Is it time to activate Scott?

Tonight's game got a little more interesting, and not because I'm placing odds on how many innings I survive before I collapse on the press box floor in a huge puddle of sweat. Did I hear something about a 115-degree heat index? But the good news is sportswriters voted back when Camden Yards was being built to have an open-air press box. No air conditioning. Because, you know, everybody likes heat stroke. Anyway, the Orioles must decide whether to activate Luke Scott from the disabled list. The timing would be right after he homered twice last night and drove in six runs in his third injury rehab game with Double-A Bowie, but that's not the only reason. Scott is 6-for-15 with two doubles, a homer, five RBIs and two walks lifetime against Angels starter Ervin Santana. If you care, Nick Markakis is 10-for-27 with five doubles, three homers and 10 RBIs. And Felix Pie is 3-for-5 with a triple and three RBIs. But enough about them ... Scott is 5-for-10 in three games with Bowie, including a double, three homers, seven RBis, two walks and five runs scored. He hasn't played in the field, and there's no reason for the Orioles to put him in left field while Vladimir Guerrero remains on the disabled list. The Orioles were smart to shut down Scott for two days. It seems impossible for him to avoid surgery to repair a torn labrum, but he's trying to wait until after the season. It doesn't look like he needs more at-bats in the minors. The only reason to delay activating him would be to let his shoulder calm down if it's bothering him again. Scott talked about how his bat speed had slowed down. He can ignore the pain. He can't ignore the sensation that he's swinging a bat under water. It must have been quick enough last night, at least against Eastern League pitching. The Orioles will have a big decision to make once the season ends. Scott has another year of arbitration before he becomes a free agent, and the club could choose to non-tender him. But first things first. Santana is waiting for him. It might be a good time to let them get reacquainted. And while we're talking about decisions related to Scott, the Orioles would have to make room for him tonight on the 25-man roster. Matt Angle could be optioned to Triple-A Norfolk.