Orioles shut Roberts down

BALTIMORE, July 3 (UPI) -- The Baltimore Orioles have decided to shut down pitcher Willis Roberts for at least three weeks because of a partially torn ulnar ligament in his right elbow.

The Baltimore Sun reported Thursday that the injury will leave him on the disabled list beyond the 15-day limit. He has been placed on the DL on Sunday.

"Willis is going to be shut down for three weeks, and then we'll see," Manager Mike Hargrove told the paper. "The doctors aren't sure whether it's an old tear or a new tear."

Roberts, who is 3-1 with a 5.72 ERA and had allowed 19 runs in the past 24 innings, may have torn the ligament last season and pitched through the pain.

Team doctors say will be shut down for three weeks and then begin a rehabilitation program.