By Adam Kilgore
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, May 24, 2007

BALTIMORE, May 23 -- Orioles Manager Sam Perlozzo said Wednesday that Miguel Tejada needs to be more productive, particularly with his power numbers. After a blistering start, Tejada has hit .266 in May. He has one home run in his last 177 at-bats, and his .373 slugging percentage is tied for ninth among American League shortstops.

"We certainly expect more power out of Miggy," Perlozzo said. "I think we're going to get that. We certainly need more production out of Miggy."

In hopes of that happening, Perlozzo moved Tejada from the third spot in the order to cleanup for Wednesday's game.

Tejada, who has eight extra-base hits and two homers, said his problem has been swinging at bad pitches. Before Wednesday's game, he used a hitting machine that throws sliders and curveballs before taking his regular batting practice.

"My swing is not a home run swing," he said. "I'm a line-drive hitter. I'm not trying to hit home runs.

"Right now, I'm having a tough time. There's 100-and-something games left in the season. I could come in and hit three or four home runs in one week. I don't have to worry. Home runs are not easy to hit. But I keep working, and they're going to come."

It has been nearly three weeks since Adam Loewen went on the disabled list, leaving at least five weeks before he can throw. Loewen said Tuesday night that he will have an MRI exam in two weeks to determine how much the stress fracture in his left elbow has healed.

Loewen was in the clubhouse Tuesday for the first time in nearly two weeks; he had been home in Canada.

"It was good to get away," he said. "It's tough to be here and think about not being able to play." . . .

Perlozzo also moved Melvin Mora back to second in the batting order and Nick Markakis to third. He previously had moved Mora down in the order so he would bunt less.

"I don't need him to be pushing the ball around," Perlozzo said. "I just want him to swing the bat."

UP NEXT Today vs. Blue Jays7:05 p.m. Guthrie (2-1) vs. Marcum (2-2) MASN2 Tomorrow vs. Athletics7:05 p.m. Bedard (3-2) vs. Haren (4-2) MASN