Schoop on hamstring, Crichton on latest return

DETROIT - Orioles second baseman Jonathan Schoop made sure to hydrate after leaving last night's game with cramping in his right leg. A simple task that should keep him on the field.

Schoop tested the leg before batting practice by running in the outfield and moving side to side under the watch of assistant athletic trainer Brian Ebel.

"Everything's good," Schoop said. "There was a little bit of a cramp yesterday and I came in today and ran and did some things and I feel good."

Though a convenient excuse, Schoop didn't blame the discomfort on extra innings and a victory that took 5 hours and 19 minutes.

"No, no, no, it's not from a long game," he said. "I think I didn't drink enough water or something. But I drank a lot of water today and yesterday and I should be good."

Schoop has taken a beating so far this season, including a pitch on May 5 that hit his hand and ended his consecutive games streak at 190. He missed two games.

Schoop has been hit by five pitches this season to lead the club. Seth Smith is second with two.

"I think I've been hit by pitches a lot this year ... but that's part of the game," he said. "They're trying to throw in and I don't want to give them a lot of plate. I moved more inside the plate this year, so I'm trying different things. Maybe they want me to get off the plate, but I won't."

Meanwhile, Stefan Crichton found out yesterday afternoon that he'd become the Orioles' seventh reliever with his latest call-up from Triple-A Norfolk.

"Not necessarily surprised, but just excited to be here," he said. "Just more excitement, I think."

Crichton could be excused for developing a casual attitude toward the news. The Orioles have summoned him on four occasions. It's hardly a shock anymore.

"I mean, I think it's just something that kind of comes with it," he said. "I've got options and we've got a really good bullpen up here, especially with the arms that we need to continually bring here. I understand it. It's out of my control. I kind of just, 'Yes sir,' 'No, sir.' That's about it."

While pitching for Norfolk, Crichton has more closely resembled the reliever who made such a solid impression in spring training. He's allowed only three runs in 17 1/3 innings, with two walks and 17 strikeouts.

"When you go back down to the minor leagues after being up here, the pressure you feel up here makes going down feel like nothing," he said. "It's just a matter of trusting my stuff and all what everyone says. Trust your stuff and don't try to change anything."

Including the desire to travel. He's always on the move.

"I've learned that there really isn't a lot of routine," he said. "My routine is when I get to the field and if I can kind of throw and do some running and stuff, that's about really all I need."