Trumbo on his recovery, and other notes (O's down 6-0)

A peek ahead to upcoming roster adjustments for the Orioles must include designated hitter Mark Trumbo, who's making significant progress in his recovery from a Grade 2 strain of his right quadriceps muscle.

Trumbo will fly down to Sarasota after today's game and take batting practice on Monday. He could play in his first extended spring training game on Friday.

"See how everything checks out and keep going," he said.

Trumbo said he could come off the disabled list "fairly soon."

"Need to make sure everything's in order before we jump ahead," he said. "Make sure this thing gets right so it's not lingering any longer than it has to."

The severity of Trumbo's injury was revealed on March 15 while the Orioles were in Jupiter for an exhibition game against the Cardinals. An MRI assured that he'd begin the season on the disabled list, but the recovery has allowed him to stay within the timeframe projected for his return.

"There was a plan in place when the setback occurred, and so we're following that," Trumbo said.

Trumbo hasn't appeared in a game since March 14 against the Yankees, when he returned from the original injury. He received only 23 at-bats.

"I've stood in against some of the guys," he said. "I've tried to simulate as much as I can, but it's not the same as getting real at-bats, so that part I'm looking forward to, in game situations. I've done what I can with the resources that we have."

There wasn't much fresh news to pass along this morning.

Closer Zach Britton is doing some light jogging as the latest phase of his recovery from right Achilles surgery. I type the letter "A" in my phone and "Ahead of schedule" automatically comes up.

Left-hander Chris Lee, who strained his oblique while facing one batter in his only exhibition appearance, is nearing a return to the mound.

Lee has been playing catch and his progress convinced the Orioles to keep him off the 60-day disabled list while trying to clear four spots on the 40-man by opening day.

"I think his return to throwing off the hill is pretty close," Showalter said.

The Orioles still don't know whether Alex Cobb will be allowed to use major league baseballs after joining Double-A Bowie's roster on April 9. I'm told that a decision is pending from Minor League Baseball and nothing has been decided, but it's encouraging that the possibility exists.

Cobb isn't on an injury rehab assignment, which normally would preclude him from using major league baseballs. The minor league balls have higher stitches and a different feel that can place additional strain on the elbow.

Cobb would pitch in a simulated game if not granted permission. He won't join the Orioles before April 14.

For the Twins
Brian Dozier 2B
Joe Mauer DH
Miguel Sano 3B
Eddie Rosario LF
Logan Morrison 1B
Eduardo Escobar SS
Byron Buxton CF
Max Kepler RF
Mitch Garver C

José Berríos RHP

Update: Brian Dozier homered on Kevin Gausman's first pitch, a 91 mph fastball.

The Twins added three more runs in the inning on RBI singles by Eddie Rosario and Byron Buxton and Eduardo Escobar's run-scoring bloop double down the left field line. Gausman threw 25 pitches.

Update II: Miguel Sanó and Escobar homered in the third and the Twins lead 6-0. Gausman is up to 54 pitches.