masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgJoe Mahoney started at first base today for Triple-A Norfolk, but he was removed for a pinch hitter before his first at-bat.

Jamie Hoffman batted for Mahoney and moved to right field, with Ryan Flaherty going to first base.

Wilson Betemit underwent an MRI on his right wrist at 11 a.m., so it’s possible that Mahoney is headed to Camden Yards in case the Orioles again need to use the disabled list.

Mahoney plays first base, bats from the left side and is on the 40-man roster, which makes him…Joe Mahoney started at first base today for Triple-A Norfolk, but he was removed for a pinch hitter before his first at-bat.

Jamie Hoffman batted for Mahoney and moved to right field, with Ryan Flaherty going to first base.

Wilson Betemit underwent an MRI on his right wrist at 11 a.m., so it’s possible that Mahoney is headed to Camden Yards in case the Orioles again need to use the disabled list.

Mahoney plays first base, bats from the left side and is on the 40-man roster, which makes him an obvious choice to replace Betemit.

Mahoney is batting .263/.317/.390 with 27 doubles, one triple, nine homers and 53 RBIs in 116 games. He’s hitting .209 in his last 10 games.

The Orioles called up Mahoney earlier this summer and gave him one start against the Angels in Anaheim. He went 0-for-3 in his major league debut before returning to Norfolk.

Is the “Big Irish” returning to the big leagues? We’ll know more a little later today.