By Marc Carig
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, June 11, 2008

BOSTON, June 10 -- After losing his spot in the starting rotation and struggling to adjust to relieving, right-hander Steve Trachsel was designated for assignment Tuesday, ending his second stint in as many seasons with the Baltimore Orioles. The veteran pitcher was coming off a horrendous relief appearance in Toronto on Saturday. He finished 2-5 with an 8.39 ERA in 10 games -- including eight starts.

"Just let the numbers and the way he pitched, everybody saw the way he pitched, let that all speak for itself," Manager Dave Trembley said. "I'm not going to address anything in particular. We made the move, and that should be self-explanatory."

Trachsel, 37, was the team's most veteran starting pitcher last season until the Orioles traded him to the Chicago Cubs. Since he was signed as a minor league free agent before spring training, constant struggles with command and velocity led to his demotion and eventual departure.

The Orioles selected the contract of first baseman Oscar Salazar from Class AAA Norfolk. The move gives the Orioles an extra bat on the bench, important for upcoming interleague play.

Salazar, 29, earned his first appearance on a major league roster since playing eight games with Detroit in 2002. After an impressive spring training, he hit .311 with seven homers and 44 RBI for Norfolk.

"It's exciting to get called up six years after playing with the Tigers," he said. "I'm very happy and I'll try to do my best every day I'm up here."

Pitcher Jake Arrieta (5-2, 2.69 ERA), outfielder Brandon Tripp (nine HR, 34 RBI) and catcher Matt Wieters (.342, 14 HR), all of Class A Frederick, were named Carolina League all-stars on Tuesday. . . .

Adam Loewen struck out two on Tuesday while pitching a perfect inning in his first rehab appearance with Frederick.

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