masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgCLEARWATER, Fla. – Orioles manager Buck Showalter just arrived in Clearwater after staying back to watch Justin Duchscherer throw off flat ground and further test his left hip.

Showalter indicated that Duchscherer got through the session without incident and could throw off a mound Friday.

“He had a good day,” Showalter said. “Threw on flat ground, stretched it out. We’ll see how he feels the next day or two. It was good. It was encouraging.”

Also, Derrek Lee took batting practice…CLEARWATER, Fla. – Orioles manager Buck Showalter just arrived in Clearwater after staying back to watch Justin Duchscherer throw off flat ground and further test his left hip.

Showalter indicated that Duchscherer got through the session without incident and could throw off a mound Friday.

“He had a good day,” Showalter said. “Threw on flat ground, stretched it out. We’ll see how he feels the next day or two. It was good. It was encouraging.”

Also, Derrek Lee took batting practice again today in Sarasota and might debut this weekend. It’s pretty much up to Lee.

“He’s thinking about what day now, instead of it being an open end. I think it’s starting to close up,” Showalter said.

Mitch Atkins, sidelined with a sore left oblique, played catch this morning in Sarasota.

Brad Bergesen and Ryan Drese threw side sessions.

Josh Bell spent the ninth inning of yesterday’s game at first base. He could get more work there, though he’s projected to start at third base at Triple-A Norfolk once the minor league season begins.