Davis starts hitting, throwing in rehab process

ST. PETERSBURG -- First baseman Chris Davis continues to progress ahead of schedule, although the Orioles slugger -- eligible to come off the disabled list on Sunday -- is not expected to be ready to play by then.

"He's in a good spot in the process comparatively speaking," manager Buck Showalter said of Davis, who took 25 swings in the batting cages and 30 throws out on the field.

"Obviously, he's going to need some at-bats, but not a lot. Probably two or three days tops. I know he's eligible the 11th, but I still see that as a long shot. Don't hold me to it."

The throwing and hitting were the first Davis has done since sustaining the left oblique strain, and he will begin fielding in the next few days, traveling north with the team instead of staying at extended spring for rehab.

"His wife is so close to giving birth, we'll take him back with us," Showalter said. "There's nothing we can't do in Baltimore that they are going to do here."