Roberts not close, surgery still not being discussed; Gonzo throws
Injured Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts (herniated disk) remains at least three weeks away from returning to the lineup, and that's probably the best case scenario.
"At this point, we just don't really have a timetable yet," Roberts said today. "We're continuing to do some physical therapy. I don't know. It could be three weeks from now, it could be three months from now. Honestly, I don't know."
One thing Roberts, who hasn't played since April 9 and still hasn't even been cleared to do baseball activities, does know is that season-ending surgery currently isn't an option.
"Surgery is not something we've discussed and being out until October is not something we've discussed," Roberts said.
Roberts was also asked if he had any regrets for pushing himself in spring training in order to be ready.
"I wouldn't do it differently," he said. "I think we all took a calculated risk."
In other injury news, Orioles closer Michael Gonzalez (strained left shoulder) played catch for the first time yesterday since going on the disabled list. He threw from 60 feet and was pain free.
A Baltimore native, 
Comments
Jeff,
I'm confused - BR supposedly went on the DL for an abdominal strain - was that just a smoke screen for more back problems? Seems like the back is what is keeping him away?
Despite the job Wiggy is doing with the bat, the O's pitchers can't be asked to compete with him playing second base. If B Rob is out past May, the O's need to think about a trade that would allow Wiggy to move to DH, improve second base D and once and for all be rid of Luke Scott, who somehow is still lving off the best month of his life - a year ago.
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Jeff Z's reply: Welcome to my world, Jeff. I've been confused about Roberts the whole time, and I think some of the stuff is related. They certainly didn't make up the strained abdominal injury, but that apparently is no longer a problem, though the herniated disk remains a big problem.
Posted by: Jeff | May 2, 2010 12:12 PM
What role will gonzo play? Simon keeps getting people out and he seems like a prototypical closer.
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Jeff Z's reply: Way too early to say Patrick. Gonzalez is probably three to four weeks away, best case scenario. A lot of time before you have to make any decisions on Gonzalez's role. The guy hasn't gotten up on a mound yet.
Posted by: Patrick | May 2, 2010 12:21 PM
Jeff, Any truth to the rumor that Gonzo walked the bases loaded during catch?
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Jeff Z's reply: Wow, that's harsh.
Posted by: Chris Joseph | May 2, 2010 12:39 PM
I say we hypnotize Mike Gonzalez, tell him he's Adrian Gonzalez, put him at first base and bat him clean-up.
Posted by: Doug in Ellicott City | May 2, 2010 12:55 PM
We should just plan for Roberts to be out the entire year. He has a herniated disc. Have the operation now and be ready to go next year. There is no way you can compete at this level with a bad back. Bite the bullet and lets move on.
Bring up the best available player from AAA and get rid of Lugo.........keep Wiggington at second for as long as he contributes.
Look at your current options, make some assessments, and figure out a strategy........but dont think that Roberts will be back anywhere near 100% anytime this year.
And remember........you always want to trade a player one or two years early, then one or two years late.
Posted by: Bo n CRABS | May 2, 2010 1:31 PM
I think a lot of the Os woes this year go back to not having a prototype leadoff hitter with Roberts out of the lineup. If BRob is going to be out much longer, are there any trade possibilities that could snag us a top of the order type guy?
Posted by: The Big E | May 2, 2010 2:27 PM
Hope Gonzalez does well when he returns - imagine fan reaction if he doesn't given the treatment he got in early April at home?
Posted by: Boomer | May 2, 2010 3:27 PM
Luke Scott is a proven streak hitter and when he's hot he can carry the club for 10-12 games. Just wait.
Posted by: jack | May 2, 2010 5:36 PM
What happened to all the people who used to say they had back problems? I did/do...its a crapshoot. My doc hemmed and hawed many times when one or more of my discs protruded about surgery. Luckily mine improved with rest, meds and exercise, so its always going to be a wait and see until no viable options are left. I do agree, we better not really count on him getting back too soon and should explore other options. Being from Jersey and watching the Yanks for many years....though never rooting for them, I keep thinking about Mattingly and what happened to him when his back gave out.
Posted by: joe from jersey | May 2, 2010 6:24 PM
Most people are smart enough to understand that B. Roberts will not be any good to the team in 2010. Optimism?, stop it......Roberts knows that he has no chance of performing up to standard this year and if he tries to come back before 2011, he could end his career early. A trade should be on the mind of McPhail. The team needs a 2B / lead off hitter.
Posted by: dspedden | May 2, 2010 6:36 PM
hey why don't we strike while the irons hot, and trade wigginton for ryan howard??
Posted by: jim | May 2, 2010 9:21 PM
All this time for a herniated disk?? Come on there must be more to this!!!
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Jeff Z's reply: I've never had a herniated disk, but I'm confident that people who have would tell you that you are wrong.
Posted by: Jack | May 3, 2010 7:33 AM