The roller coaster ride continued for the Orioles pitching staff this weekend.

The team placed right-handed starter Steve Trachsel on the 15-day DL Saturday with a strained gluteus, making him the second starter since the season began to have a stint on the DL.

Trachsel, 5-6 with a 4.95 ERA this year, was supposed to start against the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday.

“We have got until tomorrow to decide who will take his spot,” manager Dave Trembley said.

This story continues below
Advertisement

Right handed long-reliever Rob Bell (0-1) is a prime candidate to replace Trachsel. Promising lefty Garrett Olson could be called up from Triple-A Norfolk.

“There are people running the club in an administrative function, and they will make the decisions on who comes here,” Trembley said.

The manager said he would give his opinion on who he thought should fill in for Trachsel, but did not tip his hand as to which pitcher he would prefer.

RAY GETS A REST: Chris Ray thanked Trembley for the day off he received Saturday in Baltimore’s 6-3 win over the Angels. The Orioles closer had pitched in four of the previous six games and was admittedly in need of a rest.

With a 4-6 record through Saturday and an ERA above 5.00, Ray is having a disappointing season. He does not feel overworked, though.

“It is just my location right now,” Ray said. “When I start pressing, my pitches start missing.”

BAEZ IS ON THE MEND: Right-handed relief pitcher Danny Baez could be back on the active roster as soon as next week. The Orioles’ right-handed, set-up reliever is set for a bullpen session today and rehab appearances in games with Frederick on Thursday, Saturday and next Monday.

Placed on the 15-day DL June 17 with tendonitis in his right elbow, Baez is optimistic about his return.

“I want to be ready to help the team in the second half,” Baez said. “Mentally and physically [the break] was going to help. I am going to be 100% now and not thinking about if it is going to hurt. Everything feels is fine.”