Brian Roberts Unsure When, If He’ll Return

From 2005-09, Baltimore Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts was one of the game’s most electrifying players.  Roberts could do it with his bat, in the field and on the base paths, and became the catalyst of the Orioles lineup.  However, over the past few seasons, Roberts has been limited by injuries, most recently a string a concussions.  This has caused Roberts to become uncertain when, and even if, he’ll be able to resume his playing career.

While speaking with Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com, Roberts said that he’s stopped playing the guessing game of when he’ll return.  Roberts has watched set timeframes arrive and pass as he remains sidelined by lingering effects of multiple concussions.

So now, after becoming increasingly frustrated, Roberts is no longer focusing on when he’ll return for the Orioles.  Instead, Roberts is only worried about regaining his health.  While Roberts told Heyman that he’s had “more good days than bad” lately, he indicated that recovering from a brain-related injury is much different than rehabbing a bum shoulder or back.

Roberts said he’s feeling much better than he was just four months ago, but the doctors remain unsure when the 34-year-old will be able to return.  At this point, the question isn’t how many weeks or months, but if Roberts will ever be able to play again.

Though Roberts’s main priority is regaining his health, the Orioles have to continue without him and someone has to fill his shoes.  This is no easy task, as Baltimore is expected to use a pair of players to fill the roles of leadoff hitter (Nolan Reimold) and second baseman (Robert Andino) in 2012.

For more on the Orioles, be sure to check out Birds Watcher.

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