"Orioles interim manager Juan Samuel said that second baseman Brian Roberts could rejoin the club by late next week.

Roberts, who hasn't played since April 9 because of a herniated disk in his back, told Samuel that he needs only 15 more at-bats and joked that he was going to try to talk his way into Monday's Oriole lineup. Samuel, of couse, isn't going to allow that but Roberts will report to Double-A Bowie for four or five games next week. If all goes well, he could rejoin the club on Friday or Saturday.

Roberts went 1-for-4 today for the Gulf Coast Orioles, leaving him 9-for-19 in six games."