Orioles' Hill set to make start Saturday

By Dan Connolly | dan.connolly@baltsun.com

May 15, 2009

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. — - The long-awaited Orioles debut of left-hander Rich Hill is expected to happen Saturday at Kauffman Stadium now that the club has created a spot in its rotation.

Orioles manager Dave Trembley said he spoke to Mark Hendrickson (1-4 with a 6.35 ERA in seven starts) on Thursday afternoon and told him he would be sent to the bullpen effective Thursday evening.

Trembley also announced that Koji Uehara, who prefers pitching on extra rest, will start Sunday instead of Saturday.

And that opens Saturday's start for Hill, who threw six scoreless innings Sunday at Triple-A Norfolk on a rehabilitation assignment. He has been on the disabled list since March with a left elbow strain.

Because a roster move has not been announced, Trembley would not confirm Hill's promotion.

"I would say he has done fine in his rehab, and he is getting close; that's how I would answer that question," Trembley said.

The 29-year-old is 1-2 with a 1.65 ERA in four rehab games at Norfolk and Single-A Frederick. The Orioles obtained him this winter from the Chicago Cubs for future considerations.

The Orioles might not officially activate Hill until Saturday, giving them Thursday and Friday with 14 position players.

Assuming Adam Jones (hamstring) and Luke Scott (shoulder) can play this weekend, it's likely that Nolan Reimold, who made his big league debut Thursday, will be sent back to Norfolk. Other possibilities would be demoting outfielder Lou Montanez (.220 in 41 at-bats) or attempting to get Felix Pie (.206 in 63 at-bats) through waivers.

Hendrickson, signed this winter as a long reliever-spot starter, has not won since his Orioles debut April 10.

Reimold gets call

Reimold was already on Norfolk's team bus Wednesday night when he was informed he needed to see manager Gary Allenson. That's when he learned his dream - and the hope of many excited Orioles fans - would be coming true.

The 2005 second-round pick arrived at the Kauffman Stadium visitors' clubhouse to see a No. 14 Orioles jersey waiting for him and his name in the lineup's seventh slot against veteran Gil Meche.

"It's something you have been shooting for your whole life," said Reimold, who hit .394 with nine homers and 27 RBIs in 31 games at Triple-A. "I got here, got to see the clubhouse, see the guys, all the big league players, and it is pretty surreal. It's pretty exciting for me."

How long the power-hitting right-hander will be around has not been determined. He was promoted because of the uncertainty of Scott's and Jones' health. Both believe they'll be able to play this weekend, meaning Reimold's first stint in the big leagues could be brief.

"I don't know how long he is going to be here; I told him that," Trembley said. " 'Make the most of your opportunity; while you are here you'll play.' He is coming off a great start, and we are glad to have him."

Jones improving

Jones, who left Wednesday's game with a mild right hamstring strain, was held out of Thursday's contest for precautionary reasons. His status is listed as day to day.

He said he wanted to play Thursday but understands why the club is being cautious. Asked whether it would be painful to run at full speed, Jones smiled and said, "It probably wouldn't be the most comfortable, but I'd try to find a way around it."

Around the horn

Pie, who suffered food poisoning Tuesday and came in as a replacement for Jones on Wednesday, started in center field Thursday. ... Scott is continuing to receive treatment on his left shoulder. He said it is improving but still a little sore when he gets full extension on a swing. He hopes to play this weekend. … Shortstop Cesar Izturis batted second Thursday for the second time this season.