Orioles' Hardy to return from DL, make season debut Thursday
For the first time this season, J.J. Hardy will assume his usual spot at shortstop for the Baltimore Orioles when his club opens a four-game series with the New York Yankees in the Bronx on Thursday night.
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A shoulder strain forced Hardy to open the season on the disabled list, but the 32-year-old declared himself ready to go after notching one hit in four at-bats for Double-A Bowie on Wednesday in his third rehab game.
"Excited to get back," Hardy told MASN's Steve Melewski on Wednesday night. "It's been a long process and taken a lot longer than I hoped, but I feel good. Will be good to get back."
In order to create a spot for Hardy on the 25-man roster, the Orioles placed infielder Everth Cabrera on the 15-day disabled list prior to Thursday's game with a left foot contusion.