Designated Hitter

The more people I talk to who are close to the Orioles, the more I'm convinced that Miguel Tejada stays. And that no trades are imminent. In my opinion, Fernando Tatis goes when Jay Gibbons comes off the disabled list. Luis Terrero has been contributing a little, and the Orioles could use an extra outfielder, with Gibbons expected to be the designated hitter. roch.kubatko@baltsun.com For more "Roch Around the Clock," go to baltimoresun.com/roch

Orioles backup catcher Javy Lopez said yesterday that if he were traded to somewhere he could play every day, it could be a "win-win" situation. Lopez has been the subject of trade rumors because his three-year deal ends this season, and he would prefer to be a starting catcher. But industry sources say the market for him has been limited because he hasn't hit for power this season and isn't known as a great defensive catcher. He said it would make sense if the Orioles dealt him in return for help in their bullpen.

Most Orioles fans arriving at Camden Yards yesterday afternoon might have been aware that Brian Roberts hadn't hit a home run this season. But the Orioles second baseman said that wasn't on his mind. Roberts did, however, know the disparity between his batting averages from each side of the plate. He also knew that part of the reason he came into yesterday's doubleheader hitting just .203 from the right side - compared to .353 from the left - was because he had more than twice the at-bats against right-handed pitching.

The urge to play tugs hard at Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts. So does the understanding that he must be patient, no matter how difficult the task. Roberts said it's doubtful that he'll come off the disabled list today, when he's eligible to rejoin the 25-man roster. He projected tomorrow as a possibility, or maybe Wednesday. "Friday, at the latest, I would think," he said. "I think tomorrow is kind of pushing it." Whatever the outcome, Roberts should be on the field this week.

Rather than savor his first at-bat in more than two weeks, Orioles designated hitter Javy Lopez swung at the first pitch he saw yesterday and flied to right field. He welcomed the chance to get back into the batter's box. He wasn't going to linger. It wasn't until the eighth inning that Lopez got the most out of his return. Lopez hit a three-run homer off Kansas City reliever Chris Booker to break an 0-for-16 slide in the Orioles' 11-1 victory over the Royals at Camden Yards. He also walked in the fourth inning and bounced out in the sixth.

Third baseman Melvin Mora became the latest Orioles starter to miss a game due to injury last night when he sat out because of a strained back. Mora sustained the injury when he stumbled crossing first base and took a hard fall Tuesday night. He stayed in the game and slapped the winning hit to left in the eighth. But Mora's back hurt worse yesterday. "I just take one swing and not good," he said, grimacing. Manager Sam Perlozzo said he wasn't sure when Mora would return. "He tried to swing and couldn't do it so he's not available," Perlozzo said.

The Orioles continued to reel yesterday from a spate of injuries that has played havoc with their regular lineup. Injuries suffered Friday and Saturday sent second baseman Brian Roberts to the disabled list, left regulars Javy Lopez and Kevin Millar unable to play and relegated shortstop Miguel Tejada to designated hitter duty. The club had to recall Brandon Fahey from Triple-A Ottawa just to have a complete infield for its series finale with the Seattle Mariners. "That was weird," Lopez said of the injuries.

Javy Lopez was not in the Orioles' starting lineup for the third time in four games yesterday, and the slumping veteran said he's growing confused about his role with the club. "There is no chance for me to get back on track by not playing," Lopez said. When asked if he was frustrated, Lopez said: "Uh, yeah, no doubt. The only way you can get out of a slump like that is by playing." He said manager Sam Perlozzo has not told him why he's sitting. Perlozzo told reporters he's trying to stick with hot bats when he can. Lopez is hitting .192 with only two extra-base hits in 26 at-bats.

Fort Myers, Fla. -- With Javy Lopez's error total mounting and his problems in the field carrying over to the plate, Orioles manager Sam Perlozzo said yesterday that the displaced catcher will be used as the team's designated hitter for the foreseeable future, not as the Orioles' first baseman. "We need to take a little pressure off with his defense now and get him straightened out and get his bat going," Perlozzo said before the Orioles' exhibition game against the Minnesota Twins yesterday.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Outfielder Richard Hidalgo took his physical and donned an Orioles uniform for the first time yesterday. "I'm so happy to be here," Hidalgo said before hitting the field. Hidalgo batted .221 with 16 home runs and 43 RBIs in 88 games for the Texas Rangers last season. He was used to being sought after posting big power seasons in Houston. But he didn't receive many offers after his struggles in Texas. "My first time that it took so long to get into camp," he said.