Brian Roberts Goes 3 for 4 in Return to the Orioles

Brian Roberts has missed the last 13 months due to a concussion he suffered last season.  The Baltimore Orioles second baseman suffered the injury on May 16, 2011 while sliding into second base.  He was perhaps more susceptible to concussions after suffering one in October of the previous year.  In October of 2010, Roberts hit himself in the batting helmet with his bat after striking out and gave himself a concussion.

Roberts was back in the Orioles lineup last though, and he made quite the return.  In his first game back, Roberts went 3 for 4 with an RBI as the Orioles won 8-6 against the Pittsburgh Pirates.  Roberts started and played second base for Baltimore.

The veteran second baseman was drafted by the Orioles in 1999 and has spent his entire career with the Orioles.  He is a two-time All-Star and has a career line of .281/.353/.416.  Injuries have slowed him down in recent years, though.  Roberts played in just 59 in 2010 and only 39 games last year.  He had already missed 60 games this season before making his return last night.

Roberts currently signed through next season.  He is due to make $10 million this year and $10 million next.  The Orioles will likely wait and see how Roberts performs going forward before entering in any contract negotiations with the 34 year old.

Brian Roberts had three singles in his return and a sacrifice fly in the win.  The Orioles are now 35-26 on the season. They are just one game back in the American League East.

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