Concerns growing over Koji

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

May 22, 2010, 10:41am

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Manager Dave Trembley won't know whether Koji Uehara is available tonight until he checks with pitching coach Rick Kranitz. "If he's not," Trembley said, "I'll be concerned about that." Uehara was gassed during Wednesday night's appearance in Texas. He lasted two-thirds of an inning and 29 pitches, and Trembley still couldn't use him last night. Trembley would have called upon Uehara to replace starter David Hernandez, but he was forced to go with Matt Albers, who allowed two runs in 1 1/3 innings. The Orioles might have to consider adding another bullpen arm if Uehara can't bounce back. He's only thrown five innings over six appearances, and the pitch counts haven't been taxing. "He's thrown 13, 15, 18, the other day was 29," Trembley said. "That was the reason why it wasn't in his best interest to be a starter anymore, because once he got past 50 pitches, it took a toll on his arm. "You're looking at a third day now. He didn't even pick up a ball yesterday. He didn't even play catch yesterday. So, I'm anxious to see how he responds. He doesn't have that many appearances, with not very many innings."