O's hopeful Hardy can play in rehab games next week

BOSTON -- Shortstop J.J. Hardy worked out at Double-A Bowie on Friday, taking infield and batting practice with the Orioles' Minor League affiliate, and the plan is for him to repeat that on Saturday as he continues to progress toward a return from a left shoulder strain.

"Everything went well there as normal. A little more intense hitting for about 20 minutes, [he] felt good," manager Buck Showalter said of Hardy. "Thought it was a good idea to take a day [off] yesterday."

Once Hardy -- who still feels a little "catch" on the last part of his swing -- feels up to it, he will start playing in rehab games. It's hard to project a timeline for the shortstop until that happens.

"I'm hoping some time next week he starts a rehab assignment, I hope," Showalter said. "I don't think it will be over the weekend."

Matt Wieters isn't close to a rehab assignment yet either, though he did catch an inning in a simulated game in extended spring camp on Friday. Wieters is doing some light throwing up to 150 feet.

Jimmy Paredes (back) is playing for Bowie on Friday and will move to Triple-A Norfolk to continue his rehab at a higher level of play.