Pineiro debuts with Norfolk (updated)

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

May 03, 2012, 5:33pm

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BOSTON - Joel Pineiro was added to Triple-A Norfolk's roster and made his debut tonight, going six innings against Indianapolis. Pineiro, signed as a minor league free agent after being released by the Phillies, allowed one run and three hits, walked none and struck out five. He threw 75 pitches, 55 for strikes. One of the hits off Pineiro came from former Oriole Jake Fox, who's batting .385. The Orioles envision Pineiro as a long reliever, which they've been lacking. Not that the bullpen is suffering without one, but it helps that the rotation has produced nine quality starts in the last 10 games. Brad Bergesen replaced Pineiro in the seventh, so he's apparently been bumped from the Tides' rotation to make room. Bill Hall hit his second home run, singled in another run and raised his average to .313. You can be sure the Orioles have noticed. Update: Fox doubled off Bergesen in the ninth and was removed for a pinch runner. He's batting .407. Bergesen allowed one run and three hits in three innings, with three walks (one intentional) and two strikeouts. He threw 75 pitches, and his ERA is 5.81.