Showalter on Wieters, Hardy and more pregame in Fort Myers

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Orioles manager Buck Showalter continues to be encouraged about catcher Matt Wieters and his return from a sore right elbow. He expects him to be ready for opening day. He just doesn't have a timetable yet for Wieters to get in another spring training game.

"Now that he has most of the discomfort out of there," Showalter said. "Now he goes into some strengthening procedures and we'll get a ball in his hand as soon as possible. Let's see where we are on Monday. We've got plenty of time.

"Especially because of the offseason he had, the shape he was in and the reps and everything he's already gotten. It is just a matter of getting back on the field for a few days. It is just a matter of playing a few games, maybe a week, who knows. My level of concern with it has really been lessened the last few days."

Meanwhile, Showalter still expects left-hander Brian Matusz to get in a game sometime this weekend. He has not pitched since March 2 due to a strained muscle in his lower back. He also should still have enough time to be ready by opening day.

"Yes, but he's in that area now where he doesn't need any setbacks," Showalter added. The skipper also said that T. J. McFarland felt good today after returning to game action Wednesday.

Shortstop J.J. Hardy continues to have a good spring. He doubled in a run yesterday against the Pirates and is batting .381.

"It's a real tribute to him," Showalter said. "He played through the (2015) year pretty banged up. His commitment to his teammates and his team is strong. You can tell he feels better about being able to be more helpful this year. I know it was frustrating for him not to be himself offensively."

The Orioles play the Red Sox here this afternoon in the first of two split-squad games. They host the Twins tonight at 7:05 p.m. at Ed Smith Stadium.

Right-hander Vance Worley makes the start today against Boston. It's his latest chance to push for a roster spot and maybe a rotation spot as well. He has pitched scoreless ball in two of his three spring appearances, giving up three runs and five hits with a 4.50 ERA overall.

"So far so good," Showalter said of Worley. "The difference with him as opposed to (Odrisamer) Despagine and some other guys is he doesn't have an option. He's shown a lot of versatility. This is a good opportunity to stretch him out some."

Other listed pitchers for the Orioles this afternoon are Despaigne, Chris Lee, Todd Redmond and Chaz Roe.

Mike Wright is scheduled to start tonight against the Twins and be followed by Brad Brach, Mychal Givens and Darren O'Day. Miguel Gonzalez starts Friday night in Tampa against the Yankees' CC Sabathia. Yovani Gallardo is listed to start Saturday and Chris Tillman on Sunday. The Orioles are off Monday.

The Orioles are 3-1-1 in their last five games for a spring record of 3-11-3. Boston has lost seven in a row to fall to 5-10.