Hardy (wrist) is expected to return from the 60-day disabled list this week and could play as soon as Friday against the Yankees, Brittany Ghiroli of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's possible that the Orioles will activate Hardy from the DL prior to the weekend series with the Yankees, but it's not expected he'll play in any of the remaining four contests of the homestand before the team heads to the Bronx. Hardy, who has been sidelined since June 18 with a fractured right wrist, has fully healed from the injury, but experienced some minor elbow discomfort after completing his rehab assignment with Triple-A Norfolk on Thursday. He treated the injury with a cortisone injection and will go through a workout Sunday and Monday, at which point it should be clarified when exactly he'll come off the DL. With Tim Beckham having stabilized the shortstop spot since being acquired from the Rays on July 31, Hardy looks like he'll be in store for a bench role upon returning to the Orioles.