Patterson scratched (w/more notes)

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

July 18, 2010, 7:44am

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Corey Patterson has been scratched from the lineup with a sore heel, an injury sustained during last night's game. Patterson is being examined by a team physician, and the Orioles hope that he's available to pinch-hit. Otherwise, they're down to a two-man bench consisting of Julio Lugo and catcher Craig Tatum. "When he bunted last night, we think it happened," interim manager Juan Samuel said. Felix Pie will bat first and play left field. Just insert his name in Patterson's spot in your original lineup. Everything else stays the same. Also, the Orioles intend to activate Luke Scott from the disabled list tomorrow, rather than send him to Double-A Bowie, and Samuel wants to start him. No decision has been made on optioning a pitcher or position player to make room for Scott. The likeliest candidates are Josh Bell and Frank Mata. Samuel said the club isn't considering a six-man rotation when Kevin Millwood comes off the disabled list. Millwood is eligible to return on Wednesday. "You hate to keep backing up guys," Samuel said. Someone will have to step aside to make room.