Quick hits before tonight's game

The Orioles are taking batting practice under a darkening sky. Looks like we could get some rain. Wei-Yin Chen threw his four-inning simulated game today in Sarasota, and he's going to board a 6 p.m. flight to Baltimore. Chen will throw a bullpen session here and report to an affiliate on Saturday to begin an injury-rehab assignment that should last only one or two starts. Second baseman Brian Roberts will join Triple-A Norfolk on Tuesday to begin his rehab assignment. Manager Buck Showalter estimated that Roberts will need at least three games before coming off the disabled list. The Orioles will have room on their 40-man roster if Freddy Garcia refuses his option to Norfolk. Outfielder Nolan Reimold needs more at-bats on his rehab assignment, so he's staying with Double-A Bowie. The Baysox are in Richmond tonight. Kevin Gausman will be available in the bullpen tonight and Tuesday night. He's a candidate to start Friday night against the Yankees at Camden Yards, but the Orioles preferred to keep him in Norfolk. He's only here because no one else was available to work in long relief. Rule 5 pick T.J. McFarland also is a candidate to make Friday's start. Tsuyoshi Wada is not a candidate. Dylan Bundy has been throwing from 120 feet. He still hasn't been cleared to throw off a mound, but he's making good progress.