Starting Rotation In State Of Flux

Since the beginning of the season, the Orioles starting rotation has seen the departure of Alfredo Simon, who was placed on the disabled list with an injured elbow, and Mark Hendrickson, who was sent to the bullpen. They were replaced by Brad Bergesen,who was promoted from Triple-A Norfolk and veteran Rich Hill who was activated from the disabled list.

With the release of veteran Adam Eaton last Friday, another spot in the O’s rotation opened up. That spot will be filled by rookie Jason Berken, who will be making his major league debut tommorrow night against the Toronto Blue Jays, after being called up from Norfolk.

 

berken[1].jpgBerken, a sixth round pick in the 2006 draft played college ball at Clemson University. In his fourth season of pro ball, Berken has worked his way up the minor league ladder, pitching in Aberdeen in 2006, Frederick in ’07 and Bowie last season.

This season, the 6’0″, 210 lb. right-hander began the season at Double-A Bowie where he started two games, then was promoted to Norfolk, where he made five starts. Berken’s record at Norfolk at the time of his promotion was 2-0 with a 1.05 ERA in 25 2/3 innings pitched. Berken spent time on the disabled list in late April with a strained groin, then returned to action on May 9th with Norfolk.

To make room for Berken on the Orioles roster, outfielder Lou Montanez will be placed on the DL with an injured thumb. Montanez is expected to have surgery on the thumb on Tuesday and will be lost to the team for an undetermined period of time.

Within the first two months of the season, the Birds have seen 60% of their starting rotation change with Simon, Hendrickson, and Eaton out, and Bergesen, Hill and now Berken added.

 And that may not be the end of it. Koji Uehara, who is suffering from a sore hamstring, is questionable for his start on Thursday. If Uehara cannot go, there may be a need for another starter to be added to the roster. Uehara’s situation should become clearer on Tuesday, when he is scheduled to throw a side session.

If another starter is needed for Thursday, the O’s can reach into the bullpen and go with Mark Hendrickson, or Brian Bass, or they may dip into the farm system again for a replacement. The likely candidates would be 24-year old right-hander David Hernandez, lefty Chris Waters or David Pauley.

47117221[1].jpgOn Memorial Day, the O’s received a good start from Jeremy Guthrie, who pitched seven innings of seven hit ball, holding the Blue Jays to one run in a 4-1 Orioles victory. Guthrie evened his record at 4-4 with the win. Danys Baez pitched the eighth and George Sherrill finished up in the ninth to record his tenth save. 

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