masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgJason Hammel, who isn’t making today’s start because of a sore right knee, is tentatively scheduled to pitch Monday night against the Yankees at Camden Yards.

Hammel could be pushed back one more day and start Tuesday. The Orioles will more strongly consider placing him on the disabled list if he remains unavailable.

Manager Buck Showalter stressed that Hammel could have pitched today under different circumstances, but the club isn’t taking any chances this early in the season.

Endy…Jason Hammel, who isn’t making today’s start because of a sore right knee, is tentatively scheduled to pitch Monday night against the Yankees at Camden Yards.

Hammel could be pushed back one more day and start Tuesday. The Orioles will more strongly consider placing him on the disabled list if he remains unavailable.

Manager Buck Showalter stressed that Hammel could have pitched today under different circumstances, but the club isn’t taking any chances this early in the season.

Endy Chavez will go on the disabled list today, though the move might not be made until the conclusion of Game 1. That’s how Tommy Hunter will be allowed to start Game 2 despite not being in the minors for the minimum 10 days.

Hunter was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk, but he never joined the team. He was supposed to fly out of Baltimore at 9:30 a.m. yesterday, but the Orioles kept him here.

Showalter isn’t concerned that Hunter is working on three days’ rest, since the right-hander’s last start on Sunday came on six days’ rest and he threw 82 pitches.

As expected, left-hander Dana Eveland will start Friday night against the Rays. He’s on his way to Baltimore.

Zach Britton threw 45 pitches over three innings today in his first extended spring training start. He allowed one hit, walked one, stuck out one and got five ground ball outs. His velocity jumped, which also is encouraging.

Britton will start two more extended games, on May 15 and 21. He’s not projected to come off the disabled list before early June.

Outfielder Nolan Reimold, on the disabled list with a herniated disk in his neck, hasn’t gotten an epidural shot because he’s still bothered by a virus. Nick Markakis also is sick, but he continues to play.

Nothing new on second baseman Brian Roberts. He hit in the cage today and is feeling better each day, but we haven’t been given a date for his first game action.

If the bullpen is taxed in Game 1, the Orioles are prepared to make another roster move before Game 2.