By Marc Carig
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, September 11, 2008

BALTIMORE, Sept. 10 -- Until the Minnesota Twins tried to convert Brian Bass into a relief pitcher, the right-hander spent his entire career as a starter. That's why Bass isn't too worried about making a spot start Thursday for his new team, the Baltimore Orioles.

"I pitched for seven years as a starter, so it's getting back to something that I know better than the bullpen," said Bass, whose start against the Cleveland Indians will be his first in the majors.

The Orioles traded for Bass last Friday after the Twins didn't bring him back to the majors as a September call-up. Bass made his big league debut this season with Minnesota, posting a 4.87 ERA in 44 relief appearances before the Twins outrighted him to the minors on Aug. 20.

"It's a great opportunity, to come over here and especially being able to get a couple of starts in here at the end of the year," said Bass, who was acquired for cash considerations or a player to be named.

Bass, a sixth-round pick by Kansas City in 2000, started two games for Minnesota's Class AAA affiliate in Rochester last month, allowing four runs in nine innings. In his first appearance for the Orioles, he allowed two runs in 1 2/3 innings.

Manager Dave Trembley said he chose Bass for the spot start because he has the freshest arm. Trembley also said Bass will not be limited to three innings, the way reliever Lance Cormier was during his spot start in Boston last week.

Trembley is unsure when Melvin Mora (hamstring) will be ready to rejoin the starting lineup, though the third baseman is available for pinch-hitting duty. "I guess we'll just wait until Melvin says he's ready," Trembley said.

George Sherrill (shoulder inflammation) cleared a key hurdle in his bid to return this season. The Orioles' closer felt fine after pitching to live hitters on Wednesday, though Friday is the earliest he could be activated from the disabled list.

UP NEXT Today vs. Indians7:05 p.m. Bass (3-4) vs. Jackson (0-2) MASN Tomorrow vs. Twins7:05 p.m. Cabrera (8-9) vs. Baker (8-4) MASN2