masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgSARASOTA, Fla. – Second baseman Brian Roberts is scheduled to hit soft toss and off a tee this morning, and also participate in defensive drills.

Manager Buck Showalter said Roberts is “50-50” to return to the lineup this weekend. Roberts hasn’t played since March 7 because of back spasms.

First baseman Derrek Lee will take batting practice in the indoor cage today off former Orioles shortstop Mike Bordick. Lee could end up playing in Monday’s minor league game that Showalter has…SARASOTA, Fla. – Second baseman Brian Roberts is scheduled to hit soft toss and off a tee this morning, and also participate in defensive drills.

Manager Buck Showalter said Roberts is “50-50” to return to the lineup this weekend. Roberts hasn’t played since March 7 because of back spasms.

First baseman Derrek Lee will take batting practice in the indoor cage today off former Orioles shortstop Mike Bordick. Lee could end up playing in Monday’s minor league game that Showalter has organized during the scheduled off-day. There’s also a chance that he will debut this weekend.

Pitcher Justin Duchscherer will stretch today and is a “day or two” away from throwing, according to Showalter.

Koji Uehara might not pitch until Monday’s minor league game. He’s expected to throw another bullpen session tomorrow and rest a few days.

Backup catcher Craig Tatum will do some running and throwing today. Showalter said he expects to see Tatum, sidelined with a sore right oblique, “back in the flow” shortly.

“If it was the middle of the season, he’d be available to play,” Showalter said.

Reliever Kevin Gregg will pitch two innings tomorrow in a Triple-A game.

The next round of cuts are likely to come tomorrow or Saturday.

Hall of Fame manager Earl Weaver will come to camp Saturday and meet with the Orioles’ coaching staff.

Four minor leaguers will make the trip to Bradenton: Greg Miclat, Brandon Waring, Danny Figueroa and Miguel Abreu.