masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgHere are a few news nuggets to hold you until dinner:

A virus has swept through the Orioles’ clubhouse, and it’s hit closer Jim Johnson the hardest.

Johnson was hospitalized early this morning with flu-like symptoms. The Orioles are waiting for reports to determine whether it’s a virus or food poisoning, but the suspicion is the former.

Either way, he’s probably not available for tonight’s game.

Second baseman Robert Andino will leave the club after tonight’s game for the birth of his…Here are a few news nuggets to hold you until dinner:

A virus has swept through the Orioles’ clubhouse, and it’s hit closer Jim Johnson the hardest.

Johnson was hospitalized early this morning with flu-like symptoms. The Orioles are waiting for reports to determine whether it’s a virus or food poisoning, but the suspicion is the former.

Either way, he’s probably not available for tonight’s game.

Second baseman Robert Andino will leave the club after tonight’s game for the birth of his third child at noon tomorrow in Miami. He will be placed on paternity leave and is expected to miss at least two games. A roster move is pending.

The Orioles could decide to call up an outfielder, depending on Nolan Reimold’s status. Otherwise, infielder Matt Antonelli is a good possibility.

Reimold’s neck is slightly improved, but it’s not good enough for him to start tonight. The games seem to aggravate his condition, and his throwing is affected the most.

Asked whether Reimold could pinch-hit tonight, manager Buck Showalter said, “I wouldn’t tell you, not with three left-handers in the (Toronto) bullpen.”

Sounds like “no” to me.

Orioles orthopedist Dr. John Wilckens is examining Tsuyoshi Wada’s left elbow today. Wada had an MRA, where dye is injected. The inflammation has gone down.

Mark Reynolds is bothered by flu-like symptoms, but that’s only part of the reason he’s out of the lineup. He’s taking early batting practice with hitting coach Jim Presley, from 3:30 p.m.-4 p.m., and Showalter said the Orioles just want to give Reynolds “a breather” and allow him to focus.

I’ll send along quotes in my next entry.

The Orioles released left-hander Chris George from Triple-A Norfolk’s roster. The Tides’ roster is one short at 24.

For the Blue Jays:
Yunel Escobar SS
Kelly Johnson 2B
Jose Bautista RF
Edwin Encarnacion DH
Adam Lind 1B
Brett Lawrie 3B
Colby Rasmus CF
Eric Thames LF
Jeff Mathis C

Henderson Alvarez RHP