CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Alex Cobb could make his Orioles debut as early as April 9, manager Buck Showalter said on Sunday.
"You are talking about anywhere from [April 9-14]. He could fall anywhere in there," Showalter said prior to his club's Grapefruit League finale at the Phillies, a 6-5 win. "But nothing before the ninth."
Cobb, who signed a four-year, $57 million deal on Wednesday, threw a three-inning simulated game at Ed Smith Stadium complex on Sunday. The righty -- who will shift to Minor League Spring Training when the team leaves -- will now progress to a four-inning outing.

"What it will probably come down to is whether we want him to throw five or six innings [in the Minors] before he comes to us," Showalter said of Cobb, who will likely be with Double-A Bowie. "We will take him after the five-inning outing or the six-inning outing.'"
Beckham works out; reports positive
The Orioles continue to be encouraged by third baseman Timothy Beckham's availability for Thursday's Opening Day.
Beckham, who came out of Thursday's game early with a minor groin injury, hasn't played since but tested the injury back at the team complex Sunday. Showalter said Beckham ran and did a few other things with head athletic trainer Brian Ebel and all reports were positive.

"We are not going to take him to the cold [in Norfolk, Va. on Monday]; we will leave him here. We are trying to set up a sim game with him, probably on Tuesday," Showalter said. "But it was encouraging today, no real issues right now. The big thing is how he feels [Monday]; if he's sore or whatever."
Beckham is slated to be the starting third baseman for the O's and has been impressive at the new position this spring. One of the first players to arrive in camp, Beckham's limited availability over the weekend isn't expected to be an issue.
Up next
The Orioles travel to Norfolk to face their Triple-A affiliate in an exhibition game at 3:05 p.m. ET Monday. Andrew Cashner is slated to get the start.