Orioles' Hammel exits with renewed right knee pain
The Baltimore Orioles again moved into a tie atop the American League East on Tuesday, but they may have lost another key player to injury.
Just four days after a regular-season-ending injury to Nick Markakis, the Orioles will await final word on an injury to Jason Hammel's right knee.
Hammel felt something "grab" in the knee, and he will be evaluated Wednesday by Orioles doctors. He had arthroscopic surgery on the same knee in mid-July, and Tuesday was just his second start since returning from the disabled list.
"We've been down this road many times this year," manager Buck Showalter said. "Every club does. It's part of it."
Hammel exited with the knee ailment after 3 2/3 innings. The only hit he allowed was a solo homer by Tampa Bay's Ryan Roberts in the third inning. The Baltimore bullpen did an effective job in closing out a 9-2 win over the Rays.
In his first start back, Hammel had allowed one run in five innings of Thursday's series-opening win against the Yankees in New York. That day, he was struck on the right elbow by a line drive. He remained in the game.
The Orioles battled without Hammel in July and August. They may have to do so in September, too.
