Worth noting

• Eight players and associated staff visited the NASA facility prior to Wednesday's game and got a special tour.

• Triple-A Norfolk outfielder Lew Ford will undergo groin surgery on Thursday in Philadelphia with Dr. William Meyers. The procedure, which will remove some scar tissue from this winter's sports hernia, doesn't necessarily rule him out to return this season, but it's unlikely he'll return.

• Wilson Betemit (right knee injury) started hitting in the cage for the first time on Tuesday, but Showalter said it will be a long rehab as the team eases him back in and wants to make sure he builds up the proper strength in that area. There is no timetable for his return.

• Wei-Yin Chen (left oblique strain) did another 25 throws from 60-75 feet in extended spring training on Wednesday, repeating Tuesday's work, and continues to report no pain.

• The Casey Cares Foundation's fourth annual Casey Cares 5K will take place on Saturday, Aug. 3, at 8 a.m. ET at Camden Yards in partnership with OriolesREACH. Outfielder Nick Markakis and his wife Christina will serve as race ambassadors for the event with proceeds benefitting the Casey Cares Foundation, which provides uplifting and ongoing programs with a special touch to critically ill children and their families. Registration for the race is open now through Aug. 3, and both teams and individuals are encouraged to register. Entry fees are $30 per person through June 7; $35 per person June 8 - Aug. 2; and $40 on race day. To register, visit http://www.caseycares5k.org.

• The Orioles have announced a series of Vote Orange rallies aimed to further boost the efforts of the Vote Orange Campaign launched in April. The Vote Orange Street Team will be accompanied by The Oriole Bird and will give away game tickets, Vote Orange gear, and other promotional items to reward fans who #VoteOrange. The current list of rally dates and locations can be found on www.orioles.com/voteorange.