masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgSARASOTA, Fla. – I don’t have much to report from manager Buck Showalter’s pregame session with the media, except it’s really, really hot on the field.

Showalter received a favorable report on Tommy Hunter’s four-inning, 60-pitch effort in yesterday’s minor league game. He noted that Hunter tired a little in the fourth inning.

Showalter confirmed that Hunter will start Wednesday against the Blue Jays in Sarasota.

Reliever Darren O’Day is throwing off a half mound today as he recovers…SARASOTA, Fla. – I don’t have much to report from manager Buck Showalter’s pregame session with the media, except it’s really, really hot on the field.

Showalter received a favorable report on Tommy Hunter’s four-inning, 60-pitch effort in yesterday’s minor league game. He noted that Hunter tired a little in the fourth inning.

Showalter confirmed that Hunter will start Wednesday against the Blue Jays in Sarasota.

Reliever Darren O’Day is throwing off a half mound today as he recovers from a strained groin muscle.

Bench coach John Russell is managing the split-squad team in Fort Myers today. Wayne Kirby is coaching third base so he can get comfortable there in case DeMarlo Hale is ejected from a game this season.

Manny Machado is starting at shortstop today against the Red Sox in Fort Myers and could do the same tomorrow against the Braves in Orlando.

Nick Markakis is serving as the designated hitter again today in Sarasota and is still slated to make his debut in right field on Tuesday against the Phillies in Sarasota.

Markakis could bat leadoff every inning in some Triple-A games to get extra at-bats before opening day.

The Orioles summoned the following players from minor league camp for today’s home game: Pitchers Stu Pomeranz, Robert Hinton and Kyler Newby, catcher Brian Ward, infielders Nick Delmonico, Mychal Givens, Travis Adair and Jason Esposito, and outfielders LJ Hoes, Brenden Webb and Johnny Ruettiger.