Hobgood back on the hill

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

July 05, 2010, 4:19pm

Comments

Single-A Delmarva pitcher Matt Hobgood, making his first start since June 11, allowed one run and three hits in three innings against Hickory. Hobgood, last year's first-round draft pick who had been shut down with a sore right shoulder, recorded seven of his outs on ground balls. Nathan Moreau, who threw a no-hitter in his Carolina League debut with Single-A Frederick, has allowed one hit in three scoreless innings against Kinston. He's also struck out two. We'll find out tomorrow whether the Orioles decide to make room for Felix Pie on the 25-man roster by placing Kevin Millwood on the disabled list. Interim manager Juan Samuel and pitching coach Rick Kranitz are concerned about a possible injury to Millwood's right elbow, which could explain a decrease in velocity and command. If Millwood goes on the DL, rookie third baseman Josh Bell will avoid a return trip to Triple-A Norfolk. The Orioles aren't likely to send down a reliever after digging deep in their bullpen today. It also could come in pretty handy to have Chris Tillman's next turn fall on the same night that Millwood is scheduled to pitch, though the Orioles might choose to leave him at Norfolk.