masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgThe Orioles still don’t know whether outfielder Nolan Reimold will undergo surgery. They continue to wait and hold onto whatever bit of optimism remains.

I wrote earlier today that Reimold was undergoing another examination – special assistant Brady Anderson accompanied him – after he already visited two cervical specialists. If you missed “O’s Xtra” on MASN HD, here’s what manager Buck Showalter told reporters at Citi Field regarding Reimold’s status and what lies ahead:

Buck Showalter…The Orioles still don’t know whether outfielder Nolan Reimold will undergo surgery. They continue to wait and hold onto whatever bit of optimism remains.

I wrote earlier today that Reimold was undergoing another examination – special assistant Brady Anderson accompanied him – after he already visited two cervical specialists. If you missed “O’s Xtra” on MASN HD, here’s what manager Buck Showalter told reporters at Citi Field regarding Reimold’s status and what lies ahead:

Buck Showalter updates the media on the status of Nolan Reimold

“I haven’t heard anything, but I think it was the last opinion on some of the factors about where they’re going,” Showalter said. “It’s not something you can rush when making a decision like that, especially when you’re dealing with your back and neck.

“I don’t want to throw dirt over Nolan right now. Let’s let this thing run its course. I’ve got some positives, some best-case scenario ideas, too. I don’t think we’re ready to go there, yet. When we gather everything and what they decide to do exactly, then I can address that part of it. I’ve heard a good time frame, too, but until they do or don’t do what they’re going to do, I just don’t want to start acting like it’s somebody who’s not going to play for us again this year.”

Reimold has appeared in only 16 games this season, the last coming on April 30 in New York. He went 0-for-4 against the Yankees and was 4-for-21 with no RBIs in his last five games.

Reimold is batting .313/.333/.627 with five homers and 10 RBIs in 67 at-bats this season after being told that he’d get every chance to be the regular left fielder.

The Orioles transferred Reimold to the 60-day disabled list on June 12 while activating second baseman Brian Roberts. He’s had two epidurals, the most recent administered by Dr. Lee Riley on May 25, and was examined by two spine specialists over the past few days.

Reimold no longer is bothered by pain in his left arm and shoulder, but the tingling hasn’t completely subsided, and he’s never regained his full strength.

The herniated disk is the latest injury to sideline Reimold this year. He was hit in the face by an Alex Cobb fastball in a March 9 spring training game in Port Charlotte, Fla., and he was held out of the lineup during the regular season because of a sore hamstring.

Reimold underwent surgery to repair a torn Achilles’ tendon on Sept. 23, 2009 and played only 39 games with the Orioles the following year.

I’ve said all along that I’d like to see what he could produce with 500-plus at-bats, and the Orioles needed to find out whether he could actually be the everyday left fielder, but he’s got to find a way to stay in the lineup.

The 2012 season presented his best opportunity. Once again, it’s gone horribly wrong.