masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgLeft-hander Johan Santana threw 30 pitches off a full mound yesterday in Saraosta, mixing in everything in his repertoire.

“That’s progressing well,” said manager Buck Showalter. “Don’t ask me exactly what’s next. I haven’t heard anything else. Scotty McGregor updates us every day.

“It’s encouraging to see that Johan is throwing all his pitches. He’s pitching like he’s in a five-man rotation. Pitch, work day, pitch.”

Assistant athletic trainer Chris Correnti, who worked with…Left-hander Johan Santana threw 30 pitches off a full mound yesterday in Saraosta, mixing in everything in his repertoire.

“That’s progressing well,” said manager Buck Showalter. “Don’t ask me exactly what’s next. I haven’t heard anything else. Scotty McGregor updates us every day.

“It’s encouraging to see that Johan is throwing all his pitches. He’s pitching like he’s in a five-man rotation. Pitch, work day, pitch.”

Assistant athletic trainer Chris Correnti, who worked with Santana in the Mets organization, will remain in Sarasota during the rehab process.

The Orioles would like Santana to have a 10 mph separation between his fastball and changeup.

“He had one of the best changeups in baseball,” Showalter said, “but if his velocity is only 85, can he drop his changeup to 75? I don’t know. And is 85 enough? I think the hitters are going to answer a lot of those questions.

“I know in my mind what I’d love to see on the gun in a perfect world. But all indications are so far, so good. He hasn’t had any setbacks.”

Dylan Bundy followed Monday’s regular mound session with another one today, again throwing 25 pitches. He’s going exclusively with fastballs since he’s a little behind Santana.

“That’s progressing well, too,” Showalter said.

Outfielder Francisco Peguero, on the 15-day disabled list, had the cast removed from his right wrist today.

Nick Markakis received treatment on his neck during yesterday’s off day and had it wrapped in a towel again this afternoon, but he remains in the Orioles’ lineup as the leadoff hitter.

Showalter checked with head athletic trainer Richie Bancells before posting the lineup.

“He’s fine,” Showalter said. “We’ll see how BP goes. He came in and got treatment on his off day, just to be on the safe side. Normal soreness.”

Left-hander Troy Patton threw a bullpen session today and will do so again on Friday. He’s scheduled to pitch Monday in an extended spring training game in Sarasota.

Patton is serving a 25-game suspension. He’s eligible to return on April 29.

Showalter would like to keep Jonathan Schoop at second base rather than start him at third, but those plans are subject to change.

Showalter asked Schoop which position he’d like to play exclusively in a perfect world. Schoop replied, “Here or in Norfolk?”

Schoop doesn’t care where he plays, telling Showalter “they’re all the same.”

“He’d never really commit,” Showalter said. “I never could get a good answer out of him.”

Showalter wants to give Steve Clevenger and Steve Pearce starts in the coming days. He’s got Steve Lombardozzi in the lineup tonight at second base.

“Just trying to get everybody out there,” Showalter said.