Albert Suarez Injury: Close to facing hitters

Suarez (shoulder) is expected to face hitters in live batting practice before the end of July, MLB.com reports.

Suarez was cleared to throw off a mound earlier this month and tossed his most recent bullpen session Saturday. The right-hander is recovering from a subscapularis strain. Suarez made 24 starts for the Orioles in 2024, but he made his lone appearance this season out of the bullpen before he landed on the shelf. He's likely in line for a relief role once he returns from the 60-day injured list, but not needing to be stretched out for a starting job should shorten his rehab program.