Millar, who has hit cleanup in 23 of the Orioles' 25 games, is 3-for-21 on the road trip, dropping his batting average to .228. He's hitting just .179 this season with runners in scoring position. In the nightcap of Saturday's doubleheader, Millar came up with the bases loaded and one out in the ninth inning of a tie game, but couldn't get a run in. The White Sox won the game in the bottom of the inning.
"It's a good time for me," Millar said. "Listen, this game is a long year. I love playing every day obviously, but right now I'm sure he's going to give a day off to certain guys before this road trip [is over]. And this is a good day. ... It's a good mental day off."
Trembley said he is going to try to spell some of his veterans in the coming days.
"I'll tell you, with some of these guys it's hard to do it because they don't want it," Trembley said. "I have to make that decision for them sometimes. I can't worry about that. I have to make that decision for them because in the long run, I think that's in the best interest of everybody."
Aquino's time up?
Orioles reliever Greg Aquino pitched for the first time yesterday in 12 days, and the rust was evident. He got just one out, allowing two earned runs and walking three. His ERA is 14.21.
"Obviously he needed to pitch," Trembley said. "We put him out there. His command was less than it needs to be."
Trembley acknowledged last week that it's getting harder and harder to find spots for Aquino to pitch. His latest performance won't make it any easier. With the Orioles' bullpen getting taxed the previous two days and fresh arms needed, Aquino's roster spot is growing more and more tenuous.
jeff.zrebiec@baltsun.com
Next five
ALL GAMES ON 105.7 FM
TODAY @White Sox, 2:05 p.m., MASN
Starters: Orioles' Daniel Cabrera (2-0, 4.40) vs. White Sox's Javier Vazquez (3-2, 4.40)
TOMORROW Rays, 7:05 p.m., MASN2
Starters: Rays' Jason Hammel (2-1, 4.32) vs. Orioles' TBA
WEDNESDAY Rays, 7:05 p.m., MASN
Starters: Rays' Andy Sonnanstine (3-1, 5.28) vs. Orioles' TBA
THURSDAY Rays, 12:35 p.m., MASN
Starters: Rays' Matt Garza (0-0, 7.62) vs. Orioles' TBA
FRIDAY @Angels, 10:05 p.m., MASN2
Starters: Orioles' Jeremy Guthrie (0-3, 4.34 ) vs. Angels' Jered Weaver (2-3, 4.21)
