masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgOrioles reliever Matt Lindstrom felt he was throwing the ball really well on Friday night in Cleveland. Then, he took a Johnny Damon liner off his left leg on his knee, his plant leg, and he hasn’t pitched since then.

But Lindstrom reports that his knee is feeling much better today and that he is available to pitch tonight if needed.

“I’m available,” Lindstrom said today in the Orioles’ clubhouse. “I actually threw in the bullpen last night. So, I’m 100 percent ready to go. Little bit…Orioles reliever Matt Lindstrom felt he was throwing the ball really well on Friday night in Cleveland. Then, he took a Johnny Damon liner off his left leg on his knee, his plant leg, and he hasn’t pitched since then.

But Lindstrom reports that his knee is feeling much better today and that he is available to pitch tonight if needed.

“I’m available,” Lindstrom said today in the Orioles’ clubhouse. “I actually threw in the bullpen last night. So, I’m 100 percent ready to go. Little bit of soreness still, but you know, everybody is sore. I was available last night so tonight, full go, ready to go. I feel some soreness in the calf area, but it won’t hinder me.”

Lindstrom is 1-0 with a 2.42 ERA over 24 games in his first season with the Orioles. He had an ERA of 1.29 before going on the disabled list for six weeks beginning May 11 with an injured right middle finger.

In nine games since his return off the DL, his ERA is 4.32, but he has put together four scoreless outings over his last five games.

“I thought that last outing (Friday) in Cleveland, my stuff was in midseason form,” Lindstrom said. “It stinks getting hit with a ball and now having to start over and getting a feel for your pitchers again. And the finger injury is completely behind me, and I’m looking forward to being part of the bullpen.

“It is a little frustrating, but you roll with the punches. Anything can happen over a long season. You have to take it in stride and be positive. We have a lot of games left and I want to contribute.”