"While second baseman Brian Roberts (herniated disk) could be shut down from baseball activities for another couple of weeks, the other injured Orioles could be returning a lot sooner than the club originally expected.

Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail said Monday that outfielder Felix Pie and relievers Michael Gonzalez, Koji Uehara and Jim Johnson could be ready to return to the club by the end of the month, a development interim manager Juan Samuel appreciates.

"All those guys will be welcome here," Samuel said, flashing a wide smile. "We do need some help."

Pie, who hasn't played since April 15 because of a torn muscle in his back, will take batting practice Tuesday at the club's spring training complex in Sarasota, Fla. The final step before rejoining the Orioles would be a rehabilitation assignment at one of the team's minor league affiliates.

"He could be somebody that, hopefully, we might see here before this month is over," Samuel said. "The report is he is looking very, very good down there."

Gonzalez, out since April 9 with a left shoulder strain, threw a simulated game Monday, and MacPhail said the reports were that his velocity and stuff were improved. He's expected to throw again Wednesday."