masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgSARASOTA, Fla. – Zach Britton and Jim Johnson will throw in the bullpen tomorrow. This will be Britton’s first time on a mound.

“That’s good news,” manager Buck Showalter said.

Showalter also noted that Jason Berken (hamstring) “has made some strides, feeling better.” And Willie Eyre (groin) “is pretty close to rejoining us” after playing catch today and participating in some fielding drills.

I told you earlier that Tommy Hunter has been scratched from Tuesday’s exhibition game…SARASOTA, Fla. – Zach Britton and Jim Johnson will throw in the bullpen tomorrow. This will be Britton’s first time on a mound.

“That’s good news,” manager Buck Showalter said.

Showalter also noted that Jason Berken (hamstring) “has made some strides, feeling better.” And Willie Eyre (groin) “is pretty close to rejoining us” after playing catch today and participating in some fielding drills.

I told you earlier that Tommy Hunter has been scratched from Tuesday’s exhibition game against the Red Sox because of lower-back stiffness and instead will throw a two-inning simulated game.

Is Showalter concerned that the injury could linger, or are the Orioles just being cautious because it’s still relatively early in camp?

“Both,” he replied. “I’m not going to say you just pass it off, but right now, Tommy’s going, ‘Really? I get this all the time.’ But you’re cautious while you still can be. We’re cautious all the time, but especially with our time frame.”

So, does Ronny Paulino’s car arriving here mean that the catcher isn’t far behind?

“Maybe he’s late as (heck) shipping it,” Showalter replied. “I’m not taking it as a positive. It’s Day 12, right? Him and (Dennys) Reyes.”

The Orioles are more optimistic about Paulino reporting that Reyes. They have no idea what’s going on with the reliever.