masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgThe Orioles remain optimistic that they can play today’s home opener despite the rainy forecast. We just may be here a while.
Nobody wants to play a doubleheader on Saturday.
At least one delay seems inevitable, but the Orioles are taking batting practice.
Manager Buck Showalter still hasn’t posted today’s lineup. He’s waiting for a health report on one unidentified player, but said it shouldn’t be an issue.
Showalter will leave the team around April 25 to attend a memorial service in…

The Orioles remain optimistic that they can play today’s home opener despite the rainy forecast. We just may be here a while.

Nobody wants to play a doubleheader on Saturday.

At least one delay seems inevitable, but the Orioles are taking batting practice.

Manager Buck Showalter still hasn’t posted today’s lineup. He’s waiting for a health report on one unidentified player, but said it shouldn’t be an issue.

Showalter will leave the team around April 25 to attend a memorial service in Nashville for his father in law, Phil McMahan, who passed away early yesterday morning.

Outfielder David Lough is still scheduled to play nine innings today in an intrasquad game in Sarasota and report to Camden Yards on Saturday. He’s expected to begin an injury-rehab assignment at Single-A Frederick, though the Orioles also will consider activating him from the disabled list.

jj-hardy-ALCS gray sidebar.pngShortstop J.J. Hardy took dry swings yesterday with a fungo bat and said his shoulder felt good. The only twinge of discomfort came when he let go with his top hand, “which I think was a habit,” Hardy said.

“I didn’t like the way that felt, but if I held on with both hands, then it was pretty normal. So overall I was optimistic. It felt good, I was positive about it. It was another step forward.”

Hardy said he might swing his regular bat today and could hit off a tee. The progress remains the same. Work toward coach toss and batting practice before going on a rehab assignment next week at Frederick or Double-A Bowie.

“Hopefully, we’ll progress pretty quick,” Hardy said.

For the Blue Jays
Jose Reyes SS
Dalton Pompey CF
Jose Bautista RF
Edwin Encarnacion DH
Josh Donaldson 3B
Dioner Navarro C
Justin Smoak 1B
Kevin Pillar LF
Devon Travis 2B

Mark Buehrle LHP