Baltimore, MD (Betting Express) - The Baltimore Orioles placed right fielder Jay Payton on the 15-day disabled list on Sunday, as one of four moves to finalize their Opening Day roster. Payton was placed on the DL retroactive to March 27 with a strained right hamstring. The 34-year-old led the AL West champion Oakland Athletics with a .296 average, 165 hits and 32 doubles in 2006. He also hit 10 home runs and posted 59 RBI in 142 games. He became the first player since 1957 to start at least 40 games at all three outfield positions in one season. Payton also has a career .288 average against left-handed pitching, and .283 against right- handers. Baltimore also placed right-handed pitcher Sendy Rleal on the 15-day DL with right elbow soreness retroactive to March 23, and sent two other players to Triple-A Norfolk to set their 25-man roster. The Orioles open the 2007 campaign on Monday at Minnesota. |
