masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgIn the 17th round of the First-Year Player Draft, the Orioles selected right-hander Nick Carmichael of Palomar (Calif.) College.

In the 18th round, they took third baseman Bradley Roney of Wetumpka (Ala.) High. And in the 19th round, they selected Central Arkansas left-hander Dustin Ward.

Yes, eighth-round pick Johnny Ruettiger, a center fielder from Arizona State, is the nephew of Daniel Ruettiger, the walk-on Notre Dame football player whose story inspired the movie “Rudy.”

I’ve been…In the 17th round of the First-Year Player Draft, the Orioles selected right-hander Nick Carmichael of Palomar (Calif.) College.

In the 18th round, they took third baseman Bradley Roney of Wetumpka (Ala.) High. And in the 19th round, they selected Central Arkansas left-hander Dustin Ward.

Yes, eighth-round pick Johnny Ruettiger, a center fielder from Arizona State, is the nephew of Daniel Ruettiger, the walk-on Notre Dame football player whose story inspired the movie “Rudy.”

I’ve been asked for updates on second baseman Brian Roberts, who’s being reevaluated today by a concussion specialist in Pittsburgh. As always, I’ll pass along what I find out. I’m not keeping it a secret. Promise.

Manager Buck Showalter said pitcher Brandon Erbe had trouble getting loose. That’s why his throwing session ended prematurely.

As for Justin Duchscherer, the Orioles don’t know when he’ll be ready to throw again after his start in extended spring training ended in the third inning because of hip soreness.

It’s not like they’re holding open a spot in the rotation.

“I think he’s had so many challenges with it since the start of spring that it’s something that we’re not counting on,” Showalter said. “If it happens, that’s a real booster. If it doesn’t, then we’ve certainly given it every chance possible.”

If Brian Matusz had been knocked out early in last night’s game, Chris Jakubauskas would have pitched in relief and Triple-A Norfolk’s Mitch Atkins would have flown to Baltimore to make tonight’s start, since he’d be working on normal rest. Instead, Jakubauskas starts tonight for the Orioles and Atkins takes the ball for the Tides.

Actor Ed Harris is here to throw out the first pitch. He’s wearing a No. 11 Orioles jersey.