Cabrera's Shaky Outing in O's Loss Fuels Speculation

Yankees 8, Orioles 7

BALTIMORE, Aug. 24 -- If Baltimore Orioles starter Daniel Cabrera is pitching through an injury, he isn't saying a word. But on Sunday, the struggling right-hander's performance fueled speculation about his health.

Once again, Cabrera suffered problems with his velocity and the New York Yankees took advantage, tagging the pitcher for seven runs en route to an 8-7 victory that completed a three-game sweep.

However, when asked directly if he was injured Cabrera offered little insight. "I don't have an answer for that question right now," he said.

And when questioned about the lack of velocity on his fastball -- which started at 88 mph and topped out at 92 mph -- Cabrera was equally vague.

"No comment for that one either," he said.

Cabrera lasted just 3 2/3 innings against the Yankees in the Orioles' 4-hour 1-minute marathon, leaving a start without recording a strikeout for just the second time in his career. His fastballs appeared to lack their usual sinking movement and on one play he failed to cover first base in time, another sign that something could be amiss.

"Obviously, the ball is not coming out of his hand the way it was earlier," said first baseman Kevin Millar. "He's a velocity guy. He's a 92 to 95 [mph] guy. And when you see him dip underneath 90, that's cause for concern. Only he knows the answer."

Both Manager Dave Trembley and pitching coach Rick Kranitz said they didn't know for sure if Cabrera is injured.

"I haven't talked to him after the game," said Kranitz, who acknowledged the drop-off in velocity. "If that's the case, that answers some questions. But I haven't talked to him yet."

Trembley said if he was aware of a problem, he wouldn't start Cabrera.

"If he wasn't [healthy], he wouldn't be out there," Trembley said.

The Orioles' failed attempt to finish a comeback added to an already frustrating day.