Hardy, Flaherty to begin rehab on Monday

ST. PETERSBURG -- J.J. Hardy and Ryan Flaherty, who are both with the team, will head to Double-A Bowie after Sunday's game to begin their rehab assignment on Monday.

The hope is the two can rejoin the team next weekend in New York. Flaherty is eligible to come off the DL on Friday and that's looking like it will be the case, while Hardy has missed much more time and the team will wait and see how he feels after the first few games.

"Not sure what we will do Thursday, with the day game, may let them travel that day," manager Buck Showalter said of the pair, who will at least play Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

"I feel confident Ryan [will be in New York] with no setbacks, see how J.J. does each day," Showalter said of Hardy, who did some tracking of Orioles pitchers side sessions on Sunday. "Probably a minimum of three at-bats, see how the games are moving, maybe the whole game."

Hardy (left shoulder strain) has been on the disabled list since the season started, retroactive to March 27, while Flaherty (groin) was put on the DL on April 24 with Rey Navarro being recalled.

It will be interesting to see what roster moves the Orioles make to add both players. Navarro seems like an obvious choice, but the second roster spot isn't quite as clear with several players, including hot-hitting Jimmy Paredes, out of options.