masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgI’m told that manager Buck Showalter relayed more bad news regarding pitcher Justin Duchscherer.

Duchscherer was supposed to go four or five innings in an extended spring training game today, but he didn’t make it past the first. He felt more discomfort in his hip while fielding a bunt and came out of the game.

Who the heck was bunting on this guy?

Apparently, the first batter of the game.

Duchscherer’s last start at extended ended in the third inning because of spasms. He threw a side…I’m told that manager Buck Showalter relayed more bad news regarding pitcher Justin Duchscherer.

Duchscherer was supposed to go four or five innings in an extended spring training game today, but he didn’t make it past the first. He felt more discomfort in his hip while fielding a bunt and came out of the game.

Who the heck was bunting on this guy?

Apparently, the first batter of the game.

Duchscherer’s last start at extended ended in the third inning because of spasms. He threw a side session on Tuesday without any issues, but he had another setback today.

The Orioles haven’t been holding a spot open for Duchscherer, and you have to wonder how much longer they’ll keep him.

The extended games end next week with the start of the Gulf Coast League season, so he’d have to pitch for an affiliate. And he’s not close to doing it.

Also, second baseman Brian Roberts is still experiencing headaches. He’ll be reexamined Tuesday by Dr. Michael Collins while the Orioles are in Pittsburgh.

Update: I just got off the phone with president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail, who said the club won’t know the severity of Duchscherer’s hip issue for another day or two, so it’s too early to speculate on what lies ahead for the veteran pitcher.

For now, the Orioles seem willing to ride it out with Duchscherer. MacPhail mentioned the number of major league games remaining on the schedule. And Duchscherer is only costing them meal money at this point. He’s already collecting $700,000 for this season, and that extra $400,000 doesn’t factor in if he stays off the 25-man roster.

“We’re not really devoting any added resources to him,” MacPhail said.

The Orioles will release Duchscherer if they find out that he’s going to be sidelined for an extended period, but again, it’s too soon to make that determination. He could end up throwing another bullpen session in a few days. You know how this thing keeps playing out.

Also, there’s no interest in Scott Kazmir at this time. The reports on him aren’t very good and the Orioles aren’t looking to sign him.