Orioles Activate Nick Markakis from DL; Option Joe Mahoney

The Baltimore Orioles have activated right fielder Nick Markakis from the 15-day disabled list, reports Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com.

#orioles option 1B Joe Mahoney to AAA Norfolk. Reinstate Nick Markakis from DL

— Roch Kubatko (@masnRoch) July 9, 2012

To make room for Markakis on their roster, the Orioles optioned first baseman Joe Mahoney to Triple-A.

Markakis has been out since the end of May after suffering a broken hamate bone. The injury was sustained when the 28-year-old was simply taking a swing.

Prior to his activation, Markakis played in three minor league rehab games with the Orioles’ Double-A affiliate. Over his 12 plate appearances, Markakis went 3-10 with three extra-base hits and four RBIs.

Before he hit the DL, Markakis had hit at a clip of .256/.333/.452 with 13 doubles, eight home runs and 26 RBIs. He followed up his slow start to the season (.707 OPS in April) with a solid May performance (.846 OPS, 15 extra-base hits).

Over his seven seasons with the Orioles, Markakis has hit at a clip of .293/.363/.453.

________________________________________________________________

Can Markakis and the Orioles remain in contention this summer?

________________________________________________________________