Worth noting

• Jeff Karstens (biceps tendinitis) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Wednesday, which would mark his first time on the mound since he reported the soreness early last week.

"I played long toss into the wind three times, and feel fine. No pain," Karstens said.

"It's the next step for him," said Hurdle. "It will be more important to re-evaluate him the day after he throws. We're still very optimistic."

• Charlie Morton, making a steady recovery from his Tommy John surgery, anticipates pitching live batting practice in about 10 days. Facing batters for the first time will be a significant step on the comeback road from the June 14 operation on his right elbow.

• The Pirates did not rush into their decision to sign Jose Contreras and take a chance on the right-hander, who had his own Tommy John surgery on June 20. Contreras first threw in front of team brass in January in Pirate City.

• Lefty Francisco Liriano continues to play "one-armed" catch and anticipates being able to shed the brace from his broken right arm in a week.

• Former Pirates outfielder Nate McLouth was not on the Orioles' travel roster for Tuesday's game -- but Yamaico Navarro, who had 50 at-bats with the Bucs last season, was.