Similar to second baseman Brian Roberts, Baltimore Orioles right fielder Nick Markakis took a stop at Bowie on his road back to the big leagues.
Recovering from surgery he underwent on June 1 to remove part of the hamate bone in his right wrist, Markakis finished a three-game rehab stint with Double-A Bowie from July 7-9.
As expected, Markakis will likely use the All-Star break to get some rest and rejoin the Orioles for the start of their series against the Detroit Tigers on Friday.
In his first start with the team on Saturday, Markakis played right field and hit second in the lineup while helping the Baysox snap a four-game losing streak. During the 7-1 victory, Markakis led the offense by going 2-for-3 with two home runs and four runs batted in.
Playing the field two games in a row and finishing the assignment by hitting second in the lineup as designated hitter, Markakis put up an impressive stat line against Double-A pitching.
In 12 plate appearances, Markakis reached base five times while hitting two homers, driving in four runs and scoring four more runs. He did not appear to have any setbacks or discomfort.
“I’m making progression,” he said following the game on Monday. “It was a productive day. I saw some pitches and took some swings I usually wouldn’t take.”
As expected, Markakis will likely use the All-Star break to get some rest and rejoin the Orioles for the start of their series against the Detroit Tigers on Friday.
He stated he is scheduled to meet with the team on Thursday and is expecting to rejoin the team Friday, though he did say that things could change before then.
As far as his thoughts on Baltimore’s 2012 first half, he seemed to be just as excited as the next guy about Baltimore’s winning record.
“I think we’re capable of doing it,” Nick said when asked if he thought the O’s could make a late playoff push. “Best first half that I’ve semi been a part of. We’ve got ourselves in great position, we just have to take it game-by-game.”
While Bowie has taken a step back recently, things appear bright in Baltimore as the entire organization–players and fans included–are excited to see what’s in store for the second half.
The addition of Markakis, for the first time since May 29, will certainly give a much-needed boost to the Oriole lineup once Friday rolls around.
