Hardy Activated; Rupe DFA’d

The Orioles activated SS JJ Hardy from the 15 day disabled list and designated RHP Josh Rupe for assignment to make room on the roster.

I thought Clay Rapada would’ve been optioned back to AAA Norfolk but the Orioles elected to stay with two left handed pitchers in the bullpen. Rupe isn’t a bad choice though. Hes the mop up guy and hasn’t been very good when hes been in there. He had a 5.65 ERA over 14.1 innings with 7 strikeouts and 6 walks. I don’t think anyone is going to claim him so I’m assuming he’ll end up at Norfolk. Hardy makes his return after straining his oblique in early April. Robert Andino played well in his place but Hardy was missed. The Orioles were 6-2 when he was placed on the DL and have gone 8-17 since. His presence at the bottom of the lineup helps keep the pressure on pitchers. Hopefully he can stay healthy for the rest of the season and we can sign him to an extension.