The Baltimore Orioles have placed designated hitter Jim Thome on the 15-day disabled list with a herniated disk in his neck, reports Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com:

Thome to DL herniated disk in neck. Epidural in calif.

— Roch Kubatko (@masnRoch) July 31, 2012

In a corresponding roster move, the Orioles have activated infielder Robert Andino from the DL.

Thome started experiencing discomfort in his neck this weekend, and after not seeing much improvement over the next few days he underwent more tests. He will receive an epidural in California and the Orioles are hoping to have him back on or soon after the day he becomes eligible to return, August 12.

Since joining the Orioles, Thome has posted an OPS of .746 with five extra-base hits and six RBIs over 69 at-bats. Chris Davis has taken over as the Orioles primary designated hitter in Thome’s absence.

Andino had been out since the middle of July while dealing with a shoulder injury. Before joining the Orioles, Andino appeared in two minor league rehab games.

On the year, Andino has hit at a clip of .230/.292/.325 with 15 extra-base hits and 28 runs scored over 274 at-bats.