It certainly was not the spot Sam Perlozzo wanted for Kurt Birkins, but with all his other options in the bullpen exhausted at that point, the Orioles' manager had no choice.
So, in a scoreless game in the 12th inning last night, Perlozzo summoned Birkins, who had not pitched to live hitters since an appearance in extended spring training March 30. The left-hander was one out away from escaping the inning unscathed before he threw a changeup to Detroit Tigers left fielder Craig Monroe that caught way too much of the plate.
Royals @Orioles Tonight, 7:05, MASN, 105.7 FM Starters: Royals' Gil Meche (1-1, 4.40) vs. Orioles' Steve Trachsel (0-0, 4.05)
Scouting report
Kansas City Royals@Orioles
Day Time TV Starters
Today 7:05 MASN Gil Meche (1-1, 4.40) vs. Steve Trachsel (0-0, 4.05) Tomorrow 7:05 MASN Brandon Duckworth (0-0, 0.00) vs. Erik Bedard (1-1, 6.94) Saturday 7:05 MASN Odalis Perez (0-2, 10.80) vs. Daniel Cabrera (1-1, 3.07) Sunday 1:35 13, MASN2 Zack Greinke (1-1, 1.38 ) vs. undecided
