Notes on Jones, Hardy, Matusz, Gausman, Worley and more

The Orioles are taking batting practice this afternoon on a sun-splashed field, though the temperature continues to drop.

"It's going to be cold, but we play games," said manager Buck Showalter. "That's what we do."

Showalter added that the wind is going to be "a challenge."

Center fielder Adam Jones and shortstop J.J. Hardy may have played tonight if the temperature wasn't supposed to dip into the 20s. They could return to the lineup on Sunday.

Left-hander Brian Matusz, eligible to come off the disabled list today, is expected to make one more appearance in a minor league game before the Orioles activate him.

The Orioles want Matusz to work two or three innings on Monday before he's placed on the 25-man roster later in the week while the team is in Arlington, Texas. He's getting two days off after throwing an inning last night at Double-A Bowie.

Matusz retired the side in order against Akron, getting two fly balls and a strikeout. He gave up a solo home run and struck out two batters in Thursday's outing.

Matusz said today that he feels "healthy and strong."

Kevin Gausman will start Sunday afternoon at Bowie after the Baysox postponed tonight's game. His start at Single-A Frederick is pushed back to Friday.

Vance Worley will be on a pitch limit Sunday because he hasn't worked in a game since the exhibition in Philadelphia. He's been throwing bullpen sessions to stay sharp.

Chris Tillman feels good after pitching last night on short rest. Showalter joked about going with a four-man rotation.

The current Orioles are 15-for-93 (.161) against Rays left-hander Drew Smyly. Jones is 2-for-18 with seven strikeouts, Chris Davis is 2-for-16, Jonathan Schoop is 2-for-12, Hardy is 1-for-9 with a home run and Mark Trumbo is 1-for-6 with four strikeouts.

Caleb Joseph is 3-for-8 and Matt Wieters is 2-for-5 with a double.

For the Rays
Logan Forsythe 2B
Logan Morrison DH
Evan Longoria 3B
Corey Dickerson LF
Steve Pearce 1B
Brad Miller SS
Steven Souza Jr. RF
Kevin Kiermaier CF
Curt Casali C

Drew Smyly LHP