Roberts finding groove in second month back

PHOENIX -- After struggling at the plate in his first month back following a near-three-month rehab process for a hamstring injury, Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts has begun to turn things around in August.

The 35-year-old hit .213 in July, but in seven games and 20 at-bats this month entering Tuesday night's contest, he has an on-base percentage of .320 with three runs scored and five RBIs. Against the D-backs on Monday, Roberts went 2-for-3 with a double, a walk and two RBIs.

"I think Brian has been swinging the bat well," Orioles manager Buck Showalter said. "He's getting more confident. He has a night like last night and you realize what you've been missing for all that time."

Showalter thought the birth of Roberts' first child on Friday might have contributed to his recent success, something the manager hopes will give the veteran more confidence moving forward.

"You can see his face, he's having a lot of fun," Showalter said. "He's happy being back here and playing. He's smiling a lot."