Adam Jones Injury: Updates on Orioles Star's Oblique and Return

Baltimore Orioles outfielder Adam Jones has been out since April 7 with an oblique injury and had not played since. However, he's ready to make his return.

Continue for updates.

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Jones Active vs. Rangers

Thursday, April 14

Jon Meoli of the Baltimore Sun reported Jones is starting and batting third for Thursday's game against Texas. 

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Jones Comments on Injury Status

Monday, April 11

Jones discussed his status, per MASN's Roch Kubatko:

"

I'm getting a lot better day by day, which is a positive thing. It's frustrating because I want to be out there playing but I'll be a cheerleader again and hopefully I can get out there tomorrow. If missing a couple more days helps me not miss a month or two or something like that, then that's what we’re going to have to do.

"

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Showalter Comments on Jones' Injury

Monday, April 11

Buck Showalter said Jones is "'very close' to returning, but 'it’s such a quick turnaround to expect a lot different than yesterday,'" per Eduardo Encina of the Baltimore Sun.

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Orioles Need Jones' Consistency in Lineup

Jones has been a rock in Baltimore's lineup. He played in at least 149 games in every season between 2010 and 2014, and he missed no more than three games in a season from 2012 to 2014.

Last year saw Jones miss 25 games—his highest total in a single season since 2009—because of a series of nagging issues, notably affecting his back and ankle.

However, it will take a huge effort from the rest of the Orioles lineup to keep pace with the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays in the division.

The four-time Gold Glove winner has been among the most valuable center fielders in baseball since joining Baltimore's starting lineup, ranking fifth in the majors with 18.8 wins above replacement between 2010 and 2014, per FanGraphs.

Jones' ability to hit for average and power makes him a key component in the middle of the order for the Orioles.