ORIOLES NOTEBOOK
Francona Checks On Sherrill
|
TOOLBOX
   Resize
COMMENT
 Discussion Policy
 CLOSE
Comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.
Who's Blogging  |
Thursday, August 21, 2008
BALTIMORE, Aug. 20 -- Nobody in the Baltimore Orioles' organization has pinned closer George Sherrill's recent injury to his marathon appearance at the All-Star Game, which came under the direction of Boston Red Sox Manager Terry Francona. Still, one day after the Orioles sent Sherrill to the 15-day disabled list with shoulder inflammation, Francona called to check on the pitcher.
"I don't want to see a kid go on the DL anyway, not if I have something to do with it," Francona said. "But I don't want them to go on the DL anyway."
With the game in extra innings and the American League down to just one other pitcher, Francona used Sherrill for 2 1/3 innings, his longest outing of the season and tied for the longest of his career. The next day, Francona placed courtesy calls to Orioles pitching coach Rick Kranitz and President Andy MacPhail.
"I didn't want them to think we were flippant about their pitchers," Francona said. "So I understand."
But upon hearing of the injury, Francona sought out Sherrill, who assured him that the setback was more a product of his workload. As a left-handed specialist with Seattle last season, Sherrill threw 45 2/3 innings in 73 games. With the Orioles, he has pitched a career-high 50 1/3 innings in 53 appearances.
"We talked, and I think he wanted to hear it from me, that everything was good and making sure that it wasn't completely his fault," Sherrill said. "No hard feelings at all."
Mickolio Comes Aboard
The Orioles brought up right-handed reliever Kam Mickolio. The 24-year-old, acquired as part of the Erik Bedard deal with the Mariners, posted a 1.50 ERA since earning a promotion to Class AAA Norfolk on July 7. The Orioles also placed pitcher Matt Albers (shoulder) on the 60-day disabled list. . . .
The Orioles optioned struggling left-hander Garrett Olson to Class AAA Norfolk. Olson went 8-6 with a 6.38 ERA in 21 starts. Trembley did not announce a corresponding move, leaving the Orioles without an announced starter for Friday's game against New York.
UP NEXT Tomorrow vs. Yankees7:05 p.m. TBA vs. Mussina (16-7) MASN Saturday vs. Yankees7:05 p.m. Guthrie (10-9) vs. TBA MASN
