St. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) -Baltimore Orioles left-hander Adam Loewen and closer Chris Ray each made strides Friday in their return from injuries.
Loewen, who’s been on the 15-day disabled list since April 25 with left elbow soreness, threw his first bullpen session before the Orioles played Tampa Bay. He’s scheduled to pitch in an extended spring training game June 4.
“My arm feels great,” Loewen said. “It feels like it’s a lot better.”
Ray, coming back from elbow surgery, threw 30 pitches in his third mound session, and could rejoin the team before the regular season ends. The right-hander hopes to start pitching in minor league games around August 1.
“I was excited to progress to that part,” said Ray, who resumed working off the mound Monday.
Orioles manager Dave Trembley agreed that Ray might pitch in the majors this season.
“I think there’s a possibility of that,” Trembley said.
The Orioles’ pitching staff could use all the help it can get.
Right-hander Fernando Cabrera (right elbow surgery) threw three inning in an extended spring training game Wednesday, and could start a minor league rehab assignment next week. He will throw off a bullpen mound before Saturday’s game against the Rays.
Reliever Danys Baez, also rehabbing after elbow surgery, had a minor setback a couple weeks ago but is throwing again at 120 feet. Trembley said Baez is a month behind Ray, which could make a return this season questionable.
Also, Randor Bierd (right shoulder injury) will start a throwing program Monday, and right-hander Rocky Cherry (right shoulder strain) was activated from the 15-day disabled list and optioned to Triple-A Norfolk.
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