Wieters glad to return to Oriole Park

Perhaps the final step of Matt Wieters’ yearlong road back from last June’s Tommy John elbow reconstruction was Tuesday’s home debut, his first game at Camden Yards since May10, 2014.

“I’m excited,” Wieters said. “This is a great place to play, and I’ve been looking forward to getting back playing, but also looking forward to getting back playing at Camden Yards for a long time now. I’m ready to go and excited we have a great series here against Boston.”

Wieters has spent plenty of time around the team at Camden Yards both last summer and this spring. On Tuesday, he came back to the ballpark looking to continue the hot start he got off to after his activation from the disabled list Friday.

In three games, Wieters is batting .417 (5-for-12) with a home run and three RBIs, adding an instant power presence to the heart of the lineup.

“It’s always helpful to get off to a nice start, whether it’s in April or June,” Wieters said. “It gives you a good feeling, but at the same time, it’s a long season. It’s not a six-month season for me this year, but it’s still a long season with a lot of games to play.”

Minor league pitcher suspended

Virgilio Encarnacion, a 23-year-old right-hander playing for the Orioles’ team in the Dominican Summer League, was suspended 72 games without pay for violating the minor league drug policy, Major League Baseball announced Tuesday.

Encarnacion tested positive for a metabolite of Nandrolone, a performance-enhancing substance, the league said. Encarnacion is 0-1 with a save and a 9.00 ERA in three appearances this year. Over four seasons in the DSL with the Diamondbacks and Orioles, Encarnacion is 4-5 with a 2.66 ERA in 47 appearances.

Around the horn

With left-hander Brian Matusz suspended, the decision to option Cabral for Reimold leaves the Orioles with just two left-handed relievers — closer Zach Britton and T. J. McFarland — and a shorter bullpen than they’d typically carry. … Matusz was scheduled to pitch three innings Tuesday in Sarasota, Fla. … Left-hander Wesley Wright (shoulder) is nearing a rehab assignment, Showalter said.