For Roberts, it's hip to be sore

I couldn't fall asleep last night, so I tried counting Brian Roberts' injuries. Man, it's been a tough year for the Orioles' second baseman and leadoff hitter. I'm afraid to ask what's next. Roberts is day-to-day with a strained left hip. He told reporters that it began bothering him about a week ago and has gotten worse. It's doubtful that he'll play tonight, so look for Julio Lugo at second base against Angels left-hander Scott Kazmir. Roberts showed up at spring training with a herniated disk. He later dealt with back stiffness that we're told wasn't related to the disk injury. He was hospitalized with pneumonia and had a stomach issue related to the medication he was taking for his back. He also suffered a bruised left shin after being hit by a pickoff throw. Am I missing anything? Update: Thanks to Alan in Va. for reminding me of the strained abdominal muscle. How could I forget that one? Roberts has been limited to 35 games this season, and he'll miss at least one because of his hip injury. It's possible that we won't see him again until the next homestand, which begins Tuesday. I'd suggest that he carry a lucky rabbit's foot, but he might need to rub the entire rabbit. Think about that when you're trying to fall asleep tonight. It would be nice to get Adam Jones' bat in the lineup with the Angels starting a lefty, but I'm sure we'll have to wait again while he tests his injured left shoulder. He's already missed three full games since being hit by a Gavin Floyd pitch on Tuesday, and the Orioles might need to consider a roster move if he's sidelined again tonight. They're already short one player because of Roberts. Day-to-day isn't supposed to cover a week. I liked manager Buck Showalter's idea of putting Corey Patterson in center field and Felix Pie in left. They both made big plays last night. They're both natural center fielders, but Pie is better in left than Patterson, who just can't seem to get a good jump on the ball and has difficulty judging the fence. I'd stick with that alignment as long as Jones is out. The Orioles need another right-handed hitting outfielder. It's conceivable that they'll start Pie, Patterson and Nick Markakis against Kazmir - unless Showalter is bold enough to put Lugo in left. Jake Fox is another option. He's made 11 appearances in left this season, including six starts with Oakland. Paging Nolan Reimold and Lou Montanez. Please pick up the white courtesy phone.