O's Look To Norfolk After Eaton's Release

Notebook

WASHINGTON - -The Adam Eaton Era has ended for the Orioles after eight starts and an 8.56 ERA.

The club informed Eaton on Friday night at Nationals Park that he had been released, and the 31-year-old right-hander left before reporters arrived.

The decision came less than 24 hours after Eaton (2-5) allowed seven runs in 4 2/3 innings at the new Yankee Stadium, the sixth time in eight starts he allowed four or more runs in five or fewer innings.

"He just didn't do it," Orioles manager Dave Trembley said. "Not that he couldn't; he didn't. I think I am a very patient guy and I think [Orioles president of baseball operations] Andy MacPhail is a very patient guy, and we were very patient. But we've got to try something different."

Trembley isn't revealing what that option will be, except to say the replacement will pitch Tuesday and most likely will come from the minors.

It's expected the Orioles will reach into Triple-A Norfolk and select one of four starters: right-handers Jason Berken, David Hernandez or David Pauley or left-hander Chris Waters.

Top pitching prospect Chris Tillman, 21, is not expected to be in consideration.

Based strictly on rotation turn, the 25-year-old Berken (2-0, 1.05 ERA in five starts since a promotion from Double-A Bowie) is in line to pitch Tuesday.

"What you are looking for is someone who deserves a shot, who has earned it, will throw strikes, deserves a look-see," Trembley said.

Baseball America lists Hernandez as the organization's 16th-best prospect and Berken as 17th.

Albers back

To replace Eaton on the 25-man roster, the club promoted right-handed reliever Matt Albers for his third stint this year. He was 0-1 with a 7.71 ERA in eight games with the Orioles, and 1-0 with a 2.25 ERA in six games with the Tides.

"Just trying to throw a lot of sinkerballs, get ahead in the count, work in my breaking ball," he said. "I just got more consistent work down there and was able to work on some things and it went pretty well."

Albers could be demoted when the club needs to recall a starter, but Trembley said Albers wasn't recalled only for short-term purposes.

Moore to have surgery

Norfolk third baseman Scott Moore will have surgery on his right thumb and could be lost for the season, according to player development director David Stockstill. Last week, Moore aggravated the thumb, which he fractured last season. He was batting .252 with seven homers and 21 RBIs in 32 games.

Around the horn

Designated hitter Luke Scott (shoulder) did not swing a bat Friday but is expected to hit Saturday before a decision is made on his next step. He likely will go on a brief rehabilitation assignment. ... Shortstop Cesar Izturis (groin) played for the first time since Sunday.