He pitched twice at Single-A Aberdeen, throwing all his pitches without pain. He said he could pitch for the Orioles this month but it would be in "very short stints because I haven't built up my arm strength."
The Orioles likely will take a conservative approach and shut down the 25-year-old, who could battle for a starting spot next spring.
"The whole point of this was to see if I can avoid surgery and I think hopefully we'll kind of jump that hurdle so I won't have to," he said. "Whether I actually have pitched in a big league game [again] this year isn't really too much of my concern anymore."
September plans
Trembley doesn't expect any call-ups from Double-A Bowie but said he would be giving several current players the chance to show what they can do during the next three weeks. That includes Lou Montanez, who must prove he can play the outfield regularly, and starters Garrett Olson, Radhames Liz and Chris Waters, who need to show whether they are better suited to the bullpen or the rotation.
He also said newcomers Brian Bass and Alfredo Simon will pitch. Simon needs to improve his delivery, which changes depending on the pitch he throws.
"I think at the major leagues the hitters are much too sophisticated" to let a pitcher do that, Trembley said. "I think you might as well have a flashing sign on it that says, 'Here it comes.'"
Around the horn
Catcher Ramon Hernandez took practice at first base and could play there this year, Trembley said. ... Closer George Sherrill (shoulder inflammation) will throw a simulated game tomorrow afternoon. If he feels OK, he'll be activated "probably a few days after that," Trembley said. . ... The Orioles placed reliever Jim Johnson (right shoulder impingement) on the 15-day DL retroactive to Sept. 1. ... Frederick and Bowie catcher Matt Wieters was named Baseball America's Minor League Player of the Year.
5
Orioles who have started at least 20 games at shortstop this season. Juan Castro's 36 starts lead the team.
