Update on Cobb's simulated game

Alex Cobb's progression toward his Orioles debut continued today without a hitch at the Ed Smith Stadium complex in Sarasota.

Facing a batch of Orioles minor leaguers and Mark Trumbo, who's rehabbing his strained right quadriceps muscle, Cobb worked five innings and allowed one run and three hits with two walks and four strikeouts. A club official also passed along that Cobb threw 74 pitches.

The progress is significant on multiple fronts.

Cobb increased his innings total from four to five and his pitches from 48 to 74. His right arm continues to feel good and he's putting himself in position for the Orioles to consider bringing him up in five days.

Manager Buck Showalter stated during the opening series at Camden Yards that Cobb wouldn't join the club before April 14, but he told the media in Houston that an earlier date was possible. It's going to depend in large part on how Cobb responds to his next work day.

Showalter and pitching coach Roger McDowell will review video of today's game.

Cobb could be added to Double-A Bowie's roster on Monday, but pitch against the Twins at extended spring training in Sarasota while using major league baseballs. The plan would make Cobb available to the Orioles on April 14 in Boston.

Otherwise, Cobb could debut next week against the Blue Jays at Camden Yards.

"I've got to tell you, it's mostly from him," Showalter told the media yesterday during his pregame session at Minute Maid Park.

"He's veteran enough and he's pitched enough innings. I watched his last outing. We had it (video) in hand 10 minutes after it was over. We're fortunate to have Scotty (McGregor) there. I was watching his last outing some today, along with (Chris) Tillman.

"Most of it is going to come from what Alex is telling us. He's very mature about it. I told him, regardless of how somebody else is doing it, we're going to do what's best for him and the organization. If anything, we'll err on the side of caution."

Cobb signed a four-year, $57 million deal on March 21.

Meanwhile, the Orioles and Astros are tied 2-2 in the seventh inning. Miguel Castro has replaced Dylan Bundy.