VERO BEACH, Fla. -- Technically, they are fighting for the same role: the Orioles' vacant fifth starter job.
But Brian Burres and Matt Albers, who each threw two innings in yesterday's 4-4 tie with the Los Angeles Dodgers, aren't concerned if they don't end up with the coveted spot.
Both just want to head north with the team at the end of the month - and both could, as relievers instead of starters.
"Just making the major leagues is my goal," Albers, 25, said. "Wherever I can help the team, that is where I'd go. I want to be a starter. But if it doesn't work out and they see me in the bullpen, that's where I'll go."
Albers, a right-hander whom the club acquired in December's Miguel Tejada trade with the Houston Astros, has made 35 big league appearances, with 20 starts.
Burres, 26 and left-handed, has been in 48 big league games, including 17 starts.
Because of the Orioles' familiarity with Burres - he was 6-8 with a 5.95 ERA last year in 37 games - he is already penciled in to the 25-man roster.
"I would think what he did for us last year, he is going to figure in somewhere for us," Orioles manager Dave Trembley said.
Burres, who started yesterday against the Dodgers and allowed four hits and one run in two innings, isn't taking anything for granted.
"I know they know I can go either way [rotation or bullpen]," Burres said. "My first thing is being on the team. ... And then if I can start, I'd love to."
Albers could find himself at Triple-A Norfolk in April, but his heavy sinker already has garnered attention. Yesterday, he allowed two hits and no runs in two innings.
He struck out the side in the third, freezing Ramon Martinez and Russell Martin on strike threes and then blowing a nasty, 92 mph sinker past a swinging Jeff Kent.
"I'm just going to go out there and try to throw well, throw strikes and go after guys," Albers said. "And whatever decision they make, you've got to live with it."
Costanzo behind the plate
Mike Costanzo, who had never caught in a game at any level, including high school, was behind the plate yesterday in his attempt to become more versatile. The experiment included a passed ball in the ninth that kept the Dodgers' rally going.
But that didn't faze Trembley.
"I told him ... that he'd catch two innings [yesterday]," Trembley. "And he did OK. It was a good experience for him."
Around the horn
Outfielder Jay Payton (bronchitis) was scheduled to see a doctor in Fort Lauderdale yesterday for further testing. He made his spring debut Sunday but said his condition hadn't improved. ... Utility player Freddie Bynum stayed in Fort Lauderdale because of a sore knee . ... Orioles first base coach John Shelby, a longtime Dodgers player and coach, threw out the ceremonial first pitch. ... Former Orioles pitcher Mike Cuellar has joined camp as a special pitching instructor and was here yesterday.
dan.connolly@baltsun.com
Sun reporters Roch Kubatko and Jeff Zrebiec contributed to this article.