Orioles Notebook
His Wish Is Better Command
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Wednesday, April 16, 2008
BALTIMORE, April 15 -- Baltimore Orioles left-hander Adam Loewen took advantage of an extra day between starts by squeezing in a 30-pitch bullpen session on Monday to work on his mechanics, hoping for improved control Wednesday against the Chicago White Sox.
"It really hasn't been the same for me," said Loewen, who has struggled with his command because of inconsistent mechanics. "I'm still working on that. I've kind of had to relearn my mechanics after missing a lot of last year. So I'm still learning about myself."
Loewen has a 7.45 ERA in two starts this season, his first major league appearances since season-ending elbow surgery last June. Since his return, Loewen has had trouble controlling his fastball because of an inconsistent release point.
"That's where you see the inactivity," pitching coach Rick Kranitz said. "Usually when a guy finds it and has it, he's got it. We're seeing him kind of float in and out. And we need to nail that down. He can't be that inconsistent."
Loewen said after his last start -- when he gave up four runs in five innings against the Texas Rangers -- that he rushed his delivery though he showed better velocity.
"Hitters have the advantage of being able to hit every day," said Loewen, who threw two bullpen sessions in the last week. "It's not too often that pitchers get on the mound, so I wanted to take advantage of that. It's all about me getting my repetitions so I can catch up."
Little Relief
With long relievers Matt Albers and Jim Johnson coming off appearances on Monday night, Orioles Manager Dave Trembley was forced to use scuffling right-hander Greg Aquino for an extended relief stint during Tuesday's 11-3 loss to the Blue Jays. Aquino, who entered the game with a 12.00 ERA, allowed one of his inherited runners to score after stepping in for Steve Trachsel with the bases loaded in the third. But Aquino allowed four runs in three innings before yielding to Randor Bierd in the sixth.
"Aquino was in a situation where he had to go," Trembley said. "He had to give us as much as he possibly could."
