masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgThe Orioles claimed minor league pitcher Pedro Strop off waivers from the Texas Rangers to complete yesterday’s trade of left-hander Michael Gonzalez. Strop will join the team this weekend for its series against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field.

The ballpark is in St. Petersburg and the team hotel is in St. Petersburg, but the Orioles fly in and out of Tampa. I’m going with The Trop in my headline.

Strop is regarded as the player to be named later in the trade, but here’s what…The Orioles claimed minor league pitcher Pedro Strop off waivers from the Texas Rangers to complete yesterday’s trade of left-hander Michael Gonzalez. Strop will join the team this weekend for its series against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field.

The ballpark is in St. Petersburg and the team hotel is in St. Petersburg, but the Orioles fly in and out of Tampa. I’m going with The Trop in my headline.

Strop is regarded as the player to be named later in the trade, but here’s what happened: The Orioles had the choice of receiving a player or cash for Gonzalez. They took the cash and put it toward the waiver claim in a prearranged deal.

Strop, 26, was 0-1 with a 3.72 ERA in 11 games for the Rangers this season. He posted a 3.59 ERA in 39 games with Triple-A Round Rock. He’s 19-15 with a 3.79 ERA in 202 career minor league games with the Colorado Rockies and Rangers.

Strop posted a 7.24 ERA over 27 1/3 innings in parts of three major league seasons with the Rangers.

The Rockies signed Strop as a shortstop in 2002 before he became a pitcher in 2006.

Meanwhile, the Blue Jays extended their lead 6-3 in the top of the sixth. Kelly Johnson led off the inning with a home run, and Robert Andino’s two-out error on a sharp bouncer from Mike McCoy was followed by another Yunel Escobar double and RBI.

Instant update: Luis Perez didn’t record an out in the bottom of the sixth, and he left with runners on first and second, no outs and the Orioles trailing, 6-5.

Nick Markakis and Adam Jones walked, and Vladimir Guerrero followed with a two-run double. Guerrero has a home run, two doubles and three RBIs today.

Matt Wieters also walked, and reliever Jesse Litsch entered the game.

Mark Reynolds flied out against Litsch. He had struck out in his last five at-bats.

Today’s attendance: 11,617.

Yes, that’s tickets sold.

Update II: Willie Eyre walked Kelly Johnson leading off the eighth and served up a two-run homer to Brett Lawrie. Toronto 8, Orioles 6.

Nothing good happens after a walk unless it’s along the beach.