Robert

Andino

Andino went 4-for-18 with two RBI in five games while Hanley Ramirez is out. He should remain in the minors until September unless Ramirez gets hurt again.

It’s true that if the O’s go with an in-house candidate, Andino will likely get the call. But, the odds might be greater that either Roberts will come back healthy and regain his job or the team will seek help outside the organization. Connolly is right, though, in saying that Baltimore “should go forward with offseason plans as if Roberts will not be available — and treat it as a pleasant dilemma if he can play.” Andino is considered a good defensive player, but the career .245/.302/.331 hitter is probably best served in a utility role.

Roberts is hitting regularly in the cage and has begun watching parts of the team’s games in the dugout in order to get reacclimated. There’s no timetable for him to get into a game, but he remains hopeful about playing this season. “If I was still sitting on the sidelines I’d be a lot less hopeful,” said Roberts. “My doctor continues to tell me that there’s very good reason for hope. So I don’t see at this point, any reason why I won’t. It’s just a matter of when.” The 34-year-old is doubtful for Opening Day at this point, so Robert Andino projects to serve as the O’s starting second baseman.

Andino returned to Miami after Tuesday’s game to be present for the birth of his third child. He is expected to miss at least the next two games. Ryan Flaherty will start at second base Wednesday and bat ninth.

Berken has a 0.60 ERA and 10/4 K/BB ratio in 15 innings over three starts with the Tides. Andino is only expected to miss a couple days, so his stay with the team could be brief.

Andino is returning to Miami for the birth and is expected to miss at least two games. The O’s are likely to make a roster move Tuesday night or Wednesday morning.

It was one of two blasts on the night for the O’s -- Wilson Betemit had the other one -- but they were no match for the slugging Rangers. Andino is off to a nice start this year, batting .306 with three bombs and 11 RBI.

Andino returned to Miami after Tuesday’s game to be present for the birth of his third child. His flight into Baltimore is scheduled to arrive Friday morning, so there’s a good chance he’s back in the lineup.

Andino was out of the lineup Wednesday and Thursday in order to be present for the birth of his third child. However, he’s back in the starting lineup Friday, batting ninth and playing second base. The O’s have yet to announce a corresponding roster move, but right-hander Jason Berken will likely be sent back down to Triple-A.

Andino is 5-for-22 this spring. With no timetable for Brian Roberts’ return, it seems a lock that Andino will be the Orioles’ Opening Day second baseman.