The Orioles could know by the end of the day whether pitcher Randy Wolf has decided to undergo surgery on his left elbow. Wolf talked to Dr. Lewis Yocum last night, and Yocum will consult with team orthopedist Dr. John Wilckens later today. Wolf could go on the 60-day disabled list to create room for Bill Hall on the 40-man roster, though manager Buck Showalter said there are "three or four options there."

"We'll see what Randy and the doctors want to do," Showalter added. "We'd like to have Randy. Trust me. The potential to have him in some form." The Orioles have 24 hours to activate Hall if they decide to put him on the roster. Jason Hammel's right knee responded favorably to yesterday's bullpen session. The Orioles might arrange a simulated game for him instead of another side session. Lew Ford's groin injury has improved, but he's probably not available tonight. Chris Tillman will start one of the weekend games against the Red Sox at Camden Yards. That's all we've been told about the rotation. Deion Sanders took batting practice and was making solid contact. "Deion looks like he could still play," Showalter said. "Once again, he could do it one time. I asked him what he was doing after Thursday." The Orioles are featured on the cover of this week's Sports Illustrated (shown above). Let's assume the whole jinx thing is ancient history.