Matt Wieters talks about batting fourth

Matt Wieters is a pretty low key guy with his interviews. No matter how much reporters tried today, he was just not going to make a big deal out of batting cleanup in tonight's batting order. He's batted fourth before in college and the minors, but tonight is in that four spot for the first time ever in the Majors. "It's just a new spot. Go out there and try to get hits and try to put runs up on the board. No change at all, just have to square balls up and find holes tonight. Hopefully the new lineup will get some things going. "It's really just a number," Wieters said. "I don't think there is any difference (hitting cleanup). The pitchers at this level have the scouting reports and will pitch you the same way. Only difference is you may have different guys on base in front of you or different situations to hit in. "You never know when a lineup change will come about. But when you start the year like this it's a good time to mix things up and get on a winning note." Wieters is off to a good start, batting .400-1-2 with 10 hits in 25 at bats. "I feel pretty comfortable. You're always trying to work on things, but at this point I feel pretty good. There will be ups and downs but I was able to start out the year pretty well." Wieters has batted 6th six times this year and 5th just once. Last year he hit 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th with most of his at bats coming when he eighth. He feels the changes in the O's lineup should turn out to be positive. "I think so, just give it a new look. No change can hurt, so all new change is welcome. "I don't think we're pressing. We all want to win. It's still early and it's a long season. Everyone in this clubhouse knows that." Manager Dave Trembley is not sure if Wieters will stay in the four slot in the order. For now he's just trying to jump start an offense that has scored an AL-low 20 runs. As for Wieters, tonight he bats fourth, a spot where many figured he'd wind up all along. Here's a minor league roster move today. Delmarva catcher Michael Ohlman has been placed on the disabled list (left knee), retroactive to 4/12. Catcher Jason Stifler has been added from Aberdeen's roster. Ohlman left Sunday's Delmarva game in the second inning after fouling a ball off his left knee. The 19-year-old Ohlman was 0 for 4 with an RBI so far for Delmarva. The Bradenton, Florida product was drafted in round 11 last June and spent some time late last year with the O's Gulf Coast League team.



Welcome Matt to the cleanup spot
Tejada second, Wieters fourth
 

By accepting you will be accessing a service provided by a third-party external to https://www.masnsports.com/