Roberts still two weeks away from baseball activities; Duchscherer and Erbe update
Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts had a consultation with concussion specialist Dr. Michael Collins today in Pittsburgh, and he remains at least two weeks away from starting baseball activities, according to manager Buck Showalter.
"I wouldn't call it bad news," Showalter said. "We knew the process that we were going to have. We'll follow the doctor's suggestions."
Roberts hasn't played since he started experiencing headaches after his headfirst slide into first base against the Boston Red Sox on May 16.
Roberts could start doing some cardio and weight work soon, but Showalter said the baseball activities wouldn't start until two weeks from now at the earliest.
"We're not there. That's just the best case scenario," said Showalter, who wouldn't rule out the possibility of Roberts returning to the lineup before the All-Star break.
Roberts could join the team on this home stand for a couple of days, and then return to Sarasota, Fla.
Showalter said Justin Duchscherer reported having spasms in the gluteus after fielding a bunt in his extended spring outing today. He threw three more pitches and then ended his outing. He'll be evaluated tomorrow.
Meanwhile, pitching prospect Brandon Erbe, a McDonogh graduate who had labrum surgery last August, couldn't get loose and wasn't able to throw a simulated game today.
A Baltimore native, 
Comments
love Brian when he was healthy...but he can't even slide now...what a waste.
Posted by: bunbull | June 7, 2011 6:57 PM
I'm a little confused why its taking Roberts to come back from this concussion...in the NFL (which is far more physical than baseball), it only takes a week for most players to be back on the field. I'm questioning his toughness or endorsing hurrying people back from concussions, but how serious can his concussion be if he didn't even get hit by a baseball to the head?? Thanks
Posted by: Z-train | June 7, 2011 7:52 PM
I would never question Roberts toughness. All concussions are different. Remember last year, Justin Morneau missed the rest of the season and the playoffs after he got a concussion July 7 2010.
Posted by: O's Fan | June 7, 2011 8:42 PM
it's a shame but I think it's a spinal issue with Roberts--his lower back issue, and probably his cervical spine now as well---last year when he was out, the brass initially said he had a 'groin' injury---bad back is bad business. I don't think we'll ever see him back to the way he was, and that's not a waste--it's a shame. He's probably the best player we have had at that position for the amount of time he's been with the team. Alomar--purely better. Grich--damned good in his way especially defensively--Roberts had the whole package..too bad his years here have been losing years--now that's a waste.
Posted by: harry | June 7, 2011 9:04 PM
Z-Train...you obviously have no idea about concussions...spend ten minutes on Google to get yourself up to speed and then maybe you'll give Roberts a break. I'm sure the guy just wants to sit at home in the dark with a headache as opposed to playing...That's what it is! Or maybe he's just a [pansy].
Speaking of which, nice to see Duke fail to make it through another extended spring outing. Pulled his butt musle? Spasms in his rear? LMAO
Posted by: Rich in Tampa | June 7, 2011 9:38 PM
Jeff,
Do you think Joe Mahoney or Matt Hobgood is going to play in the minors somwhere this year?
...............................................................................................
Jeff Z's reply: Yes, Mahoney has already played with Bowie this season and he's apparently on the way back from injury and could start playing again this week, possibly at Single-A Frederick before rejoining Bowie. Hobgood has thrown live batting practice a couple of times. His return to an affiliate is not imminent, but I think it will happen at some point this season.
Posted by: Cecil | June 7, 2011 9:57 PM
There's a reason the NFL has instituted more strict concussion guidelines. Guys come back after a week so they can play, but it's very often ill-advised. These things take a lot of time, unfortunately.
Posted by: Christopher | June 7, 2011 10:26 PM
Its time to tell B Rob to retried a concussions don't take this long to come back from. Its will be 2 half months before we see him play in Baltimore !
Posted by: John | June 7, 2011 10:32 PM
Harry - great post, I could not agree more. I really wish Roberts well and hope he can find a way to get back to being his old self, but I am really annoyed of people who don't appreciate how great of a player Roberts has been.
Posted by: King of the Donkeys | June 7, 2011 11:07 PM
Roberts - a poor man's Biggio. Will he even reach 2,000 hits?
Posted by: Doug | June 8, 2011 12:33 AM
muscle spasms after fielding a ground ball? Are you kidding me? Is this guy even serious about playing professional baseball? What a joke. I'd be embarrassed if I was him.
Posted by: dcb | June 8, 2011 9:02 AM
z- train you obviously never had a concussion. Yes Nfl players return like Collie only to realize their return was premature. He should take all the time he needs . Morneau is not anywhere near 100% after months. They should be checking what's wrong with Markakis.
Posted by: gilgamesh1 | June 8, 2011 10:23 AM
I think the aftermath of steroid abuse is taking its toll on B. Roberts. Look elsewhere.
Posted by: paul w | June 8, 2011 10:31 AM
If and when Roberts comes back, and I sure hope that he does, how will he slide? He always has been a head first guy. Can he change? If not, will he have to retire?
Posted by: Joe | June 8, 2011 12:01 PM
Fact: Brian Roberts talented.
Opinion: Brian Roberts stupid.
Opinion: Brian Roberts father & coach stupid.
What father/coach doesn't teach they child to slide feet first? The guy is a dumb as the flag pole in center field, but on the other hand he is making $10M and not playing.
Posted by: O's fan since 1953 | June 8, 2011 12:52 PM
How great Roberts has been? .280/.353/.416 career doesn't exactly scream "great" to me. And to include him in the same league as Alomar is insulting. To me, Ronnie Belliard springs to mind...
Posted by: JTK | June 8, 2011 2:48 PM
Don't matter who manages, they bring up Ryan Adams, he rides the bench. Gets in a game, has 3 hits, then rides the bench.!!
We see this often, what is the reason?
The O's have had top draft pics for 13 years, where are they??
The scouts(evaluators) should be evaluated!!
Posted by: Joe Carper | June 8, 2011 4:21 PM
my bad everyone, I meant to say "I am NOT questioning Roberts' toughness or endorsing rushing people back from concussions." you are right, I have never had a concussion and I am actually a huge Roberts fan, but it seems he is injury-prone and has had some bad luck with odd injuries (concussion sliding to 1st and dislocated elbow a few years ago vs. Yanks). I hope he can come back ASAP and help this team with his speed/ability to get on base.
Posted by: Z-train | June 8, 2011 11:40 PM