Dealing with a lingering back issue for over a week, Orioles shortstop J.J. Hardy will fly back to Baltimore to undergo a magnetic resonance imaging exam on Tuesday morning.
The 32-year-old was not in Monday’s lineup for the opener of a three-game set against the Boston Red Sox and hasn’t played since Friday’s contest against the Tampa Bay Rays. Hardy originally left last Monday’s game against the Minnesota Twins due to a lower back spasm and has played in only one game since then.
Hardy told reporters in Boston that he is still dealing with soreness despite not experiencing further spasms. He added that he would likely try to play under different circumstances, alluding to the Orioles enjoying a 9 1/2 game lead in the American League East entering Monday.
The veteran took part in some baseball activities earlier in the day in Boston before discussing the idea of undergoing an MRI with manager Buck Showalter. The Orioles remain hopeful that he’ll return to the lineup for Friday’s doubleheader against the New York Yankees at Camden Yards.
