Most of the attention has been on Orioles starter Brad Bergesen's physical recovery from the left shin contusion he suffered last July, and the shoulder strain he incurred in early December. However, Bergesen also used last week to get in some psychological recovery as well.
Twice during live batting practice last week, Bergesen had to defend himself against hard comebackers that were reminiscent of the one that Kansas City Royals slugger Billy Butler hit off his shin on July 30, ending a strong rookie season. One of the balls, hit by Michael Aubrey, struck Bergesen in the right leg and the other, off the bat of Lou Montanez, was caught by the second-year pitcher.
"I've got that out of the way so I'm getting a little more comfortable with it," said Bergesen. "Hopefully, that did the trick and I'll be ready to go."
Bergesen will make his Grapefruit League debut against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday night. He's expected to throw a maximum of two innings or 35 pitches, the same guidelines for the other Oriole starters during their exhibition debuts.
"I'm looking forward to it," he said. "Obviously, it's been a long time coming."