Bannister left a Wednesday start in the sixth inning at Oakland with stiffness in his right shoulder. After giving up no runs and two hits in the first five innings, Bannister's pitches were up in the sixth and he allowed three hits and two runs before a visit from trainer Nick Swartz and Hillman. He reported shoulder tightness and was promptly replaced by Horacio Ramirez.

"This happened a couple of times in my career, where I've had mild tendinitis and I've dealt with it," Bannister said. "I just throw a little less between starts. I was having trouble getting on top of my pitches. I was throwing well to that point."

Hillman said he is not sure how the rotation would line up next week with the off day Monday. Bannister could be skipped to give his shoulder more of a break. It would keep the other four starters working on their normal four days of rest.

"I would hope that he would (make his next scheduled start), but I don't have any more than that at this time," Hillman said.

Bannister is 3-1 with a 1.80 ERA in five starts since being recalled from Class AAA Omaha on April 21.

ORIOLES 9, ROYALS 5: After winning six straight, the Royals have lost six in a row. Gil Meche could not put a tourniquet on the bleeding Thursday, allowing five runs on six hits, including an Aubrey Huff home run, in 4 1/3 innings.

The Royals pulled within 5-4 in the fifth, but reliever Robinson Tejeda gave up three runs in the sixth after striking out the first two batters. Billy Butler, who was moved to the third slot in the batting order, homered and drove in three runs for Kansas City.