Orioles Might Put Timlin on the Disabled List

The Baltimore Orioles are considering putting closer Mike Timlin on the 15-day disabled list after learning that the right-hander has a torn muscle in his left side.

The Orioles originally planned to put Timlin on the disabled list after Thursday’s game against the Cleveland Indians. But they put off the move, opting to wait until he visited a doctor today to receive a second opinion.

Timlin has been bothered for nearly three weeks by a torn abdominal muscle. He was available to pitch Thursday, but before the game conceded that he was probably headed to the DL.

“We’re going to shut it down and try to heal it up,” Timlin said.

Timlin did not pitch in the Orioles’ first two games. An examination Thursday revealed a five-centimeter tear in the muscle.

“I have no idea how it happened. I didn’t feel it pop, pull or burn,” he said. “I’ve never had a pulled muscle before.”

Mike Trombley, who had 24 saves with Minnesota last year, will take over the closer’s role. Oriole Manager Mike Hargrove said he will probably bring up a long reliever from the minors to replace Timlin on the roster.

Timlin blew eight saves before the All-Star break last season, but in the second half he went 18 for 19 in save situations. He had an 0.75 earned-run average this spring.

Also Thursday, Baltimore put pitcher Radhames Dykhoff on waivers and he was claimed by the New York Mets.

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Wade Boggs’ uniform No. 12 will be retired today by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays at the home opener against Cleveland. Boggs will be the 60th American League player to have his number retired.