Just a week earlier, the Orioles activated Freddie Bynum from the disabled list. Bynum was immediately inserted as the starting shortstop. Trembley made the bold proclamation that Bynum had become the starter at the key position, that the job was his to lose.

Cintron, who had played previously with the Diamondbacks and more recently the White Sox, was called up from Class AAA Norfolk (Va.) to add a bench player to the roster. But when he got his first chance to play as an Oriole, he took full advantage of it, going 4-for-4 at the plate and error-free in the field.

It was probably just what the Orioles were hoping for when they signed Cintron to a minor league contract. As satisfied as Trembley had to feel about the performance, he wasn't about to go back on his word to Bynum.

"I told Bynum it was his job until he lost it. At this point and time, I don't think he's done anything to lose it," Trembley said.

Still, Cintron didn't hide the fact that he's thrilled to have a job and that he wants to help the Orioles in any way he can.

"I've been through this before, so I'm kind of excited to have my chance to play," Cintron said. "Whatever it takes for me, to play every day or be on the bench, I can be happy any way. If I'm coming off the bench, I'm doing my job, too."

NATIONALS 2, ORIOLES 1: Cristian Guzman hit a solo home run in the third inning off starter Jeremy Guthrie and reliever Chad Bradford gave up doubles to Guzman and Ryan Zimmerman in the eighth to account for the winning run. John Lannan allowed the Orioles only four hits in 7 1/3 innings of the game that was delayed 2:01 at the start, and for a shorter time in the eighth.