Rafael Palmeiro was the first Orioles player dressed in full uniform on Thursday, the first player to march into the home dugout at Camden Yards about three hours before the game and the only one who had more than 100 members of the news media waiting for him.
Every move Palmeiro made was scrutinized, and the few syllables he offered were analyzed, as he returned from a 10-day suspension for violating baseball's policy on performance-enhancing drugs. Palmeiro's agent, Arn Tellem, had said he would not speak publicly, but the Orioles persuaded Palmeiro to answer questions.
He spoke for less than five minutes, declining to discuss his positive test for steroids and his denial during a congressional hearing five months ago that he had ever used them. The interview ended seconds after Palmeiro was quizzed about testing positive for stanozolol, a potent steroid.
"The time will come, and soon hopefully, where I can explain my situation," he said.
Palmeiro said he was happy to return and eager to play again, though he did not play in Thursday's game. He said he had done little conditioning during his suspension and was wary of rushing back. Alejandro Freire, a 30-year-old who made his major league debut on Tuesday, started at first base on Thursday as the Orioles, without Palmeiro, stopped the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, 4-2.
Sam Perlozzo, Baltimore's interim manager, said it might take Palmeiro two days of working out before he would be ready to start. The Orioles play here through Sunday before starting a six-game trip.
"I'm not sure when I'm going to play," Palmeiro said. "I'm sure, in the next couple of days, I'll get out there on the field."
Palmeiro was not on the field during the national anthem and remained inconspicuous during the game. He knelt on the stairs leading to the dugout in the early innings, but later emerged to wave to some fans. A few "Raf-fy! Raf-fy!" chants were barely audible.
Palmeiro said after the game that he had spoken to each of his teammates individually and that the conversations were positive. He did not say whether he apologized.
There were fewer than 100 fans in the stands during pregame drills. Shortstop Miguel Tejada put his arm around Palmeiro's shoulder in a show of support. But when Tejada raised Palmeiro's left arm playfully as if he had won a heavyweight bout, Palmeiro quickly lowered it.
During batting practice, Palmeiro swatted liners to the outfield. He heard nothing derisive from the mostly young fans who had arrived early.
Paige Horn, 12, stood behind the Orioles' dugout holding an orange sign that said, "Welcome Back Raffy."
Once Palmeiro finished working out, he signed two autographs for her and also signed pictures, baseballs and gloves for about 25 other fans.
Some spectators offered their opinions through their attire. AP reported that four fans had worn orange jerseys with "Hall of Shame" and a syringe on the front, and Palmeiro's No. 25 on the back.
Palmeiro said he had no timetable for elaborating on his situation because he wanted to let Congress finish investigating his case.
He said his lawyers advised him to remain silent. That silence continued when Palmeiro was asked if he had damaged his credibility.
"I can't answer that right now," he said. "I'll answer that when the time is right."
Jason Kendall alertly dashed home from third base with the winning run when Los Angeles' miffed closer Francisco Rodriguez flubbed a return throw from his catcher, and Oakland rallied to defeat the Angels 5-4 on Thursday.
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