O's Chen throws bullpen, all clear for rehab assignment

BALTIMORE -- Lefty Wei-Yin Chen (right oblique) threw a bullpen session at Camden Yards on Wednesday, and manager Buck Showalter said everything went well.

That's the final hurdle Chen had to clear before going out on a rehab assignment. He's scheduled to pitch Saturday for Double-A Bowie vs. Harrisburg at 6:35 p.m. ET.

Showalter said he hopes Chen will throw five or six innings Saturday and would then be in line to be recalled to the Major Leagues, stretched out enough to pitch six or seven innings for the Orioles.

Theoretically, he could make three starts before the All-Star break, but Showalter said that's unlikely because he'd like to give Chen an extra of day rest at least once in between starts when he returns.