Sometimes when a team is struggling to score runs they have to do unconventional things. In the American League, that could include a sac bunt in the second inning of a game. You don't see it often. Maybe the Orioles should have dropped one there tonight. They had runners on first and second vs. Matt Garza with no outs in the bottom of the second. Number seven hitter Garrett Atkins did not bunt. Instead he swung away and hit into a 6-4-3 double play. It was a bit of a rally...

Felix Pie led off the bottom of the first with a home run off Tampa Bay starter Matt Garza. Orioles 1, Rays 0. Pie could get a lot of opportunities to bat first while Brian Roberts stays on the disabled list, though it's less likely to happen when the Orioles face a left-handed starter. And you never know what you'll get with Pie, as manager Dave Trembley has pointed out. Pie could jump on the first pitch and hit it a long way. He could work the count in his next at-bat. He could swing at...

You can include Juan Samuel, who works with the infielders, among the observers who rank second base as Justin Turner's best position. "To me, his best position from what I've seen is second base," Samuel said. See, I told you. "He's got a good bat and he can turn the double play at second base," Samuel added. "He came up last year and played a little third base for us. I haven't seen him play much at short, but his best position is second base." Shortstop is Turner's third-best...

Orioles manager Dave Trembley confirmed that second baseman Brian Roberts received another epidural on his lower back today after an MRI didn't reveal any new information. Roberts has been told to rest for four or five days before attempting to work out. He'll probably go on an injury rehab assignment before being activated from the disabled list. The question is, when will Roberts be ready? And are we back to worrying more about his back? What about the strained abdominal muscle? Fifteen...

Justin Turner and his Norfolk teammates were watching the Orioles' home opener on a clubhouse television when Brian Roberts left the game with a strained abdominal muscle. Turner knew about the injury. He just wasn't sure how it would impact him. It wasn't until yesterday morning that Turner found out about his promotion to Baltimore, the news coming in a meeting with Tides manager Gary Allenson about an hour before their game. "I knew Brian was hurt but I didn't know what was going to...

If you don't think the Orioles' players notice that the fans have been rather critical of their play so far, just check out the conversation I had with Luke Scott in the clubhouse today. In one sense he called out the fans for criticism of the team, but he also tried to explain his thoughts more in depth as well. Audio: Luke Scott sounds off on fan criticism to Steve Melewski Here is what Luke said on the topic of fans criticizing the club over the 1 and 5 start. "Well, I mean, I can go...

Injured second baseman Brian Roberts won't accompany the team to the West Coast after undergoing an MRI today. Roberts also might receive another epidural after being re-examined. Roberts has been instructed to take off the next three days before attempting to work out. He also will need to get some at-bats at the minor league camp or with an affiliate before returning to the lineup. The Orioles don't know whether Roberts will be ready to come off the disabled list when he's eligible on...

For the Orioles: Felix Pie LF Adam Jones CF Nick Markakis RF Miguel Tejada 3B Matt Wieters C Luke Scott DH Garrett Atkins 1B Julio Lugo 2B Cesar Izturis SS Jeremy Guthrie RHP For the Rays: Bartless SS Crawford LF Zobrist RF Longoria 3B Pena 1B Upton CF Burrell DH Brignac 2B Navarro C Matt Garza RHP

While you patiently wait for the team's return on Friday evening, be sure to take a shot at this week's Where at Nats Park contest. I'm not trying to be tricky, but it may take you a few guesses. Remember, answers will be posted on Wednesday. Good luck!! Answer: The reflection of the Curly W from the gates at the First Base (or Home Plate) entrance. I'm pretty sure it's First Base, but a small part of me is second guessing that it could be Home Plate. So, I'm giving a point to...

You may have noticed that Billy Rowell of the Frederick Keys played the first game of the season, went 0 for 4, and has not played since. Rowell is not hurt. He was feeling the effects of a bad cold over the weekend and even stayed in the hotel one night as the Keys played a season-opening series at Lynchburg. Rowell may return to the lineup tomorrow night when Frederick plays its home opener. New Keys manager Orlando Gomez will be with the team for the first time tomorrow. He missed the...