One of the reasons the Orioles lost eight out of 10 games entering Friday is because of a sputtering offense.

The Orioles entered the weekend 25th in the Major Leagues in batting average (.218) and 28th in OPS (.641). They were 23-for-100 with runners in scoring position.

Orioles manager Brandon Hyde believes it’s too early to be concerned. He believes the offense will pick up in a matter of time. That means top position players like Anthony Santander, Trey Mancini and Ryan Mountcastle must start producing. The trio entered Friday batting a combined .197.

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“You look at our numbers, and six months from now, it’s not going to look like that,” Hyde said. “I think we have some good hitters on this team. We have gotten off to a slow start offensively. The first three series, I thought, we faced really good pitching.

“I do buy into hitting is contagious. There is momentum in hitting -- when you create traffic on the bases, create longer pitch counts. I think it makes it easier for everybody else. We are in a team rut offensively, and I think if we get a couple of guys going, then we are going to be in good shape.”

Injury report
Outfielder Austin Hays, on the 10-day injured list because of a right hamstring strain, was scheduled to play games at the alternate training site in Bowie, Md. on Friday and Saturday.

The Orioles are hoping he can return to the active roster Sunday or early next week against the Marlins. Hays injured the hamstring against the Red Sox on April 4.

“We are looking forward to getting him back here,” Hyde said. “He has speed, outfield defense and the ability to hit the ball out of the ballpark. He is a guy that can really get on a fastball. We have to try to keep him healthy. He can be a contributor for us.”