Orioles injury update: Plethora of Orioles on the way to a return

Ahead of Friday's series opener against the New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles executive vice president and general manager Mike Elias met with the media, where he gave updates on where the team stands at the trade deadline as well as providing updates on the players currently on the IL.

Many injured Orioles players are beginning to trend towards returns

Outfielders Cedric Mullins and Aaron Hicks, both on the 10 Day IL, do not have a firm timeline for a return according to Elias. They are hopeful that Hicks and Mullins can play a "large bit of August," but there is no set timeline. In the meantime, expect to see plenty of Colton Cowser in center field, with Austin Hays and Ryan McKenna also able to cover the middle of the outfield if need be.

Lefty starter John Means, who threw a bullpen at the last injury update, is on track to begin a rehab assignment with the FCL Orioles in early August according to Elias. When Means returns, Elias said they aren't yet sure what role he could fill. Means being in the bullpen would certainly be an interesting move, but if it's the biggest need at the time, it could be worth a shot.

Another pitcher expected to join Means down in the FCL is reliever Mychal Givens, rehabbing from right shoulder inflammation. With bad showings in the majors when he was healthy, Givens has to prove he deserves to keep a roster spot if and when he returns from his latest injury.

Reliever Dillon Tate, who hasn't pitched in the majors all season due to injuries, is still shut down from throwing after an initial setback and second opinion from a right elbow flexor strain. Elias said the Orioles are still hopeful he can pitch in the majors before the end of the regular season.

Keegan Akin, the lefty long reliever who is on the 15 Day IL with lower back discomfort, is also trending towards a return. In early August, he'll make rehab appearances in both the FCL and Triple A, with a return likely to happen after that.

Another long relief option in Austin Voth, on the IL with right elbow discomfort, is currently pitching in the minors on a rehab assignment. Elias said that he still has hurdles to clear in his rehab before he can be activated. Like Akin and Givens, Voth will have to prove he belongs to keep his roster spot in the bullpen.

Lefty pitcher DL Hall, who the Orioles sent to Sarasota to work on regaining his velocity, is making positive strides. He's ramped up his fastball to the mid 90s and will pitch two innings in a game on Saturday. Elias said they are undetermined on whether or not to build up Hall as a starter or a reliever.