Montanez likely to DL; Atkins will stay a while; Wiggy out with back tightness
Orioles interim manager Juan Samuel said that seldom-used outfielder Lou Montanez has an oblique injury and will probably go on the disabled list tomorrow when the club activates starter Brad Bergesen.
That could save Garrett Atkins from losing his roster spot until at least later next week when outfielder Felix Pie is ready to be activated from the disabled list.
In fact, Atkins is in the starting lineup tonight against the Washington Nationals, his first start since June 14. He's playing mainly because Ty Wigginton is having some lower back tightness that started during last night's game and is still affecting the infielder.
Wigginton said that he doesn't believe it's anything serious, but he could miss a couple of days.
Samuel said that it's not a given that reliever Koji Uehara will be activated before tomorrow's game. The club could wait until after Monday's off day. Either Frank Mata or Matt Albers could be in jeopardy when Uehara is activated.
Samuel also said that reliever Michael Gonzalez is close to a being sent to one of the minor league affiliates for a rehab assignment.
A Baltimore native, 
Comments
Garrrghhhfff.....
Posted by: wolfman | June 25, 2010 4:50 PM
An oblique injury? Isn't that the kind of thing you can get from sitting (on the bench) too much?
Posted by: DonM | June 25, 2010 4:56 PM
No DonM, that'd be hemorrhoids.
Jeff, did you get any information on when Montanez's injury happened? Will the move be retroactive at all? I guess we haven't heard anything because no one wonders why the bench player is playing the bench, but was he riding the bench because he was hurt, or just looking lost?
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Jeff Z's reply: It happened on Wednesday during BP. He last played on Sunday in San Diego so it would be retroactive to June 21.
Posted by: Michael K. | June 25, 2010 5:28 PM
Jeff,
All other players returning from extended DL trips seem to go on rehab assignments. The Orioles are ready to accept Koji back with open arms. This guy is a stiff, he begs off pitching in a spring training game because off allergies? The Orioles are trying to justify this bust of a signing. If Koji pitches the next three months without giving up a hit or walk, he still would be a bust.
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Jeff Z's reply: Yeah, it's interesting although Simon didn't go on rehab either. Their rationale is Koji is a one-inning guy so building arm strength isn't that big of a deal for that. But I'm skeptical as well to see how long he'll be able to stay healthy.
Posted by: birdsteelers | June 25, 2010 9:39 PM
Thank the good Lord that they finally gained the sanity to let go of Fat Albers....hopefully. Garrett Atkins should be next as well, so much for our big bad power hitting first baseman. But be careful Koji and Pie are so fragile that one might go on the 15-day DL just for blowing their nose too hard.
Posted by: Disgusted O's Fan | June 25, 2010 10:52 PM
jeff,
Does Albers have options left? Mata has been better but I'm not sure you risk losing a guy for Koji given his health history.
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Jeff Z's reply: No Albers is out of options.
Posted by: Jeff | June 25, 2010 10:52 PM
Jeff:
More muscles injuries. Unreal! Has The Sun looked at how the Orioles injury woes compare to other teams? It just seems like a ton of muscle problems, and one can't help but wonder about the Orioles' conditioning program.
Posted by: icy hot | June 26, 2010 9:22 AM