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Baltimore Orioles

8/12/2006

Kris Benson, bal

Benson was activated from the disabled list by the Orioles on Saturday, as he returns from right elbow tendinitis. The right-hander will start against the Boston Red Sox on Saturday in his first outing since July 25.

8/10/2006

Nick Markakis, bal

Markakis is batting .400 (16-for-40) over his last 12 games.

8/9/2006

Rodrigo Lopez, bal

The Baltimore Orioles will skip Lopez's sturn in the rotation after Erik Bedard asked Baltimore manager Sam Perlozzo for an extra day to recover from his last start. This is also because the team has three off-days in the first 14 days of August, and they want to avoid the entire rotation having an extended break between starts.

8/8/2006

Russ Ortiz, bal

Ortiz fell to 0-8 this season after another rough start on Monday against the Toronto Blue Jays. Baltimore lost 8-1 after Ortiz allowed six runs, including two homers, in three innings.

Daniel Cabrera, bal

The Baltimore Orioles recalled Cabrera from Triple-A Ottawa on Tuesday after sending him down in July to work on his confidence.

8/7/2006

Jeff Conine, bal

Conine went 3-3 Sunday and has batted .325 (27-83) since the All-Star break.

Kris Benson, bal

Benson was placed on the 15-day disabled list Friday, giving him additional time to recover from tendinitis in his right elbow.

8/2/2006

Kris Benson, bal

Benson's start this weekend against the New York Yankees has been pushed back because of elbow tendinitis. Benson threw on Tuesday, but the Orioles weren't happy about the results. The team is considering putting him on the disabled list possibly on Friday.

7/30/2006

Corey Patterson, bal

Patterson had three hits Saturday and is 17-for-45 (.378) over his last 12 games.

7/27/2006

Kris Benson, bal

Benson returned to Baltimore on Wednesday to have his sore right elbow examined. The 31-year-old Orioles right-hander is 0-4 with a 6.52 ERA in five starts this month. "Kris has complained a little bit about his elbow hurting the last couple of months," manager Sam Perlozzo said. "We've got him in Baltimore right now as a precautionary measure just to make sure that it's nothing more than a little inflammation. We just want to see what's up, where's he's at."

7/24/2006

Chris Widger, bal

The White Sox designated backup Widger for assignment after Sunday's game _ a move that surprised the veteran. Although he was batting just .184, Widger said he was told the main reason for the move was a lack of game preparation.

7/23/2006

Corey Patterson, bal

Patterson went 5-for-5 with two doubles and two RBIs in the Orioles' 13-12 loss to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays on Saturday.

7/21/2006

Erik Bedard, bal

Bedard missed his scheduled start against Tampa Bay on Friday because of food poisoning. The Orioles' left-hander was replaced by Russ Ortiz. Baltimore manager Sam Perlozzo hopes Bedard will be able to start Sunday versus the Devil Rays.

Hayden Penn, bal

The Orioles recalled Penn from his rehab assignment and optioned him to Triple-A Ottawa on Friday. The 21-year-old right-hander underwent an emergency appendectomy on May 23.

7/7/2006

Luis Terrero, bal

The Orioles purchased Terrero's contract from Triple-A Ottawa on Thursday. The 26-year-old outfielder has appeared in 12 games for Baltimore this season.

7/3/2006

Miguel Tejada, bal

Baltimore's Tejada was selected to his fourth All-Star team on Sunday, as a reserve shortstop for the American League. Tejada is batting .317 with 16 homers and 57 RBIs this season.

6/28/2006

Brian Roberts, bal

Roberts hit his first homer since Aug. 30 in the Orioles' 7-4 win over the Phillies on Wednesday. The second baseman, who had a career-high 18 homers last season, including 15 before the All-Star break, has spent time on the disabled list this season and had his season ended early last year because of elbow surgery.

Erik Bedard, bal

Bedard ran his scoreless innings streak to 16 as Baltimore beat Philadelphia 7-4 on Wednesday. The left-hander allowed only five hits and won his third straight start since adding a changeup to his repertoire. He's allowed only three runs and 15 hits in 21 innings in those outings.

6/25/2006

Adam Loewen, bal

To make room on the roster for right-hander Russ Ortiz, the Orioles optioned Loewen to Triple-A Ottawa of the International League on Sunday.

6/21/2006

Russ Ortiz, bal

The Diamondbacks placed Ortiz on unconditional waivers on Wednesday, likely ending his short tenure with Arizona. The right-hander signed a $33 million, four-year deal with Arizona in Dec. 2004 after a successful stint with Atlanta and has been a bust in the desert. He was 0-5 with a 7.54 ERA in six starts this season and he was 1-14 in his last 19 starts dating to May 2005.

6/14/2006

Jay Gibbons, bal

The Baltimore Orioles placed Gibbons on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday just two days after the right fielder came off of it. Gibbons left Tuesday's game against the Toronto Blue Jays in the third inning after re-injuring his right knee during an at-bat. He initially sustained the injury May 26 while trying to catch a fly ball against the Anaheim Angels.

6/13/2006

Russ Ortiz, bal

Ortiz was designated for assignment on Tuesday after a rough start to the season. A former 20-game winner with the Atlanta Braves, the 32-year-old Ortiz simply has been awful since joining the Arizona Diamondbacks. He was 5-11 with a 6.89 ERA last season and has started this season going 0-5 with a 7.54 ERA in six outings.

6/12/2006

Jay Gibbons, bal

The Orioles activated Gibbons from the 15-day disabled list on Monday. The Baltimore right fielder has been on the DL since May 27 with hip and knee injuries. "We made a decision to just go out there and give it a try," said Gibbons, who has a partially torn ligament in his knee. "It's not really pain, more weakness. It's definitely bearable."

6/5/2006

Corey Patterson, bal

Patterson stole two bases on Sunday in the Orioles' 11-4 win over the Yankees. He has a stole base in eight straight games, the longest in the majors since Kenny Lofton had an eight-game streak for Cleveland in 1996.

5/25/2006

Kris Benson, bal

Benson had his shortest outing of the season for the Orioles, when he pitched two innings, allowing seven runs -- six earned -- and seven hits in a 7-4 loss to the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday.

Brian Roberts, bal

Roberts went 1-for-4 in Wednesday's 7-4 loss to Seattle after being activated from the disabled list. The Orioles' second baseman had been on the DL with a strained left hamstring since April 30, but returned to his leadoff spot Wednesday.

5/21/2006

Hayden Penn, bal

Penn was called up from the minors on Sunday by the Orioles to pitch on Tuesday against the Seattle Mariners. He will be replacing Daniel Cabrera in the rotation.

5/19/2006

Melvin Mora, bal

Mora signed a three-year, $25 million extension Friday that will keep him with the Baltimore Orioles. The third baseman was in the final season of a three-year, $10.5 million contract he signed in January 2004. The extension includes a no-trade clause. Mora is batting .288 with seven homers and 20 RBIs in 40 games this season.

5/17/2006

Brian Roberts, bal

The Washington Post is reporting Roberts sprinted around the bases and took grounders Tuesday as part of his rehab for a strained left groin. The Orioles' second baseman is expected to begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Bowie Wednesday, and Baltimore manager Sam Perlozzo told the Post that Roberts could "join us Friday." The Orioles will face Washington in the first interleague series of the season this weekend.

5/15/2006

Daniel Cabrera, bal

The Baltimore Orioles placed Cabrera on the 15-day disabled list Monday with shoulder inflammation. The right-hander left his Sunday start against Kansas City in the fifth inning. He has undergone an MRI exam, and the Orioles have decided to shut him down while the results are still pending. Cabrera is 2-2 with a 5.23 ERA in eight starts this season.

5/4/2006

Russ Ortiz, bal

After nearly two weeks without a game appearance, Ortiz was placed on the 15-day disabled list by the Arizona Diamondbacks, retroactive to April 24. The right-hander departed his April 18 start with a cramp in his right calf, and he and the team have been at odds ever since about whether he should be on the DL.

4/30/2006

Brian Roberts, bal

Roberts was placed on the 15-day disabled list by the Orioles on Sunday after he suffered a left groin strain Saturday. The Baltimore second baseman also has been bothered with a sore hip. Roberts, coming off a career year in which he hit .314 with 18 homers, is batting .330 with no homers and 13 RBIs in 24 games.

4/29/2006

Miguel Tejada, bal

Tejada set the Orioles record for hits in April, then left Friday's 5-2 win over Seattle with a hyperextended left knee. Tejada homered in the game, giving him 41 hits in the month, but left in the eighth inning. He suffered the injury while chasing down a foul ball earlier in the game.

4/26/2006

Russ Ortiz, bal

Ortiz was moved from the Arizona rotation to the bullpen two days ago, and now The Arizona Republic is reporting he may be headed to the disabled list. The right-hander departed his April 18 start with a cramp in his right calf, and the Diamondbacks are considering a DL move that would lead to a lengthy rehab assignment for the struggling veteran. "They're basing it on two starts," said Ortiz, who is balking at the idea.

4/21/2006

David Newhan, bal

Newhan underwent surgery in Baltimore on Thursday for the fractured right fibula he suffered Monday night while stealing second base. The Baltimore Sun reports that he had a torn deltoid ligament, but ligament and muscle damage was far less severe than feared. Orioles trainer Richie Bancells said Newhan, who was placed on the 60-day disabled list on Wednesday, will be in a splint for two weeks and is expected not to put weight on his lower leg for four weeks.

Erik Bedard, bal

Bedard remained unbeaten Thursday, allowing six hits and three earned runs over six innings in Baltimore's 9-4 victory over Cleveland. The Orioles' left-hander, who hasn't allowed more than three earned runs and has worked three quality starts, improved to 4-0 on the season. He has a 2.77 ERA in his four outings.

4/18/2006

David Newhan, bal

Newhan, who was injured stealing second base Monday night in Baltimore's 4-2 win over the Angels, has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with a broken right fibula. The Orioles' outfielder will undergo surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital on Thursday before a timetable is set for his return. Newhan was batting .265 with two home runs and seven RBIs in 10 games this season.

Val Majewski, bal

On Monday, the Baltimore Orioles placed outfielder David Newhan on the 15-day disabled list with a fractured right fibula and recalled Majewski to take his spot on the roster. One of the Orioles' more advanced hitting prospects, Majewski was batting .138 with a homer and two RBIs in nine games for Triple-A Ottawa.

4/11/2006

Erik Bedard, bal

Bedard tossed seven scoreless innings, allowing four hits and striking out five, in the Orioles' 6-3 win over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays on Monday.

4/9/2006

Raul Chavez, bal

Chavez was designated for assignment on Sunday by the Orioles, the same day they purchased the contract of reliever Cory Morris. The 33-year-old catcher appeared in one game defensively for the Orioles this season and didn't have a plate appearance. If Baltimore does not trade or release Chavez in 10 days, he can become a free agent or accept the demotion to the minor leagues.

4/6/2006

Nick Markakis, bal

Markakis has impressed in two appearances with Baltimore this week, delivering a homer in three at-bats and also drawing three walks. His 402-foot homer off Dan Miceli in the eighth inning of the Orioles' 16-6 romp over Tampa Bay Wednesday was the rookie's first major league hit. Before the game, Baltimore manager Sam Perlozzo raved about Markakis and told the Baltimore Sun that he will be an everyday player.

3/31/2006

Luis Terrero, bal

Terrero, who was out of options this spring, has been placed on waivers and will be released by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Once a highly regarded prospect, the 25-year-old outfielder has been squeezed out by outfield depth in the Arizona system. He has batted .239 with little power in 155 games with the Diamondbacks.

3/30/2006

Brian Roberts, bal

Just prior to Baltimore's exhibition game Wednesday, Roberts was scratched from the lineup because he was feeling sore after batting practice, the Baltimore Sun reported. The Orioles' second baseman, who just started playing in games a week ago following reconstructive surgery for a dislocated elbow last September, had started five straight games before getting Wednesday off.

3/22/2006

Brian Roberts, bal

Roberts was at second base for the Baltimore Orioles in Tuesday's exhibition game against the Mets, his first game action since dislocating his left elbow in a game last September. He underwent reconstructive surgery on the elbow after batting .314 with 18 home runs and 73 RBIs in 2005. All three stats were career highs for the 28-year-old infielder.

3/7/2006

Todd Williams, bal

Williams is bothered by a sore right shoulder this spring, and The Washington Post is reporting that he may be as much as two weeks away from getting into a spring game for the Baltimore Orioles. Reportedly Williams started throwing on the side on Saturday.

Richard Hidalgo, bal

The Baltimore Sun is reporting that Hidalgo, who signed a minor league deal with Baltimore on Feb. 26, has been given his release to pursue offers in Japan. The veteran outfielder spent a total of four days in Orioles camp before leaving recently to be with his wife, who is ill.

2/16/2006

Brian Roberts, bal

Roberts avoided arbitration Thursday, signing a one-year contract with the Baltimore Orioles worth just more than $3 million. The second baseman reached career highs in batting average (.314), home runs (18) and RBIs (73) in 2005. He is expected to miss the first part of spring training while recovering from a dislocated left elbow.

2/15/2006

Sammy Sosa, bal

Sosa turned down an offer to sign a non-guaranteed contract with the Washington Nationals on Wednesday. The offer, which would have included performance bonus opportunities, came after Sosa first rejected the Nationals' offer of a minor league contract that included an invitation to spring training.

Rodrigo Lopez, bal

Lopez lost to the Baltimore Orioles in arbitration and will earn $3.75 million rather than the $4.5 million he asked for. The 30-year-old right-hander went 15-12 with a 4.90 ERA in 35 starts last season for Baltimore.

2/8/2006

Sammy Sosa, bal

The Washington Nationals offered a non-guaranteed, incentive-laden major league contract to Sosa on Wednesday. The new contract follows the Nationals' initial offer, which was a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training. The 38-year-old Sosa is reported to be reviewing the deal and could be considering retirement.

1/25/2006

Jay Gibbons, bal

Gibbons and the Orioles agreed to a $21.1 million, four-year contract extension Tuesday night, ensuring the 28-year-old stays with the only team he has played for in the majors. The Baltimore outfielder batted .277 with 26 home runs and 79 RBIs last season.

1/17/2006

Bruce Chen, bal

Chen agreed to a $3.8 million, one-year contract with Baltimore on Tuesday. Chen, who has played for eight teams, went 13-10 with a 3.83 ERA in 34 games for the Orioles last season. The left-hander struck out 133 batters in 197 1/3 innings.

Corey Patterson, bal

Patterson agreed to a one-year contract with Baltimore on Tuesday, with no terms disclosed. The center fielder was traded from the Cubs to the Orioles on Jan. 9 after falling out of favor with Chicago management.

Erik Bedard, bal

Bedard agreed to a $1.4 million, one-year contract with the Orioles on Tuesday, avoiding salary arbitration. The left-hander can receive additional money in bonuses. He suffered through an injury-plagued 2005, going 6-8 with a 4.00 ERA in 24 starts.

1/4/2006

Jeff Conine, bal

Conine and the Orioles finalized a one-year, $1.7 million contract on Wednesday. The outfielder's deal includes a $2 million mutual option for 2007 that would become guaranteed if he makes 450 plate appearances. Conine, who played with Baltimore from 1999-2003, can also earn $750,000 in performance bonuses. Last season the 39-year-old played for the Florida Marlins, hitting .304 with three home runs and 33 RBIs in 131 games.

12/21/2005

Jeff Conine, bal

Conine and the Orioles agreed on a one-year, $1.7 million contract on Tuesday. The 39-year-old outfielder played with Baltimore from 1999-2003. He spent last season with the Florida Marlins, hitting .304 with three HRs and 33 RBIs in 131 games.

Raul Chavez, bal

Chavez resigned with Houston on Tuesday, avoiding salary arbitration. The two sides agreed to a $400,000, one-year deal. The backup catcher hit .172 with two homers and six RBIs in 37 games last season.

12/9/2005

Miguel Tejada, bal

The Associated Press reported on Thursday that Tejada says he would like to be traded from Baltimore. The All-Star shortstop told the AP in a phone interview things have not gone in the direction he had hoped with the Orioles and that a change of scenery would be best.

Ramon Hernandez, bal

Hernandez agreed to a $27.5 million, four-year contract with the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday. The 29-year-old catcher hit .290 with 12 home runs and 58 RBIs for the San Diego Padres this season.

12/6/2005

LaTroy Hawkins, bal

Hawkins has been traded to the Baltimore Orioles for fellow reliever Steve Kline. The right-hander opened the 2005 season with the Chicago Cubs before being traded to the San Francisco Giants on May 28.

11/15/2005

Rafael Palmeiro, bal

Orioles executive vice president Mike Flanagan says the club is cutting ties with Palmeiro. The 41-year-old veteran continued a steady decline in production in 2005, batting .266 with 18 home runs and 60 RBIs in 110 games for Baltimore.

Sammy Sosa, bal

Orioles executive vice president Mike Flanagan says the club is cutting ties with Sosa. The 37-year-old veteran continued a steady decline in production in 2005, batting .221 with 14 home runs and 45 RBIs in 102 games for Baltimore.

11/5/2005

Richard Hidalgo, bal

Hidalgo has filed for free agency. He had an injury-plagued 2005 season, hitting just .221 with 16 home runs and 43 RBIs in 88 games for the Texas Rangers.

11/4/2005

Chris Widger, bal

The Chicago White Sox re-signed Widger to a one-year, $650,000 contract Friday. He hit .241 with four homers and 11 RBIs in 45 games last season. The nine-year veteran will continue to back up A.J. Pierzynski behind the plate.

11/1/2005

Sammy Sosa, bal

Sosa filed for free agency Monday.

10/27/2005

LaTroy Hawkins, bal

Hawkins exercised his $3.5 million option to return to the San Francisco Giants in 2006. The setup man was dealt from the Chicago Cubs to the Giants in May, and he was 2-8 with six saves and a 3.83 ERA for both clubs.

10/1/2005

John Halama, bal

Halama left the game with a bruised pitching hand when he was hit by a line drive off the bat of Kenny Lofton in the sixth inning of Saturday's loss to the Phillies. Halama had come into the game in relief and only faced the one batter.

9/30/2005

Brian Roberts, bal

Roberts is having elbow surgery Friday to have his flexor tendon reattached to the bone, and the Orioles' second baseman has decided to also have his ulnar collateral ligament reconstructed at the same time. He is expected to miss six months, but could begin baseball activities by January. Roberts was injured on September 20, when he dislocated his left elbow in a collision at first base on a bunt play.

9/28/2005

Ramon Hernandez, bal

Hernandez had a career high seven RBI against the Giants on Tuesday, in a huge game that lowered the Padres' magic number to two. The Padres' catcher had an RBI groundout in the first inning, a two-run triple in the third and a grand slam in the fourth that gave San Diego the lead for good.

9/24/2005

Sammy Sosa, bal

It look like Sosa's season is over. Baltimore vice president Jim Beattie said Saturday it was doubtful Sosa would return to the team this season. The outfielder was sent home on Sept. 7 with a toe injury, and has been working on his rehabilitation ever since.

9/23/2005

Rafael Palmeiro, bal

The Baltimore Orioles have informed Palmeiro that he will not be dressing for the remainder of the team's schedule this season. In addition to the on-going steriod issue, the veteran first baseman has been bothered by ankle and knee problems, limiting him to just seven at-bats since the beginning of August.

9/21/2005

Chris Gomez, bal

Gomez could pick up a few more starts over the final days of the season after Baltimore's starting second baseman, Brian Roberts, suffered a dislocated left elbow in the Orioles' 12-9 loss to the New York Yankees on Tuesday night.

9/20/2005

Brian Roberts, bal

Roberts dislocated his left elbow during the second inning of Tuesday's game against the New York Yankees. The Orioles' All-Star second baseman is out for the remainder of the season. The injury occurred when Roberts was covering first base on a bunt by Yankees utilityman Bubba Crosby. The ball arrived at the same time Crosby did, and Roberts arm appeared to bend backwards in the collision. Roberts fell to the ground in pain as Bernie Williams scored from third base.

9/19/2005

Corey Patterson, bal

Jerry Hairston Jr. hasn't been in the Cubs' lineup since he fouled a pitch off his left knee on Friday, and that has allowed Patterson to assume nearly all of the playing time in center field. Patterson went 3-for-9 with three doubles and four runs scored after replacing Hairston in center on Friday.

9/16/2005

Richard Hidalgo, bal

It's increasingly unlikely that Hidalgo will play again in 2005. The Texas outfielder is going to see a hand specialist on Monday for the strained wrist tendon that has kept him out since August 4. He finishes the season with a .221 average, 16 home runs and 43 RBI in 88 games for the Rangers.

9/12/2005

Richard Hidalgo, bal

More than five weeks after suffering a strained tendon in his left wrist, Hidalgo has yet to resume baseball activities. It's looking unlikely that the veteran outfielder will return to action for the Texas Rangers, though he holds out hope of playing again.

9/8/2005

Sammy Sosa, bal

Like Baltimore teammate Rafael Palmeiro, Sosa has been sent home to rehab an injury. The Orioles' right fielder is out with a toe injury that landed him on the disabled list in late August. And like Palmeiro, Sosa doesn't know when he'll be ready to return but hopes to play before the season ends.

9/7/2005

Ramon Hernandez, bal

Hernandez hasn't played since being activated from the 15-day disabled list on Friday. But the San Diego catcher is only a couple of days away from returning to the starting lineup, according to Padres manager Bruce Bochy. Sidelined following wrist surgery in July, Hernandez has been working on his throws in anticipation of his return to regular duty.

9/6/2005

Sammy Sosa, bal

Bothered by a toe injury that landed him on the disabled list in late August, Sosa is improving but may not be ready to return when he is eligible to come off the DL this weekend. While he is feeling better, Sosa still feels pain in the toe.

John Parrish, bal

Parrish has undergone Tommy John surgery and was placed on the 60-day disabled list Tuesday to make room for prospect Ed Rogers on Baltimore's 40-man roster. Parrish was 1-0 with a 3.12 ERA in 14 relief appearances for the Orioles.

Daniel Cabrera, bal

The Baltimore Orioles are expected to activate Cabrera from the 15-day disabled list Tuesday, in time to start against another hurler coming off the DL, Toronto's Ted Lilly. Cabrera went on the DL in mid-August and hasn't pitched since August 12. He is 8-11 with a 5.00 ERA and .233 opponent batting average in 24 starts.

Aaron Rakers, bal

The Baltimore Orioles recalled Rakers from Triple-A Ottawa on Tuesday. The righthanded reliever enjoyed an impressive season for Ottawa, going 6-5 with seven saves, a 2.57 ERA and 92 strikeouts in 77 innings. He allowed a solo homer in his only appearance for the Orioles in August.

9/5/2005

Rafael Palmeiro, bal

Reportedly battling injuries to his left ankle and right knee, Palmeiro has been sent home to rehab his injuries. The Baltimore Orioles have told the DH-first baseman to go home to Texas to recover.

Luis Terrero, bal

Terrero hasn't been productive in major league stints in 2004 and this summer, batting .248 with a .319 on-base percentage in 363 at-bats. He may get another look in September after Arizona was swept in a weekend series against San Francisco.

9/3/2005

Ramon Hernandez, bal

The Padres activated Hernandez from the 15-day disabled list on Friday. The catcher has been sidelined after undergoing wrist surgery in last July. Hernandez is hitting .273 with 38 RBI for the Padres this season.

Geronimo Gil, bal

The Orioles have activated Gil from the 15-day disabled list. The catcher is hitting just .202 in 46 games with Baltimore this season. He has been sidelined since early July with a sprained thumb on his left hand.

9/2/2005

Hayden Penn, bal

Penn, one of the top pitching prospects in the Baltimore system, was recalled by the Orioles on Thursday. The 20-year-old righthander finished the minor league season with a 7-6 record and 3.83 ERA in 19 starts and a relief appearance for Double-A Bowie. During an earlier stint with the Orioles, he made eight starts and went 3-2 with a 6.34 ERA.

8/30/2005

Rafael Palmeiro, bal

Palmeiro is just 2-for-20 (.100) in his limited playing time since returning from his steroid-related suspension, and Baltimore interim manager Sam Perlozzo now says that the veteran first baseman is no longer the everyday guy at the position.

8/29/2005

Melvin Mora, bal

Mora had a nice game in the Orioles' loss to the A's on Sunday. The Baltimore third baseman had two solo home runs, giving him three over the last two games. These are the first homers for Mora since July 15, a stretch of 148 at-bats.

Alejandro Freire, bal

On Sunday, the Baltimore Orioles placed Sammy Sosa on the 15-day disabled list and recalled Freire from Double-A Bowie. The 31-year-old first baseman was 5-for-13 (.385) in three games with Bowie, following a three-week stint with Baltimore, during which he was 6-for-21 (.286). The long-time minor leaguer spent the first four months of the season with Triple-A Ottawa, where he was a .299 hitter with 19 home runs and 69 RBI in 106 games.

8/28/2005

Sammy Sosa, bal

Sosa has been placed on the 15-day disabled list for the second time this season by the Orioles. The slumping slugger has been out of the lineup since Thursday with a toe injury, and the team decided to give Sosa two weeks to recover from the ailment.

8/25/2005

B.J. Surhoff, bal

Surhoff was activated from the 15-day disabled list Wednesday and went hitless in three at bats as the Orioles fell to the Los Angeles Angels, 3-1.

Alejandro Freire, bal

With B.J. Surhoff returning to the active roster from the disabled list, Freire was optioned to Double-A Bowie. Freire saw action in seven games for Baltimore, collecting five hits and one RBI in 20 at bats.

8/23/2005

Eric DuBose, bal

With Daniel Cabrera going on the 15-day disabled list, DuBose will remain in the Orioles' rotation. He'll start today's game against the Los Angeles Angels.

Daniel Cabrera, bal

The Orioles placed Cabrera on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to August 17. He had suffered a lower back strain while warming up in preparation to start last Wednesday at Oakland, and was replaced last minute by Eric DuBose. Reliever Chris Ray was called up from Double-A Bowie to take Cabrera's slot on the active roster.

Chris Ray, bal

Chris Ray was recalled from Double-A Bowie, as Daniel Cabrera landed on the 15-day disabled list. In 21 appearances with the Orioles this year, he has an 0-3 record with a 2.96 ERA.

8/22/2005

Kris Benson, bal

Coming off two consecutive wins, Benson failed to get the job done in Sunday's loss to the Washington Nationals, turning in the shortest outing of his major league career. The Mets' righthander was unable to get out of the first inning, allowing six runs on eight hits before getting the hook with two outs.

8/20/2005

Rafael Palmeiro, bal

Palmeiro is unlikely to play again until sometime early next week because of a sprained right ankle suffered while running out a grounder in Tuesday's game against the Oakland A's.

Daniel Cabrera, bal

After being scratched from his start last Wednesday because of a back problem, Cabrera is tentatively scheduled to make his next start on Tuesday against the Angels. He says his back is feeling better after getting treatment for the injury.

8/18/2005

John Halama, bal

The Washington Nationals have purchased Halama's contract from Triple-A New Orleans. With a doubleheader on Thursday, the team was in need of another starter for their weekend series against the New York Mets, prompting the move. The lefthander, who takes the roster spot of demoted outfielder Brandon Watson, is slated to take the mound on Sunday.

Eric DuBose, bal

Pressed into duty as an emergency starter when Daniel Cabrera was scratched with a sore back, DuBose tossed six innings of one-hit shutout ball to earn a 5-3 over the Oakland Athletics. It was the first major league win for Dubose since May 28, 2004.

8/17/2005

Rafael Palmeiro, bal

Palmeiro wasn't in the Baltimore lineup Wednesday after spraining his ankle in Tuesday night's game against Oakland. He tweaked the ankle on an infield single, and the Orioles' first baseman couldn't put weight on it when he awoke on Wednesday. X-rays revealed no breaks.

8/16/2005

Aaron Rakers, bal

To make room for Saturday's starter, John Maine, the Baltimore Orioles optioned Rakers to Triple-A Ottawa. The 28-year-old righthander made one relief appearance while with the Orioles, allowing a run in 1.1 innings.

8/15/2005

Rafael Palmeiro, bal

Palmeiro made his return Sunday from the 10-day suspension he received for failing a drug test under the new MLB drug policy for performance-enhancing substances. He went 0-for-4 with a walk amidst a stream of boos and commentary at Camden Yards.

8/13/2005

Rafael Palmeiro, bal

Orioles interim manager Sam Perlozzo expects to pencil in Palmeiro as Baltimore's designated hitter for Sunday's game against the Toronto Blue Jays. This will be Palmeiro's first appearance since returning from his 10-game suspension for testing positive for performance-enhancing substances.

Russ Ortiz, bal

The Diamondbacks activated Ortiz from the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday, and he will start on Saturday against the Braves. Ortiz has been sidelined since June 18, when he strained his rib cage, causing a stress fracture. This season, he is 4-6 with a 5.88 ERA in 14 starts.

8/11/2005

Rafael Palmeiro, bal

After serving his 10-day suspension for failing a drug test for performance-enhancing substances, Palmeiro returns to the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday. Orioles interim manager Sam Perlozzo suggested it wasn't certain that the veteran first baseman would be in Thursday's lineup against Tampa Bay. He plans to talk to his player first before filling out his lineup card.

Midre Cummings, bal

With Rafael Palmeiro returning from his 10-day suspension, the Baltimore Orioles have designated Cummings for assignment. The veteran outfielder was 0-for-2 in two games during Palmeiro's suspension. The Orioles have 10 days to trade, release or ask waivers on Cummings.

Richard Hidalgo, bal

It's been a week since Hidalgo suffered a strained tendon in his left wrist on August 3. The Texas outfielder has yet to see significant improvement in the wrist, and it remains too sore to fully participate in baseball activities.

Kris Benson, bal

Benson turned in his longest outing of the 2005 campaign, tossing 8.1 solid innings in Wednesday's victory over the San Diego Padres. The Mets' righthander allowed one run on just three hits, striking out six and walking one. The win was just his second since June 21, spanning nine starts.

8/10/2005

Melvin Mora, bal

Mora returned from his mild ankle sprain Tuesday, going 2-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI in Baltimore's 5-2 win over Tampa Bay. The Orioles' third baseman, who missed three games because of the injury, is batting .288 with 16 home runs and 52 RBI in 99 games this season.

Alejandro Freire, bal

The Baltimore Orioles recalled Freire on Tuesday, and the 30-year-old first baseman made his major league debut by starting Tuesday night's 5-2 win over Tampa Bay. Freire went 0-for-4 as the Orioles' designated hitter.

8/9/2005

B.J. Surhoff, bal

Surhoff, who suffered a strained left groin last Sunday, was placed on the 15-day disabled list. Starting pitcher Sidney Ponson, also injured in that game, was likewise shelved, and the Orioles called up pitcher Aaron Rakers and first baseman Alejandro Freire from Triple-A Ottawa.

Russ Ortiz, bal

Ortiz has rejoined the Arizona Diamondbacks, and barring any setbacks, it appears he will be activated from the disabled list in time to take the mound against the Atlanta Braves on Saturday. The righthander has been sidelined since mid-June with a stress fracture in his right rib cage. Prior to the injury, he was 4-6 with a 5.88 ERA in 14 starts this season.

Corey Patterson, bal

Patterson has been recalled from Triple-A Iowa by the Chicago Cubs, replacing demoted shortstop Ronny Cedeno on the roster. The outfielder, who will join the team in time for Tuesday's meeting with the Cincinnati Reds, was batting .297 with five home runs, 12 RBI and six stolen bases in 24 games with the minor league club. With Jerry Hairston sidelined, Patterson should see the majority of time in center field.

Eric DuBose, bal

The Orioles recalled DuBose from Double-A Bowie, where he was 8-10, 3.25 in 21 games. He struck out 114 in 122 innings while walking 29. Chris Ray was sent down to Bowie to clear space for DuBose on the active roster.

Aaron Rakers, bal

Rakers was called up from Triple-A Ottawa, where he was 5-4 with seven saves and a 2.48 ERA in 47 appearances.

Eddy Garabito, bal

Garabito has been optioned to Triple-A Colorado Springs by the Colorado Rockies, opening a spot on the roster for reliever Ryan Speier. The rookie infielder has appeared in 42 games with the Rockies this season, batting .307 with one home run, eight RBI and three stolen bases.

Chris Ray, bal

Having allowed eight runs on five walks and 10 hits, four of them home runs, in his last four appearances, Ray was optioned to the Orioles' Triple-A affiliate in Ottawa. He posted an 0-2 record with a blown save and a 9.45 ERA during that span.

8/7/2005

Melvin Mora, bal

A mild ankle sprain Mora suffered on Thursday kept the Orioles' third baseman out of the entire Baltimore-Texas series in Arlington this weekend. Mora, who is batting .286 with 16 home runs and 51 RBI in 98 games this season, is day-to-day.

8/6/2005

Richard Hidalgo, bal

Hidalgo was placed on the 15-day disabled list by the Texas Rangers on Saturday with a strained tendon in his left wrist. The wrist has been sore since being injured on a slide in Wednesday's game against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Texas has recalled Marshall McDougall from Triple-A Oklahoma to take Hidalgo's roster spot.

8/4/2005

Desi Relaford, bal

Delaford was given his outright release from the Rockies.

8/2/2005

Midre Cummings, bal

To fill the open roster spot following Rafael Palmeiro's suspension, the Baltimore Orioles have recalled Cummings from Triple-A Ottawa. The 33-year-old outfielder was hitting .280 with 12 homers and 33 RBI in 57 games for Ottawa.

8/1/2005

Rafael Palmeiro, bal

Palmeiro, who this month joined Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and Eddie Murray in the 500-homer/3,000 hit club, was suspended Monday for violating Major League Baseball's steroid policy. It was less than five months ago that the Orioles' first baseman told Congress that "I have never used steroids. Period." The 40-year-old Palmeiro is the seventh and highest-profile player to test positive under the major league policy adopted for performance-enhancing drugs earlier this year.

Daniel Cabrera, bal

After leaving Baltimore's loss to the Chicago White Sox on Saturday, when he was hit on the back of the hand by a line drive, Cabrera will start on Monday against the White Sox. The Orioles' 24-year-old righthander threw just 33 pitches on Saturday before departing. He will oppose Mark Buehrle on the hill on Monday.

7/31/2005

Ricky Bottalico, bal

Just two days after he was designated for assignment this week, Bottalico was released by the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday. The one-time closer was 2-2 with a 4.54 ERA and two saves in 40 relief appearances for Milwaukee.

Ramon Hernandez, bal

Hernandez underwent successful arthroscopic surgery on his left wrist on Friday, which cleaned up a cartilage problem. The San Diego Padres are now saying that Hernandez will need 5-6 weeks of rehab before he will return to game action. Perhaps he'll be ready for the last half of September.

Eddy Garabito, bal

Garabito was called up from Triple-A Colorado Springs.

7/30/2005

Desi Relaford, bal

The Colorado Rockies designated Relaford for assignment Saturday, after the veteran utilityman struggled with both bat and glove over the past two months. In 36 games since June 5, Relaford has batted .128 (14-for-109) and committed six errors. For the season, he hit .224 in 210 at-bats.

David Newhan, bal

The Baltimore Orioles have recalled Newhan to replace the injured Eli Marrero on the 25-man roster. Newhan, who had been optioned to Triple-A Ottawa nearly three weeks ago, batted .366 with a homer and eight RBI in 11 games. In two stints with the Orioles this season, the 31-year-old Newhan has batted .198 with three homers and 12 RBI in 49 games.

Daniel Cabrera, bal

Cabrera left in the second inning of Baltimore's loss to the Chicago White Sox on Saturday after being hit on the back of his right hand by a line drive off the bat of Joe Crede. X-rays were negative and the injury is being described as a bruise.

7/28/2005

Sammy Sosa, bal

Homering for a second day in a row in Wednesday night's 11-8 Baltimore loss to Texas, Sosa stroked his 587th home run to take over sole possession of fifth place from Frank Robinson on the all-time career list. Sosa's solo shot in the first inning Wednesday gave the Orioles a 4-0 lead, but Baltimore eventually lost to the Rangers in 11 innings.

Steve Reed, bal

Reed, who was designated for assignment by the Baltimore Orioles two weeks ago, cleared waivers and became a free agent on Thursday. He was 1-2 with a 6.61 ERA in 30 relief appearances for the Orioles this season.

Ramon Hernandez, bal

A specialist in Los Angeles has confirmed that Hernandez has a small cartilage tear in his ailing left wrist, and as a result, the Padres' catcher will undergo surgery on Friday to repair the damage. He will be placed on the 15-day disabled list and is expected to be sidelined for the next 3-6 weeks, not the rest of the season as originally feared.

7/27/2005

Sammy Sosa, bal

Sosa hit a two-run homer in the Orioles' 5-4 victory over the Texas Rangers, the 586th of his career, tying him with Frank Robinson at fifth on the all-time list.

Ricky Bottalico, bal

After allowing 10 runs -- nine earned -- in his last eight innings, Bottalico has been designated for assignment by the Milwaukee Brewers. The 35-year-old righthander will be replaced on the roster and in the bullpen by another veteran, Rick Helling, whose contract was purchased from Triple-A Nashville on Wednesday.

Ramon Hernandez, bal

According to Padres manager Bruce Bochy, Hernandez is leaning toward undergoing surgery on his ailing left wrist, but he will get a second opinion in Los Angeles on Wednesday before making a final decision. The catcher has been battling pain since spraining the wrist while diving into first base against the Minnesota Twins on June 15. He landed on the 15-day disabled list for nearly three weeks.

7/26/2005

John Halama, bal

Halama has been designated for assignment by the Boston Red Sox, opening a spot on the roster for fellow reliever Manny Delcarmen, who was recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket on Tuesday. In 30 appearances with the Sox this season, including one start, the 33-year-old Halama went 1-1 with a 6.18 ERA. He struck out 26 batters, walked nine and allowed five home runs in 43.2 innings of work.

Eli Whiteside, bal

Whiteside has been optioned to Triple-A Ottawa by the Baltimore Orioles, opening a spot on the roster for fellow catcher Javy Lopez, who was activated from the 15-day disabled list on Monday. In just six games during his brief stint with the major league club, Whiteside went 3-for-8 with an RBI.

7/25/2005

Vic Darensbourg, bal

The Detroit Tigers recalled Darensbourg from Triple-A Toledo Sunday, after the club returned Justin Verlander to the minors following his spot start in Saturday's doubleheader with the Minnesota Twins. The 34-year-old Darensbourg, who hasn't made a major league appearance in 2005, was 2-0 with seven saves and a 0.29 ERA in 44 games for Toledo.

Kris Benson, bal

Benson notched his first win in more than a month, going eight strong innings in Sunday's 6-0 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Mets' righthander gave up just four hits, struck out five and walked one. He improved to 7-3 in 16 starts this season and saw his ERA drop from 3.40 to 3.14.

7/23/2005

Eddy Garabito, bal

Garbito was optioned to Triple-A Colorado Springs by the Rockies on Saturday.

7/20/2005

Ramon Hernandez, bal

Hernandez's sprained left wrist continues to give him problems, and the catcher is expected to undergo another MRI within the next couple of days. Depending on what the tests show, there is a chance that Hernandez could require another stint on the 15-day disabled list or even be forced to undergo surgery. In the meantime, he plans to try to play through the pain.

7/19/2005

Sammy Sosa, bal

With a home run in Baltimore's 3-2 win over Minnesota on Monday, Sosa passed Mark McGwire on the all-time home-run list. The Baltimore outfielder slugged homer No. 584 to take over sixth place among the home-run kings. Sosa now stands two longballs shy of tying Frank Robinson, who has been holding down fifth place since Barry Bonds passed him in 2002.

Erik Bedard, bal

It was a successful return for Bedard, after missing nearly two months with a strained MCL in his left knee. The 26-year-old southpaw worked six scoreless innings for the Orioles, allowing four hits and two walks while striking out seven. He departed after the Orioles scored twice in the top of the seventh to take a 2-0 lead Monday night, but the Twins tied the game before the O's pulled out a 3-2, 11-inning victory.

7/18/2005

LaTroy Hawkins, bal

With Tyler Walker unavailable after throwing 31 pitches the previous night, the San Francisco Giants turned to Hawkins in the ninth inning of Sunday's comeback victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers. The veteran tossed a perfect inning and recorded his fifth save of the season and first since joining the Giants. Since coming over in a trade with the Chicago Cubs, Hawkins has appeared in 12 games with San Fran, going 0-1 with a 6.75 ERA.

Erik Bedard, bal

As anticipated, the Baltimore Orioles activated Bedard from the disabled list Monday, in time to start the evening's showdown with the Minnesota Twins at the Metrodome. The 26-year-old lefthander went on the DL on May 26 with a strained MCL in his left knee. Prior to his injury, he was one of the hottest pitchers in the American League, and he returns with a 5-1 mark and a 2.08 ERA in nine games.

7/16/2005

Raul Chavez, bal

The Astros outrighted Chavez to Triple-A Round Rockk on Saturday after activated Humberto Quintero from the disabled list. Chavez, who is hitting just .186 in 29 games with the Astros in 2005, now has 72 hours to decide whether to accept the assignment.

7/15/2005

Rafael Palmeiro, bal

With a hit in Baltimore's 5-3 win over Seattle Thursday, Palmeiro moved to within one hit of the 3,000-hit club. When he gets there, the Orioles' first baseman becomes just the fourth major leaguer to collect 3,000 hits and 500 home runs, joining Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and Eddie Murray in that select group. Palmeiro enters Friday's showdown at Safeco Field with 2,999 hits and 566 homers.

Steve Reed, bal

To make room on the 25-man roster for Jason Grimsley, who is returning from Tommy John surgery, the Baltimore Orioles designated Reed for assignment. After two decent seasons in Colorado, the 40-year-old righthander was 1-2 with a 6.61 ERA in 30 appearances as a reliever.

7/14/2005

Ryan Jensen, bal

On Thursday, the Kansas Royals activated Ambiorix Burgos from the disabled list and designated Jensen for assignment. The 29-year-old former Giants prospect was 3-2 with a 7.11 ERA in three starts and six relief appearances for the Royals.

7/13/2005

Miguel Tejada, bal

Despite going just 1-for-3, Tejada was named the Most Valuable Player of the 2005 MLB All-Star game. The Baltimore Orioles' shortstop connected for a solo homer off Atlanta's John Smoltz in his first at-bat before adding an RBI groundout in the third inning. Tejada got the job done with his glove as well, knocking down a sharp one-hopper to begin a double play in the first.

Erik Bedard, bal

Bedard reported no problems after tossing five shutout innings in a minor league rehab start with Class-A Delmarva on Tuesday. The Orioles' lefthander surrendered just three hits in the outing, striking out nine and walking one. Barring any last-minute setbacks, he will be activated from the 15-day disabled list in time to start Monday's meeting with the Minnesota Twins. For the season, Bedard is 5-1 with a 2.08 ERA in nine games.

7/11/2005

Rafael Palmeiro, bal

Palmeiro homered for the third consecutive game, going 1-for-3 with two RBI in Sunday's victory over the Boston Red Sox. In the four-game series against the World Series champions, the Orioles' veteran first baseman went 5-for-13 with the trio of longballs and nine RBI.

Rodrigo Lopez, bal

Lopez was able to keep the Red Sox' bats quiet for the third time in four starts against Boston this season, going eight strong innings in Sunday's 4-1 victory. The Orioles' righthander allowed just one run on three hits, striking out six and walking none. For the season, he is 8-5 with a 4.47 ERA in 19 outings.

7/10/2005

Rafael Palmeiro, bal

Palmeiro went 2-for-3 with a home run and six RBI in the Orioles' 9-1 rout of the Red Sox, bringing the 39-year old veteran within three hits of 3000.

Rafael Palmeiro, bal

Palmeiro went 2-for-3 with a home run and six RBI in the Orioles' 9-1 rout of the Red Sox, bringing the 39-year old veteran within three hits of 3,000 for his major league career.

Miguel Tejada, bal

Tejada singled four times and added a triple in the Orioles' 9-1 win over the Red Sox Saturday, the second five-hit game of his career. His last five-hit game came on June 19, 2003 against the Texas Rangers.

7/9/2005

Erik Bedard, bal

Baltimore is targeting July 18 for Bedard's return to the rotation. The pitcher, who is on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained left knee, is scheduled to make another rehab appearance with Double-A Bowie on Sunday.

7/8/2005

Sammy Sosa, bal

Sosa singled in the final run of a 3-1 Oriole win over the Red Sox, a game limited to six innings on account of rain. It was his first RBI in 47 at bats, dating back to June 19. To date, Sosa is hitting .230 with nine home runs and 27 RBI.

Ramon Hernandez, bal

Hernandez was back in the Padres' lineup for Thursday night's game against the Houston Astros after being activated from the 15-day disabled list earlier in the day. The catcher, who had been sidelined for nearly three weeks with a sprained left wrist, went 1-for-5 with a pair of RBI and two strikeouts. Miguel Ojeda was optioned to the minor leagues to open a spot on the roster.

Corey Patterson, bal

Patterson, who was benched by manager Dusty Baker earlier this week because of his recent poor play, has been optioned to Triple-A Iowa by the Chicago Cubs. The outfielder appeared to be living up to expectations the past two seasons, but he has struggled mightily in 2005. For the year, Patterson is batting just .232 with 11 home runs, 24 RBI and 12 stolen bases, and he's struck out 83 times in 314 at-bats. Since June 1, he is 19-for-120 (.158).

7/7/2005

B.J. Surhoff, bal

Surhoff has been activated from the 15-day disabled list by the Baltimore Orioles. The 40-year-old outfielder, who takes the roster spot of the demoted David Newhan, had been out of action since June 19, due to a strained intercostal muscle in his left side. He is batting .288 with four home runs and 19 RBI in 42 games this season.

David Newhan, bal

Newhan has been optioned to Triple-A Ottawa by the Baltimore Orioles, opening a spot on the roster for veteran outfielder B.J. Surhoff, who was activated from the 15-day disabled list on Thursday. In 49 games with the Orioles this season (116 at-bats), Newhan has batted just .198 with three home runs and 12 RBI.

Erik Bedard, bal

Rehabbing a strained ligament in his left knee, Bedard will pitch two innings Wednesday in a rehabilitation start for Double-A Bowie. The Orioles' lefthander probably will need two or three rehab outings before he is ready to return to the Baltimore rotation.

7/4/2005

Sammy Sosa, bal

Sosa, who is mired in a 1-for-31 slump, sat for both of the Orioles' games on Saturday and Sunday. Baltimore manager Lee Mazzilli said his right fielder would be back in the lineup against the New York Yankees on Monday. The 36-year-old Sosa is batting .227 with nine homers and 26 RBI in 62 games this season.

LaTroy Hawkins, bal

On Monday, the San Francisco Giants optioned Todd Linden to Triple-A Fresno and activated Hawkins from the disabled list. The 32-year-old reliever, who was dealt from the Cubs to the Giants on May 28, returns from a bout of right ulnar neuritis.

Melvin Mora, bal

After missing 10 games with a lingering hamstring injury, Mora returned to the Baltimore lineup Sunday, going 1-for-4 in the Orioles' 9-4 loss to Cleveland. The 33-year-old third baseman is batting .299 with 17 doubles, 14 home runs, 46 RBI and a .509 slugging mark in 71 games this season.

Ramon Hernandez, bal

There is a chance that Hernandez could return to the Padres' lineup later this week, but as a precautionary measure, the team might choose to keep him out until after the All-Star break, giving him some extra time to rest his sprained left wrist. The catcher, who has been sidelined since June 17, received a second cortisone shot last Friday and is showing improvement.

Corey Patterson, bal

Mired in a 2-for-20 slump, Patterson was given the day off on Sunday. According to Cubs manager Dusty Baker, the outfielder likely will sit out on Monday as well. Jerry Hairston got the nod in center in his stead. Overall this season, Patterson is batting .236 with 11 home runs, 24 RBI and 12 stolen bases. All 11 of his homers have been solo shots.

Geronimo Gil, bal

The Baltimore Orioles placed catcher Geronimo Gil on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained left thumb Sunday, almost a full month from the day he first suffered the injury. The Orioles' backstop was injured on June 4 against Detroit and has managed to start nine games since he was hurt. But the thumb swelled up significantly over the weekend. Gil is batting .202 with a .216 on-base percentage in 97 plate appearances for the O's this season.

Eli Whiteside, bal

On Sunday, the Baltimore Orioles placed catcher Geronimo Gil on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained thumb and recalled Whiteside from Triple-A Ottawa. The 25-year-old catcher was batting .263 with four home runs and 22 RBI in 63 games for Ottawa.

7/2/2005

Tim Byrdak, bal

The Baltimore Orioles purchased Byrdak's contract from Triple-A Ottawa on Saturday. To make room on the roster, they designated Rick Bauer for assignment.

7/1/2005

Melvin Mora, bal

Mora still is out because of the hamstring injury he suffered on June 21 in Toronto. The Baltimore Orioles have been holding off on putting their third baseman on the disabled list, and they hope he may be able to return this weekend when they host Cleveland. He isn't penciled into the lineup for Friday's game.

6/30/2005

Russ Ortiz, bal

Ortiz had some minor discomfort while throwing on Tuesday, but reported no pain on Wednesday. The Diamondbacks' righthander, who has been sidelined since the middle of the month with a strained right rib cage, will be limited to throwing from 30-45 feet over the next several days before being re-evaluated to determine the next step in his rehab program. He does not appear to be close to a return.

6/29/2005

Russ Ortiz, bal

Ortiz tried throwing at a short distance for about five minutes on Tuesday, but reported some minor discomfort in his side and cut the session short. The Diamondbacks' righthander, who has been sidelined since the middle of the month with a strained right rib cage, does not appear close to a return to the rotation. He will be re-evaluated later this week.

Brian Roberts, bal

On Mike Stanton's first pitch of the 10th inning, Roberts drilled a walk-off home run to give Baltimore a 5-4 victory over the New York Yankees on Tuesday. Roberts also had a double in the game, and the Orioles' second baseman now boasts an eight-game hitting streak in which he is 14-for-32 (.438) with five doubles and 10 runs scored.

Luis Terrero, bal

After missing more than three weeks with a strained left groin, Terrero was activated from the 15-day disabled list and was in the Diamondbacks' starting lineup for Tuesday's meeting with the San Francisco Giants. The outfielder went 0-for-3 in his return and is now batting .239 with two home runs, eight RBI and two stolen bases in 35 games this season.

6/28/2005

Bruce Chen, bal

Chen threw in the bullpen on Tuesday, but it is still uncertain whether he will make his scheduled start on Thursday against Cleveland. The Baltimore lefthander sustained a sprained left big toe on Saturday and continues to limp. Orioles manager Lee Mazzilli said the club will wait until Wednesday or perhaps even Thursday to make the call.

Melvin Mora, bal

Mora still has not run on his sprained right hamstring, but could on Wednesday, which will determine whether he is headed to the disabled list. The Orioles' third baseman hasn't played since he was injured running to first base on June 21 against Toronto.

Erik Bedard, bal

The Baltimore Orioles had to slow down Bedard's rehab program when the strained ligament in his left knee was healing slower than anticipated. The O's lefty threw off flat ground on Monday, a first step toward going on a minor league rehab assignment. He'll need some minor league time after more than a month on the sidelines, and he may be ready to return to the Orioles' rotation near the All-Star break.

6/27/2005

Bruce Chen, bal

The left big toe that Chen sprained in Baltimore's loss to Atlanta Saturday may keep the lefthanded starter from taking his scheduled turn on Thursday. The 28-year-old Chen will attempt to throw a bullpen session Tuesday, which probably will determine whether he can make Thursday's start against Cleveland.

Melvin Mora, bal

Mora still hasn't played since he strained his right hamstring in Baltimore's win over Toronto last Tuesday. The Orioles' third baseman will try to run Monday afternoon before determining whether he can play against the Yankees that night.

6/25/2005

Bruce Chen, bal

Orioles starter Bruce Chen left Saturday's game against the Braves due to a sprained toe on his left foot. Chen pulled up lame after throwing a pitch to the Braves' Marcus Giles in the fifth inning. Following a walk to Giles, Orioles manager Lee Mazilli removed the starter in order to conduct precautionary X-rays. These came back negative, and Chen is hopeful he will be able to make his next scheduled start.

6/22/2005

B.J. Surhoff, bal

Surhoff has been placed on the 15-day disabled list by the Baltimore Orioles, due to a strained intercostal muscle in his left side, an injury apparently suffered while diving for a ball on Saturday. The veteran will be replaced on the active roster by third baseman/outfielder David Newhan.

Melvin Mora, bal

Mora was forced to leave Tuesday's win over the Toronto Blue Jays after straining his right hamstring while running to first base on a grounder in the eighth inning. The third baseman is scheduled to be re-evaluated on Wednesday, but reportedly, the team believes the injury could land Mora on the 15-day disabled list. In 70 games this season, Mora is batting .300 with 14 home runs, 46 RBI and seven stolen bases.

David Newhan, bal

Newhan was on his way down to Triple-A Ottawa, but instead, he will return to the Baltimore Orioles, filling the roster spot of ailing veteran B.J. Surhoff. The third baseman/outfielder, who had been demoted over the weekend, is batting .194 with three home runs, 12 RBI and four stolen bases in 40 games this season.

Ramon Hernandez, bal

Hernandez has been placed on the 15-day disabled list by the San Diego Padres, retroactive to June 18. The catcher has been sidelined since spraining his left wrist while sliding back to first base in a game against the Minnesota Twins last Friday. Until Hernandez is back behind the plate for the Padres, Robert Fick and Miguel Ojeda will split the catching duties.

Geronimo Gil, bal

Gil notched the second multihomer game of his major league career, going deep twice in Tuesday's victory over the Toronto Blue Jays. The Orioles' catcher, who has been filling in for the injured Javy Lopez, belted a two-run homer in the sixth inning before adding a solo shot in the eighth.

6/21/2005

Luis Lopez, bal

Further tests on Lopez' leg have revealed a torn right hamstring, an injury that will force the infielder to miss the rest of the 2005 campaign. The Reds' veteran, who was hurt while sliding into second base in the fourth inning of Sunday's meeting with the Atlanta Braves, was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Monday. Surgery has been scheduled for early next month.

Ramon Hernandez, bal

Hernandez continues to be listed as day-to-day with a sprained left wrist, but according to Padres' manager Bruce Bochy, the catcher might be forced to spend some time on the disabled list if he does not respond to treatment over the next few days. Hernandez has not played since last Friday.

6/20/2005

Luis Lopez, bal

Lopez has been placed on the 15-day disabled list by the Cincinnati Reds. The infielder will be sidelined indefinitely after straining his right hamstring while sliding into second base in the fourth inning of Sunday's meeting with the Atlanta Braves. William Bergolla will be recalled from the club's Triple-A affiliate to fill the void on the roster.

Raul Chavez, bal

The Houston Astros have purchased Chavez' contract from Triple-A Round Rock, filling the roster spot of fellow catcher Humberto Quintero, who is expected to miss the next 3-4 weeks after undergoing an appendectomy over the weekend. Chavez was designated for assignment earlier this month after batting .203 with three RBI in 22 games with the Astros in 2005.

Brian Roberts, bal

Roberts was kept out of Baltimore's starting lineup for Sunday's 4-2 win over Colorado, because of a stiff lower back that forced him out of Saturday's game in the sixth inning. The Orioles' second baseman entered Sunday's contest as an eighth-inning defensive replacement, and he singled in the bottom half of the inning in his only time at the plate.

6/19/2005

Sammy Sosa, bal

Sosa homered in the bottom of the fourth inning off Colorado pitcher Byung-Hyun Kim for home run No. 583 for his career. The home run ties him with Mark McGwire for sixth place on the all-time list, and puts him only 17 home runs away from becoming the fifth player in history to record 600 home runs.

David Newhan, bal

After being given the chance to start when Luis Matos went down with an injury, Orioles utilityman David Newhan has now been sent down to the Triple-A Ottawa. Newhan was batting only .194 in 108 at-bats, and he was replaced on the roster by none other than Luis Matos.

Ramon Hernandez, bal

Hernandez sat out the Padres game with the Twins on Saturday with a sore left wrist. The former All-Star catcher injured his wrist while diving back to first base on a play Friday night. Robert Fick started in place of Hernandez behind the plate. According to manager Bruce Bochy, Hernandez is still a few days away from returning to the starting lineup.

6/18/2005

Russ Ortiz, bal

The Diamondbacks placed Ortiz on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right rib cage Saturday. This is the first time in his major league career that Ortiz will miss a starting assignment. Signed as a free agent this past offseason, Ortiz is 4-6 with a 5.88 ERA for the Diamondbacks.

6/17/2005

LaTroy Hawkins, bal

The San Francisco Giants placed Hawkins on the 15-day disabled list Friday with right ulnar neuritis. The move was made retroactive to June 10. To replace Hawkins on the big league roster, the Giants recalled Brandon Puffer from Triple-A Fresno.

6/14/2005

Chris Ray, bal

Before Baltimore's victory over Houston Monday night, the Baltimore Orioles optioned southpaw reliever John Parrish to Double-A Bowie and recalled Ray from the same affiliate. The 23-year-old righthander had been a starter in the minors for three seasons before converting to relief for the current campaign. At Bowie, Ray recorded 15 saves, a 1.10 ERA and a 37-6 strikeout-walk ratio in 32.2 innings.

6/13/2005

Raul Chavez, bal

After being designated for assignment a week ago, Chavez cleared waivers and accepted an outright assignment to Houston's Triple-A Round Rock. The veteran catcher has the defensive skills to help a major league club, but his bat holds him back. He was batting .203 (13-for-64) with three doubles, RBI and runs scored in 22 games with Houston.

John Parrish, bal

On Monday, the Baltimore Orioles optioned Parrish to Double-A Bowie. The 27-year-old lefthander has spent the entire season with the Orioles, going 1-0 with a 3.12 ERA in 14 relief appearances.

6/12/2005

Ryan Jensen, bal

The Royals recalled Jensen from Triple-A Omaha on Saturday, a week after the team had designated him for assignment. In three starts for the parent club in late May and early June this season, the righthander posted a 2-1 record with a 7.43 ERA.

6/10/2005

Brian Roberts, bal

On Friday, Roberts was at the top of the Baltimore batting order for the first time since May 31. The American League batting leader (.365) went 1-for-5 in the Orioles' 4-3 win over Cincinnati.

6/9/2005

B.J. Surhoff, bal

Surhoff extended his hitting streak to a dozen games Wednesday, going 1-for-4 in Baltimore's loss to Pittsburgh. In his 12-game run, the Orioles' veteran is 20-for-49 (.408) with four doubles, two triples, seven RBI and eight runs scored. He's picked it up with fellow outfielder Larry Bigbie on the disabled list.

Brian Roberts, bal

It seems more certain now that Roberts will be ready to return to the Baltimore lineup on Friday, when the Orioles face the Reds in Cincinnati. The Orioles' second baseman has been resting a shoulder injury that has kept him out of the starting lineup since May 31. He has made just two pinch-hit appearances since then.

Luis Terrero, bal

The Arizona Diamondbacks placed outfielder Luis Terrero on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday with a left groin strain, three days after he was injured beating out a grounder at Philadelphia on Sunday. Manager Bob Melvin said an MRI exam on Wednesday morning found damage to Terrero's groin tendon.

6/8/2005

B.J. Surhoff, bal

Surhoff has fared well playing every day in place of injured left fielder Larry Bigbie. The 40-year-old veteran has an 11-game hitting streak in which he's batting .422 with four doubles, two triples, seven RBI and eight runs scored. For the season, Surhoff is a .320 hitter with 18 runs scored and 17 RBI in 34 games.

Brian Roberts, bal

Bothered by an ailing right shoulder, Roberts saw his first game action since May 31 on Tuesday, as the Orioles' second baseman pinch-hit in the ninth inning of Baltimore's 6-5 loss to Pittsburgh. Despite his appearance on Tuesday, Roberts isn't likely to return to the Baltimore lineup before Friday.

Geronimo Gil, bal

Gil hasn't returned to action since bruising his left thumb on Saturday. The Baltimore catcher remains day-to-day, and Sal Fasano has played well as the starter with Gil sidelined. Gil is batting .188 with two home runs and 11 RBI in 34 games this season.

6/7/2005

Brian Roberts, bal

Roberts took swings in an indoor batting cage and did some throwing on Monday. Orioles manager Lee Mazzilli was encouraged by Roberts' workout, saying he expects the second baseman to return to action on Tuesday or Wednesday. Whenever he returns, he will have a 20-game hitting streak on the line.

Erik Bedard, bal

On the disabled list with a strained ligament in his left knee, Bedard could start a minor league rehab assignment as soon as this weekend. The Orioles' lefthander, who went on the DL on May 26, is 5-1 with a 2.08 ERA in nine starts this season. He hasn't pitched since shutting out the Phillies for seven innings on May 21.

6/6/2005

Kevin Millar, bal

Millar may see less playing time this week, as Boston will play interleague series in St. Louis and Chicago. Chances are, the everyday DH David Ortiz has been working out with his first-base mitt recently, preparing for life without the DH spot.

Jay Gibbons, bal

Gibbons and Baltimore's other DH options will see fewer at-bats this week, as the Orioles will play interleague series in Pittsburgh and Cincinnati. Gibbons, who is a .265 hitter with nine homers and 31 RBI this season, will be available for pinch-hitting duties only if he isn't penciled into the lineup at first base or right field.

Brian Roberts, bal

Roberts, who has been out since May 31 with an ailing right shoulder, appears doubtful for Monday's interleague series opener between Baltimore and Pittsburgh. Orioles manager Lee Mazzilli said his second baseman would have to "convince me he can go" before he'll appear on Monday night's lineup card.

6/5/2005

Kevin Millar, bal

Millar notched the fourth multihomer game of his major league career, belting a pair of solo shots in Saturday's loss to the Los Angeles Angels. The Red Sox' first baseman also added a double and finished the game with three RBI and three runs scored.

Geronimo Gil, bal

Gil bruised his left thumb in Saturday's meeting with the Detroit Tigers and was forced to leave the game in the fifth inning. Although the injury is not considered serious, the Orioles' catcher will undergo X-rays as a precautionary measure. He has been listed as day-to-day.

6/4/2005

Ryan Jensen, bal

The Royals designated Jensen for assignment on Saturday. The pitcher has made three starts for Kansas City this season, going 2-1 with a 7.43 ERA.

6/3/2005

Brian Roberts, bal

Roberts had an MRI exam on his ailing right shoulder Friday, but the Orioles' second baseman already was feeling better. After the exam, Roberts rejoined the Orioles, but he isn't likely to play over the weekend. He'll be available for pinch-running duty.

6/2/2005

Raul Chavez, bal

The Houston Astros have designated Chavez for assignment, opening a spot on the roster for Humberto Quintero, who was recalled from Triple-A Round Rock on Wednesday. In 22 games with Houston this season, Chavez batted just .203 with three doubles and three RBI.

Miguel Tejada, bal

Despite discomfort in his left shoulder from a headfirst slide on Monday night, Tejada was 4-for-5 with three doubles, a homer and three runs scored in Baltimore's 9-3 win over Boston Wednesday. The Orioles' shortstop won't be sitting out any games. Wednesday's was his 808th straight, the longest active streak in the majors.

Brian Roberts, bal

Roberts didn't play on Wednesday because of a right shoulder strain. The Orioles' second baseman battled the same ailment during spring training and missed two weeks. Roberts, who told manager Lee Mazzilli that he could play, was kept on the bench. He is day-to-day.

6/1/2005

Miguel Tejada, bal

In Baltimore's Monday night win over Boston, Tejada scored on a headfirst slide into home, but he got up in obvious pain. The Orioles' shortstop woke up on Tuesday with the same pain in his left shoulder, but it didn't keep him out of the lineup that night. In Baltimore's loss to Boston on Tuesday, Tejada was on the field for his 807th straight game.

Brian Roberts, bal

Roberts' career-best hitting streak has reached 20 games. The Orioles' second baseman went 1-for-4 on Wednesday night, and he's 31-for-82 (.378) with nine doubles, two triples and two home runs during his 20-game run. He has scored a dozen runs in those 20 games.

5/31/2005

Rodrigo Lopez, bal

For a second straight start on Monday, Lopez held his opponent to a single run over eight innings en route to a win. In a start at Fenway Park, the 29-year-old righthander limited the Red Sox to six hits, a pair of walks and an unearned tally in an 8-1 Baltimore victory. He struck out five.

5/30/2005

Brian Roberts, bal

Roberts doubled to open Baltimore's Monday night contest in Boston, extending his career-best hitting streak to 19 games. The Orioles' second baseman came around to score to give Baltimore the early lead. Including that leadoff double, Roberts is hitting .405 during his 19-game run, with eight doubles, two triples and two homers in 74 at-bats. He's scored a dozen runs in those 19 games.

5/28/2005

LaTroy Hawkins, bal

On Saturday, the Chicago Cubs traded Hawkins to the San Francisco Giants for young righthanders David Aardsma and Jerome Williams. Hawkins had signed a three-year deal with the Cubs before the 2004 season, but has struggled when forced into the closer role. He was 1-4 with four saves and a 3.32 ERA for the Cubs this season.

5/27/2005

Ramon Hernandez, bal

Hernandez extended his current hitting streak to a career-high 13 games, going 2-for-4 with a double and RBI in Thursday's victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Padres' catcher has hit safely in 18 of 20 contests in May and is batting .324 with two home runs and 16 RBI for the month.

Hayden Penn, bal

Penn, one of the top pitching prospects in the Baltimore system, has been recalled from Double-A Bowie to replace injured lefthander Erik Bedard on the 25-man roster. The 20-year-old righthander features an excellent changeup and pitching savvy that one might expect from a veteran pitcher. In nine starts at Bowie, Penn was 3-3 with a 3.12 ERA and 58 strikeouts in 49 innings.

5/26/2005

Miguel Tejada, bal

Tejada played in his 800th consecutive game Tuesday in Baltimore's 3-1 victory over Seattle. That is the longest current active streak in the majors -- the 10th longest all time -- and the longest since Cal Ripken's 2,632-game streak began in 1982.

Richard Hidalgo, bal

With a home run in Texas' 7-3 win over Kansas City on Wednesday, Hidalgo has powered four homers in his last four games for the Rangers. In those four games, the Texas right fielder is 6-for-13 (.462) with four dingers, five runs scored and five RBI.

Corey Patterson, bal

Patterson was back in the Chicago Cubs' starting lineup for Thursday afternoon's meeting with the Colorado Rockies, going 2-for-4. The speedy outfielder was limited to bench duty the previous two days by a sore left wrist, an injury suffered when he collided with teammate Jeromy Burnitz on Monday. Jerry Hairston got the starting nod in center field during Patterson's absence.

Brian Roberts, bal

Roberts, who left Baltimore's win over Seattle Tuesday with a bruised right knee, sat out Wednesday's victory over the Mariners. He is expected to be available to play on Thursday in the series finale, and the Orioles' second baseman is likely to be back in the lineup.

Erik Bedard, bal

Baltimore's top starter this season, Bedard was placed on the 15-day disabled list Thursday with a strained ligament in his left knee. While an MRI exam showed no structural damage, the 26-year-old lefty has been pitching with discomfort in recent weeks because of a strained medial collateral ligament. The pain got to be too much since his last start against Philadelphia last weekend. The move is retroactive to Sunday and Bedard is expected to miss two or three starts.

Eddy Garabito, bal

With second baseman Aaron Miles landing on the 15-day disabled list with a strained muscle in his side, the Colorado Rockies have purchased Garabito's contract from Triple-A Colorado Springs to supply the club with some infield depth. Primarily a shortstop, Garabito was batting .301 with six home runs and 23 RBI with the minor league club this season.

5/25/2005

Corey Patterson, bal

Nursing a sore left wrist, Patterson was absent from the Chicago Cubs' starting lineup for Tuesday's meeting with the Houston Astros. The center fielder, who suffered the injury when he collided with teammate Jeromy Burnitz in the outfield the previous night, was inserted as a defensive replacement in the final inning. Jerry Hairston got the starting nod in Patterson's stead.

Brian Roberts, bal

While Javy Lopez' broken right hand was the big news in the Baltimore clubhouse after Tuesday's 3-2 win over Seattle, it's also worth noting that Roberts hobbled off the field with a bruised knee. He was struck by a Ron Villone pitch, stayed in the game, but left later after jamming the knee on a slide into second base.

Geronimo Gil, bal

When Javy Lopez broke his right hand in Baltimore's win over Seattle on Tuesday night, Gil took over behind the plate. He is likely to get most of the starts while Lopez is out for up to six weeks. Gil is batting .191 with a double, homer and seven RBI in 47 at-bats this season.

5/24/2005

Sammy Sosa, bal

On Tuesday, the Baltimore Orioles activated Sosa from the 15-day disabled list. The Orioles' slugger has been out since May 4 with an abscess and staph infection on the bottom of his left foot. It's likely that Sosa will be penciled into the Baltimore lineup Tuesday night, when the Orioles host Seattle. In 27 games before he landed on the DL, Sosa batted .269 with four homers and 13 RBI.

Kevin Millar, bal

After fouling a ball off his left instep on Saturday, Millar was out of Boston's lineup on Sunday. X-rays came back negative, and the Red Sox' first baseman is expected to return to the lineup Tuesday, when Boston opens a three-game series in Toronto. In 2005, Millar is hitting .243 with two homers and 22 RBI in 42 games.

5/23/2005

Brian Roberts, bal

Hitting streaks have become a way of life for Roberts this spring. The Orioles' second baseman began the season by hitting safely and batting .421 in his first 14 games through April 19. Then he engineered a 12-game streak from April 23 through May 7. After going hitless the following day, Roberts began his current 13-game hitting streak on May 9. He's 23-for-56 (.411) over those 13 games, with seven doubles and nine runs scored.

5/22/2005

Ryan Jensen, bal

The Kansas City Royals recalled Jensen on Sunday to start against the St. Louis Cardinals. The 29-year-old righthander went five innings and allowed just two runs for his first major league victory since 2002. The Royals scored six first-inning runs to give Jensen some cushion, and he limited the Cards to three hits and three walks while fanning three.

5/21/2005

Sammy Sosa, bal

Sosa hit in the batting cage on Friday and hopes to be back in the Orioles' lineup on Tuesday against the Seattle Mariners. Sosa has been on the disabled list since May 10, and says he no longer has any pain in his left foot.

5/20/2005

B.J. Surhoff, bal

Bothered by a back ailment, Surhoff wasn't in the Baltimore lineup Thursday for the Orioles' 7-4 loss to Kansas City. There's no word on whether he'll be available for the Orioles' interleague opener against Philadelphia on Friday.

Sammy Sosa, bal

On Thursday, Sosa was cleared by Baltimore team doctor Andy Cosgarea to begin baseball activities. Sosa hit off a tee at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, though the team still isn't sure when he'll be available to return. He has missed 13 games with a staph infection and abscess on the bottom of his left foot.

Luis Lopez, bal

After designating second baseman D'Angelo Jimenez for assignment on Friday, the Cincinnati Reds recalled Lopez from Triple-A Louisville. The 35-year-old veteran hit .264 with one homer and nine RBI in 29 games at Louisville, where he started 23 games at shortstop and two at second base. He previously played for San Diego, the Mets, Milwaukee and Baltimore. Lopez is a lifetime .241 hitter with a career OBP of .294.

5/18/2005

Richard Hidalgo, bal

After a decent start, Hidalgo went into a month-long funk from April 10 through May 9, batting .114 (7-for-79) with two homers and nine RBI in 21 games. The good news is, the Rangers' right fielder has made some adjustments and he's in the midst of a six-game hitting streak. Since May 10, he is 9-for-20 (.450) with two doubles, a homer, five runs scored and five RBI in six games.

Hidalgo isn't exactly tearing the cover off the ball, but this is a good trend for a guy who is prone to long slumps.

5/17/2005

Kris Benson, bal

Benson turned in his best performance of the 2005 campaign, notching the win in Monday's 9-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. The Mets' righthander, who was making his third start of the season after missing more than a month with a slight tear in his right pectoral muscle, allowed just two runs on four hits over 7.2 innings. He struck out eight and walked two.

Benson worked a limited pitch count in his first start and was touched up for four home runs in his second outing, so the team was pleased to see him get back on track and pitch into the eighth inning on Monday. For the year, he is 1-1 with a 4.91 ERA, striking out 17 and walking just four in 18.1 innings of work.

5/13/2005

Sammy Sosa, bal

The staph infection on the bottom of Sosa's left foot is now responding to treatment, and the Orioles' right fielder is on his way to recovery. That will take some time, however, as Sosa can't work out until the wound has closed. At this time, it is expected that he may be out 2-4 weeks.

Jeff Fiorentino, bal

After Larry Bigbie left Baltimore's 3-2 loss to the White Sox in the fourth inning because of a hamstring injury, Fiorentino entered the game and singled twice in two at-bats for his first two major league hits. The 22-year-old outfielder was just recalled from high Class-A Frederick on Wednesday. He is the first position player from the 2004 draft to reach the majors.

If Bigbie is out a while, Fiorentino may get more playing time than anticipated. He has the advantage of being a righthanded hitter. With the Orioles' only two righthanded-hitting outfielders on the disabled list -- Luis Matos and Sammy Sosa -- Fiorentino and fellow callup Keith Reed now are the only Baltimore outfielders who hit from the right side. Of the two, only Fiorentino can play center.

5/12/2005

Jeff Fiorentino, bal

Fiorentino, a third-round pick in last summer's draft, has been recalled by the Baltimore Orioles from high Class-A Frederick. The 22-year-old outfielder replaces injured center fielder Luis Matos on the Orioles' roster.

While Fiorentino was hitting .313 with five home runs and 13 RBI in 115 at-bats for Frederick, he will be counted on more to play a defensive role in center field. David Newhan and Larry Bigbie should get most of the starts in center while Matos is out.

5/11/2005

David Newhan, bal

With Baltimore center fielder Luis Matos lost to a broken finger for six weeks or more, Newhan may see more playing time. The utilityman, who started his pro career as an infielder, could pick up some starts in center. He hasn't played much so far, going 5-for-23 (.217) in 14 games. A year ago, Newhan batted .311 with eight homers, 54 RBI and a .361 on-base percentage in 95 games as an Orioles rookie.

The 31-year-old Newhan is looking for a chance to start. On Wednesday, in the Orioles' first game after losing Matos, Larry Bigbie moved from left to center, and B.J. Surhoff and Jay Gibbons manned the corner spots.

Corey Patterson, bal

Patterson belted two home runs in Tuesday's victory over the New York Mets, increasing his season total to eight. Both were solo shots, which has been the case for every one of his longballs during the 2005 campaign. The Cubs' outfielder now has five multihomer games in his major league career.

Patterson improved his season on-base percentage to .294 -- a number not too impressive for a player that spends a lot of time in the leadoff spot. If he could show more patience at the plate, Patterson would be a much more dangerous hitter. In 130 at-bats, he has just six walks and has fanned 28 times.

Keith Reed, bal

To replace the injured Luis Matos on the roster, the Baltimore Orioles recalled Reed on Wednesday. The 26-year-old outfielder was the Orioles' first-round pick in 1999, a tools-rich player who has taken a long time to convert those tools into useful skills. He gets his first major league opportunity after hitting .267 with four homers and 11 RBI for Ottawa.

Don't look for Reed to start, but with the injuries to Matos and Sammy Sosa, Reed may get some playing time.

Keith Reed, bal

To replace injured center fielder Luis Matos on the roster, the Baltimore Orioles recalled Reed on Wednesday. The 26-year-old outfielder was the Orioles' first-round pick in 1999, a tools-rich player who has taken a long time to convert those tools into useful skills. He gets his first major league opportunity after hitting .267 with four homers and 11 RBI for Ottawa.

Don't look for Reed to start -- as he's not a center fielder -- but with the injuries to Matos and Sammy Sosa, Reed may get some playing time.

5/10/2005

Sammy Sosa, bal

Sosa has not played since Wednesday, after missing a fourth straight start Monday night with an abscess on his left foot. Baltimore's slugger is expected to miss at least two more games, and the Orioles are debating a stint on the disabled list for Sosa.

Sosa is batting .269 with four homers and 13 RBI in 27 games.

Sammy Sosa, bal

On Tuesday the Orioles placed slugger Sammy Sosa on the 15-day disabled list with a nagging foot injury. The veteran is suffering from an abscess and a staph infection on the bottom of his left foot, which has failed to respond to treatment. The team has made the move retroactive to May 5, so Sosa could sit out as few as 10 days. But for now, the infection has become a serious concern and could land Sosa in the hospital.

Jay Gibbons and B.J. Surhoff have been getting starts in right field in Sosa's absence. The two players should continue to platoon while Sosa is out.

LaTroy Hawkins, bal

Hawkins has lost the Cubs' closer job for the second time this season, due to his struggles in the role. Chad Fox got the call late last month, but suffered an elbow injury shortly thereafter and will be sidelined indefinitely. Now, Ryan Dempster will move from the starting rotation and be used in the majority of save situations for Chicago, at least until Joe Borowski returns from a broken wrist.

Hawkins has recorded four saves this season, but overall, he is 1-4 with a 4.26 ERA and two blown saves in 14 relief appearances. He's struck out 12, walked four and allowed three home runs in 12.2 innings of work.

5/7/2005

Sammy Sosa, bal

After missing Friday night's game, Sosa was held out of the Orioles' lineup for the second straight day on Saturday with a foot injury. Although it is not believed to be serious, the ailment should keep him out the remainder of the weekend.

5/6/2005

Sammy Sosa, bal

Sosa was held out of the Orioles' starting lineup on Friday night due to a lesion on the bottom of his left foot. Although not believed to be serious, the Orioles will take precautionary x-rays regardless.

This season, Sosa is hitting .269 with four home runs and 13 RBI in 27 games.

5/4/2005

Richard Hidalgo, bal

Hidalgo returned to the Texas lineup on Tuesday, after tweaking a knee late last week and missing four games. His struggles at the plate continued, however, as the right fielder went 0-for-3 to extend his recent slump to 1-for-18 (.056). He did pick up his third RBI in his last 18 at-bats, getting hit by a pitch with the bases loaded in the Rangers' 6-1 win.

For the season, Hidalgo is hitting .167 and slugging .269 in 73 at-bats. He has just two doubles, two homers, 10 runs scored and 10 RBI.

John Halama, bal

Halama enjoyed a successful spot start against Detroit Tuesday, working five innings while allowing four hits and two runs in a 5-3 Boston win. The lefthander earned his first "W" of the season.

His win over the Tigers may be his only start in place of injured starters Curt Schilling and David Wells. Jeremi Gonzalez is set to take a turn for the injured vets on Saturday, but Wade Miller, coming off a rehab stint for a rotator cuff injury, looks ready to make his 2005 debut on Sunday. If Miller is fine, Halama is likely to return to the Red Sox' bullpen.

Kris Benson, bal

As anticipated, Benson will be activated from the 15-day disabled list by the New York Mets in time to make his 2005 season debut against the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday. The righthander has been sidelined since late in spring training with a slight tear in his right pectoral muscle. Benson split last season between the Mets and Pirates, going a combined 12-12 with a 4.31 ERA and one complete game in 31 starts.

The Mets will push their other starters back one day, opening a window for Benson. With Benson returning to the rotation, Aaron Heilman will either move to a long-relief role or be sent back to Triple-A.

5/3/2005

Richard Hidalgo, bal

Hidalgo has now missed four straight games after tweaking a knee during his last at-bat last Thursday. The Rangers' outfielder remains day-to-day.

Hidalgo's struggles at the plate make it easier to give him an extra day or two off to rest his ailing knee. He has just six hits in his last 56 at-bats (.107), with only one extra-base hit, a double, on April 11.

5/2/2005

Kris Benson, bal

Benson continues his recovery from a slight tear in his right pectoral muscle, and there is a chance he could make his 2005 debut with the Mets later this week. The righthander reported no problems after throwing 36 pitches over three scoreless innings in a minor league rehab start with Class-A Port St. Lucie on Friday, striking out four.

Benson is scheduled to have a bullpen session on Monday before being re-evaluated to determine his status and availability. Reportedly, he could get the nod on Thursday or Friday. Benson split last season between the Mets and Pirates, going a combined 12-12 with a 4.31 ERA and one complete game in 31 starts.

5/1/2005

Miguel Tejada, bal

Tejada continued his hot hitting on Saturday, going 2-for-3 and extending his homer streak to three games in a victory over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Over his last seven contests, the Orioles' shortstop is batting .387 with four home runs, two doubles and 12 RBI.

Tejada has hit safely in 19 of his 23 games this season. For the year, he is batting .347 with eight home runs, six doubles, one triple and 31 RBI.

4/30/2005

Richard Hidalgo, bal

After tweaking his knee during his last at-bat on Thusday, Hidalgo sat out Friday's game against the Boston Red Sox. Gary Matthews Jr. started in right field for Texas in Hidalgo's place.

Hidalgo has gotten off to a very slow start this season, batting just .173 with two home runs.

4/28/2005

John Halama, bal

With Curt Schilling joining David Wells on the disabled list, Halama's first start for the Boston Red Sox has been moved up from Tuesday to Monday. The 33-year-old lefthander will face Detroit at Tiger Stadium that night, and he's tentatively scheduled to square off against righthander Jeremy Bonderman.

As a reliever this season, Halama has posted a 3.52 ERA in eight appearances.

4/27/2005

LaTroy Hawkins, bal

After losing the closer job to Chad Fox a couple days ago, Hawkins could reclaim the role, at least until Joe Borowski is able to return from a broken wrist in a couple of weeks or the team acquires a proven closer via trade. With Fox sidelined indefinitely with an elbow injury, Cubs manager Dusty Baker indicated that Hawkins and veteran lefthander Mike Remlinger are the top options to finish games, with Michael Wuertz figuring into the mix as well.

Baker said the team will use a closer-by-situation approach for the time being. Hawkins is 0-1 with a 4.50 ERA and three saves in nine appearances this season, but has blown two save opportunities.

Richard Hidalgo, bal

Hidalgo has been struggling, and he's been out of the Texas lineup for the last three games. He might have played on Tuesday, but Gary Matthews Jr. was 7-for-11 lifetime against Seattle's starter, Joel Pineiro, so he got the start over Hidalgo. Look for Hidalgo in the Rangers' lineup for Wednesday's contest against the Mariners.

Hidalgo has been in a 4-for-39 slump (.103) dating back to April 12. He has recorded just one RBI over that 11-game span, and has struck out 12 times. He goes into Wednesday's contest on an 0-for-9 binge.

4/26/2005

John Halama, bal

With David Wells heading for the 15-day disabled list for a foot injury, the Boston Red Sox plan to move Halama into their rotation. Tentatively, the 33-year-old lefthander will make his first start of 2005 in Detroit next Tuesday.

As a reliever this season, Halama has posted a 3.52 ERA in eight appearances. He was 5-5 with a 6.03 ERA in 14 outings as a starter last season for Tampa Bay. In 20 relief appearances for the Rays, he was 2-1 with a 2.45 ERA. It's conceivable that Wade Miller will take over Wells' starts at some point in May.

Corey Patterson, bal

Patterson has been limited to pinch-hitting appearances in each of the Cubs' last two games. The outfielder was absent from the starting lineup for Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, primarily because the team was facing a lefthander, and a bout with the flu kept him on the bench for the start of Monday's meeting with the Cincinnati Reds. He should return to regular duties as early as Tuesday.

Jerry Hairston Jr fill the void in center with Patterson sidelined, but should be back at second base within the next day or two. In 19 games this season, Patterson is batting .286 with four home runs, eight RBI, one stolen base and 14 runs scored.

4/25/2005

Sammy Sosa, bal

Going into Sunday's series finale against Toronto, Sosa hadn't generated an extra-base hit for the Orioles since April 16. That changed when the Orioles' slugger homered twice in a 7-1 Baltimore victory. Sosa connected off Roy Halladay in the fifth inning and Justin Speier in the ninth, his first multihomer game with Baltimore and the 67th of his career, tying him for third all-time with Mark McGwire. Only Barry Bonds (68) and Babe Ruth (72) have more.

After starting 5-for-25 with just a double for an extra-base hit through his first six games with Baltimore, Sosa has gone 18-for-52 (.346) with three doubles, a triple, four homers and nine RBI in his last 13 contests. On Monday, Sosa makes his first trip to Fenway Park since May 1991. He's just 10-for-44 (.227) with only one homer there, but he's come a long way as a hitter since he last saw the Green Monster.

4/24/2005

LaTroy Hawkins, bal

Hawkins blew his second save in five opportunities on Saturday, when he ceded a ninth-inning home run to the Pirates' Jason Bay, leading to a 4-3 Cubs loss. Since signing with the Cubs last year, Hawkins has blown 11 of 39 chances for a save.

That may have been the straw that broke manager Dusty Baker's back, as it appears that the Cubs will resort to a closer-by-committee for the time being -- until Joe Borowski returns or GM Jim Hendry can swing a trade for an established closer.

4/20/2005

Corey Patterson, bal

In addition to a couple of impressive snags in the outfield, Patterson went 2-for-5 in Tuesday's win over the Cincinnati Reds and belted his second home run in as many games. Through 14 contests this season, the Cubs' center fielder is batting .306 with three homers, seven RBI and one stolen base. He's fanned 13 times and walked just twice in 62 at-bats.

Patterson has spent the majority of his time at the top of the Cubs' batting order this season, but he's also hit second and third in the lineup. He should get more opportunities to steal some bases in the coming weeks.

Brian Roberts, bal

Roberts simply keeps hitting. After stroking a three-run homer in Baltimore's 8-4 win over Detroit on Tuesday, the Orioles' second baseman has hit safely in all 14 games this season and has a 19-game hitting streak that dates back to September 30. For 2005, he leads the American League in runs (16), extra-base hits (10), total bases (49), on-base percentage (.507) and slugging (.860). He ranks second in batting (.421), home runs (6), RBI (17) and stolen bases (6).

It's an April to remember for Roberts. Is there plenty more left in him for the final five months of the season?

4/17/2005

Brian Roberts, bal

After going 2-for-4 with his sixth stolen base in Baltimore's 8-4 win over the Yankees on Sunday, Roberts has hit safely in all 12 Orioles games, shares the American League lead in steals and tops the circuit in total bases (45) and slugging (.898). He's hitting .449 in 49 at-bats, and he leads Ichiro (.447) by two points in the AL batting race.

4/13/2005

Desi Relaford, bal

Relaford has been activated from the 15-day disabled list by the Colorado Rockies after being limited for nearly a month with cartilage damage in his left knee. The veteran infielder fills the roster spot of Alfredo Amezaga, who was designated for assignment on Tuesday.

Relaford will team with Luis Gonzalez to serve as the backup infielders for the Rockies. He spent last season with the Kansas City Royals, batting .221 with six home runs, 34 RBI and five stolen bases in 114 games.

4/12/2005

Kris Benson, bal

After shutting down for more than a week, Benson will begin a throwing program over the next couple of days, and he could be back to pitching off a mound by the weekend. The Mets' righthander, who currently is on the 15-day disabled list with a slight tear in his right pectoral muscle, will need some time to rebuild the strength in his arm before seeing any game action. Aaron Heilman will continue to fill the No. 5 hole for the Mets until Benson can return.

Once Benson is throwing pain-free, he'll be sent on a minor league rehab assignment and likely will make a couple starts before rejoining the Mets' rotation. Don't expect him back until early May. He split last season between the Mets and Pirates, going a combined 12-12 with a 4.31 ERA and one complete game in 31 starts.

4/11/2005

Sammy Sosa, bal

Sosa is off to a very slow start with his new team, posting hitting percentages of .200/.259/.240 in his first six games with the Orioles. The 36-year-old slugger is 5-for-25 (.200) without a run scored or RBI so far this season. He has one double, which is his only extra-base hit of 2005.

Rodrigo Lopez, bal

After working eight stellar innings at Yankee Stadium on Sunday, which earned him a 7-2 victory, Lopez is 2-0 on the season. The Baltimore righthander, who has allowed just one run over 14 innings, gave up six hits, two walks and his first run of the season against New York. He fanned eight Yankees. Lopez worked six shutout innings in his 2005 debut against Oakland on April 4.

Brian Roberts, bal

Roberts is off to a terrific start, batting .400, scoring six runs and driving in six in Baltimore's first six games. The Orioles' second baseman is 10-for-25 with a double, triple and three longballs in the early going. He's hit safely in all six games.

In his last three games, Roberts is 7-for-15 with a double, triple and two dingers. Hot and cold streaks were the norm for Roberts in 2004. He batted .305 and scored 18 runs in 21 games last April. Then he batted .235 and slugged .314 in May and June. He came alive in August, batting .346 with a .432 OBP, 10 doubles and 21 runs scored in 28 games. From the start of September through the end of the season he batted .244 with a .294 OBP.

4/8/2005

Kevin Millar, bal

The cramping in Millar's left leg has subsided, and the Red Sox expect him to be available for Friday's matchup with the Toronto Blue Jays. The ailment forced the first baseman to leave Wednesday's win over the New York Yankees, but never was considered serious.

The Red Sox might choose to use Millar at designated hitter until they are sure the leg is 100 percent. Through three games this season, he is 4-for-8 with two RBI and three walks.

4/6/2005

Kevin Millar, bal

Millar was 3-for-3 with two RBI in Wednesday's game against the New York Yankees, but was pulled from the lineup after developing a cramp in his left leg in the sixth inning. The first baseman, who was replaced by Dave McCarty, will be re-evaluated on Thursday. For now, he has been listed as day-to-day.

The Sox are off on Thursday, which should give Millar ample time to bounce back before Friday's meeting with the Blue Jays. Through three games this season, he is 4-for-8 with two RBI, three walks and a run scored.

4/5/2005

Jeff Conine, bal

Conine was slated to be the Florida Marlins' Opening Day starter in right field, but the team has decided to go with Juan Encarnacion instead. The veteran Conine underwent two shoulder surgeries during the offseason and struggled a bit in spring training, batting just .161 with no home runs and four RBI in just 10 exhibition games.

Conine will serve as the primary backup in the Marlins' outfield to begin the year, and he could see some time at first base as well. In 140 games last season, he hit .280 with 14 home runs, 83 RBI and five stolen bases.

4/4/2005

Kris Benson, bal

During a bullpen session on Sunday, Benson felt some discomfort in his strained right pectoral muscle, putting his first start of the regular season in jeopardy. The Mets' righthander, who already had been pushed back from Thursday to Saturday, will travel to New York to be re-evaluated to determine his status. For now, he has been listed as day-to-day.

Benson still is penciled in for Saturday, but whether he takes the mound then will be decided over the next several days. He split last season between the Mets and Pirates, going a combined 12-12 with a 4.31 ERA and one complete game in 31 starts.

Kris Benson, bal

Further tests have revealed that Benson has a slight tear in his right pectoral muscle, although the injury still is being listed as a strain. The New York Mets have placed the veteran righthander on the 15-day disabled list and do not expect him to be back in action until at least late April. Benson will not be allowed to throw for 7-10 days, after which he will be re-evaluated to determine his progress.

The Mets have yet to decide who will step into the rotation and start in Benson's absence. He was slated to take the mound against the Atlanta Braves on Saturday.

Melvin Mora, bal

Mora, who had been sidelined since taking a pitch off his right hand in the third inning of Wednesday's exhibition game against the St. Louis Cardinals, returned to action on Sunday and reported no problems. He will be in the Orioles' starting lineup for Monday's regular-season opener versus the Oakland A's.

Mora will serve as the Orioles' everyday third baseman and bat second in the lineup this season, according to manager Lee Mazzilli. In 140 games last season, he batted .340 with 27 home runs, 104 RBI and 11 stolen bases.