Season Not Getting Any Easier For O's

Just when you think things can't get much worse for the Baltimore Orioles, the unthinkable happens. Miguel Tejada has fractured his left wrist, forcing him to end an impressive run - having played in 1,152 consecutive games.

He could be looking at a 2 month or longer hiatus.

Tejada was hit by a pitch late in Wednesday's game, and initial X-rays didn't show any broken bones. Just to be sure, he was sent to the hospital for further testing.

Considering Tough as Nails Tejada has played in every game since June of 2000, he started Thursday's game. However, he was pulled following a poor bunt attempt for his first at-bat.

After Thursday's game, Tejada said, "The swelling's gone down. Before the game, I was feeling a little bit nervous. ... I'm feeling much better now. My hand is much better now."

Tejada is batting .306 with 7 longballs and 41 RBIs so far this season.

In other bad Baltimore news, left-handed strikeout machine Erik Bedard left Thursday's game in the sixth inning with a strained left hamstring. He is day-to-day.

Also, former backstop turned-manager-for-a-year-turned-analyst Joe Girardi has turned down the offer to manage the club.

[My Baseball Bias]