masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgSARASOTA, Fla. – Nick Markakis, sitting at his locker with another ice pack wrapped on the back of his neck, will speak with spine specialist Dr. Lee Riley later today and hopes to be cleared for baseball activities within the next day or two.

Markakis said he has full range of motion in his neck and no pain.

Reliever Pedro Strop is back in camp after helping the Dominican Republic win the World Baseball Classic. He flew into Florida last night, woke up a few hours ago and rushed to the…SARASOTA, Fla. – Nick Markakis, sitting at his locker with another ice pack wrapped on the back of his neck, will speak with spine specialist Dr. Lee Riley later today and hopes to be cleared for baseball activities within the next day or two.

Markakis said he has full range of motion in his neck and no pain.

Reliever Pedro Strop is back in camp after helping the Dominican Republic win the World Baseball Classic. He flew into Florida last night, woke up a few hours ago and rushed to the clubhouse. He’s excited to be here.

Strop said he’s ready to pitch, but manager Buck Showalter may wait until Saturday.

Still no Orioles lineup. Showalter is probably waiting to check on Brian Roberts, who fouled a ball off his right ankle yesterday.

Jake Arrieta is starting today, with Luis Ayala, Tommy Hunter and Troy Patton also scheduled to pitch.

Update: Roberts said his ankle is fine and he can play.

“I’ve had worse,” he said.

The foul ball hit him on the top of the ankle. He’s relieved that it missed his shin.

For the Pirates:
Starling Marte LF
Neil Walker 2B
Andrew McCutchen CF
Pedro Alvarez 3B
Gaby Sanchez DH
Garrett Jones 1B
Russell Martin C
Travis Snider RF
Clint Barmes SS

Jonathan Sanchez LHP