masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgReliever David Hernandez threw 30 pitches during today’s batting practice session in Sarasota, and manager Buck Showalter said the reports were favorable.

Showalter sounds encouraged, and it’s possible that Hernandez, who’s recovering from a badly sprained left ankle, could rejoin the Orioles within a week to 10 days.

Hernandez will take two days off and report to Double-A Bowie, which is closing the regular season at Richmond. He’s scheduled to throw one inning.

Hernandez could pitch…Reliever David Hernandez threw 30 pitches during today’s batting practice session in Sarasota, and manager Buck Showalter said the reports were favorable.

Showalter sounds encouraged, and it’s possible that Hernandez, who’s recovering from a badly sprained left ankle, could rejoin the Orioles within a week to 10 days.

Hernandez will take two days off and report to Double-A Bowie, which is closing the regular season at Richmond. He’s scheduled to throw one inning.

Hernandez could pitch for the Baysox in the Eastern League playoffs if they qualify. Showalter referred to it as “The Travis Hafner Rule.”

Mixing Hernandez into the bullpen could impact the number of relievers that the Orioles add to their expanded roster.

Here’s the Red Sox lineup:
Scutaro SS
Drew RF
Martinez C
Ortiz DH
Beltre 3B
Lowrie 2B
Lowell 1B
Nava LF
Kalish CF

Lester LHP