Nick Markakis injury update: Orioles RF three weeks from return

We learned earlier today that the Baltimore Orioles could have right-hander Jason Hammel back this weekend, but it’s a different story for right fielder Nick Markakis. The 28-year-old suffered a setback in his recovery from a fractured thumb and won’t be able to rejoin the club for another three weeks, reports Eduardo Encina of the Baltimore Sun:

Markakis visited a hand specialist yesterday who told him that the pins in his thumb wouldn’t be able to be removed for another week. This puts the outfielder about three weeks from returning, according to Encina.

Markakis was hit on the hand by a pitch by New York Yankees starter C.C. Sabathia earlier last month. It was later diagnosed as a fractured thumb, but the Orioles continued to hold out hope that the outfielder would be available for the start of the postseason.

It’s certainly bad news for Baltimore, as Markakis was extremely productive as the team’s leadoff hitter this season. Over 420 at-bats he hit .298/.363/.471 with 28 doubles and 13 home runs.