Orioles still don't know whether John Means can start opener

The Orioles are waiting to find out the results of Stevie Wilkerson's visit today to a hand specialist and should be able to gather more information later this afternoon.

Wilkerson had swelling in his left ring finger after making a diving catch last night in Philadelphia. He's become a candidate for the injured list.

John Means isn't throwing while trying to work through a dead-arm period. He's just receiving treatment and the Orioles aren't sure about his status for opening day.

"John Means feels better today," manager Brandon Hyde said during today's Zoom conference call with the media. "Still haven't made a decision yet on opening day for him. We're definitely going to take a conservative route with John because he means so much to us, and his future, so we're still weighing our options there. A little bit unclear if John's able to make the start for opening day."

Losing Means for the Friday night assignment in Boston would require the Orioles to get creative. Alex Cobb won't work on short rest after making tonight's exhibition start against the Nationals, with Hyde saying the club wants to build up the veteran to four innings and that he's behind the other starters after missing most of last season.

"He's just not quite there yet," Hyde said.

Hyde mentioned Wade LeBlanc, Tommy Milone and Thomas Eshelman as three possibilities for opening day, saying they'd be included in the discussion. LeBlanc has been slotted third in the rotation and is supposed to pitch a simulated game on Tuesday, but his schedule can be adjusted.

Eshelman would be working on regular rest after tossing 4 2/3 scoreless innings last night. His rise to opening day starter would be impressive after he entered camp as a longshot to make the rotation.

The Orioles aren't striking an optimistic tone with Means. Hyde referred to the team's cautious approach multiple times during his 13-minute media session.

"We were considering catch/play here today or tomorrow and kind of seeing where he was from there, but like I said, we're definitely going to take the conservative route with him," Hyde said. "I know it's disappointing because opening day is a big deal, it's a big deal for all of us, and I have a lot of sensitivity to that. He would potentially be making his first opening day start and for that to be in question, I know he's disappointed.

"We're looking big-picture with him also and we want to do what's right for him."

Means would have to "feel better," Hyde said, and play catch "and feel nothing" for the next few days in order to make the start.

The primary goal of breaking camp healthy is being shattered with Wilkerson's injury, Means' fatigued arm and surgeries for Richie Martin (right wrist) and Ty Blach (left elbow). Outfielders Anthony Santander and Dwight Smith Jr. reported late after testing positive for COVID-19.

"That's the one thing, especially with Means, is I feel like we're trying to get ahead of this a little bit and not push him into a place where we're risking losing time with him down the road this season, but taking the conservative approach," Hyde said.

"Hopefully, he can make the start on the 24th, but if not, maybe a handful of days later or whatever that may be. Obviously, that's disappointing that's he's in this position right now because we'd all love to see him make that start. We just haven't made that final decision."

Smith took live batting practice against Hector Velázquez, who was assigned to the Bowie camp but is working out at Camden Yards. Smith also did some work in the outfield.

Smith was placed on the injured list today related to his late arrival in camp due to testing positive for COVID-19, but the Orioles can activate him at any time. He hasn't been eliminated from the opening day roster, according to Hyde. However, he's got a short window to convince the club that he's ready.

The Orioles will set up more hitting sessions for Smith and Santander to increase their at-bats.

"I wouldn't say that Dwight is out of the equation yet," Hyde said.

Cedric Mullins and Mason Williams are two possibilities to make the 30-man roster if Smith is excluded and the Orioles want another true outfielder.

"I think that Cedric being on the (40-man) roster already and playing very well right now will be an option," Hyde said. "I think Mason is a nice player, he's got some major league experience and can play three spots in the outfield. I think he could be an option."

Santander is scheduled to get two at-bats tonight against Nationals starter Stephen Strasburg, assuming the right-hander remains in the game. If Santander feels good, he'll also play Tuesday night at Nationals Park.

"Everybody knows that I'm a big Tony Santander fan and I'd love to have him in the lineup and I think this guy has a really bright future," Hyde said. "I just love him from both sides of the plate. So tonight, I don't care about the results. If he punches out two times on six pitches, I'm good. I just want to see him come off the field whenever I take him out in good shape."

Austin Hays is missing from tonight's lineup, as expected, after being hit on the left knee last night and coming out for a pinch-runner.

"Just kind of got him on a tough spot, outside the knee, and I think if this was the regular season, he would be in the lineup today," Hyde said.

"I was going to play him probably half the game, give him a couple at-bats tonight after giving him a few last night," Hyde said, "but I just decided to give him a breather today and hopefully he will be back in there tomorrow."

The Orioles canceled batting practice because of the heat, but Chance Sisco joined Smith in the live BP session. The team had infield drills with players in shorts and t-shirts.