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Left-hander Wei-Yin Chen (pictured) was on his way to his second strong performance in a row when he grabbed at his side and exited Sunday's game with a right oblique strain. That's very bad news for a team that already has called on four Triple-A starters to fill in the fifth slot in the rotation and replace injured Miguel Gonzalez. It was a tough week already, after so-so outings by Jason Hammel, Freddy Garcia and Steve Johnson, and that was reflected in the combined numbers. The rotation posted a 2-2 record with a 6.03 ERA and averaged just five innings per start. Even though the team managed to go 4-2 in those games, this is starting to get scary.
Grade: D (Hannah Foslien / Getty Images /May 12, 2013)
Left-hander Wei-Yin Chen (pictured) was on his way to his second strong performance in a row when he grabbed at his side and exited Sunday's game with a right oblique strain. That's very bad news for a team that already has called on four Triple-A starters to fill in the fifth slot in the rotation and replace injured Miguel Gonzalez. It was a tough week already, after so-so outings by Jason Hammel, Freddy Garcia and Steve Johnson, and that was reflected in the combined numbers. The rotation posted a 2-2 record with a 6.03 ERA and averaged just five innings per start. Even though the team managed to go 4-2 in those games, this is starting to get scary.
Grade: D (Hannah Foslien / Getty Images /May 12, 2013)
The Orioles sent reliever Miguel Socolovich back down to Triple-A Norfolk two days after they called him up to Baltimore after Saturday's 6-1 loss. The club didn't announce a corresponding roster move, but the team could use another bat off the bench.
With designated hitter Jim Thome out of the lineup with neck spasms and catcher Matt Wieters slowed down by a tight right bicep, the Orioles had just one available bench player in Saturday's game. Wieters said before the game that he could pinch hit in an emergency situation, but the club is hesitant to rush him.
Socolovich pitched in both Friday and Saturday's games. He gave up two earned runs in 1/3 of an inning on Friday, and gave up one earned run in 2 2/3 innings on Saturday.
After the game, manager Buck Showalter hinted that the team could be looking for outside help as the trade deadline approaches, but the team could also look to Triple-A for some help on the bench.
"We've talked about a potential something depending on how the game went tonight," Showalter said. "I'm sure we will readdress now that the game is over and see where we are in the bullpen."
Lew Ford, who didn't play for the Tides on Saturday, is expected to be called up for tomorrow's game if the team decides to stay in-house. The outfielder is hitting .331 with 11 home runs and 40 RBI in Norfolk.
Another option could be leftfielder Nate McLouth, but he played on Saturday and is hitting .265.
With designated hitter Jim Thome out of the lineup with neck spasms and catcher Matt Wieters slowed down by a tight right bicep, the Orioles had just one available bench player in Saturday's game. Wieters said before the game that he could pinch hit in an emergency situation, but the club is hesitant to rush him.
After the game, manager Buck Showalter hinted that the team could be looking for outside help as the trade deadline approaches, but the team could also look to Triple-A for some help on the bench.
"We've talked about a potential something depending on how the game went tonight," Showalter said. "I'm sure we will readdress now that the game is over and see where we are in the bullpen."
Lew Ford, who didn't play for the Tides on Saturday, is expected to be called up for tomorrow's game if the team decides to stay in-house. The outfielder is hitting .331 with 11 home runs and 40 RBI in Norfolk.
Another option could be leftfielder Nate McLouth, but he played on Saturday and is hitting .265.
