masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgJosh Bell got a single for the Orioles as a pinch hitter in Monday’s game and then actually played an inning in left field. It was his only day here as he briefly replaced Alfredo Simon on the Orioles’ roster in what turned out to be a one-day appearance.

He then took a day or two off and had time to have two wisdom teeth pulled before reporting back to Triple-A.

Now he is right back with the Orioles, taking Luke Scott’s roster spot. He’s in tonight’s starting lineup, serving as the DH…Josh Bell got a single for the Orioles as a pinch hitter in Monday’s game and then actually played an inning in left field. It was his only day here as he briefly replaced Alfredo Simon on the Orioles’ roster in what turned out to be a one-day appearance.

He then took a day or two off and had time to have two wisdom teeth pulled before reporting back to Triple-A.

Now he is right back with the Orioles, taking Luke Scott’s roster spot. He’s in tonight’s starting lineup, serving as the DH and batting seventh.

“Any call-up is good,” Bell said. “I think it’s all about opportunity and I’ve got another opportunity. After last year, being here the two months, this time I think I will be more comfortable and be able to focus on what I’ve got to focus on.”

He spoke more about defense when asked what he thinks he needs to do with this year’s chance with the Orioles.

“Just contribute,” Bell said. “Defensively, it has to be solid and 100 percent all the time. My focus is coming here and playing defense. I know my swing will come around.”

Bell was batting .254 with 16 homers and 47 RBIs at Triple-A. While his home run total is up from last year, his slugging percentage has dropped from .481 to .435 and his OPS was .810 last year and is now .745.

“Really never got comfortable (this year). After being up here last year and then going back down, it was kind of getting used to some things again, pitching-wise. Just kind of getting back in the swing of things down there was a little difficult for me this year. But this is definitely where I want to be, so hope I can stick around,” Bell said.

Despite some of his numbers not matching what he did last year, he still feels he has made some progress this season.

“I do. Just being more patient, selectively aggressive. I feel good where I am at right now,” he said.

So, after a one-day stop in Baltimore earlier this week, Bell is back and hoping to stay longer this time.

“Hopefully this means I will be here a little longer than one day,” he laughed.