masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgSARASOTA, Fla. – Nick Markakis just doubled off Tigers reliever Enrique Gonzalez in the third inning to drive in two more runs and complete the line for starter Max Scherzer.

Scherzer is charged with 12 runs, 11 earned, in 2 1/3 innings.

Vladimir Guerrero followed with his second single and RBI. Orioles 13, Tigers 0.

Luke Scott struck out to end the inning.

Bench him.

Zach Britton has allowed two hits in three scoreless innings, with no walks and three strikeouts. He’s thrown 41 pitches,…SARASOTA, Fla. – Nick Markakis just doubled off Tigers reliever Enrique Gonzalez in the third inning to drive in two more runs and complete the line for starter Max Scherzer.

Scherzer is charged with 12 runs, 11 earned, in 2 1/3 innings.

Vladimir Guerrero followed with his second single and RBI. Orioles 13, Tigers 0.

Luke Scott struck out to end the inning.

Bench him.

Zach Britton has allowed two hits in three scoreless innings, with no walks and three strikeouts. He’s thrown 41 pitches, 29 for strikes.

Upon further review and after a lengthy consultation with my colleagues on press row, I want to revisit one paragraph from an earlier blog entry. I’m massaging it like a sore hamstring.

I wrote earlier that the Orioles have 30 players in camp. Correct. That total will go down to 27 once infielder Brendan Harris is reassigned, Britton is optioned and starter Justin Duchscherer is placed on the disabled list. Also correct.

However, the number shrinks to 26 once Rick VandenHurk officially comes off the roster. It hasn’t happened, though he’s no longer here. It’s just a matter of time. I wasn’t including him in the original 30.

Brad Bergesen, Chris Tillman, Robert Andino and Craig Tatum appear to be the four players vying for three spots. Tillman could start on April 3 while Bergesen goes to the bullpen. Bergesen could start April 3 while Tillman goes to the minors and the Orioles carry three catchers, including Jake Fox.