Robert Andino (shoulder) was initially slated to begin a minor league rehab assignment on Tuesday, but looked so good pregame on Friday that his timetable has been moved up. Andino will now begin his assignment with Triple-A Norfolk on Sunday and Monday, and could be activated by the Orioles as early as Tuesday if all goes well. Upon his return, he's expected to regain his role as the Orioles everyday second baseman, giving him plenty of value as a middle infielder in deeper mixed formats.

Robert Andino (shoulder) could begin a minor league rehab assignment Tuesday. Andino hasn't played since July 15 due to a left shoulder subluxation. If all goes well, he could be activated as soon as next Friday. Ryan Flaherty and Omar Quintanilla will continue to fill in for now.

Robert Andino is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a sprained left shoulder. Andino will head to extended spring training in Florida when the Orioles leave for their road trip Sunday. He had been expected to be out until mid-August, but perhaps he'll return a little sooner.

X-rays on Robert Andino's left shoulder came back negative. Andino doesn't think he'll require a stint on the disabled list but an MRI on Monday will confirm or deny that hope. Andino hurt himself when he dove for a ball in the hole during Sunday's game. Ryan Flaherty will fill in at second base while Andino is sidelined.

Robert Andino left Sunday's game with a left shoulder injury. Andino hurt himself when he dove for a ball in the hole and was slow to get up before eventually being removed. With Brian Roberts (hip) also out, the Orioles are down to Ryan Flaherty at second base.

Robert Andino ripped a solo homer in Monday's loss to the Rangers. It was one of two blasts on the night for the O's -- Wilson Betemit had the other one -- but they were no match for the slugging Rangers. Andino is off to a nice start this year, batting .306 with three bombs and 11 RBI.

Robert Andino will be excused from the Orioles after Tuesday's game due to the birth of his third child. Andino is returning to Miami for the birth and is expected to miss at least two games. The O's are likely to make a roster move Tuesday night or Wednesday morning.

Robert Andino hit his first homer of the spring Friday versus the Twins. Andino is 5-for-22 this spring. With no timetable for Brian Roberts' return, it seems a lock that Andino will be the Orioles' Opening Day second baseman.

Orioles manager Buck Showalter said Tuesday night that Robert Andino is the "frontrunner" for the second base job if Brian Roberts (concussion) isn't ready for the start of the season. "He showed last year that he can do it," said Showalter. "He's a better defender than all those guys, I feel like. And I think Robert's deserving. Right now, I'd say Robert is the frontrunner if Brian can't play." Andino, 27, batted .263/.327/.344 with five home runs, 36 RBI, 13 stolen bases and a .670 OPS over 139 games last season. He would be worth an investment in AL-only leagues if Roberts' concussion issues continue to keep him on the sidelines.

Robert Andino requested $1.6 million and was offered $1 million by the Orioles when arbitration figures were exchanged Tuesday. Andino is arbitration-eligible for the first time this winter after hitting .263/.327/.344 with five home runs, 36 RBI, 13 stolen bases and a .670 OPS over 139 games in 2011. The two sides should be able to bridge that $600,000 gap before a possible trial next month.