masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgJason Berken could start for Triple-A Norfolk on Tuesday against Louisville at Harbor Park.

Berken needs to be stretched out. He’s “too strong,” according to manager Buck Showalter, who noted that Berken’s fastball was 92-95 mph last night.

Berken still projects as a reliever, but building up his pitches and innings would allow the Orioles to consider him for starts later this summer.

Derrek Lee will need at-bats, either with affiliates or at extended spring training, before coming off…Jason Berken could start for Triple-A Norfolk on Tuesday against Louisville at Harbor Park.

Berken needs to be stretched out. He’s “too strong,” according to manager Buck Showalter, who noted that Berken’s fastball was 92-95 mph last night.

Berken still projects as a reliever, but building up his pitches and innings would allow the Orioles to consider him for starts later this summer.

Derrek Lee will need at-bats, either with affiliates or at extended spring training, before coming off the disabled list on June 1. He won’t stay with the team the entire time he’s on the DL and jump right back into the lineup.

Brian Roberts is eligible to return Tuesday after being placed on the new seven-day disabled list with concussion symptoms, but he doesn’t look or sound like a guy who will be ready. I’ll post his comments later.

Roberts has seen a concussion specialist. That dive into first base during Monday’s game in Boston left him feeling like he was in a car accident. Concussion symptoms. Whiplash symptoms. And it’s not because his head slammed into the ground. It was jarred upon his impact with the bag.

Showalter hasn’t received any updates on Justin Duchscherer.

A reminder that Brian Matusz starts for Double-A Bowie tonight. Check Steve Melewski’s blog for in-game updates.