Santander undergoing MRI on right elbow (and more notes)

SARASOTA, Fla. - Rule 5 pick Anthony Santander is scheduled to have an MRI arthrogram on his right elbow today at 5 p.m. and will be shut down for at least two or three days.

Santander underwent right shoulder surgery before the Orioles chose him from the Indians organization in the Rule 5 draft, but he's also had an elbow issue in the past.

The timing is poor for Santander, who homered in back-to-back games on March 11-12 and went 2-for-2 on March 14 as his bat finally began to heat up. He's 7-for-28, but he still hasn't played the outfield and the Orioles need to evaluate him defensively before considering whether to bring him north. The hitting side isn't enough for them.

"Looking at the physical and the history and everything, we want to make sure what we're dealing with there before we push forward with it," said manager Buck Showalter. "Knowing the history and everything he's had, it's something we want to make sure we have our arms around before he goes into the outfield.

"I know that looking at the history and the physical from this spring, it's just something that we want to look at. Not sure what degree or what we'll find, but we'll have an idea here shortly."

Of course, the Orioles could hold onto Santander by placing him on the disabled list. Otherwise, they must keep him on their roster or put him on waivers and, if he clears, offer him back to the Indians.

Showalter said Chris Tillman's right shoulder is "better," but the club will wait a couple more days before deciding the next step.

"Trying to let everything run its course," Showalter said. "Same thing with (Ryan) Flaherty. He's still a couple days before he gets back in. He's doing all the drills.

"Thought about him DHing tomorrow in the B game, but Richie (Bancells) and them think it's probably best to just let the whole shoulder capsule calm down. He feels good. Chris feels good. Said he doesn't feel anything."

Mark Trumbo, J.J. Hardy and Chris Davis will serve as designated hitters in the seven-inning B game against the Pirates in Sarasota. Austin Wynns will catch. Pitchers Tanner Scott and Keegan Akin will come over from the minor league camp.

Outfielder Seth Smith is working out on the back fields while trying to get the soreness out of his right hamstring.

"Slowly progressing," Showalter said.

The Orioles are listing relievers Brad Brach, Oliver Drake and Jesus Liranzo tonight behind starter Chris Lee.

Gabriel Ynoa starts on Friday against the Pirates' Drew Hutchison in Bradenton, and Dylan Bundy starts Saturday against the Yankees' CC Sabathia in Tampa.

The Orioles summoned pitchers Cory Jones, Tim Berry, Stefan Crichton and Ryan Meisinger, infielders Sean Coyle and Garabez Rosa, and infielder/outfielder Alex Castellanos from minor league camp.

The Orioles may make camp roster cuts on Friday. They've been stalling while trying to get some players healthy.

For the Phillies
Cesar Hernandez 2B
Roman Quinn CF
Howie Kendrick LF
Michael Saunders RF
Maikel Franco 3B
Andrew Knapp 1B
Daniel Nava DH
Andres Blanco SS
Ryan Hanigan C

Vince Velasquez RHP