Following a methodical recovery from back spasms that lingered into the opening moments of spring training, Orioles shortstop J.J. Hardy will play in his first Grapefruit League game this afternoon against the Philadelphia Phillies at Ed Smith Stadium.
Hardy has graduated through every step in his return without any setback, most recently taking live batting practice and fielding grounders for the past two days, the final hurdles before getting into live game action.
“It’s been a little bit longer road than I thought it would be, but I’m feeling good and I just need to get into some baseball form,” Hardy said.