masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgInterim manager Juan Samuel expressed concern for starting pitcher Kevin Millwood during his post-game interview on MASN.

Millwood lasted only one inning, allowing five runs and throwing 45 pitches before Samuel began parading relievers to the mound. He’s posted a 9.89 ERA in his last seven starts, raising his season ERA to 5.77.

“We’re starting to be concerned,” Samuel said. “We don’t know if something’s there, his elbow or something. We just know today that Kranny (pitching coach…Interim manager Juan Samuel expressed concern for starting pitcher Kevin Millwood during his post-game interview on MASN.

Millwood lasted only one inning, allowing five runs and throwing 45 pitches before Samuel began parading relievers to the mound. He’s posted a 9.89 ERA in his last seven starts, raising his season ERA to 5.77.

“We’re starting to be concerned,” Samuel said. “We don’t know if something’s there, his elbow or something. We just know today that Kranny (pitching coach Rick Kranitz) noticed his ball not coming that good. His velocity was down.”

Juan Samuel talks with Gary and Mike about the O’s 12-9 loss to the Tigers

Samuel used the word “concerned” a second time before the subject changed.

Interviewed at his locker, Millwood said, “I just stunk today. It sucks to prepare for four or five days to go out and start and you don’t do what you expect yourself to do. It sucks.

“It’s just been a tough stretch. It’s about as bad as it gets.”

Samuel isn’t ready to announce a corresponding roster move for Felix Pie’s return tomorrow, but he said, “Maybe we need an extra arm down there. We just have to weigh our options tonight.”

I don’t see how they can send down a reliever.

Third baseman Josh Bell could be headed back to the minors. If he was available today, as Samuel told reporters, why didn’t he pinch-hit for Cesar Izturis with two outs in the ninth and runners on second and third?