Showalter on Hardy, the expanded roster and more

J.J. Hardy took batting practice this afternoon and the Orioles haven't announced any changes to their lineup. Stay tuned.

Hardy felt discomfort in his groin toward the end of last night's game. He did some running earlier today, including figure eights, "and felt pretty good," said manager Buck Showalter.

Hardy is in a 4-for-46 slump in his last 13 games. He's been bothered this season by periodic back tightness, and now he's receiving treatment for the groin discomfort.

Are the issues at the plate tied to his health?

"Could be," Showalter said. "He's not a guy who uses the excuse. If you look at him running on and off the field, running past the first base bag, once you get to know him, he paces at the right spots and he goes when he needs to go. He knows the long haul, that's the way he has to do it.

"I think sometimes the presentation is not as good as the actuality. He's been very honest with us about anything he might be feeling. He's not a guy who's in the training room a lot, but he's ready at 7 o'clock.

"I know it's been a challenge for him offensively at times."

Showalter said Hardy's groin discomfort surfaced on a swinging bunt a few days ago.

"Then it seemed like 20 choppers, infield singles, and the one I think it was (Eduardo) Nunez, he said he felt it a little bit at the end," Showalter said.

"It started a little bit, remember the play up the middle that he felt it a little bit, but it got a lot better the next two days and it wasn't an issue until that one last night. But right now, it's not an issue. We'll see what the game brings."

Chris Davis was in Showalter's office today and I didn't see him on the field during batting practice, but he's still in the lineup.

Showalter met before batting practice with executive vice president Dan Duquette, vice president Brady Anderson, director of player development Brian Graham and director of major league administration Ned Rice to discuss the September roster.

"The priority obviously is the major league club, the needs and who might come up here and help us win a ballgame. That's where you start," Showalter said.

Showalter said the 25-man roster probably will expand into the low 30s, including extra bullpen arms. The 40-man roster is down to 38, making it easy to add players. Also, Showalter said there's ample room for others.

The Orioles could move Dylan Bundy to the 60-day disabled list, which would create another spot on the 40-man roster.

The fall instructional league starts on Sept. 16. Players who aren't added to the expanded roster, but could join the Orioles later, will be sent Sarasota to work out and stay in shape.

Reliever Chaz Roe will throw a simulated game in Arlington, Texas, and appear in at least one game at Double-A Bowie before the Orioles activate him from the disabled list on Sept. 1 or 2.

Mike Wright threw a three-inning simulated game today. Tyler Wilson is progressing, "but probably Mike Wright is ahead of him," Showalter said.

Showalter said the Orioles may need to make a roster move to add a reliever if Chris Tillman has a short start tonight.

Norfolk outfielder Junior Lake isn't playing tonight. Showalter said Lake has conjunctivitis.