For now, Jonathan Schoop works out with Orioles, awaiting next move

For Orioles second baseman Jonathan Schoop, today was another day where he did some pregame work on the field at Camden Yards before batting practice. He'll work out with the team before the game, but he is still not on the active roster, and no decision has yet been made as to when that might happen.

For now, Schoop is in a bit of a holding pattern. He could go to a minor league affiliate to continue his rehab assignment, which will last through July 3. He could be activated by the Orioles at some point, or he could also be optioned to the minors.

Schoop has been on the disabled list since April 18 with a sprained right knee. He's played in seven games for Double-A Bowie. He went 1-for-11 in his first three games with the Baysox, but then homered in his next three games, and has gone 5-for-14 with two doubles, three homers and six RBIs his last four games there.

He said he doesn't think about his knee at all when he's on the field and feels ready to return to the Orioles, whenever they decide they are ready for him to return.

"I think so, I think so," he said when asked if he feels major league ready. "Maybe get a couple more games in at Norfolk or somewhere else. And be 100 percent ready.

"My swing feels really good. For me, it was about running and stopping. The swing, I didn't think I would lose it. Feel really good about my swing and can't wait to come back."

Schoop said he was encouraged by how well he felt and how well he has moved on defense in workouts and in those Bowie games.

"I was surprised a little bit," he said. "Because I didn't know what to expect on defense. My range was actually better than before. I got to some balls I didn't think I could get to. I felt really good."

Schoop has missed being on the field with his teammates, but he also knows the Orioles have some roster issues right now and that they are playing well and winning. For the moment, some hard decisions have had to wait.

"That is good for us. Everyone contributes. Even at Triple-A, everyone is part of the team," Schoop said. "Guys have stepped up. (Steve) Pearce and Flash (Ryan Flaherty) have done well at second base.

"At first it was hard to be out of the game. It was hard to not be playing, but now it's get myself better, get myself strong and get myself ready. Before I was thinking I'm ready, but I wasn't. I know now I am better than before. I'm stronger and lighter. I got to some balls in Double-A I wouldn't get to before. Feel like I am getting lower to catch a groundball."