Troy Patton has been sent back to Triple-A Norfolk.

Patton flew to Baltimore before Friday's game but was never actually activated since the contest was rained out. The O's likely wanted him around as long-man insurance in case Zach Britton didn't fare well, but evidently they don't feel they'll need him Saturday.

LHP Troy Patton will be recalled from Triple-A Norfolk before the Orioles' Friday evening game against the Rangers.

With threatening weather in the Baltimore area, however, beat writer Brittany Ghiroli suggests Patton may not be activated if this evening's game gets rained out. He'll presumably be long-man insurance tonight if young lefty Zach Britton becomes Texas' latest starting pitching victim.

Troy Patton's court date for his DWI arrest has been rescheduled for March 30.

The hearing was originally scheduled for Thursday. Patton was arrested late last month in Houston and charged with a DWI after police pulled him over for speeding and driving over a curb. According to police, Patton failed a breathalyzer test by registering a 0.14 blood-alcohol level, which is nearly twice the legal limit of 0.08 in the state of Texas. Patton, 25, is expected to begin the season with Triple-A Norfolk.

Orioles lefty Troy Patton was arrested on charges of driving while intoxicated Saturday in the Houston area.

Patton was spotted speeding then jumping a curb in his car and he blew a 0.14 blood alcohol level in a state where the limit is 0.08. He posted a $500 bond and was released Sunday morning. The left-hander will pay heavy legal fees, but he should avoid punishment from MLB and the Orioles. He's likely to open the 2011 season in the starting rotation at Triple-A Norfolk.

Orioles recalled LHP Troy Patton from Triple-A Norfolk.

Patton was 8-11 with a 4.43 ERA in 25 starts with the Tides this season. He has actually had two brief stints with the Orioles this season, but has yet to make an appearance with the club. The 25-year-old left-hander last pitched in the majors with the Astros during the 2007 season, posting a 3.55 ERA in three games (two starts).

Orioles optioned LHP Troy Patton to Triple-A Norfolk.

Patton has had two stints with the Orioles this year, but has failed to appear in a game in either round. In fact, the most highly-touted prospect received in the original Miguel Tejada trade back in December of 2007 has never pitched for the Orioles. He returns to a 4.80 ERA over 108.2 innings on the farm.

Orioles recalled LHP Troy Patton from Triple-A Noffolk.

Patton was the most highly-touted prospect received in the original Miguel Tejada trade back in December of 2007. But he missed the entire 2008 season due to a torn labrum and has never appeared in a game for the Orioles. That should change on this trip as he's used in long relief.

Orioles optioned LHP Troy Patton to Triple-A Norfolk.

As expected, he only lasted with the Orioles for one day. Patton failed to make an appearance. He was cleared from the roster in order to make room for Thursday's scheduled starter Kevin Millwood.

Orioles recalled LHP Troy Patton from Triple-A Noffolk.

The Orioles are in desperate need of a fresh arm after being taxed over the past few days. Patton, 24, had a 4.91 ERA over 18 starts with Triple-A Norfolk, averaging 5.1 K/9 and 2.8 BB/9 over 99 innings. He'll be used in long relief.