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Baltimore Orioles right-hander Jason Hammel threw a simulated game yesterday and is considered a candidate to start a potential playoff game on Saturday, reports Britt Ghiroli of MLB.com:
Jason Hammel threw a simulated game in Sarasota, Fla. today, throwing 73 pitches over five innings. Hammel also fielded his position with no problems and he is a candidate to start a potential playoff game on Saturday, which would be on regular rest.
The Orioles will see how Hammel’s body responds to yesterday’s work, but if all goes well he’d be available to pitch in what would be a potential American League Division Series contest on Saturday on normal rest.
Hammel’s missed much of the past three months due to a knee injury. The 30-year-old initially sustained the injury back in July and it sidelined him through the beginning of Sept. He was then able to return, but aggravated his knee during his second start back.
Hammel, who was one of the players acquired from the Colorado Rockies this offseason in exchange for right-hander Jeremy Guthrie, has been arguably the Orioles top starting pitchers this season. Over 20 starts spanning 118 innings he’s maintained an ERA of 3.43.