masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgTriple-A Norfolk first baseman/outfielder Rhyne Hughes has been suspended for 50 games after testing positive for an amphetamine. The suspension begins at the start of the 2012 season.

Hughes isn’t on the Orioles’ 40-man roster. He made his major league debut in 2010, batting .213 with four RBIs in 14 games. He didn’t move above Triple-A this season while batting .249 with 25 doubles, 15 homers and 59 RBIs in 92 games with the Tides.

The Orioles will play an exhibition game in Norfolk next…Triple-A Norfolk first baseman/outfielder Rhyne Hughes has been suspended for 50 games after testing positive for an amphetamine. The suspension begins at the start of the 2012 season.

Hughes isn’t on the Orioles’ 40-man roster. He made his major league debut in 2010, batting .213 with four RBIs in 14 games. He didn’t move above Triple-A this season while batting .249 with 25 doubles, 15 homers and 59 RBIs in 92 games with the Tides.

The Orioles will play an exhibition game in Norfolk next spring before opening the 2012 season at Camden Yards. They’ll stop in Norfolk on their way back from Sarasota. More information to come at a later date.

Also, Tommy Hunter, Zach Britton and Alfredo Simon will be the starters for the three-game series against the Angels that begins Friday.

Manager Buck Showalter needs an extra starter for Monday’s doubleheader in Boston, and the candidates include Rick VandenHurk, Jo-Jo Reyes and Brian Matusz.