Giavotella taking full advantage of extra ABs

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. -- Johnny Giavotella, a Major League veteran of parts of six seasons with the Royals and Angels, is trying to make the Orioles this season and is off to a nice start.
Giavotella is hitting .385 (5-for-13) with a double, a triple and two RBIs, but wasn't in the lineup for the Orioles' game against the Rays on Saturday because he was hit in the left wrist with a line drive on Friday against the Pirates in Bradenton.
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"They were just kind of concerned that it was in the area of the hamate bone that people break when they swing the bat," Giavotella said. "When I was holding the bat, it was just a little sore. That wasn't the reason why I got taken out of the game. It was just my time to come out."

After the game, manager Buck Showalter said he was concerned about the 29-year-old second baseman, but added Giavotella should be ready to play on Sunday.
Giavotella, who signed a Minor League contract Feb. 7, is benefiting from the departure of second baseman Jonathan Schoop, who left the team earlier this week to play for the Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic. Manny Machado leaves after Sunday's game to play for the Dominican Republic.
"There's definitely the opportunity now that these guys are leaving for the WBC," Giavotella said. "There will be a bunch of at-bats up for grabs, and hopefully we just take advantage of them and play well."
Friday's starter, left-hander Wade Miley, was hit by a line drive in the second inning and left the game, but said his rib cage and left arm were fine Saturday morning.
Showalter said shortstop J.J. Hardy is progressing and nearing his return, but declined to state a specific day. Hardy has not yet seen spring game action due to back spasms.