Jason Hammel required arthroscopic surgery last month to removed a piece of loose cartilage from his right knee, but he’s inching closer to rejoining the Orioles’ rotation.
According to Brittany Ghiroli of MLB.com, Hammel threw 58 pitches earlier today in his second simulated game. He’s currently on track to make a minor league rehab start on Saturday, likely with High-A Frederick. If all goes well, he could rejoin the Orioles’ rotation on September 6 against the Yankees, though he would likely be limited to around six innings in his first start back.
Hammel was enjoying his best season in the big leagues prior to the surgery, compiling a 3.54 ERA and 106/39 K/BB ratio over 109 1/3 innings in 18 starts.