Tim

Raines Jr.

Not a great way to get off the bench. Predictably, Raines went 0-for-3 with a strikeout and was caught stealing. Perhaps Orioles’ manager Lee Mazzilli will have pity on Raines and give him a start against a human pitcher next time out.

Raines will compete with Val Majewski for playing time in center. He’s certainly a better option than Darnell McDonald, though he was struggling in Triple-A. His speed will give him a little fantasy value if he plays.

He goes to make room for Napoleon Calzado on the 40-man roster. Raines was hitting just .238/.303/.363 for Triple-A Ottawa. He should clear waivers.

Raines wasn’t going to make the Orioles as a fifth outfielder by going 3-for-25 this spring. Fasano didn’t beat out Geronimo Gil for a job behind Javy Lopez.

Raines will have to accept the assignment. He’ll rejoin Ottawa’s lineup.

Baltimore designated him for assignment to clear space on their 40-man roster last week. ''It’ll be another day or so before we know anything,’' director of minor league operations David Stockstill said.

Raines hit .355 and stole five bases this spring, making him the top candidate for a callup should an outfielder get hurt. Fontenot will be Ottawa’s regular second baseman.

Raines could start around until Erik Bedard is added next weekend. He’ll be used primarily as a pinch-runner.

Raines will probably only stick around until Erik Bedard is recalled on Sunday.

Raines has stolen four bases in nine games. Since the Orioles probably aren’t ready to make Raines a reserve just yet, they’ll likely send him to Triple-A Ottawa to start next season. He should eventually settle in a fourth or fifth outfielder.