Pie to start rehab on Tuesday; Simon back as closer
The Orioles finally got some good news on the health front as interim manager Juan Samuel said that oufielder Felix Pie (torn muscle in back) will start a rehab assignment on Tuesday at one of the minor league affiliates. Samuel said that it hasn't been decided where Pie will go as it depends on scheduling and what team is at home.
Reliever Michael Gonzalez, who was expected to throw a simulated game today in Sarasota, also could begin a rehab assignment at some point during this coming week.
Speaking of the bullpen, Samuel said that Alfredo Simon, who struck out the only two batters that he faced in Friday's series opener, will return to the closer role. David Hernandez, who blew a one-run save in the game, will be inserted back in the seventh and eighth inning role. Samuel said that was the plan all along once Simon got a few outings under his belt after coming off the disabled list.
Samuel also said that team isn't considering demoting struggling catcher Matt Wieters to Triple-A at this point.
A Baltimore native, 
Comments
Pie returning soon - good news...hopefullly he can pick up where he left off.
Gonzalez returning soon - bad news if he hasn't regained any velocity. If he hasn't, DON'T PLAY HIM.
Simon now the closer with David H as the set-up guy -- sounds like the right move.
Wieter - how poorly does he have to play to go down. He's not helping the team and we, the fans, are getting tired seeing him consistently fail. Send him down so he can figure out how to hit.
And the pain continues.....
Posted by: VeryFrustratedFan | June 19, 2010 8:09 PM
Jeff,
Did you have to ask Juan about Matt Wieters? Akward!!! He is struggling at the plate for sure. The Orioles really don't have a catcher in Norfolk that would be a improvement.
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Jeff Z's reply: Yes, I asked Andy about it too. I'll probably have that up tomorrow. He's 3-for-34 and hitless in his last 16 at-bats or something like that. And if they would send him down, and it doesn't appear that they'll do that, it wouldn't be about upgrading on the big league club. It would be about getting this kid right for the future.
Posted by: birdsteelers | June 19, 2010 9:52 PM
I am worried about Matt too.. What does crowley think. His bat looks a little slow and he doesn't seem to be seeing the ball too well.. I have heard so many hitters explain a hot or cold streak that way, their success depending on how they are seeing the ball.. I m not sure exactly what that is if you or crow could explain it..
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Jeff Z"s reply: It pretty much means that they're not seeing the ball well out of the pitcher's hand. They're not recognizing the type of pitch that it is, or judging well if it's a ball or stike.
Posted by: GRANT | June 20, 2010 7:29 AM
I would like to see Pie in CF and Jones in LF......Jonesie is a very overrated center fielder.
Posted by: John from Kensington | June 20, 2010 11:26 AM
I agree with John from Kensington. And it should be obvious to anyone who has watched all the games.
Jones has not played well out there, and if Pie is going to get the at bats, as he should, then he should also play his natural position, which is center field.
Posted by: onceawarrior | June 20, 2010 11:08 PM