Harvey looking forward to proving he's healthy

February 26th, 2018

SARASOTA, Fla. -- 's main goal this spring is just to show the Orioles he's healthy. And avoid the media's repetitive questions about it.
"It's really nice [not being asked about injuries]," Harvey said Monday. "It's nice to not have that hanging over you anymore. I don't have to worry about it anymore."
And when he's asked about how nice it will be to not be asked anymore? Harvey laughed.
"I can't wait for that moment," he said.
That day could be coming soon enough, as Harvey -- the Orioles' top pitching prospect -- was tabbed for his first career Grapefruit League start on Tuesday against the Rays.
"I'm excited about it," said Harvey, who is expected to go two innings in his debut. "I'm ready to get going, ready to get back on the mound."
Harvey, who will get starts this spring, but is not being considered to break camp with the big league club, has had a rough few years. He missed the entire 2015 season due to a right elbow strain and underwent Tommy John surgery in July 2016. Prior to that, he also had sports hernia surgery.
Harvey said he used his time rehabbing wisely.
"I didn't play, so that kind of made everybody think that there would be a setback for the development. But even though I was sitting down here, I was learning about my body and what I needed to do to take care of it," he said. "I still watched almost every game we played, and I watched all the other games, watching [Clayton] Kershaw and [Corey] Kluber, just trying to learn anything I could. So I felt like it helped a little bit."
Brugman back in camp
was back in camp on Monday morning, after an odd few days. The outfielder, who was designated for assignment when the Orioles signed Chris Tillman last week, cleared waivers Sunday.
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"You never anticipate these things, I guess," said Brugman, who hung around Sarasota and tried to figure out his next move. "It's hard to see the moves that they're going to make. A lot of times I don't think about it. I just try to do my thing and whatever happens happens."
Brugman was outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk but has returned to big league camp for now. He said Monday he was happy to be back with the O's.
"From what I've seen so far, I really enjoy the organization, and I like what they do here," he said. "I think it's a good place to be."
Injury updates
• Craig Gentry injured his left hamstring diving for a ball in Sunday's game, and Showalter said he'd be sidelined a few days.
• Miguel Castro's bullpen session on Tuesday went well, and he's slated for a "B" game on Friday.
• Right-hander Jesus Liranzo has been slowed this spring because of past shoulder soreness, but Showalter said he's close to getting into games.
Up next
Harvey and the Orioles will head to Port Charlotte, Fla., on Tuesday to face the Rays, with first pitch scheduled for 1:05 p.m. ET. Follow the game live.