Flat And Breezy On The DL: Mickolio Called Up

Uh, oh. Our closer is on the DL...

The subject of George Sherrill going on the DL was the subject of debate amongst myself and a few of my fellow season ticket holders in our seats last night.

It's unknown what caused Sherrill's injury, whether it is just plain over-use, an existing minor injury, or his lengthy stint during the 2008 All-Star Game, but the Orioles hope he returns back to the squad soon enough.

From the Orioles.com: The Orioles lost the services of one of their best relievers Tuesday, when they placed closer George Sherrill on the disabled list with a case of inflammation in his left shoulder. Sherrill had told manager Dave Trembley that he was in pain Monday, and the team pushed him through a magnetic resonance imaging test to determine the extent of the injury.

The tests didn't show any catastrophic damage, but the Orioles placed Sherrill on the disabled list for precautionary reasons. As of now, the plan is to let Sherrill rest his tired arm for a week and then he'll resume a throwing program shortly after that. Sherrill is eligible to return from the DL on Aug. 31, and the team thinks he can return close to that date.

"It started off as a little tendinitis thing and it just exploded," Sherrill said. "It is a relief that it's not something structural. We'll just rehab it and get back as soon as possible."

Thus, the team brought up youngster Cam Mickolio, part of the now infamous Bedard trade. Are you thinking the Mariners as every day goes on regret this deal even more?

From the Baltimore Sun: The Orioles announced today that they have selected the contract of right-handed pitcher Kam Mickolio from Triple-A Norfolk. The move comes one day after All-Star closer George Sherrill was placed on the disabled list with left shoulder inflammation.

Mickolio, 24, had a 1.50 ERA with two saves in 15 games for Norfolk since his promotion from Double-A Bowie on July 7. He struck out 20 and walked seven in 18 innings with the Tides. At Double-A Bowie, Mickolio was 2-1 with a 4.70 ERA and one save in 28 games.

Mickolio was obtained from the Seattle Mariners along with Sherrill, Adam Jones, Chris Tillman and Tony Butler as part of the trade that sent Erik Bedard to Seattle on Feb. 8. Mickolio was originally drafted by the Mariners in the 18th round of the 2006 First Year Player Draft.

Good luck in the majors, Cam...

So who closes? Jim Johnson?