of people, trying to get a left-handed thrower for September," Showalter said.

Update: Adam Jones and Trey Mancini had RBIs doubles in the first inning to give the Orioles a 2-0 lead.

Update II: The Red Sox cut the lead to 2-1 in the sixth on Rafael Devers' RBI double off Mychal Givens, the run charged to Wade Miley after Xander Bogaerts' leadoff double.

The Orioles used four pitchers in the inning and Miguel Castro struck out Mookie Betts with the bases loaded, two outs and the count full.