OAKLAND, Calif. -- Orioles right-hander Ben McDonald will take the mound at Oakland Coliseum tonight in search of his sixth win and armed with American League Pitcher of the Month honors for April.

McDonald (5-0, 2.65 ERA) will try to become the first Orioles pitcher to open a season with six victories in six starts. He and Mike Mussina (5-1, 2.89) became the first tandem in Orioles history and the first major-league teammates since 1974 to win ++ five games each in April.

Orioles closer Lee Smith (0-0, 0.00, 12 saves) finished second in the voting for April, and Mussina tied for third with the Chicago White Sox's Wilson Alvarez (5-0, 3.03).

Before learning of the results, Mussina was supporting Smith.

"People are talking about Ben and me winning 10 games in April like it's a big deal and here's Lee with 413 career saves and going 12-for-12 in April," Mussina said. "If he's not the Pitcher of the Month, then something's wrong with the system."

Alexander off the DL

Manny Alexander, on the disabled list since having a growth removed from his leg in spring training, was activated and optioned to Triple-A Rochester, where he will be used at second base and shortstop.