Wieters catches intrasquad game: Good sign for the Orioles

Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Today the Baltimore Orioles competed in an intrasquad game at Ed Smith Stadium. The game resulted in a 0-0 tie. However, the score did not matter because catcher Matt Wieters made big progress today on his road to recovery from Tommy John Surgery.

Wieters got behind the plate and caught the first two innings of the game this afternoon. This was the first time he caught a game since May 4th of last year. While he did not make any throws to second base, this is a big step for the 28-year-old backstop.

Wieters also batted three times today. Although he went 0-3 with a strikeout at the plate, it is still good to see Wieters participating in real-game action.

On Monday, Wieters will continue his rehab program with “catcher movement” drills where he crotches behind the plate and quickly throws to each base like he is trying to throw out a base runner. After he can do this, Wieters will basically be back going full speed barring any complications with his throwing elbow.

Wieters will make his Grapefruit League debut as the designated hitter on Wednesday March 4th when the Orioles square off against the team they swept in the 2014 ALDS: the Detroit Tigers. The game will be the Orioles’ home exhibition opener.

Manager Buck Showalter explained he will put Wieters in as the leadoff hitter just to give him an extra at-bat or two. The game is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. ET and everyone in attendance at Ed Smith Stadium will receive a magnetic 2015 schedule.