July 03, 2012|By Eduardo A. Encina, The Baltimore Sun
The Orioles signed Willis during spring training shortly after he was released by the Phillies and initially planned on using him as a situational left-handed reliever. Willis made just three relief appearances, pitching to a 4.91 ERA before he was abruptly placed on the minor-league restricted list after leaving the team.
He worked his way back through extended spring training games, but made just one start for the Tides — on Thursday — lasting just 2 2/3 innings and allowing four runs on six hits.
Around the horn
Rightfielder Nick Markakis (wrist surgery) hit soft-toss and took 20-25 swings of batting practice at 70 percent on Monday at Aberdeen. If all progresses well, Markakis could play in his first rehab game on Thursday or Friday for Double-A Bowie. … Second baseman Brian Roberts sat out Monday's game with a sore groin. Robert Andino started at second and hit leadoff in his place. … Catcher Taylor Teagarden (back) began his minor-league rehab with a start in the Gulf Coast League on Monday, playing five innings. Catcher Luis Exposito (wrist) is slated to begin rehab on Wednesday. … Including Monday's move to recall Johnson, the Orioles have made 10 25-man roster moves involving nine players over the past six days. … Wilson Betemit, hitting third for this first time this season, entered Monday's game with an 11-game hitting streak. He is hitting .472 (17-for-36) over that span. …The Orioles entered the game with a 1-7 record on Mondays.
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