Dickey expected to make next start

BALTIMORE -- R.A. Dickey was optimistic about his right groin injury on Saturday just hours after feeling tightness and exiting the Blue Jays' 3-2 loss to the Orioles in the seventh inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.

On Sunday morning, pitching coach Pete Walker said he doesn't expect the knuckleballer to miss any games.

"He was optimistic he'd be ready for his next start," Walker said.

After allowing two earned runs in 6 2/3 innings, Dickey left Saturday night's start against the O's with right groin tightness. Having already thrown 99 pitches, the righty only expected to face one more batter, so he took the cautious approach and left the game.

Dickey visited with the trainers after he departed, and he left feeling better about the extent of the injury.

"It was a real mild tightness," Dickey said on Saturday. "Gives me some optimism."

A day later, Dickey said he felt fine, but "a little sore." He's grateful that the Blue Jays are off on Monday, so his next start can come on an extra day of rest.

Dickey's next start is scheduled for Friday against the Reds.

"It kind of works out," Walker said. "To be honest with you, even without the extra day, from how he was talking, he feels pretty confident he'll be available his next start."