Orioles manager Dave Trembley just met with reporters and said the club still isn't sure about the status of second baseman Brian Roberts, who strained an abdominal muscle while sliding into second base in yesterday's home opener.
Roberts is not in the lineup tonight - Julio Lugo is playing second base - but Trembley said that the club still hasn't decided if it will put Roberts on the disabled list. A decision could come by tomorrow.
"I'll be able to answer that question better for you tomorrow, but right now, the good news is it's not as severe as what we first thought. It is improved."
As for struggling closer Michael Gonzalez, he has pitched on consecutive days and probably wouldn't have been available tonight anyway. But Trembley said he'll definitely be held out of tonight's game and he'll spend significant time before the game working on his mechanics with pitching coach Rick Kranitz. Trembley wouldn't commit to how many days he wants Gonzalez to work with Kranitz before he resumes using him in the ninth inning.
Kranitz and Trembley watched extensive video of Gonzalez last year and noticed several differences in what he has done this season, including the extent to which the left-hander is falling off the mound.
"I would caution everybody to not jump to conclusions about giving up on Gonzalez. We've played four games. This guy has pitched and been good [before]," said Trembley, who met with Gonzalez before the game.