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The Orioles didn't have a very good game on Friday afternoon. Not all is lost, because there was some good news in the world of injury rehab that came out after the game. Both Manny Machado and Dylan Bundy are on the way back:
Machado did functional baseball activities yesterday, inc some running. Came through on today's report that he felt great.
— Brittany Ghiroli (@Britt_Ghiroli) April 4, 2014
That's good that he felt great, although there's still no return date set for Machado. He's eligible to come off the disabled list before the Tigers series ends. That surely won't be happening. The question is whether he'll go on a minor league rehab or if it's just a matter of being sure his strength is all back.
There's also the road to recovery for Bundy:
Dylan Bundy threw a 30-oitch side. Went well. Santana threw 35 pitch side. On Mon Santana will throw a situational side -- batter may b in
— Dan Connolly (@danconnollysun) April 4, 2014
Bundy is up to full strength pitching from a full mound. 30 pitches is a long way from starting a game, but it's better than if there'd been a setback. It's one thing to feel good throwing pitches off a mound when there's no stakes, and another to retire batters.
I always forget about Johan Santana, but there's a reminder that he's working his way back too. The Orioles bullpen looks shakier than we might have hoped - of course it's only been four games - so there might be some room in there for a healthy Santana after all, if he really is healthy.
If you missed it, check out our recap of the damage from today's game by Camden Hu here. If you're looking for some slightly more cheerful news, how about Alex Bender's article previewing the Bowie Baysox? Oh yeah, and have you introduced yourself yet?
This is also your open thread for Friday night - whether you're watching baseball or any other sports, drop in and chat, because we'll be watching too. The lineup of Friday night MLB games:
Cardinals (2-1) @ Pirates (2-1), 7:05
Probable pitchers: Shelby Miller (STL), Gerrit Cole (PIT)
Two of last year's NL playoff teams take the field behind two of the NL's top young pitchers. Should be a good one.
Yankees (1-2) @ Blue Jays (2-2), 7:07
Probable pitchers: Masahiro Tanaka (NY), Dustin McGowan (TOR)
The much-anticipated debut of the $155 million man. This game will be aired on MLB Network if you aren't in the area for those two teams.
Reds (1-2) @ Mets (0-3), 7:10
Probable pitchers: Mike Leake (CIN), Jennry Mejia (NY)
Padres (1-2) @ Marlins (3-1), 7:10
Probable pitchers: Eric Stults (SD), Tom Koehler (MIA)
Rangers (2-1) @ Rays (2-2), 7:10
Probable pitchers: Joe Saunders (TEX), Jake Odorizzi (TB)
Joe Saunders in the Rangers rotation lolololololololol
Angels (0-3) @ Astros (2-1), 8:10
Probable pitchers: Garrett Richards (LA), Lucas Harrell (HOU)
Mariners (3-1) @ Athletics (2-2), 10:05
Probable pitchers: Chris Young (SEA), Dan Straily (OAK)