Orioles release Pham after opt-out; Updates on Beavers, Helsley, Kjerstad; Wilson elects free agency; O’s-Padres lineups

BALTIMORE—Outfielder Tommy Pham, who opted out of his minor league contract with the Orioles, has been granted his release. Pham, who’s played for 10 major league teams, signed with the Orioles on May 16^th.

The 38-year-old batted .197 with four home runs and 11 RBIs in 16 games with Triple-A Norfolk. He was hitless in two at-bats with the Florida Complex League Orioles.

Beavers, Helsley updates

Outfielder Dylan Beavers, who’s on the 10-day injured list with a strained right oblique, hasn’t played since May 10^th, but manager Craig Albernaz said he’s making progress.

“He’s hitting off the velo machine today and next week getting into live [batting practices] and then hopefully we get some rehab games going.”

Albernaz thinks the live batting practices will be on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Closer Ryan Helsley, who’s on the injured list because of right elbow inflammation, threw a scoreless inning for Norfolk on Thursday, striking out three. Albernaz said the 31-year-old right-hander was impressive. Helsley threw 14 pitches, 12 strikes, and reached 98 mph.

“He feels great,” Albernaz said. “Yesterday was awesome.”

The Orioles watched him throw bullpen sessions and live batting practices.

“He’s responding well,” Albernaz said. “I believe he’s scheduled to throw tomorrow and then kind of go from there.”

Kjerstad update

In 22 games with Norfolk, outfielder/designated hitter Heston Kjerstad is hitting .280 with a home run and seven RBIs. Kjerstad, who was on the injured list with a hamstring injury, went on a 20-day rehab assignment and was optioned to Norfolk on May 28^th.

“All the reports are he’s been doing well over there,” Albernaz said. “He’s swinging the bat well, and the outfield play has been really encouraging.”

Kjerstad has struck out 29 times and walked just twice.

Wilson clears waivers, declares free agency

Utilityman Weston Wilson, who was designated for assignment last Saturday, cleared outright waivers and declined an assignment to Norfolk. He’s now a free agent.

Orioles-Padres lineups

Orioles

Taylor Ward-LF

Gunnar Henderson-SS

Adley Rutschman-C

Pete Alonso-1B

Samuel Basallo-DH

Coby Mayo-3B

Colton Cowser-CF

Tyler O’Neill-RF

Jackson Holliday-2B

Shane Baz-RHP

Padres

Fernando Tatis Jr.-2B

Jackson Merrill-CF

Manny Machado-3B

Xander Bogaerts-SS

Gavin Sheets-RF

Samad Taylor-LF

Ty France-1B

Will Wagner-DH

Freddy Fermin-C

Griffin Canning-RHP

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