As the Baltimore Orioles continue to push for the top overall seed in the American League playoff picture, they appear to be close to getting back John Means from the injured list.
The lefty, who was the prior ace of the staff, hasn't pitched since early in 2022 because of Tommy John surgery and other issues
John Means spins a gem in his fifth rehab start. 5 IP | 1 H | 0 R | 2 BB | 6 K The @Orioles left-hander has an 0.96 ERA in two outings for the @NorfolkTides:
Baltimore is currently 83-50 and leads the American League East by 1.5 games over the Tampa Bay Rays. Getting Means back will be another tool in the toolbox for manager Brandon Hyde as his team looks to wrap up the division. It's unclear at this point whether Means will be a starter or a reliever upon return.
He won 12 games in an All-Star season in 2019, has thrown a no-hitter in his career and has 20 career victories. He owns a lifetime 3.81 ERA.
The Orioles begin a new series with the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday night. First pitch from Chase Field is set for 9:40 p.m. ET as Cole Irvin (BAL) pitches against Zach Davies.
Irvin is 1-3 with a 4.76 ERA this season. He was acquired this offseason from the Oakland Athletics. Davies is 1-5 with a 6.93 ERA.
This series also has meaning for Arizona, who is 69-65 and 1.0 game back in the chase for the final National League wild card spot.
More must-reads: