Josh Bell took his first swings as a major leaguer with two outs in the bottom of the second inning. We'll always remember where we were on this momentous occasion. Bell took two outside pitches from Athletics starter Trevor Cahill. He fouled off a 91 mph fastball, took a 93 mph fastball that missed outside to run the count to 3-1, and chopped a 91 mph fastball to second baseman Mark Ellis. The Orioles immediately optioned him back to Triple-A Norfolk and recalled Felix Pie from his rehab...

Nick Markakis flied to the warning track in center field to score Corey Patterson, who led off with a double, and give the Orioles a quick 1-0 lead. Jake Arrieta needed only nine pitches to complete the top of the first. Update: Former Oriole Jack Cust doubled to score Ryan Sweeney in the top of the second and tie the game, 1-1. Update II: Patterson has misplayed another ball in left field, getting a late jump on Cliff Pennington's drive, turning the wrong way and falling down as two runs...

Last year's Orioles first-round draft pick, right-hander Matt Hobgood, will make his next start this coming Monday for the Delmarva Shorebirds. Hobgood has been out since June 11 with shoulder soreness. The injury is not serious but since he has missed some time, Hobgood will be on a pitch count and his innings will be limited in that first start back. The 19-year-old is 3-6, 4.48 in 12 starts for Delmarva. Over 64 1/3 innings, he has allowed 63 hits with 30 walks, 42 strikeouts and a .261...

One reason Josh Bell did join the Orioles today is because the club feels Felix Pie, out since April 15 with a back injury, is just not ready to return yet. Pie has played seven games in the minors with Bowie, Frederick and the Gulf Coast League O's. Pie was in the O's clubhouse today, but not to be activated as he will play at least a few more games in the minors. Pie said today that he will fly to Detroit on Sunday to join the O's for the second leg of their upcoming road trip although...

President of baseball operations Andy MacPhail had a busy day, dealing with Luke Scott's placement on the disabled list and corresponding roster move, and interviewing two candidates for the full-time managerial position. Though he wouldn't confirm the names, MacPhail met with Eric Wedge (again) and Rick Dempsey. "We had two interviews," he said. "As always, they are informative and insightful. It's an interesting process, not one you want to go through on a regular basis. It's an...

President of baseball operations Andy MacPhail intended to activate Felix Pie from the disabled list as Luke Scott's replacement on the 25-man roster, but he received feedback that suggested Pie needed a little more time in the outfield and at the plate. Welcome to the majors, Josh Bell. "Once (Pie) gets here, he's going to get thrown into the lineup and we need to get him to where he can be ready to hit and contribute right from the start," MacPhail said. "He really didn't have much of...

Rick Dempsey spent two hours at Peter Angelos' law office interviewing for the manager's job. President of baseball operations Andy MacPhail and General Counsel Russell Smouse attended the interview. Angelos was not there. "I thoroughly enjoyed it," said Dempsey, a former catcher and coach with the Orioles who currently serves as a MASN analyst. "It was a simple process with good questions, and I thought I answered them as well as I could." Dempsey, who has interviewed on three...

Josh Bell found out last night that he would be heading for Baltimore to make his Major League debut with the Orioles. He told reporters in the O's clubhouse a few moments ago he was not expecting to get this call so soon. "Not at all. It's a blessing, I guess. I'm ready. I found out last night when we got back in from Charlotte. My manager called me in and told me about Luke (Scott). He said they are going to need somebody and to head up." Josh Bell discusses getting called up...

Corey Patterson LF Miguel Tejada DH Nick Markakis RF Ty Wigginton 1B Adam Jones CF Matt Wieters C Josh Bell 3B Scott Moore 2B Cesar Izturis SS Jake Arrieta RHP

Here are some stats on Josh Bell, who was recalled from the minors today. He is batting .266-10-44 on the season and has 24 doubles. Bell vs. lefty pitching: .233-0-6, .652 OPS Bell vs. righy pitching: .277-10-38, .804 OPS Bell by month: April: .238-3-10, .661 OPS May: .282-3-15, .780 OPS June: .272-4-19, .840 OPS Bell is hitting .314 with runners in scoring position. On Tuesday at Charlotte, he went 2 for 5 with two homers and 6 RBI and last night went 2 for 4.