masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgAngels catcher Jeff Mathis nailed Brian Roberts on the left foot with a pickoff throw in the first inning, but the Orioles’ leadoff hitter stayed in the game.

Roberts is in obvious pain, but at least it’s not his back.

Head athletic trainer Richie Bancells and manager Buck Showalter checked on Roberts, who was limping as he took a stroll on the basepaths. The way Roberts was squatting and bending at the waist, you had to wonder whether his back was the issue. But the ball hit Roberts on the…Angels catcher Jeff Mathis nailed Brian Roberts on the left foot with a pickoff throw in the first inning, but the Orioles’ leadoff hitter stayed in the game.

Roberts is in obvious pain, but at least it’s not his back.

Head athletic trainer Richie Bancells and manager Buck Showalter checked on Roberts, who was limping as he took a stroll on the basepaths. The way Roberts was squatting and bending at the waist, you had to wonder whether his back was the issue. But the ball hit Roberts on the foot as he slid back into the bag.

My guess is he’ll be diagnosed with a contusion. It’s never a bruise in baseball.

Roberts was late taking his position at second base as Brian Matusz warmed up, but he’s on the field. Players were checking the dugout to make sure he was coming back out.

I took it as a good sign that Roberts made a diving stop and throw from the outfield grass in the top of the first inning, and dived into second base on his stolen base after lining a single into left field. The back seems to be cooperating with him.

Now it’s time for Mathis to do the same.

Update: Roberts’ ground ball scored Matt Wieters and increased the Orioles’ lead to 3-0 in the second inning. Roberts wasn’t running at full speed, and it’s apparent that the foot’s bothering him. I’d be surprised if he finishes this game.

Adam Jones doubled and Felix Pie tripled to give the Orioles a 1-0 lead. Wieters walked and Josh Bell singled for his third major league RBI.