Roberts approaching date for rehab assignment

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

June 15, 2013, 9:44am

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Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts continues to take outdoor batting practice and will accompany the team to Detroit following Sunday's game. He may also go to Toronto and could begin his injury-rehab assignment when the Orioles begin a seven-game homestand on June 24. Roberts hasn't played since the third game of the season. Wei-Yin Chen threw off a regular mound today in Sarasota. He could pitch in a simulated game down there before coming to Baltimore. Orioles manager Buck Showalter seems optimistic that Chen will come off the disabled list in time to make a few starts before the All-Star break, which begins July 15. Jason Hammel remains at home with an illness, but he's expected back at Camden Yards on Sunday. The Orioles don't want him here while he's contagious. Hammel's scheduled start on Monday remains in question, but the club is fairly optimistic that he'll be fine. Nolan Reimold is still slated to join Double-A Bowie on Tuesday for his injury-rehab assignment. Wilson Betemit continues to take ground balls in Sarasota. Nothing has changed. Showalter is hoping that Reimold will come off the disabled list as Roberts is beginning his rehab assignment.