By Dave Sheinin
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, April 21, 1999; Page D4

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., April 20 – Cal Ripken went on the disabled list today for first time in his 19-year major league career and got a cortisone shot in Baltimore in hopes it will help relieve nerve irritation in his lower back.

Baltimore Orioles first baseman Will Clark followed suit, joining Ripken on the disabled list and seeing a doctor in Baltimore about the broken left thumb that will keep him out of action for about four weeks.

Ripken will need rest and physical therapy besides the cortisone as part of a rehabilitation program for his injured back.

"He was really down," Orioles Manager Ray Miller said before tonight's 5-3 loss to Tampa Bay. Miller spoke to Ripken on Monday night. "I think he's probably a little dazed right now. So, hopefully, he'll have some time for that, too."

Miller told reporters before the game that he had no indication Ripken would retire because of the back injury. Ripken had as many errors (five) as hits before leaving the club Sunday. He is eligible to come off the disabled list May 4.

"If he gets some immediate relief from his back problems, then takes five or six days to get back physically, that might change everything," Miller said, discounting Ripken retirement speculation.

Clark was injured Sunday while trying to field a sharp grounder in Toronto. General Manager Frank Wren said Clark saw a second doctor today in Baltimore, and the doctor agreed that Clark's injury did not require surgery.

Jeff Conine and Willis Otanez replaced Clark and Ripken, respectively, in tonight's starting lineup. Utility infielder Jesse Garcia was called up from Class AAA Rochester today and arrived at the Orioles' clubhouse at about 5 p.m.

The club will promote a starting pitcher to fill the second roster spot, but will wait at least another day to name that player. Right-hander Rocky Coppinger has been the most impressive pitcher at Rochester, compiling a 3.57 ERA in three starts, with 24 strikeouts in only 17 2/3 innings. Right-hander Jason Johnson also is a candidate.

The new pitcher will start Saturday's game against Oakland, and Doug Linton, who was 0-1 in two starts for the Orioles, will be moved from the starting rotation to the bullpen, where the Orioles hope he will shore up a unit worn thin by overuse.

"I wanted him [in the bullpen] to start off with," Miller said. "With him and [Ricky] Bones, it will give us a couple of guys to pitch a couple of innings every other day if needed. And hopefully we won't need it."

Said Linton: "I prefer to start. But the way [Miller] put it was, we need another long guy in the bullpen to get to [closer] Mike Timlin."