Ryan

Keefer

The Orioles are calling his injury a mild strain. He’s expected to resume throwing in the pen before the end of next week.

Keefer, who missed 2007 after Tommy John surgery, returned to post a 4.80 ERA in 65 2/3 innings of relief for Double-A Bowie this season. He’s not one of the Orioles’ better prospects.

Manager Sam Perlozzo indicated that he’d be out for a couple of more days. Keefer isn’t a candidate to make the Orioles.

The Orioles lack quality rotation options, but they aren’t willing to rush top prospects like Tillman, Arrieta and Brian Matusz. It’s not yet known whether Tillman, who allowed one run in four innings this spring, will open the year at Triple-A or return to Double-A for the start of the season. Arrieta is due to pitch for Double-A Bowie.

Keefer should have gone last month to make room for Jeremy Guthrie. Now he’s getting the boot to create a spot for Steve Trachsel. Keefer underwent Tommy John surgery in December, so he’s going to miss the entire season. He should clear waivers and stay with the organization on a minor league deal.

Then what’s he still doing on the 40-man roster? Keefer, 25, battled a sore elbow from the start of camp last year and had a 2.49 ERA in the 25 1/3 innings that he was able to pitch in the minors. He was a decent relief prospect, but he shouldn’t still be occupying a roster spot if he’s going to miss all of 2007.

Keefer was designated for assignment this week to make room on the 40-man roster for Steve Trachsel. He’s out for the season following Tommy John surgery, so there was little chance that he was going to be claimed.