Jason Hammel
Image Credit: Jim Rogash/Getty Images

The road to recovery for Jason Hammel has officially begun.  The Baltimore Orioles starter is expected to throw a bullpen session today after missing exactly a month with a knee injury.

Hammel, who became the Orioles number one starter, landed on the disabled list on July 13 with an 8-6 record, 3.54 ERA and an impressive 2.71 K/BB ratio.

The Orioles were 46-41, 8 games back behind the Yankees in the American League East when Hammel went down.  Since that time, the Birds have gone 16-12 and picked up 2.5 games on the Yankees with their current 62-53 record.

That’s pretty impressive.  Honestly, when the Orioles lost Hammel I expected the roof to cave in on their amazing 2012 season.  It hasn’t and his return can only strengthen this team.

Hammel is still on schedule for a September return.