According to Orioles general manager Mike Elias, starting pitcher John Means (elbow, back) suffered a setback. The 30-year-old had been working his way back from Tommy John surgery, recently throwing bullpen sessions. However, he's now burdened by a muscle strain in his scapula area, delaying his return until July. Of course, Means wasn't the most enticing fantasy option when he was healthy. But the left-hander is still worth monitoring once he's healthy, especially for fantasy managers dealing with injuries.

Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher John Means (elbow) has been throwing bullpen sessions every week, using just his fastball and changeup, according to MLB.com, in his recovery from Tommy John surgery that he underwent in April of last season. The 30-year-old is making decent progress and is expected to return at some point in July. Eventually, Means will need to ramp up his bullpen sessions and then complete a rehab assignment. The left-hander threw just eight innings last year, posting a 3.38 ERA, but was a solid fantasy option in 2021, pitching to a 3.62 ERA, 22.7% strikeout rate, 1.03 WHIP, and six victories over 26 starts. If Means can get right back to where he left off, he should be a solid contributor once again, but he may need some time to shake off the rust.

Baltimore Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said that left-hander John Means (elbow) will throw off a half mound sometime next week, but it won't be on Monday. Means had Tommy John surgery on his left elbow last April and is slowly building things back up ahead of the 2023 season. The 29-year-old southpaw could possibly return sometime around July or August, barring any setbacks along the way in his rehab. Means is still worth stashing in deep-mixed and AL-only leagues, but fantasy managers are going to have to be patient. He had a 3.62 ERA (4.62 FIP), 1.03 WHIP and 22.7 percent strikeout rate in 26 starts in 2021 and was an All-Star back in 2019. Means will be a big part of Baltimore's rotation when he's back, but it would be wise not to expect a ton from him in 2023.

Baltimore Orioles general manager Mike Elias said that starting pitcher John Means' (elbow) Tommy John recovery has been going as expected, but July will be on the early side of the timeline for his eventual return. The 29-year-old left-hander had Tommy John surgery in late April of last year, so fantasy managers shouldn't have been expecting him to be ready to return to Baltimore's rotation in the first half of the 2023 season. Even when Means is able to return to the field this year, he won't be guaranteed to be sharp after having elbow reconstruction. He made just two starts before being shut down in 2022, allowing three earned runs on eight hits while striking out seven in eight innings.

Baltimore Orioles left-hander John Means (elbow) posted a video on his Twitter page of himself throwing on Monday. Means has begun his recovery from Tommy John surgery in April. There remains no timetable for his return next year, but fantasy managers should fully expect him to start the regular season on the injured list. The 29-year-old southpaw pitched in just two games in 2022 before going under the knife, allowing three earned runs on eight hits while walking two and striking out seven in eight innings. Means will mostly likely miss at least the first couples months of the 2023 season before returning to Baltimore's rotation. It remains to be seen if he can rediscover his All-Star form from the 2019 season.

The Baltimore Orioles and starting pitcher John Means (elbow) have reached an agreement on a two-year, $5.925 million deal in order to avoid an arbitration hearing. The 29-year-old underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery about 10 days ago. If his recovery goes well, we could see him back in the majors at some point in late 2023. Means only made two starts this year prior to his season being cut short. Over 70 career games in the MLB, Means is 20-24 with a 3.81 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP.

Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher John Means (elbow) announced on Saturday that he will undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery. Means made the announcement on his Twitter account, stating that multiple MRIs confirmed that Tommy John surgery would be required. The 28-year-old was only able to make two starts this year before suffering the left elbow injury that's prompting his surgery. He pitched eight innings and had a 3.38 ERA and 1.25 WHIP over those two starts. Based on the usual recovery timeline for Tommy John surgery, we're looking at a return to the majors in late 2023 for Means, assuming all goes well.

The Baltimore Orioles moved left-hander John Means (elbow) to the 60-day injured list on Sunday with a left elbow sprain. The team also optioned left-hander Alexander Wells to Triple-A Norfolk and selected the contract of right-hander Marco Diplan from Norfolk. The Orioles initially placed Means on the 10-day injured list on Friday, but now he'll be out for at least two months with his elbow injury. It's a tough blow for the Orioles and fantasy managers. The 28-year-old had allowed three earned runs and eight hits while walking two and striking out seven in eight innings over his first two starts of the season before suffering the injury. Fantasy managers should keep Means stashed in all formats.

The Baltimore Orioles placed left-hander John Means (elbow) on the injured list on Friday with a left elbow strain. Right-hander Travis Lakins was recalled from the minors in a corresponding move, while Kevin Smith was removed from the 40-man roster and cleared waivers. Means left his start on Wednesday against the Milwaukee Brewers with left forearm tightness, and an MRI exam revealed a strained elbow. The 28-year-old southpaw allowed three earned runs and eight hits while walking two and striking out seven in his first two starts over eight innings pitched. Means wasn't overly concerned about the injury initially, but it remains to be seen if he can return to the O's rotation in 10 days.

Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher John Means (forearm) is set to undergo an MRI on his forearm in the next day or so, according to Dan Connolly of The Athletic. Means was removed from his start on Wednesday after experiencing forearm tightness. The left-hander stated that he has never felt any tightness in his forearm before, but also said that he wasn't too concerned about it. Orioles manager Brandon Hyde seems similarly unconcerned about the issue as he told reporters that Means' removal from Wednesday's game was "precautionary." As of now, it seems likely that Means will be able to make his next scheduled start on Tuesday against the Oakland Athletics, but keep an eye out for updates on the MRI results in the next few days.

Baltimore Orioles pitcher John Means (forearm) exited Wednesday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers early due to forearm tightness. He allowed two earned runs on two hits and one walk while striking out two over four innings before leaving Wednesday's contest after just 51 pitches. The severity of his injury is unknown, and the southpaw is considered day-to-day. Means owns a 3.38 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, and seven strikeouts across eight innings in 2022. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor the situation as his status for his next start is unclear. Stay tuned for further updates.

The Baltimore Orioles named starting pitcher John Means their Opening Day starter on April 8 against the Tampa Bay Rays on the road. The 28-year-old left-hander is a logical choice for Baltimore after another season as their ace in 2021. Means went 6-9 with a 3.62 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, a 22.7% strikeout rate and a 4.4% walk rate in 146 2/3 innings over 26 starts. The talented southpaw was an All-Star during his breakout season in 2019, and although he pitches for one of the worst teams in baseball, he's still a solid mid-round target to bolster your fantasy pitching depth. Over the last three years, Means has a 3.73 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 297:71 K:BB in 63 starts.

Other teams are saying that the Baltimore Orioles are dangling left-hander John Means on the trade market. Means is expected to receive around $3 million in arbitration while coming off a season in which he was excellent in the first half (2.28 ERA) but struggled in the second half (4.88 ERA) and dealt with shoulder problems. He has three years of team control left but will be 29 years old next April, and the rebuilding Orioles are still several seasons away from contending after losing 110 games this year. Means has a 3.73 ERA (125 ERA+) with a 4.2 K/BB ratio in 345 1/3 innings in the last three seasons as Baltimore's ace. The southpaw had a 5.07 ERA in his last 15 outings, but he'd be even more attractive in fantasy if he left the O's and the tough American League East.

Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher John Means did not factor in Wednesday's 4-3 loss to the Yankees. Means pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing two runs on four hits (including a two-run home run) and two walks with four strikeouts. He was in line for the win going into the ninth inning with the O's up 3-2. However, Tyler Wells allowed two runs, blowing the save and win opportunity for Means. The 28-year-old has done a solid job this season, going 5-7 with a 3.41 ERA and 1.00 WHIP. His next start will be a decent matchup against a middling Phillies lineup. He is a relatively easy start decision for fantasy managers who are still in the playoff hunt at this stage.

Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher John Means fell to 5-7 in Thursday's 6-0 loss to the Royals. Means pitched 7 strong innings, allowing two runs on five hits (including a solo home run) and two walks with five strikeouts. However, the O's weren't able to get their bats going to provide any support. The 28-year-old has pitched well this season, compiling 3.42 ERA and 8.12 K/9 rate over 22 starts. His next start should come at home against a scuffling Yankees lineup. He is worth starting for fantasy managers in the playoffs.

Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher John Means pitched well in Friday's 4-3 extra-innings loss to the Yankees. Means pitched 5 innings, allowing two runs on three hits (including a solo home run) and two walks with five strikeouts. The 28-year-old has been the team's best starter and has been a useful fantasy pitcher this season, going 5-6 with a 3.47 ERA over 21 starts. His next matchup will be more favorable against the Royals at home. Means seems like a safe start in this one as the fantasy playoffs begin.

Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher John Means fell to 5-6 in Sunday's 3-1 loss to the Braves. Means turned in a quality start, allowing three runs on four hits (including a solo home run) and two walks with five strikeouts over 6 innings pitched. However, his offense couldn't muster the run support. The O's have now lost 18 games in a row, which has limited the chances for Means to earn wins. However, the 28-year-old has still been an effective fantasy pitcher this season, compiling a 3.50 ERA over 19 starts. His next start will be a tough one against the Rays at home. Given the O's lack of offense, Means would make more sense to start in points leagues over roto leagues.

Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher John Means fell to 5-5 in Tuesday's 10-0 loss to the Rays. Means pitched 4 innings, allowing seven runs (four earned) on eight hits (including two home runs) and no walks with seven strikeouts. He has allowed 10 earned runs in his last two starts but still has a solid 3.44 ERA over 18 starts this season. Things will not get any easier for Means in his next start against the Braves at home. Depending on fantasy managers' playoff situations, it may not be a bad idea to keep Means on the bench for this matchup.

Baltimore Orioles first baseman and starting pitcher John Means are unlikely to be dealt by the end of the trade deadline on July 30. Means is looking like a prime trade candidate, but has struggled since returning from a shoulder injury. He is under team control until 2024, so the team has no rush to trade Means. Mancini has become a leader in the clubhouse and has one more year of arbitration eligibility this winter. Both players are expected to remain in Baltimore for at least one more season.

BOSTON (AP) — Held hitless into the eighth inning by Domingo Germán and looking feeble, Alex Verdugo and the Boston Red Sox suddenly erupted for five runs and stormed past the New York Yankees 5-4 Sunday. Verdugo opened the eighth with a long double for Boston’s first hit. Later, Kiké Hernández slid home headfirst on Xander Bogaerts’ sacrifice fly with the go-ahead run to cap the rally. The Red Sox won for the 10th time in 13 games against the Yankees and reclaimed first place in the AL East, a game ahead of Tampa Bay. New York fell nine games behind Boston. Boston trailed 4-0 when Verdugo doubled to deep right, and Germán was lifted after the hit. Jonathan Loaisiga (7-4) relieved, and Boston broke loose with four straight hits. Hunter Renfroe had an RBI double, Christian Vázquez singled home a run and Hernández followed with an RBI double, cutting it to 4-3. Zack Britton relieved and pinch-hitter Kevin Plawecki’s groundout plated the tying run. Hernández hustled hard and beat right fielder... [More]