Orioles updates on Hicks, Mullins, Wells and Means

Orioles outfielder Aaron Hicks is nearing a rehab assignment as he recovers from a strained left hamstring.

Hicks hasn’t played since diving for a fly ball on July 24 in Philadelphia. He’s batting .252/.349/.435 with four doubles, a triple, six home runs and 20 RBIs in 42 games with the Orioles.

“He’s doing really well,” said manager Brandon Hyde. “He is getting close. He’s progressing every day, getting some running on the field. Took some batting practice on the field yesterday, and just getting closer and closer. Getting his treatment in.

“I would expect him to be out sometime soon. I’m not really sure on the date. We’re kind of day-to-day with him, but he’s definitely progressing well.”

Cedric Mullins begins his rehab assignment tonight at Double-A Bowie. He hasn’t played since July 15, when he strained his right adductor groin muscle while running from first to third base on a foul ball.

Hyde doesn’t know whether Mullins could rejoin the team next week for the series against the Astros at Camden Yards.

“Give him a few days,” Hyde said, “then we’ll see how it goes.”

The Orioles have relied on their center field depth while Mullins and Hicks are out. Hyde can put Austin Hays, Ryan McKenna or Colton Cowser in the lineup. McKenna gets another start tonight.

Jorge Mateo is working out in center field, where Hyde gave him some innings in spring training. He made seven starts with the Padres and also was used as a defensive replacement.

“We feel good about our depth,” Hyde said. “Everybody’s done an amazing job picking up the slack for Ced and Aaron. Aaron did a great job for Ced, and now these guys are doing a great job for both those guys. We’re looking forward to having both of them back, though, sometime soon.”

Tyler Wells is starting tonight at Bowie after the Orioles optioned him. He’s scheduled to throw a few innings on a pitch count.

The Orioles are giving Wells a breather and a chance to reset after three abbreviated starts in the second half, which featured lapses in command that led to nine walks and three hit batters over nine innings.

“Probably after this first outing, he’s going to have a little bit more time than a five-day (rest), just let him rest, recover. That’s the main reason why he’s down there is, honestly, to take a little bit of a break, so we want to give him some time in between in his outings,” Hyde said.

“He’ll probably throw sometime the next weekend after today.”

Hyde said the Orioles remain hopeful that John Means will return at the beginning of September.

Former Orioles outfielder DJ Stewart is batting ninth tonight for the Mets and playing left field.

For the Mets
Brandon Nimmo CF
Francisco Lindor SS
Jeff McNeil 2B
Pete Alonso 1B
Daniel Vogelbach DH
Starling Marte RF
Brett Baty 3B
Francisco Alvarez C
DJ Stewart LF

Tylor Megill RHP