"I'm feeling OK," said Roberts, who hasn't played since April 9. "It's still slower than I would like, than I was hoping for. I think we're hoping to start making some progress this week."
Roberts, who has been jogging in the pool and doing other "core" work, said that he's still not sure when he'll be able to return to the lineup.
"Physically, I haven't had any setbacks or anything," he said. "This is one of those things where time is the key factor, I think."
Lebron has Tommy John surgery
Orioles relief prospect Luis Lebron had Tommy John ligament-reconstruction surgery on his right elbow Tuesday. Renowned orthopedist Dr. James Andrews, whom Lebron saw in Birmingham, Ala., on Monday, performed the surgery.
Lebron, a hard-throwing 25-year-old who impressed team officials in spring training, split the 2009 season between Double-A Bowie and Single-A Frederick, compiling 20 saves. The normal recovery for Tommy John surgery is a year, but Orioles closer Alfredo Simon made it back in nine months.
"I'm going to tell Simon to get in touch with him and tell him to do the same program Simon did so he can come back as soon as Simon," Trembley said.
Around the horn
The Orioles held a moment of silence before Tuesday's game for two Hall of Famers with Orioles' connections that died last week: Announcer Ernie Harwell and pitcher Robin Roberts. … Norfolk's game tonight against the Syracuse Chiefs and pitching phenom Stephen Strasburg will be broadcast by MASN on tape delay about 10:30, following the Orioles- Seattle Mariners game. … Orioles left-hander Brian Matusz spent two hours shadowing the Baltimore City Fire Department's Engine 4 on Tuesday.
Baltimore Sun reporter Jeff Zrebiec contributed to this article.
Dan.connolly@baltsun.com
