Orioles activate Hardy and DFA Faulkner

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

September 08, 2017, 11:31am

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CLEVELAND - The Orioles reinstated shortstop J.J. Hardy from the 60-day disabled list today and designated left-hander Andrew Faulkner for assignment.

Hardy hasn't played for the Orioles since being hit by a Lance Lynn pitch on June 18 at Camden Yards and sustaining a fractured bone in his right wrist. He's batting .211/.248/.308 with 11 doubles, three home runs and 21 RBIs in 64 games.

Manager Buck Showalter may choose to use Hardy as a late-inning defensive replacement for Tim Beckham, who has hit safely in 31 of 35 games with the Orioles. Hardy's exact role isn't known and may not be defined for the media, which will inquire later today during Showalter's pregame session.

Hardy was among the group of Orioles taking early batting practice this afternoon at Progressive Field, where they begin a three-game series against the Indians, winners of 15 consecutive games.

Faulkner, 24, was 3-0 with a 2.79 ERA in 34 games with Triple-A Norfolk. He allowed only one home run in 38 2/3 innings and opponents were batting .216. Left-handers posted a .208 average.

The Orioles acquired Faulkner from the Rangers on April 6 for cash considerations. He came off the 40-man roster today because there wasn't an open spot for Hardy.

Faulkner was assigned to the Arizona Fall League's Salt River team, but he's now in roster limbo.

Meanwhile, the Carolina League's Mills Cup Championship Series has been cancelled due to Hurricane Irma. The two Division Series winners will be declared co-champions.

Single-A Frederick defeated Lynchburg last night in the Northern Division opener.