masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgSARASOTA, Fla. – The Orioles will place catcher Taylor Teagarden on the disabled list before breaking camp, giving the backup job to Ronny Paulino.

The move will be backdated so he can be eligible to return on April 10, and manager Buck Showalter said it’s possible that Teagarden will be ready.

Teagarden will receive a second epidural on his lower back at 8 a.m. Wednesday.

Showalter still won’t confirm that Jake Arrieta is the opening day starter. It’s just a matter of time.

Showalter…SARASOTA, Fla. – The Orioles will place catcher Taylor Teagarden on the disabled list before breaking camp, giving the backup job to Ronny Paulino.

The move will be backdated so he can be eligible to return on April 10, and manager Buck Showalter said it’s possible that Teagarden will be ready.

Teagarden will receive a second epidural on his lower back at 8 a.m. Wednesday.

Showalter still won’t confirm that Jake Arrieta is the opening day starter. It’s just a matter of time.

Showalter said there are a few variables being worked out before he’s ready to announce the April 6 starter. He confirmed that it’s not likely to be a pitcher from outside the organization.

J.J. Hardy’s right shoulder felt fine after playing catch with Mark Reynolds and taking infield, but Showalter still is deciding whether to start him at shortstop or use him as the designated hitter.

Tsuyoshi Wada’s final exhibition start comes on Monday against Florida Southern. The Orioles want him to throw 75-80 pitches.

Jason Berken will start for Triple-A Norfolk in the April 4 exhibition game against the Orioles at Harbor Park. He’s scheduled to go three or four innings.

Showalter won’t reveal the Orioles’ starter that day. Brian Matusz would be working on normal rest following today’s start.

As expected, the Orioles are likely to go with 13 position players and 12 pitchers on opening day. Outfielder Jai Miller is the likely roster cut before camp breaks, which would keep Rule 5 pick Ryan Flaherty on the team.