Notes during batting practice

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles may not make any cuts tonight, with the majority coming on Saturday. They're supposed to play Triple-A Norfolk in an exhibition game at Harbor Park. However, the forecast is calling for a 100 percent change of rain. Doesn't look promising. Thirty-six players remain in camp and the Orioles need to get down to 25 by 3 p.m. Sunday. The Orioles continue to check the waiver wire. They considered a claim yesterday - I don't know which player - and decided against it. There were a couple names being discussed the previous day. In other words, don't assume that the Orioles are done looking outside the organization while setting their roster. Manny Machado will accompany the team to Baltimore and receive his Gold and Platinum Gloves on opening day before returning to Sarasota. Nelson Cruz most likely will start in left field on Monday against Red Sox left-hander Jon Lester. Tonight's lineup, which includes David Lough in left, won't be duplicated in the opener. J.J. Hardy doesn't appear to be an immediate candidate to bat second in Machado's absence. And Showalter doesn't appear ready to bat Steve Lombardozzi first early in the season. Johan Santana threw off a regular mound today for the first time since joining the Orioles. He will have a work day on Saturday, returning to the same mound. Santana is ahead of where the Orioles projected, which could put him in a game much sooner than they anticipated.