Today's health checklist and notes on Bundy, Flaherty and the outfield

SARASOTA, Fla. - While planning my day leading up to a 1:05 p.m. home game against the Twins, I've made notations about checking on T.J. McFarland's left elbow and Ozzie Martinez's head. The Orioles aren't expected to know more about Jimmy Paredes' left wrist until Wednesday, but I can't ignore it. It's doubtful that anything has changed with Brian Matusz's strained serratus muscle in his lower back, but I can't ignore it.

Chris Tillman will throw live batting practice today. He's no longer bothered by a strained hip flexor, but he's going to field more questions about it after his session.

My head may explode before the first pitch. No one will be able to ignore it.

The Orioles are down two left-handed relievers. If only they could have sneaked C.J. Riefenhauser through waivers or turned back the clock about seven years on Hideki Okajima.

McFarland could fill the last bullpen spot, his importance increasing with five right-handers in the rotation. But only if he's healthy.

Meanwhile, Dylan Bundy is worth talking to this morning simply because he was so good against the Red Sox.

The Orioles lost another game yesterday, but gained a little more confidence in Bundy's ability to contribute out of the bullpen in 2016.

We have a long way to go, of course, but Bundy is healthy and attacking hitters. He retired the Red Sox in order in the bottom of the seventh inning, striking out Henry Ramos swinging and Danny Mars looking. Ryan LaMarre lined out to second baseman Garabez Rosa.

Granted, Bundy wasn't facing the heart of the Red Sox's opening day order, but his fastball was 93-96 mph and he registered outs. No need to quibble.

Bundy's first exhibition pitch on Thursday resulted in a home run by Tampa Bay's Brandon Guyer, but he retired the next three batters on fly balls. He kicked it up a notch at JetBlue Park.

On Guyer's blast, Bundy said he didn't bother watching the flight of the ball. He just turned to the plate umpire and waited for a new one.

He was worth watching yesterday.

Ryan Flaherty walked in each of his first three plate appearances yesterday and also turned a spectacular double play in the fifth inning after shortstop Paul Janish made a backhanded stop in the hole on Rusney Castillo's ground ball.

Janish threw to Flaherty, who fired to first base as LaMarre was bearing down on him. He somehow avoided LaMarre and got plenty on his throw to Christian Walker.

Flaherty is 6-for-11 with a home run, two RBIs, four walks and four runs scored.

"Ryan's been solid," Showalter said. "We all know that Ryan is a consistent person and he comes in here firing on all cylinders. You can tell he's done a lot of work to be ready to reinforce the four years he's spent with us.

"Continuity a lot of times breeds complacency, and that's not the case with Ryan at all. He never takes anything for granted and that's why we like him. You can tell he's a coach's son."

And finally, the Orioles crossed Austin Jackson off their list of outfield options yesterday when he agreed to terms with the White Sox on a one-year, $5 million contract, according to multiple reports (MLB Network's Jon Heyman was first).

Jackson reportedly wanted to play center field, which caused him to choose the White Sox over the Angels, who were offering more money.

Executive vice president Dan Duquette is engaged in trade discussions, and yes, Jay Bruce is still available. Pedro Alvarez remains on the free agent market, but are the Orioles comfortable with Mark Trumbo in right field?

Hyun Soo Kim needs to get comfortable in left and at the plate. He's 0-for-16 in five games, though he's struck out only three times