Notes on Gausman, Hays, Tillman, Castro and more (O's down 1-0)

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. - Orioles manager Buck Showalter said today that Kevin Gausman remains on schedule to start Saturday afternoon's game against the Phillies in Clearwater.

Gausman's work day on Wednesday or Thursday will provide confirmation.

"If he continues to have the indications he had today, he'd stay in turn," Showalter said.

Gausman avoided a serious injury after yesterday's collision with the Tigers' Jeimer Candelario that left him with a cut above his left eyelid and some soreness in his back. No concussion and no stitches. And no sensitivity to the teasing.

"He's into the laughing about it stage," Showalter said. "I guess (Dylan) Bundy and all of them made sure he saw the replay 100 times."

Showalter said no one is to blame for the incident. It was a freak accident.

"Sometimes you wonder why it doesn't happen more," Showalter said.

Austin Hays was switched from right fielder to designated hitter today to give his right arm an extra day. He's been bothered by some soreness in his lat muscle, which also relegated him to DH duty yesterday against the Tigers. He played right field in the intrasquad game and went 2-for-3 with a triple.

"He wasn't 100 percent throwing, so we're DHing him and flip-flopping him with (Anthony) Santander," Showalter said. "We thought it would be today, but after the pregame stuff, we decided to give him some more time."

Chris Tillman had a good work day earlier this morning at the Ed Smith Stadium complex and his debut is approaching. Miguel Castro also had positive results in his bullpen session and he's starting Friday morning's B game against the Pirates.

"He's ready to go," Showalter said. "He feels good, so he'll be back in the mix."

Andrew Cashner will throw live batting practice on Thursday. Showalter has watched the side sessions and complimented Cashner for being "a guy who's got a plan."

Yefry Ramirez will make his first Grapefruit League appearance on Wednesday against the Cardinals in Sarasota.

Showalter anticipates that Hunter Harvey will receive more starts after today, saying it could "potentially" happen while he shields others from division competition.

"Ask me after today," Showalter said, "but I think he's got a chance to make it a little tough on us. We'll see."

Showalter understands why there's so much focus on today's start, Harvey's first in the Grapefruit League after six relief appearances spread over the past two years.

There's something special about today.

"Oh sure there is," Showalter said. "If he wins the tie-breaker, I'm OK with that accusation. And he deserves it. The kid's been through a lot.

"Who knows what today's going to bring or down the road's going to bring? But I did want him to have be in a role his first time out that he's used to, not coming in and not knowing what inning he's coming in and how long he's going to have to warm up. I think it's important because we have high hopes for him."

Note: MASN today released its 2018 Orioles broadcast schedule. To see a copy of the schedule, click here.

Update: Hunter Harvey allowed back-to-back singles to open the bottom of the first inning and Denard Span scored on Christian Arroyo's double play. Arroyo is a late substitution for Matt Duffy at third base.

Harvey struck out Jake Bauers on a 95 mph fastball.