Over the past few weeks, Brian Roberts has been down in camp; however, he has not played in a game – yet.
From what we’ve all been reading, he’s not been working with his teammates much, but has been on back fields working.
It’s just a sad situation to see one of better second baseman and lead-off men in the sport go through all of that.
However, a small sign of progress with Roberts came yesterday…
From the Orioles.com: Brian Roberts took another step forward in his progression on Tuesday afternoon, taking pregame batting practice and participating in infield drills with the team prior to the 1:05 p.m. ET match-up against the Rays.
Though it’s a small step on paper, the fact that Roberts was around his teammates and enjoying the atmosphere — with loud music blaring in the stadium — is notable for the second baseman, who avoided January’s FanFest at his doctors’ advice because of the noise and crowds.
“It’s good to see him with the team. I know it means a lot to him,” manager Buck Showalter said of Roberts, who has been taking batting practice (off the coaches) and doing infield work on the back fields.
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Roberts, who has been sidelined since May with a concussion, has maintained throughout his recovery that there is no timetable for his return. He is taking every day as prescribed, and there wasn’t any difference in that stance following Tuesday’s activities.
It’s nice to see him taking baby steps to try to get back on the field; however, it looks like there’s no exact time frame when Roberts will suit up for the Orioles.
Robert Andino will probably be the second baseman on Opening Day, and you might see Ryan Flaherty or Matt Antonelli on the team serving in a backup role. Right now, the Orioles are conducting business as if Roberts isn’t expected to suit up anytime soon.
At this point, if Roberts were to come back, who knows what the Orioles will be getting?
