masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgOrioles manager Buck Showalter won’t post his lineup today until second baseman Jonathan Schoop takes batting practice.
Schoop has missed the last two games with swelling and discomfort in his right hand after being hit by a pitch Friday night against the White Sox. He played catch with Manny Machado this afternoon and will hit and perform infield drills.
Showalter said Chris Tillman feels good after working five scoreless innings yesterday in his season debut.
Closer Zach Britton’s…

Orioles manager Buck Showalter won’t post his lineup today until second baseman Jonathan Schoop takes batting practice.

Schoop in Cage Spring tall.jpgSchoop has missed the last two games with swelling and discomfort in his right hand after being hit by a pitch Friday night against the White Sox. He played catch with Manny Machado this afternoon and will hit and perform infield drills.

Showalter said Chris Tillman feels good after working five scoreless innings yesterday in his season debut.

Closer Zach Britton‘s appointment today with Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles is scheduled for is 6 p.m. eastern time. The Orioles might have an update following the game.

Britton is back on the disabled list with a strained left forearm. An MRI didn’t reveal any structural damage in the elbow.

Catcher Francisco Peña is available tonight after leaving yesterday’s game in the eighth inning with cramping in his right thumb that ran down his arm.

Peña said he experienced the same thing while playing for Triple-A Omaha in 2015.

The Orioles thought about optioning Alec Asher after 3 1/3 scoreless innings yesterday, but they kept him and will use Logan Verrett in long relief if starter Kevin Gausman has a short outing.

Showalter knows it’s a gamble, saying the Nationals on paper probably have the best offensive team.

Asher may be available to pitch on Tuesday. He doesn’t need much recovery time.

Michael Bourn is joining Triple-A Norfolk today and Showalter said the veteran outfielder may only need about a week before he’s a consideration for the Orioles. Making room for him would be the challenge.

Showalter said Rule 5 pick Anthony Santander remains at extended spring training and there’s nothing imminent with him joining the Orioles. Santander is on the 15-day disabled list with a sore right elbow.

For the Nationals
Wilmer Difo SS
Jayson Werth LF
Bryce Harper RF
Ryan Zimmerman 1B
Daniel Murphy 2B
Anthony Rendon 3B
Adam Lind DH
Matt Wieters C
Michael A. Taylor CF

Gio Gonzalez LHP