masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgBRADENTON, Fla. – Kevin Gausman could be placed on the disabled list and still pitch on April 10, when the Orioles need a fifth starter. The confusion has dissipated.
Gausman actually would be eligible to return the previous day. He doesn’t need to miss the first 10 days of the season.
Manager Buck Showalter said Gausman could pick up a ball for the first time on Friday. He’s been shut down after receiving a cortisone injection in his right shoulder.
Showalter left open the possibility that…

BRADENTON, Fla. – Kevin Gausman could be placed on the disabled list and still pitch on April 10, when the Orioles need a fifth starter. The confusion has dissipated.

Gausman actually would be eligible to return the previous day. He doesn’t need to miss the first 10 days of the season.

Manager Buck Showalter said Gausman could pick up a ball for the first time on Friday. He’s been shut down after receiving a cortisone injection in his right shoulder.

dylan-bundy-white.jpgShowalter left open the possibility that Dylan Bundy could make a start in the second half if the right-hander reaches the 30-40 pitch mark.

Showalter said the Orioles might “start doing some stuff with him as a starter.”

“It’s something we could look at. You never know,” he added.

Later, Showalter said it probably wouldn’t happen, but he didn’t dismiss it completely.

Showalter said Zach Phillips threw a light bullpen session today and could make his debut on Thursday or Friday.

Phillips is out of options.

The good news on Jimmy Paredes is that hand specialist Dr. Brian Schofield didn’t find anything different during his latest exam. Paredes still has some inflammation in his left wrist.

First baseman Chris Davis wasn’t scheduled to make today’s trip, but he asked to play in order to get more at-bats and face a left-hander. The Pirates are sending southpaw Jeff Locke to the mound.

Pedro Alvarez stayed back in camp instead of making a triumphant return to McKechnie Field. He played in Double-A and Triple-A games yesterday at Twin Lakes Park, getting seven to nine at-bats, according to Showalter. No need to force him into today’s lineup.

Showalter indicated that he still intends to break camp with 12 pitchers.