Marty

Cordova

Cordova wants to play tonight but may have to miss a few games. ''I got an X-ray, and my spine was really off-line and my pelvis was really tilted,’' he said, adding that his sciatic nerve is pinched. Super-sub Melvin Mora will fill in for Cordova.

His Oriole career is over. The question is, will any other team make him an offer next season?

Cordova will start a minor league rehab shortly and could be with the Orioles by early May. He isn’t likely to play in the field.

Cordova is recovering from surgery to remove bone chips from his right elbow. He can swing without pain, but he feels it when he throws. Carlos Mendez will likely be demoted when Cordova returns, although Cordova will have a hard time finding playing time.

The injury has nothing to do with the Tommy John surgery from which he was rehabbing, but Cordova’s going to need another surgery if he wants to continue his career. Regardless, his time with the Orioles is done, as his contract expires after this season.

It looks like Cordova will be the first player eliminated from the competition for at-bats at DH. David Segui, Jack Cust and B.J. Surhoff are the alternatives. Cust has the most upside of the group, but even though he’s out of options, he’s no lock to make the team.

Manager Mike Hargrove would not predict a September return for Cordova yet.

Cordova is expected to be able to swing a bat by spring training, though throwing is another issue. He might be reduced to DH duties for a while. He’s not someone to consider owning in 2004.

Don’t plan on Cordova seeing any action, as the Orioles have lots of younger players to evaluate.

Cordova is day-to-day. Melvin Mora started in his place.