Roberts energized by postseason chase

BALTIMORE -- Brian Roberts has finally made his way back to the lineup on a regular basis, and he's given the Orioles a big lift since returning in late June.

Roberts has missed most of the last three seasons. He played 59, 39 and 17 games the last three years, but he's already gotten into 58 this year after getting hurt in the first series of the year and missing nearly three months.

Roberts has also moved into his old leadoff spot more in recent days, including in Saturday's 4-3 win over the White Sox in 10 innings. Roberts hit his second home run in three games and fifth of the season in that game. Nate McLouth had hit leadoff much of this season, except against certainly lefties, which put Roberts in the nine-hole.

But it's clear that Roberts is getting his timing back at the plate. His average is .240, but he is hitting with more power, as he homered on Thursday and again on Saturday. Plus, Roberts is making a number of great plays in the field. He came up with several on Friday night to help Scott Feldman go the distance in a 4-0 win over the White Sox.

"Nobody's having more fun than Robby," Orioles manager Buck Showalter said. "When you've been through the things and some of the teams he's been on, to be in this situation, I think has been a real energizer."

Showalter said Roberts has kind of cut loose and is playing really hard.

"He's going for it, and whatever happens, happens," Showalter said. "He's been so engaged in all facets of the game."