More news on Hughes

Rhyne Hughes, who is joining the Orioles in Boston today, reached base via hit or walk in all 14 games that he started for Triple-A Norfolk. Hughes batted .372 (16-43) with two homers and seven RBIs against right-handers, and .250 (2-8) with one homer and four RBIs vs. lefties. You'll like this one: Hughes batted .429 (6-14) with one homer and nine RBIs with runners in scoring position. He'll stick out like a sore thumb in the Orioles' clubhouse. I'm not sure if manager Dave Trembley will be comfortable having him play the outfield, but it was a smart idea to get him reacquainted with the position in spring training and during the first few weeks with Norfolk. He chased fly balls at Pearl River Community College in Mississippi, so it wasn't an outrageous idea to have him ditch the first baseman's mitt on occasion. Still no announcement on the roster move, but reliever Alberto Castillo would be a logical candidate to go back down to Norfolk. Justin Turner would be the other possibility. I know plenty of fans are calling for Julio Lugo's release, but he's the backup shortstop. Turner is primarily a second baseman who also can shift to third. Miguel Tejada won't be returning to shortstop. I'm not sure that Hughes' addition would allow the Orioles to part with Lugo. One other note from Norfolk: Josh Bell has now hit safely in five straight games, batting .350 (7-for-20) with two RBIs during that span and increasing his average from .179 to .237.