masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgSARASOTA, Fla. – I didn’t bother approaching Tsuyoshi Wada’s locker this morning, since that cortisone injection in his left elbow needs another day or two to take effect. His status hasn’t changed. He’ll receive treatment and avoid picking up a ball.

Zach Britton will have a light catch day from 60-70 feet. Tomorrow, he’ll repeat Sunday’s routine of long-tossing from 60, 90 and 120 feet and simulating his delivery on flat ground.

Britton still doesn’t know when he’ll be cleared to…SARASOTA, Fla. – I didn’t bother approaching Tsuyoshi Wada’s locker this morning, since that cortisone injection in his left elbow needs another day or two to take effect. His status hasn’t changed. He’ll receive treatment and avoid picking up a ball.

Zach Britton will have a light catch day from 60-70 feet. Tomorrow, he’ll repeat Sunday’s routine of long-tossing from 60, 90 and 120 feet and simulating his delivery on flat ground.

Britton still doesn’t know when he’ll be cleared to throw off a half mound. He remains optimistic that it will happen by the weekend.

“I’m hoping to speed up the process, but it’s up to them,” he said. “I know if I keep feeling good, I’ll get on a mound soon.”

The training staff is encouraged by Britton’s mechanics on flat ground, but he needs to get on a mound soon, since other pitchers in camp have thrown at least two bullpen sessions and a live batting practice. He can’t fall too far behind without a rotation spot guaranteed for him.

“I’ve still got a lot of time,” he said. “Those guys are just starting to face hitters. The main thing is to be healthy. It’s going good.”

Reliever Willie Eyre continues to receive treatment for a sore right groin muscle. He played catch this morning but won’t do any running.

“I feel a lot better than I did,” he said.

Eyre doesn’t think it will be much longer before he returns to the mound.

“Pretty soon,” he said, “if I continue to progress like I did from yesterday to today.”

Reliever Jason Berken isn’t walking with a noticeable limp anymore, but he’s not ready to throw off a mound. He continues to receive treatment for a strained left hamstring.