Tsuyoshi

Wada

Wada is currently sidelined due to left elbow soreness. The 31-year-old had the elbow drained Sunday and also received a cortisone shot, but he has downplayed the severity of the issue.

Wada had fluid drained Sunday and also received a cortisone injection after being shut down with elbow soreness. Durability concerns could end up pushing him to the bullpen.

Wada was slowed in the early days of camp due to elbow inflammation, but he threw 33 pitches in a simulated game Wednesday without an issue. Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports that he could one or two innings in his first spring game. The 31-year-old left-hander is aiming for a rotation spot, but the O’s could start him out in the bullpen.

There is an admissions charge to Monday’s game, so per MLB rules, the Orioles wouldn’t be able to backdate a potential stint on the disabled list. Tuesday is fair game because they are only asking for donations. This doesn’t mean that Wada will absolutely start the season on the DL, but the O’s want to keep their options open.

He threw just 39 of 77 pitches for strikes. Wada could have joined the Orioles if Thursday’s appearance went well, but it’s clear that he’ll need more rehab outings. It’s also looking like he’s better suited to be worked in as a long reliever first rather than as a member of the rotation.

An MRA last week confirmed a likely ligament tear, and the lefty might need Tommy John surgery, but it appears we won’t know until Tuesday for sure. He’s yet to throw a pitch for the Orioles after first experiencing elbow soreness early in spring training.

Wada had his elbow drained and received a cortisone shot Sunday. The 31-year-old southpaw has downplayed the situation, so the O’s are hoping it was just a minor bump in the road.

Wada was shut down over the weekend due to elbow soreness and had the area drained and received a cortisone shot Sunday. The southpaw is scheduled to play catch again Friday, but he’s not sure when he’ll be cleared to throw off the mound.

Wada first has to make it through a simulated game on Wednesday. The O’s are still optimistic that the Japanese lefty will be ready for the start of the season.

Wada is fully recovered from a sore elbow, but the Orioles want him to build up his arm strength and his pitch count before joining the starting rotation. The Japanese left-hander will likely make one start in extended spring training and one minor league rehab start before being activated. Look for him to be ready around mid-April.