Baltimore Orioles DH Jim Thome has been out of action since July 27 with disc problems in his back. The 41-year-old slugger is probably in his final major-league year, but the Orioles would love to have him back for a playoff push in September.

That's now looking more and more possible. He'll begin workouts Wednesday and could be close to a rehab assignment. Dan Connolly:

[Manager Buck] Showalter said the 41-year-old Thome will be able to swing a bat and hit off a tee and could get some game-type action in Sarasota. Although no timetable is set, Thome could go on a minor-league rehab assignment to one of the Orioles’ upper affiliates in August.

Thome will celebrate his 42nd birthday during that rehab assignment, if it happens that way; he turns 42 next Monday. Thome has hit .261/.354/.391 in 18 games since the Orioles acquired him from the Phillies June 30 for two minor leaguers. He stands seventh on the all-time home-run list with 611.

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