masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgSARASOTA, Fla. – Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts isn’t able to take infield or batting practice today, and he could undergo more tests on his back.

Roberts hit in the cage yesterday, but he’s been shut down again today. He hasn’t played since Monday night because of spasms.

Manager Buck Showalter couldn’t provide more information on the tests or whether they were necessarily, but the idea has been discussed.

“He’s not any better today,” Showalter said. “I know they’re talking…SARASOTA, Fla. – Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts isn’t able to take infield or batting practice today, and he could undergo more tests on his back.

Roberts hit in the cage yesterday, but he’s been shut down again today. He hasn’t played since Monday night because of spasms.

Brian-Roberts_Sidebar-Dugout.gif

Manager Buck Showalter couldn’t provide more information on the tests or whether they were necessarily, but the idea has been discussed.

“He’s not any better today,” Showalter said. “I know they’re talking about potentially doing some tests. I don’t know what Richie (Bancells) and them have decided. I’ll get updated at lunch. But Richie did stick his head in there and say (Roberts) is a no-go today.

“I haven’t had a chance to talk to Richie in-depth. He just told me he was a no-go and wasn’t improved.”

Asked if he’s becoming concerned about Roberts, Showalter replied, “Not at this point, not at this point. There’s nothing you can do about that physically. I don’t think we’re at that point yet where we are concerned about him opening the season.”

Showalter is batting Hardy first today to make sure the shortstop gets enough at-bats before coming out of the game. We’re dealing with high winds and, by Florida standards, cold temperatures today.

The Orioles are cutting 13-14 players today, including pitcher Luis Lebron. The full list will come out shortly.

Jeremy Guthrie’s next start on Wednesday afternoon will come against the Red Sox’s Triple-A team at Twins Lakes Park. The Orioles play the Rays later that night. Guthrie is expected to face them in the April 1 opener. No sense giving the opposition an extended look, though it’s not like the Rays aren’t familiar with him.

Here’s the Phillies lineup:
Jimmy Rollins SS
Shane Victorino CF
Raul Ibanez LF
Ryan Howard 1B
Ross Gload RF
Delwyn Young DH
Jeff Larish 3B
Brian Schneider C
Pete Orr 2B

Cliff Lee LHP