Brian Roberts is slated to start three straight games at second base for the first time this spring. He'll play the first of the three games Tuesday afternoon, as the Orioles prepare him for the start of the regular season. Roberts, 35, is hitting .359 (14-for-39) with one home run, four doubles and a .972 OPS in 12 games this spring and could provide a huge boost to Baltimore's lineup if he can stay on the field. Of course, given his recent history, he can't be counted on.

Brian Roberts went 3-for-3 with a homer to lead the Orioles past a Pirates split-squad 6-5 on Friday. Roberts is 6-for-11 and has two doubles to go along with the homer. One wonders if the Orioles shouldn't just go ahead and put him in mothballs until Opening Day. He'll be a big upgrade at second base if he can stay healthy.

Brian Roberts doubled twice and scored twice Monday against the Yankees. The Orioles can't count on Roberts after two years ruined by a concussion and a hip injury, but they'll give him every chance to contribute while healthy. The events of the last couple of weeks have been very encouraging.

Orioles manager Buck Showalter confirmed on Friday that as long as he's healthy, Brian Roberts will be the Orioles starter at second base in 2013. The veteran infielder has suffered through an extensive list of injuries and ailments over the past three seasons, but feels like he is currently in a terrific spot baseball-wise. Roberts has also stated that he's done more work this offseason than at any point in his career. He'll be a high-risk, high-reward type of player in fantasy leagues this year, and certainly worth the late-round gamble.

Brian Roberts informed the media on Saturday that he's currently working out without any restrictions, and doing more work in January than he's done at any point in his career. It's certainly an encouraging sign, but it's still impossible for the Orioles or fantasy owners him after appearing in a total of 115 games over the last three seasons. If fully healthy, he could be a valuable source of steals and runs scored, but obviously comes with substantial risk.

Brian Roberts revealed Thursday that he had sports hernia surgery on December 20. Orioles manager Buck Showalter said Thursday that Roberts has dealt with some setbacks this winter following August hip surgery, but this is the first time that news of his sports hernia surgery has come to light. Still, Roberts insists that he has been through rehab and is fully recovered. Given that the 35-year-old has has played a grand total of 115 games over the past three seasons, he's not worth a gamble outside of AL-only fantasy leagues.

Orioles manager Buck Showalter said that Brian Roberts (hip) has been dealing with setbacks this offseason. After undergoing season-ending surgery in August, the expectation is that Roberts will be medically cleared for spring training, but he remains a red flag injury risk going into 2013. Given his age and inability to stay healthy the past three seasons, he'll only be worth a flier in AL-only fantasy leagues, and should continue to be ignored in the majority of formats. The Orioles claimed Alexi Casilla off waivers in early November as a possible insurance policy at second base. Roberts, 35, has one year and $10 million remaining on his contract.

Brian Roberts (hip) is lifting weights, running and hitting off a tee. Roberts appeared in just 17 games with the Orioles this season prior to undergoing hip surgery in August, but he's aiming to be ready for Opening Day. "I'm doing as well as I've done in the last three years," said Roberts. "I'm pretty much doing everything. Health-wise, I'm probably ahead of where I'd normally be in the offseason for the first time in a long time." Roberts, 35, has one year and $10 million remaining on his contract.

Orioles activated 2B Brian Roberts from the 60-day disabled list. Roberts was limited to just 17 games in 2012 in another injury-marred season. He'll be the starting second baseman in 2013 if he can manage to come back healthy, but obviously that's far from a sure thing. The O's added Alex Casilla Friday as some insurance at second base.

Brian Roberts (hip surgery) is tentatively expected to be cleared for spring training.