The reason for the lack of activity prior to Saturday was that Trachsel had been struggling. However, the diplomatic Trembley said it was to keep the younger pitchers on schedule at a time when the Orioles had three days off in an eight-day span.

Now, Trembley is using the same reason for skipping Trachsel, though the fact that Trachsel had not pitched well again remains a glaring reality.

"Whenever I need another fifth starter, that's the possibility that Steve Trachsel will pitch. I will keep all of the guys on their regular turn as best I can," Trembley said. "That's the way I've done it all year; when there's an off day, I try to keep as many guys as I possibly can on their regular day. Trachsel's day would come the first day we're in Minnesota, I guess."

The 37-year-old Trachsel, who is in his 15th major league season, accepted Trembley's judgment in a dignified manner.

"It's part of the game, and I'll do what I have to do to contribute. You know when you're going to pitch and you prepare for that. You do what you have to do to stay prepared, whether it's on the side or throwing simulated games," he said when told of the manager's decision.

ORIOLES 10, YANKEES 9 (11 innings): Pinch hitter Alex Cintron singled home in the winning run in the 11th inning after Aubrey Huff doubled in Melvin Mora with the tying run. The Yankees took a 9-8 lead on Hideki Matsui's RBI single in the top of the inning. The win went to the Orioles' sixth pitcher, Matt Albers.

In regulation, the teams twice traded four-run innings as both starters were gone before four innings were completed in a game that featured the most combined home runs this season. Jason Giambi and Johnny Damon hit home runs in the Yankees' second, only to be countered by blasts by Kevin Millar and Ramon Hernandez. Alex Rodriguez and Bobby Abreu hit homers in the fourth, and the Orioles came back with home runs off the bats of Melvin Mora, Luke Scott and Millar.