"Injured Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts will play in his first extended spring training game Friday and could start a rehabilitation stint at one of the organization's minor league affiliates as early as June 10.

It's the best news the Orioles have gotten in weeks on Roberts, who hasn't played since April 9 because of a herniated disk in his back.

"He'll play five innings, play second base, get a few at-bats," Orioles manager Dave Trembley said. "I got it scheduled for the next five or six days for him; I would think after that he'd go on rehab."

Roberts reported to the team's spring training complex in Sarasota, Fla., on Friday and took batting practice from both sides of the plate that day.

If all goes well in the extended spring training games and the rehab assignment, Roberts could return to the Orioles' lineup at some point during the team's interleague West Coast trip, which starts June 14 in San Francisco, or the homestand that follows, which begins June 22 with the Florida Marlins at Camden Yards.

"He's done very well," Trembley said. "He's hit every day live. He's taken ground balls. He's run the bases. He's going to start playing on Friday. That's good news."

In other injury news, outfielder Felix Pie (upper back strain) will begin a throwing program Friday in Sarasota. It will be his first baseball activity since he last played April 15.

"He's a ways away," Trembley said."