Brian Roberts will get to join his teammates on the field this weekend.
Brian Roberts will get to join his teammates on the field this weekend. (USATSI)

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Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts has only managed to play three games this season, but he's expected to return to the lineup this weekend against the Yankees.

When he does, he'll immediately be the everyday second baseman again.

“If and when he comes back, yeah,” Orioles manager Buck Showalter answered when asked if Roberts was the starter (baltimoresun.com). “We’ll spot him here and there, but Brian, [it’s] the same way it was in the spring.”

Roberts is returning from a hamstring injury that required surgery to repair. The injury was a shame, too, because Roberts appeared in prime form, starting the season 5-for-12 (.417) with a double and stolen base in his three games.

Roberts, 35, is a two-time All-Star who has led the AL in doubles twice and stolen bases once. For a stretch from 2004-09, he was a well-above-average second baseman, but injuries completely derailed his career. He has only played in 118 games in the past four seasons combined.

Still, the Orioles could use a little vintage Roberts on offense. Entering Thursday's game against the Indians, Orioles second basemen were hitting .228/.286/.335 with only 17 extra-base hits and five stolen bases this season (79 games).