ARLINGTON, Texas — Right-hander Alfredo Simon and third baseman Melvin Mora were put on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday by the Baltimore Orioles, who anticipate being without the rookie starting pitcher for a much longer period.
After pitching only 1 1-3 innings in his start Tuesday night, Simon returned to Baltimore for an evaluation of his elbow. Manager Dave Trembley described the injury as a “degenerative issue” with the elbow.
“My assumption is that Simon’s not going to be able to pitch for a while,” Trembley said.
Mora is out with a left hamstring strain that has bothered him since spring training. He started five of the first six games but aggravated the hamstring Sunday and hasn’t played since.
The Orioles recalled right-handers Matt Albers and Radhames Liz from Triple-A Norfolk, providing some needed depth in an overworked bullpen. Both were available to pitch Wednesday night in Texas.
Four relievers threw more than an inning Tuesday after Simon’s early departure from a 7-5, 10-inning victory. Closer George Sherrill pitched for the second straight game, allowing four straight hits and two runs in the 10th.
Trembley said Simon has had some discomfort in his elbow before, but didn’t report any problems during a side session after his first start or in the bullpen warming up before Tuesday night’s game.
Simon gave up three home runs before leaving the game against the Rangers, his third career start and second this season. A team trainer went to the mound to check on Simon when he appeared to be bothered by the elbow after throwing a pitch to a later batter.
“I talked to him after the game and he said that he just couldn’t throw with the velocity that he’s had before,” Trembley said. “I saw it after he gave up the home run, he kind of flinched his elbow a little bit.”
Team doctors are expected Thursday to determine the next step for Simon. Trembley said Simon may get a second opinion from another doctor.
Since the Orioles have a day off Thursday, Trembley said it was likely that Mark Hendrickson would start in Simon’s spot for the series finale at Boston on Monday. Hendrickson started Wednesday night in the finale against the Rangers.
“We’ll need a starter for Tuesday, but I don’t know if that’s a spot start or if it’s somebody we bring up for a long-term basis,” Trembley said.
Trembley said he expects Albers, a former starter, to remain in the bullpen.
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