Notes on Flaherty, Lough, Hardy, Wieters and more

The Orioles are confident that infielder Ryan Flaherty will be ready to come off the disabled list when he's eligible.

Flaherty was projected to miss five to seven games and the Orioles needed to make a move rather than play a man down. He probably will begin his rehabilitation assignment at Double-A Bowie.

The Orioles could have waited on Flaherty if he played the outfield. They have enough of those to cover for an injury. However, they were short on infielders.

David Lough is fine after being hit on the foot by a pitch last night. No X-rays were scheduled.

J.J. Hardy took live batting practice at Triple-A Norfolk for the second day in a row and manager Buck Showalter is waiting to receive a report. He won't be rushed back simply because Flaherty went on the disabled list.

Norfolk leaves town on Sunday and all of the affiliates are on the road. Showalter said Hardy might have to go to Buffalo with the Tides.

Hardy won't begin playing in games until he can go consecutive games without feeling any discomfort in his left shoulder when getting full extension on his swing.

Catcher Matt Wieters has caught a few innings in back-to-back days in an intrasquad game and extended spring training game. He made throws to second base and third base yesterday.

Norfolk catcher Steve Clevenger went on the seven-day disabled list today with a bruised thumb.

If the Orioles had tied last night's game in Toronto or taken the lead in the bottom of the ninth inning, Manny Machado would have moved to shortstop and Chris Davis would have played third base.

Showalter will leave the Orioles on Saturday to attend his father-in-law's memorial service in Nashville. He's not certain whether he will return in time for Sunday's game.

Bench coach John Russell will serve as acting manager.