Outfielder Dylan Beavers hit off a velocity machine earlier today in Sarasota as the latest test on his strained right oblique.

Beavers has missed 29 games, with his last at-bat on May 10. He was 7-for-19 in his last six starts.

The Orioles are hoping that Beavers can take live batting practice on Tuesday and Wednesday, and positive results could lead to the start of an injury rehab assignment.

Only four outfielders reside on the active roster, though Blaze Alexander also can play the position. The Orioles carry nine on the 40-man roster: Beavers, Colton Cowser, Taylor Ward, Leody Taveras, Tyler O’Neill, Heston Kjerstad, Jonathan Rodríguez, Michael Siani and Reed Trimble.

Kjerstad has appeared in 22 games with Triple-A Norfolk and is batting .280/.299/.376 with six doubles, a home run, seven RBIs, two walks and 29 strikeouts.

“All of the reports, he’s been doing well over there,” said manager Craig Albernaz. “Swinging the bat well, and the outfield play in particular has been really encouraging.”

Non-roster outfielder Tommy Pham opted-out of his contract today after signing a minor league deal last month. He was granted his release.

Closer Ryan Helsley will pitch again Saturday at Norfolk after tossing a scoreless inning yesterday and striking out three batters.

“He feels great,” Albernaz said. “Yesterday was awesome. Got up to 100 (mph), think the average velo was 98. He struck out the side. Fourteen pitches, 12 strikes. So he feels really good.

“The progression he had that was built in was awesome. Get his bullpens in, the live BPs here so we could get eyes on him. He checked every box. He looks great and he’s responding well.”

Trey Gibson starts Saturday afternoon against the Padres, and Albernaz said the plan is to keep the young right-hander in the rotation with Chris Bassitt on the injured list.

“Trey’s been throwing well,” Albernaz said. “Love to have him around.”

For the 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 Germin C

Griffin Canning RHP