By Marc Carig
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, April 23, 2008

SEATTLE, April 22 -- Baltimore Orioles left-hander Adam Loewen threw a second bullpen session at Safeco Field on Tuesday, continuing the extra work he's put in while trying to regain command on his fastball.

"It really hasn't been there since I started throwing in spring training," said Loewen, who is slated to start against the Mariners on Thursday. "I haven't been able to put the ball where I wanted every time."

Control issues have plagued Loewen (0-1, 6.32 ERA) during his return from left elbow surgery last season.

Orioles Manager Dave Trembley pushed back Loewen's start two days to keep Daniel Cabrera and Jeremy Guthrie on their normal turn in the rotation, a move that allowed Loewen to add the extra bullpen session. Last week, Trembley pushed back Loewen a day to keep veteran Steve Trachsel on his normal schedule. Loewen said he understands the decisions.

"It's tough because I want to be the guy that they come to, to go on short rest," Loewen said. "I don't want to be the guy that gets skipped, but the way Daniel and Jeremy are pitching right now, that's an easy decision. I'm not offended by it because they're pitching better than I am."

Mariners Manager John McLaren announced that Jarrod Washburn will start against the Orioles on Thursday, which means that left-hander Erik Bedard won't have a chance to face his former team until the Orioles revisit Seattle for a three-game series in August.

As expected, the Mariners activated closer J.J. Putz from the disabled list, sending down knuckleballer R.A. Dickey, who had been scheduled to face Baltimore on Thursday.

UP NEXT Tonight at Mariners10:10 p.m. Cabrera (1-0) vs. Silva (3-0) MASN2 Tomorrow at Mariners10:10 p.m. Loewen (0-1) vs. Washburn (1-3) MASN2 UP NEXT Tonight at Mariners10:10 p.m. Cabrera (1-0) vs. Silva (3-0) MASN2 Tomorrow at Mariners10:10 p.m. Loewen (0-1) vs. Washburn (1-3) MASN2