ORIOLES NOTEBOOK
Birkins Proves Effective
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Tuesday, May 30, 2006
BALTIMORE, May 29 -- It may be closer Chris Ray who gets most of the attention, but it's been Kurt Birkins who has been the Baltimore Orioles' best reliever the past few weeks.
Birkins, a rookie who recorded his first win on Sunday with 1 1/3 scoreless innings, has allowed one run in 14 innings and has given up just three hits in 42 at-bats.
"I'm not doing anything different than what I did in the past," said Birkins, a 33rd-round selection in the 2000 draft. "This is the first time in a few years I've gone out there with confidence, which is huge."
Birkins wasn't expected to be on the major league roster, much less become an important component. But an elbow injury to left-handed specialist Tim Byrdak opened up a spot for Birkins, who had been a starter during his six-year minor league career. It's taken some adjustment, but Birkins said he doesn't mind coming out of the bullpen.
"I'm not going to argue with anything as long as I stay up here," Birkins said.
Benson Burned Again
Kris Benson, in his past two starts, has had three bunt plays begin rallies against him. On Sunday, catcher Jose Molina's bunt single began a two-run rally in the fifth. Later in the inning, Chone Figgins loaded the bases after reaching on a bunt which Benson and catcher Ramon Hernandez thought was foul. Orioles Manager Sam Perlozzo was ejected for arguing about the play.
"I'm tired of the bunt plays costing me ballgames as far as wins are concerned," Benson said. . . .
Perlozzo had promised to limit the number of multi-inning appearances for Ray. But Ray's past three save appearances have all been for more than one inning.
"I guess I'm not going to say anything anymore," Perlozzo said. "We're certainly not going to abuse Chris."
UP NEXT Today vs. Devil Rays 7:05 p.m. Lopez (2-7, 7.16) vs. Waechter (0-3, 6.43) Comcast SportsNet, WTNT-570, WBAL-1090 Tomorrow vs. Devil Rays 7:05 p.m. Chen (0-5, 7.40) vs. Shields (0-0, 0.00) Comcast SportsNet, WTNT-570, WBAL-1090
