Rasmus (hip) was recently cleared to start hitting at the Orioles' extended spring training facility, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rasmus has been on the shelf since April 6 with the strained left hip, an injury he had been playing through before the Orioles elected to shut him down following a 2-for-21, 13-strikeout start to the campaign. The veteran's absence has paved the way for Anthony Santander to see more time than expected in right field early on, but the Rule 5 pick probably hasn't performed consistently well enough to retain primary duties at the position once Rasmus is activated. It will be a while before the Orioles have to make a decision on that front, however, as Rasmus' return from the DL shouldn't be considered imminent until he appears in the outfield for multiple minor-league rehab games.