David Hernandez might want to get that fastball down in the zone. He was living the high life in the first inning, which is dangerous. but his velocity seemed fine. Hernandez was pumping his fastball at 94-95 mph in the first inning, when he stranded two runners to keep the game scoreless. He got two strikes on Lyle Overbay with 94 mph heat, then induced a pop up on an 84 mph slider to end the inning. Jose Bautista struck out on an 81 mph slider before Adam Lind doubled with two outs and...

Closer Mike Gonzalez sounds encouraged after going over some video with pitching coach Rick Kranitz and conferring with him about the mechanical flaws that, they hope, are causing him to fly off the mound and mishandle leads. "I definitely saw some things that I couldn't see, obviously, when you're on the mound," Gonzalez said. "I was doing some different things that I hadn't done prior in the years that I've been doing this. It was a big difference and I'm thankful that Kranny was...

Second baseman Brian Roberts estimated that it could be four to six days before he's ready to play, but he remains hopeful that he'll avoid a trip to the disabled list. Roberts said he feels "actually a little better than I thought." "I was definitely pretty sore last night, but woke up feeling encouraged. The recovery process is a little better than I thought." This is Roberts' first strained abdominal muscle. We'll all remember where we were the day it happened. "I don't know if...

Mike McCoy 2B Jose Bautista RF Adam Lind DH Vernon Wells CF Lyle Overbay 1B Edwin Encarnacion 3B Alex Gonzalez SS Travis Snider LF Jose Molina C Dana Eveland LHP

Orioles manager Dave Trembley and pitching coach Rick Kranitz met with beleaguered closer Mike Gonzalez before the clubhouse opened to the media today. Trembley and Kranitz discussed the video they watched of Gonzalez last year, compared to what he's shown in three appearances this week. "I don't think it has anything to do with pressure. I don't think it has anything to do with injury," Trembley said. "I don't believe it has anything to do with anything other than the fact that he...

Dave Trembley sure has concerns about closer Mike Gonzalez and his two blown saves to start the year. But he said he is not concerned that Gonzalez's blown saves will impact in a negative way a clubhouse that features young players and a young pitching staff. "We have a clubhouse that is above expectations as far as guys backing each other up, sticking together as a team and understanding the big picture and what it's all about," Trembley said. "Izturis, Tejada, Markakis, Jones, I...

Second baseman Brian Roberts is listed as day-to-day with a strained abdominal muscle after being examined yesterday by Dr. Andrew Cosgarea. For now, he's avoided the disabled list. Roberts won't take batting practice this afternoon. I haven't seen him since he left yesterday's game. "He is better than he was yesterday," manager Dave Trembley said. "It's an abdominal strain. It's not related to his back. It's right now day-to-day and I think I'll have a better idea tomorrow and...

Julio Lugo 2B Adam Jones CF Nick Markakis RF Miguel Tejada 3B Garrett Atkins DH Matt Wieters C Nolan Reimold LF Ty Wigginton 1B Cesar Izturis SS David Hernandez RHP Brian Roberts is listed among the reserves.

We might find out later today whether the Orioles have decided to place second baseman Brian Roberts on the disabled list with a strained abdominal muscle or attach the day-to-day label to him. Manager Dave Trembley wasn't prepared to classify Roberts' status after yesterday's game, figuring he needed more information from the training staff and medical personnel. Usually, we'll hear day-to-day as soon as a player walks off the field. Probably not a good sign. The early guess is Roberts...

Manager Dave Trembley bristled yesterday when asked whether he'd be hesitant to use Mike Gonzalez in the next save situation. "He's the closer," Trembley said. The icy stare that accompanied those words wasn't aimed at anyone. Trembley turned his head and waited for the next question. But it's an uncomfortable situation for everyone. Trembley can't bail on Gonzalez four games into the regular season. Reporters can't ignore the ninth inning crisis. Yes, Baltimore, we have a...