Felix Pie returned to Sarasota before the final out in today's 6-6 tie because George M. Steinbrenner Field doesn't have the necessary X-ray equipment. I thought the Yankees splurged for everything. "They don't think it's anything serious, but they have to get an X-ray," manager Dave Trembley said. "That's standard. If somebody gets hit, they get an X-ray. I wouldn't make a big deal out of it until you find out tomorrow where he's at or you get the word on the X-ray." Expect...

Julio Lugo's first at-bat with the Orioles came with the bases loaded and one out in a tie game. No pressure. Lugo struck out on four pitches, failing to check his swing on the last one from non-roster reliever Grant Duff, but Robert Andino followed with a two-run single. Orioles 6, Yankees 4. Andino homered yesterday after learning of the trade. Now he's snapped a 4-4 tie in the seventh inning. You figure it out. Pie update: Felix Pie suffered a "lower right leg contusion." He'll...

Yankees closer Mariano Rivera, pitching the sixth inning today, knocked Felix Pie out of the game. Pie appeared to be hit just above the right ankle and crumbled to the ground. He eventually rose to his feet, but was in obvious pain as he limped toward the dugout and into the trainers room in the visiting clubhouse. Rivera usually has impeccible control, but he's walked a batter and hit another one. My guess is Pie will be listed as day-to-day with a contusion. Update: The Orioles scored...

Alfredo Simon retired nine of the last 10 batters he faced, Mark Teixeira's single the only interruption. Four of the five hits he allowed, and all four runs, came in the first inning. Simon didn't walk a batter and struck out two. His velocity was outstanding. Ross Wolf has replaced Simon. We're not used to seeing him enter a game this early. The Orioles collected seven hits off Andy Pettitte in 4 1/3 innings, including singles by Brian Roberts and Nolan Reimold in the fifth. Naturally,...

Alfredo Simon allowed four runs in the first inning and almost took off Derek Jeter's head in the second, but the guy's pumping 97-mph fastballs to home plate. It's easy to forget that Simon underwent ligament-reconstructive surgery on his right elbow 10 months ago. Most guys aren't back on the mound this early. Simon is bringing his best heat. Simon made Jeter look foolish while striking him out on a curveball after flashing that 97-mph fastball. Felix Pie doubled in the second inning...

No sense teasing you and referring to this entry as an "update." The Orioles don't appear close to finding a trade partner for utility infielder Robert Andino, who became expendable once they acquired Julio Lugo from the St. Louis Cardinals. It's worth noting that the Orioles didn't think they would obtain Lugo until a few days ago. Things can change quickly. Andino is out of options, so he would have to pass through waivers before being outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk. And you can...

Kam Mickolio made it through a bullpen session without reinjuring his groin, and he'll follow Brad Bergesen to the mound in Sunday's intrasquad game. The game will be closed to the media. The entire complex will be closed to the media. And we're not complaining. The Orioles' roster must be finalized and turned into the MLB office by 3 p.m. Sunday. "I would say we're close," manager Dave Trembley said. "You never know, though. I've been in this game long enough to know things happen...

Derek Jeter SS Nick Johnson DH Mark Teixeira 1B Alex Rodriguez 3B Robinson Cano 2B Nick Swisher RF Curtis Granderson CF Brett Gardner LF Mike Rivera C Andy Pettitte LHP

Garrett Atkins knew for the last three or four months that the Rockies would non-tender him. And he learned of the Orioles' interest in him almost immediately after the move became official. "Obviously, it's a great opportunity here," he said during today's conference call. "You look at the lineup and they have great hitters - young, left-handed and right-handed. This lineup will score runs. And this is obviously a good place to hit. "It's a good city, a good baseball city. It's a...

Garrett Atkins is 3-for-23 lifetime at Camden Yards, with one RBI, one run scored, two walks and five strikeouts. Atkins is batting .450 (9-for-20) in five games as a designated hitter, including two doubles, one homer, four RBIs and one run scored. He's a .243 career hitter with eight homers in 105 games at first base, and a .295 hitter with 88 homers in 642 games at third base. As a pinch-hitter, Atkins is 8-for-42 (.190) with one homer and eight RBIs. Atkins also has played one game at...