By Adam Kilgore
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, April 27, 2007

BALTIMORE, April 26 -- Baltimore Orioles catcher Ramon Hernandez returned to the lineup Thursday night after missing the first 21 games of the season with a strained left oblique muscle. Hernandez caught all nine innings and smacked the first pitch he saw to center field for a double in the third inning. He finished 2 for 3 with a walk and run.

"It felt good," Hernandez said. "I feel good. Nothing is sore. It's a baseball game. If I see my pitch, no matter how long I've been out, I'm swinging. I don't want to wait. If you throw my pitch, I was hacking at it."

The injury limited only Hernandez's hitting, not his catching or throwing. He said he didn't know how long it would take to find a rhythm, but Baltimore needs his production. Hernandez was one of the most potent bats in the Orioles' lineup last year before a late-season swoon. In his absence, Paul Bako and Alberto Castillo combined to hit .215 with one home run and six RBI. After 21 games last season, Hernandez was hitting .329 with two homers and 16 RBI.

"Those two guys have done a great job, but when you miss your starting catcher, it's a little different," Perlozzo said. "He's a big bat. He might be a little slow starting, but he gives you more balance in your lineup."

With the addition of Hernandez, Perlozzo was able to move Corey Patterson to the ninth spot in the order. With his speed, Patterson can act as a second leadoff hitter before Brian Roberts. Bako or Castillo had previously occupied the ninth spot.

To make room, the Orioles designated Castillo for assignment. Baltimore has 10 days to release or trade Castillo.

Lost in Wednesday's 6-1 loss to the Boston Red Sox was Patterson's leaping catch at the wall to rob Manny Ramirez. Last week, Patterson robbed a home run in center. "He can go get 'em," Perlozzo said. "I think he is underrated."