As he nears a Major League return, former Baltimore Orioles ace John Means is embarking on another rehab start this coming Friday.
The following update comes from Nathan Ruiz of the Baltimore Sun.
More pitching news from the Orioles: John Means’ next rehab start is scheduled for Friday with Triple-A Norfolk. Brandon Hyde said yesterday he remains on track for an early September return.
If he's not returning to the team until early September, but this start is coming August 25th, there is a chance that he may get one more rehab appearance before activation.
It's also not clear as to what his role will be when he returns to the Orioles but whether or not he appears in a starting or relief role, he'll be a valuable asset to the team's playoff push.
Through the lean years in Baltimore, Means was the ace of the staff, so getting him back could be a nice boost to either the rotation or the bullpen.
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.
He got his pitch count up to 57 in his most recent rehab appearances, so it's certainly feasible that he could get up to 65 or so in the Friday appearance.
The Orioles enter play on Wednesday at 77-48, which is the best record in the American League. They lead the American League East by 2.0 games over the Tampa Bay Rays.
They'll host the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday night.
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