Injury averted
We came pretty close to welcoming back Brandon Fahey to the big leagues.
Shortstop Luis Hernandez jammed his left foot into third base while advancing from first on Brian Roberts' run-scoring single in the third inning. Hernandez's lead foot cleared the bag, causing his back foot to slam into it.
The look on Hernandez's face said "get me a stretcher," but he stayed in the game after being checked by manager Dave Trembley and head athletic trainer Richie Bancells.
Hernandez was late coming onto the field for the top of the fourth. Plate umpire James Hoye walked toward the dugout, then returned to his spot behind the catcher. And still, no sign of Hernandez.
Finally, he grabbed his glove and climbed the steps, with Bancells and assistant athletic trainer Brian Ebel standing nearby.
Hernandez was tested right away. He went into the hole to backhand Evan Longoria's grounder with one out and made a strong throw that was a half-step late.
I should mention that a player who's sent down must remain in the minors for at least 10 days before he can return, unless he's needed because of an injury. That's why Fahey could have come back early.
Meanwhile, Eric Hinske's two-run homer in the fourth has given the Rays a 3-1 lead. Matt Albers has cruised in the first and third innings. Not so much in the second and fourth.
Comments
Roch:
Another solid fill-in start by Albers. Any chance he and Olson stay in the rotation and Trachsel moves to the mop-up role?
Posted by: Andrew | April 30, 2008 8:57 PM
Close to welcoming back Brandon Fahey? I don't know about that. I think Alex Cintron would have gotten the call, because even though he may need more at bats, he can get them up with the big club and will still hit as well as Fahey.
Posted by: Ken Francis | April 30, 2008 8:58 PM
Jay Payton has what I think could fairly be called throwing problems. Two cutoff men missed and an errant throw home in the 7th. What is it, does he always want to be the one who threw someone out? Does his contract have a clause for number of outfield assists?
I know this is one of only a few times Trembley will rest Nick this year. Come on, Dave, put Nick back in tomorrow.
Posted by: steve | April 30, 2008 9:12 PM
Hey Ken: Cintron still is coming back from elbow surgery, which is why the Orioles say he isn't quite ready. Dave Trembley doesn't talk about him as if he's an immediate option. But he's close.
Posted by: Roch Kubatko | April 30, 2008 9:17 PM
i don't wanna ever see Fahey return to Baltimore. He's like a walking rain cloud. he's always got this look like he doesn't care and wishes he was somewhere else. If i played like him, i'd probably want to be somewhere else too...like sitting on my couch in front of the tv. He's really not--and never will be--a major league player. he will never have any of the skills necessary. he's not fast, he doesn't have a good arm, he doesn't have good range, and he hits with less force than Jay Payton. He's basically Jeff Fiorintino...but not as good. next player called up should at least be a ONE tool player.
Posted by: Teenage Mutant Ninja Angelos | April 30, 2008 11:44 PM
I would do anything not to see Fahey back in town. Sorry, I just can't watch. He is a symbol of our non-legitamcy. Among the options to Fahey's return:
1.Mora to short, Huff at third
2.Cintron, ready or not
3.Scott Moore - at least we dont KNOW he can't hit yet
4. Lets see the other new guy there for a while. Mora can be the emergency backup
5. leave SS hole vacant and put in a shortfielder
6. Petition the league to take pity on us and have all teams forego a shortstop
7. Cal is still in pretty good shape
8. So is Billy
9. Is Bynum healthy?
10. OkOk, let him Fahey play short, but use the DH for him and let the pitchers hit.
Posted by: mark c | April 30, 2008 11:50 PM