masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgFORT MYERS, Fla. – Orioles manager Buck Showalter expressed confidence that Kevin Gausman will be ready on opening day after receiving a cortisone injection Sunday in his right shoulder.
If Gausman isn’t fully recovered from the tendinitis in his shoulder, the Orioles will place him on the disabled list and choose another starter to fill out their rotation. They need a fifth starter on April 10 due to having only one off day, which comes after the April 4 opener against the Twins at Camden…

FORT MYERS, Fla. – Orioles manager Buck Showalter expressed confidence that Kevin Gausman will be ready on opening day after receiving a cortisone injection Sunday in his right shoulder.

If Gausman isn’t fully recovered from the tendinitis in his shoulder, the Orioles will place him on the disabled list and choose another starter to fill out their rotation. They need a fifth starter on April 10 due to having only one off day, which comes after the April 4 opener against the Twins at Camden Yards.

Assignments to the disabled list can be backdated to March 25.

Matusz-throwing-white.jpgBrian Matusz is a DL candidate after receiving a cortisone injection in his lower back following Sunday’s relief outing.

Matusz had been sidelined with a strained muscle. He’s made only two appearances this spring and may not build up enough innings to be ready on opening day.

Jimmy Paredes took dry swings today for the first time and experienced more discomfort in his left wrist. He’s seeing a hand specialist again and appears destined to go on the DL.

Matt Wieters threw from 90 feet today in Sarasota without any discomfort in his right elbow.

Showalter thought about using Wieters as the designated hitter Wednesday afternoon against the Pirates in Bradenton, but decided against it. He’s not taking chances on a setback that could impact when the Orioles are allowed to backdate the DL assignment.