X-rays on McFarland's elbow come back clean (and other injury updates)

SARASOTA, Fla. - It's been a busy morning for the media at the Ed Smith Stadium complex. Injuries needed updating and players were asked for their reactions to the Orioles' agreement with Pedro Alvarez on a one-year, $5.75 million contract.

Reliever T.J. McFarland said the X-rays on his left elbow came back clean and he feels great this morning. He isn't sure when he's going to start throwing again, but the news is encouraging.

No MRIs are scheduled for McFarland, who exited Sunday's game against the Red Sox in Fort Myers with discomfort in his elbow.

"Very relieved," McFarland said. "Whenever you're dealing with something like that and you get a test and it comes back clean, it's a huge rush that comes over you. Definitely relieved that there's nothing seriously wrong. Happy about that.

"I don't really have a timetable just yet. It's so early. The fact that I came in today and it's already been significantly better is a huge sign."

McFarland couldn't offer specifics on the source of his discomfort.

"To be honest, I don't want to quote them on something I don't know how to pronounce exactly," he said. "I'm sure you can ask the trainers or somebody else who has a little more information on it. I know that I feel a lot better and it's gradually getting a lot better. It's showing signs that I'm going to heal and I'm going to be fine.

"Just had an X-ray and it was clean and it's very, very good. Just doing treatment. I really don't know a timetable just yet. It's looking very, very promising."

Double-A shortstop Ozzie Martinez said he has whiplash, but no concussion, following his violent collision with second baseman Garabez Rosa on Sunday. Martinez came out of the game.

"I'm feeling better. Feeling better. It's just my neck, still sore," Martinez said.

"It's a ground ball in the middle, slow roller. I had to go get that ball. Nobody called that ball. That's why we collided.

"I was sore. I got hit in the head. I hit the ground hard, so that's why I didn't want to get up too quick. I stayed down for a little bit."

Did Martinez get hit by Rosa's elbow or shoulder? It remains a mystery.

"I just remember I got hit and I was on the ground," he said. "That's it."

Martinez doesn't know when he'll play again.

"They're going to tell me today or tomorrow," he said. "I feel way better."

Brian Matusz has played catch for the past two days and said his lower back is much better. The pain is gone.

Matusz was diagnosed with a strained muscle on the lower right side. He's made only one appearance this spring.

"It's feeling good," Matusz said. "We're making progress every day. Played catch the last two days. I think with the help of the trainers and the training staff, I think we're trying to knock this thing out sooner than later. We're going just day to day with it, so there's no outline we have when we have to decide when I'm going to get back on the mound, but hopefully sooner than later."

Chris Tillman threw live batting practice yesterday and is ready to start Thursday's B game against the Pirates on the Camden Yards replica field.

I'll pass along comments on Alvarez in my next entry.