BALTIMORE — Good afternoon from Oriole Park at Camden Yards as the Orioles (16-41) prepare to welcome the New York Yankees (35-22) for the first of a three-game set this evening at 7:05 p.m.
The biggest piece of news from Juan Samuel in his pre-game meeting with the media was an update on Brian Roberts described as “not really good.”
After previously being scheduled to play in an extended spring training game last Friday, Roberts continues to experience lower back pain and will undergo a battery of tests over the next few days. While all parties have downplayed the possibility of surgery ever since Roberts missed most of spring training with a herniated disc, Samuel did not seem optimistic over the second baseman’s prognosis and whether he might have to undergo surgery.
“We don’t know,” Samuel said. “Like I said, they’re going to run more tests here in the next two or three days, and we’ll see once the doctors evaluate his situation, we will know more on that.”
Roberts is eligible to come off the 60-day disabled list on Wednesday, but his status for the remainder of the season remains very much in doubt at this point.
Mike Gonzalez threw an inning in an extended spring training game this afternoon, giving up a hit and showing velocity in the mid-80s, according to reports given to Samuel.
“His velocity is still down, but just to have him throwing an inning is an encouraging sign,” Samuel said.
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The interim manager gave a more positive prognosis on reliever Alfredo Simon, describing him as the “closest guy” to coming off the disabled list as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury sustained in the series finale in Washington two weeks ago.
The Orioles still haven’t decided on a starting pitcher for Saturday, citing a need to see how the Yankees series plays out and whether the club will need Brad Bergesen to work out of the bullpen in long relief.
Triple-A starter Jake Arrieta would be the likely call-up to make Saturday’s start if the club needs to make a roster move for another starting pitcher to face the New York Mets.
Don’t forget to join us in the Orange Crush chat this evening at 7:30 p.m., as WNST personalities will discuss the action from Camden Yards. As always, remember to follow us on Twitter (@WNST) for the quickest updates and quips about today’s game.
Check back right here for updates (time-stamped below) leading right up to first pitch at 7:05 p.m
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5:00 p.m. — Here are tonight’s starting lineups:
8New York
SS Derek Jeter
RF Nick Swisher
1B Mark Teixeira
3B Alex Rodriguez
2B Robinson Cano
DH Jorge Posada
CF Curtis Granderson
C Francisco Cervelli
LF Brett Gardner
SP Phil Hughes (7-1, 2.54 ERA)
Baltimore
2B Julio Lugo
3B Miguel Tejada
RF Nick Markakis
1B Ty Wigginton
DH Luke Scott
CF Adam Jones
C Matt Wieters
LF Lou Montanez
SS Cesar Izturis
SP Kevin Millwood (0-6, 4.29 ERA)
