masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgSARASOTA, Fla. – Orioles catcher Matt Wieters threw from 120 feet today and seems to be nearing a start behind the plate.
Wieters won’t catch until he’s throwing to the bases with maximum force.
Reliever Chaz Roe left camp to be with his wife for the birth of their second baby.
Left-hander Brian Matusz stayed home today because he’s experiencing flu-like symptoms. It’s another blow to a guy who’s trying to get back on the mound after being shut down again with soreness in his lower…

SARASOTA, Fla. – Orioles catcher Matt Wieters threw from 120 feet today and seems to be nearing a start behind the plate.

Wieters won’t catch until he’s throwing to the bases with maximum force.

Reliever Chaz Roe left camp to be with his wife for the birth of their second baby.

Left-hander Brian Matusz stayed home today because he’s experiencing flu-like symptoms. It’s another blow to a guy who’s trying to get back on the mound after being shut down again with soreness in his lower back.

Matusz wasn’t scheduled to do anything today beyond receive treatment, according to manager Buck Showalter.

ODay Delivers Orange Wide.jpgRelievers Zach Britton and Darren O’Day will pitch again today, working on back-to-back days for the first time this spring.

Pedro Alvarez and Hyun Soo Kim returned to the minor league complex again today to build up their at-bats. Showalter indicated that both players will be used exclusively in Grapefruit League games after today unless they request another trip to Twin Lakes Park.

Showalter said the Orioles could go in a few directions regarding the composition of their roster on opening day, which includes going with two extra infielders and one outfielder. Ryan Flaherty is capable of playing the outfield if needed.

Another option, of course, is holding onto two outfielders and one utility infielder. Either way, Rule 5 pick Joey Rickard is in the mix.

Rickard is tied for second with 18 hits and tied for first with six doubles. He’s tied for sixth with a .375 average and seventh with a .434 on-base percentage.

Outfielder Xavier Avery is available today after being sidelined with a sore hip.

Showalter isn’t naming Friday afternoon’s starter until the Yankees show their hand. Both teams are listing their starters as TBD.

The Orioles brought pitchers Jason Stoffel and Daniel Rodriguez from minor league camp.

Christian Walker, starting in left field today, ranks third among qualifying American League batters with a .718 slugging percentage and tied for first with 14 RBIs.