News
Scott wants to be tested at first base
Baltimore (49-72) at Chicago (62-59), 8:11 p.m. ET
By Zach Schonbrun / MLB.com
08/21/09 1:20 AM ET
ST. PETERSBURG -- The only disappointment Luke Scott has had about his first two career starts at first base is that he hasn't really been tested yet. The one grounder that was hit to him was a slow roller from Angels shortstop Maicer Izturis on Monday, which Scott handled himself. He's still waiting for the rocket down the baseline that will test his nerves at a new position once. Since Baltimore traded its regular first baseman, Aubrey Huff, to the Tigers on Monday, the Orioles have used several players to fill the position. Ty Wigginton started there on Tuesday, Scott on Wednesday and new callup Michael Aubrey on Thursday. That rotation is likely to continue until someone emerges as the everyday starter. The darkhorse in that race is Scott, the four-year veteran who began the season as Baltimore's starting left fielder and made his first career start at first on Monday. Scott's ability to play first only adds to his versatility and value, manager Dave Trembley said, and so far Scott has fared OK. "He doesn't look like a fish out of water," Trembley said. "He doesn't look like he's uncomfortable." Trembley doesn't want to make any premature assessments about his long-term potential at first base, especially considering he hasn't seen Scott field a hard-hit ground ball yet. Scott, meanwhile, said he's really enjoyed trying out the new spot and the new glove. As a player who wants to be in on the action as much as possible, first base is almost a perfect fit. "Any time you play a new position, it's fun," Scott said. "There's a lot of action. I love it. I think it's fun." At the least, Scott can anticipate seeing his name scribbled in the lineup there a few more times. Like any tryout, Trembley doesn't want to be too quick to make any judgments about which of the three deserves to play more. "You've got to see him out there for a while and look at the whole body of work and then come to some conclusions there," Trembley said of Scott. "We'll get him out there again."
Pitching matchup
BAL: RHP Jeremy Guthrie (7-12, 5.66 ERA)
Guthrie continued to struggle in the opening innings on Sunday, giving up three earned runs in the first against the Angels. Guthrie lasted 5 2/3 frames, allowing 10 hits and issuing two walks, but he picked up the no-decision in Baltimore's 17-8 loss in 13 innings.
Floyd has become perhaps Chicago's most reliable starter. He's 7-2 over his past 14 starts and has allowed one earned run or fewer in nine of them. He pitched seven solid innings against the A's on Saturday, giving up a run on eight hits while walking two and striking out eight. Floyd is 1-0 with a 1.29 ERA in two career starts against the Orioles. Tidbits
The Orioles acquired pitcher Chris Lambert off waivers from the Tigers and optioned him to Triple-A Norfolk. The 26-year-old right-hander was 6-7 with a 3.09 ERA with Triple-A Toledo this season and is 1-3 with a 7.90 ERA in 10 career Major League games. Trembley joked that Lambert was one of the few players he can honestly say he has never seen play. "Most of these guys, at some point, we've crossed paths and I've seen. I have not seen him," Trembley said. "Chris Lambert, he escaped. He went through the cracks somewhere." ... Trembley said starter Brad Bergesen has been doing exercises in Sarasota, Fla., but is not yet throwing as he rehabs from a left shin contusion he suffered two weeks ago. ... Aubrey got the start at first base on Wednesday, his first since being called up on Tuesday. He went 1-for-5 with a double. "Maybe he'll be our secret weapon," Trembley said. "Lord knows we need one." Tickets
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• Saturday: Orioles (David Hernandez, 4-5, 4.20) at White Sox (John Danks, 10-8, 3.96), 7:05 p.m. ET
• Sunday: Orioles (Jason Berken, 2-11, 6.72) at White Sox (Mark Buehrle, 11-6, 3.78), 2:05 p.m. ET
• Monday: Orioles (Chris Tillman, 1-1, 4.80) at Twins (TBD), 8:10 p.m. ET
Zach Schonbrun is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
