Matt

Lindstrom

Lindstrom had been sidelined for a few days due to mild discomfort in his lower back. But the O’s were simply playing it safe with the righty here in early March. He should pitch in a game Wednesday or Thursday.

Lindstrom threw a successful 30-pitch bullpen session Monday morning in Orioles camp, feeling no lingering discomfort in his lower back. The 32-year-old setup man should be fine for Opening Day if he can avoid setbacks.

Johnson entered spring training as the assumed closer, but he has yet to make his Grapefruit League debut due to a back injury. His first appearance is scheduled for Wednesday. Showalter mentioned Kevin Gregg and Matt Lindstrom as potential alternatives for the closer gig, but we’re guessing he wants to see Johnson make it through a couple of appearances healthy before making an official decision.

Matt Lindstrom wasn’t any better, giving up three runs (two earned) on three hits and a walk. Gregg gave up two hits and the long ball, but he was at least able to strike out the side. The O’s would probably love to unload the 33-year-old right-hander after he posted a 4.37 ERA and 53/40 K/BB ratio over 59 2/3 innings last season, but that’s unlikely to happen as he’s owed $5.8 million this season. Jim Johnson is the favorite to close games for Baltimore.

Lindstrom should be fine with a few days of rest. The righty has not allowed a run in 2 1/3 innings this year.

That would clear a spot on the active roster for Friday’s starter, Dana Eveland. Lindstrom has a solid 1.29 ERA and 14/4 K/BB ratio over 14 innings this season, so it wouldn’t be an insignificant loss. Stay tuned.

As expected. The exact nature of the injury isn’t yet known, but the Orioles are no doubt hoping he’ll be ready to return as soon as he’s eligible. Lindstrom, who was acquired from the Rockies in the Jeremy Guthrie deal, has a solid 1.29 ERA and 14/4 K/BB ratio over 14 innings this season.

Lindstrom was placed on the disabled list Friday and it’s possible he won’t be ready to return when he’s first eligible. The 32-year-old has a 1.29 ERA and 14/4 K/BB ratio over 14 innings this season.

Lindstrom said he didn’t feel anything in his right leg during the appearance. He was pitching in a minor league game just in case the Orioles needed to backdate a DL move, but it’s safe to assume he’ll be fine for Opening Day.

The Orioles don’t think the reliever’s tweaked hamstring is a big deal, but they’re moving him to the minor league fields so that they can backdate a DL move, if needed. Lindstrom will help set up for the O’s when he’s healthy.