The club's decision to go with 12 pitchers, rather than 13, has been scrutinized heavily. In the opening week, Orioles starters struggled to go deep into games, placing strain on a promising bullpen. The Orioles lack a viable left-hander with the ability to go multiple innings out of the bullpen, a role officials hoped Mark Hendrickson would fill. But because of a lack of better options in the rotation, Hendrickson is currently the Orioles' No. 4 starter.
PLAYER NEWS: --RHP Jeremy Guthrie threw 103 pitches in just 4 2/3 innings Friday and left the contest assured he would not factor in the decision. Guthrie walked four and allowed eight hits and eight runs -- five of them earned.
--1B Aubrey Huff committed his first error of the season, booting a ground ball in the three-run fifth. He also struck out twice in a 1-for-5 night.
--OF Felix Pie got his first pinch-hit opportunity with two outs in the ninth inning Friday and couldn't come through. His full-count, swinging strikeout against Boston closer Jonathan Papelbon dropped his season average to .208.
MEDICAL WATCH:
RHP Alfredo Simon (sore right elbow) went on the 15-day disabled list April 15. He has a "degenerative issue," according to manager Dave Trembley, and he will be sidelined indefinitely.
3B Melvin Mora (left hamstring strain) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 13.
LHP Rich Hill (left elbow soreness) went on the 15-day disabled list March 29. He was scheduled to pitch in extended spring training on April 17 and April 19.
ROTATION:
RHP Jeremy Guthrie
RHP Koji Uehara
LHP Mark Hendrickson
RHP Adam Eaton
BULLPEN:
LHP George Sherrill (closer)
RHP Chris Ray
RHP Jim Johnson
RHP Dennis Sarfate
LHP Jamie Walker
RHP Danys Baez
RHP Brian Bass
RHP Matt Albers
RHP Radhames Liz
CATCHERS:
Gregg Zaun
Chad Moeller
INFIELDERS:
1B Aubrey Huff
2B Brian Roberts
SS Cesar Izturis
3B Ty Wiggington
INF Robert Andino
OUTFIELDERS:
LF Felix Pie
CF Adam Jones
RF Nick Markakis
DH Luke Scott
OF/INF Ryan Freel
