Eric

DuBose

Rodrigo Lopez was originally penciled in as the No. 2 starter, but it now appears that he’ll start the fourth or fifth game. Kurt Ainsworth likely will start the third game.

Dubose, who had bone chips removed from his left elbow last week, hopes to pitch in the fall instructional league. He should be ready for spring training next season.

Rick Helling could be traded or sent to the bullpen. DuBose is 1-1 with a 1.35 ERA in seven appearances with the Orioles, including two quality starts in two tries. He makes a nice pickup in AL-only leagues.

DuBose is still available after throwing 32 pitches last night. He’s a candidate for a rotation spot in 2004, but shouldn’t be used against the Red Sox if he starts Friday.

Manager Mike Hargrove hasn’t decided yet whether DuBose will start the first or second game of a doubleheader. DuBose hasn’t allowed a run in five relief appearances since his recall July 22.

He will likely be out of action for 3-4 weeks. The Orioles are mulling over their options to take DuBose’s spot in the rotation. The smart money is on Rodrigo Lopez.

There is nothing wrong with the left-hander, but the Orioles want to keep Sidney Ponson on his regular schedule, and with today’s off day, that means someone’s start had to be pushed back. The Orioles will start Erik Bedard, Rodrigo Lopez and Ponson in the Yankee series which begins tomorrow night. DuBose will pitch against the Tigers on the weekend.

The Orioles have decided to stick with their rotation and have everyone go on schedule, which is only fair since his performance against the Yankees wasn’t really that bad considering the competition and the fact relievers failed him.

He struck out seven. DuBose, who has been in Double-A all season long because his DUI arrest has prevented him from pitching in Canada (the Orioles’ Triple-A affiliate is located in Ottawa), is 8-10 with a 3.25 ERA, 113 H and 114/29 K/BB in 122 IP for Bowie. We’ll probably see him back in the majors with the Orioles next month.

DuBose will take Sidney Ponson’s rotation spot, perhaps for the rest of the season. He’s not worthy of an immediate pickup, but it’s possible that he’ll have a little value in AL-only leagues. The 29-year-old was 8-10 with a 3.25 ERA, 113 H and 114/29 K/BB in 122 IP for Bowie.