Roch Kubatko

What went wrong and what awaits them tonight

August 30, 2015, 5:44pm

Orioles

What went wrong and what awaits them tonight

ARLINGTON, Texas - If being swept by the Twins in a four-game home series was hitting rock bottom, how do you label a 1-6 road trip that followed it? The Orioles can't generate any offense unless it's confined to one inning. The rotation hasn't come close to duplicating last year's production, and Bud Norris isn't the only culprit, though going from 15 wins and a 3.65 ERA to only two wins and a 7.06 ERA was killer. Starters posted a 3.61 ERA last season that ranked 12th in the majors....

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Adam Jones: "We might be getting beat, but that's not from a lack of effort"

August 30, 2015, 3:07pm

Orioles

Adam Jones: "We might be getting beat, but that's not from a lack of effort"

ARLINGTON, Texas - Let's start by reviewing the numbers that I tagged onto the end of my last blog entry. Be advised that they're not pretty. The Orioles lost to the Rangers today 6-0 at Globe Life Park to complete the three-game sweep. They went 1-6 on the road trip. They've lost four games in a row, 10 of 11 and 11 of 13 to fall four games below .500 for the first time since June 7. The Orioles (63-67) are 11 games out of first place in the division and 5 1/2 behind the Rangers for the...

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Notes on trade deadline, Wilson, Parra, Jimenez and Garcia (O's lose 6-0)

August 30, 2015, 10:59am

Orioles

Notes on trade deadline, Wilson, Parra, Jimenez and Garcia (O's lose 6-0)

ARLINGTON, Texas - The next trade deadline arrives on Monday and executive vice president Dan Duquette is engaged in talks in an attempt to add a bat or pitcher. Players must pass through waivers before they can be dealt. They must be in the organization by 11:59 p.m. on Monday for inclusion on the postseason roster. Manager Buck Showalter said he hasn't heard that the Orioles are close to making a trade. "No, I haven't had any conversations that would lead me to think that, but Dan is...

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Orioles and Rangers lineups

August 30, 2015, 8:28am

Orioles

ARLINGTON, Texas - Dariel Alvarez makes his third consecutive start today since having his contract selected from Triple-A Norfolk, as the Orioles conclude their two-city road trip. Alvarez last night became the first Oriole with a multi-hit game that included an extra-base hit within his first two career games since Jonathan Schoop on Sept. 25, 2013 against the Blue Jays. Steve Pearce is batting second and playing left field. Caleb Joseph is serving as the designated hitter. Mychal Givens'...

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Steve Pearce: "We know we can turn this thing around"

August 29, 2015, 8:22pm

Orioles

Steve Pearce: "We know we can turn this thing around"

ARLINGTON, Texas - Steve Pearce didn't issue a Joe Namath guarantee last night. He didn't go that far. But he told reporters that the Orioles aren't "out of this thing" and better days are ahead - beginning this afternoon. "It almost seems like nobody wants to take that last (wild card) spot," he said. "We've got the team for it. We know we can turn this thing around and it's going to start (today)." The Orioles are facing their third consecutive left-hander. Derek Holland is making...

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Wrapping up a 4-3 loss

August 29, 2015, 8:02pm

Orioles

ARLINGTON, Texas - As the losses pile up for the Orioles, it seemed only appropriate that tonight's game would end with a disputed strikeout and a batting helmet slammed to the ground. Manny Machado thought he checked his swing against Rangers closer Shawn Tolleson with runners on the corners, two outs and the Orioles trailing 4-3. The visiting dugout agreed, but plate umpire David Rackley had the final call and he ruled that Machado went around with the count 1-2. Rackley didn't consent to...

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Game update and Showalter talks about Wieters (O's lose 4-3)

August 29, 2015, 4:40pm

Orioles

Game update and Showalter talks about Wieters (O's lose 4-3)

ARLINGTON, Tex. - Ubaldo Jimenez came close tonight to allowing another run in the first inning, but he escaped a jam following Delino DeShields' leadoff triple. Shin-Soo Choo grounded out and DeShields broke for home on Prince Fielder's bouncer to the mound, running into a 1-5-2 putout. Adrian Beltre flied to deep left-center field to send Jimenez back to the dugout at 15 pitches. As I wrote earlier today, Jimenez had surrendered at least one run in the first inning in five of his eight...

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Orioles continue to discuss expanded roster

August 29, 2015, 3:15pm

Orioles

ARLINGTON, Texas - Orioles manager Buck Showalter still isn't showing his hand regarding the September call-ups. The Orioles will add a few bullpen arms, including Chaz Roe, who's supposed to come off the disabled list on Wednesday. One or two minor league relievers initially are expected to be promoted. More players will be summoned after Triple-A Norfolk's season is done. The Tides are in position to make the International League playoffs and the Orioles won't raid their roster, though...

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Orioles and Rangers lineups

August 29, 2015, 11:47am

Orioles

ARLINGTON, Texas - Dariel Alvarez remains in the Orioles' lineup tonight in right field and Gerardo Parra returns to it after resting last night. Parra is playing left field. Chris Davis is the designated hitter, with Steve Pearce starting at first base. Adam Jones made it through last night's game without any health issues, and he's in center field again tonight. For the Orioles Manny Machado 3B Gerardo Parra LF Adam Jones CF Chris Davis DH Steve Pearce 1B Jonathan Schoop 2B Caleb Joseph C...

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More on Jimenez and upcoming pitching matchups

August 29, 2015, 11:24am

Orioles

More on Jimenez and upcoming pitching matchups

ARLINGTON, Texas - Ubaldo Jimenez is attempting tonight to become the Orioles' first 10-game winner this season. He's tied for the lead with Chris Tillman and Miguel Gonzalez at nine victories. Jimenez is on the verge of posting his sixth career 10-win season and the first since 2013 with the Indians. The Orioles could use a quality start from Jimenez, who's posted only one in his last five outings and two in his last nine. Jimenez has surrendered at least one run in the first inning of five...

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This, that and the other

August 28, 2015, 7:42pm

Orioles

ARLINGTON, Texas - With the Orioles losing again last night to fall two games below .500, we're left to sift through the rubble in search of the smallest gems. You won't get rich off them, but they've got some worth. The Orioles had two more outfield assists last night and now lead the majors with 39. Adam Jones picked up his team-leading 13th and Dariel Alvarez earned his first on the first ball hit to him in the majors. Factor in Gerardo Parra, and the Orioles can put plus-arms in all...

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Wrapping up a 4-1 loss

August 28, 2015, 7:28pm

Orioles

ARLINGTON, Texas - With tonight's 4-1 loss, the Orioles have slipped to 3 1/2 games behind the Rangers for the second wild card. They've also lost nine of their last 11 games. The offense continues to sputter, scoring three runs or fewer in eight of the last nine games. It managed only three hits tonight. Rangers left-hander Cole Hamels was exceptional, retiring 14 in a row and striking out 10 batters over eight innings. Combine him with cold bats and it's a recipe for another loss. "It's...

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Showalter on Jones' health, Urrutia's chances of returning next month (O's lose 4-1)

August 28, 2015, 4:29pm

Orioles

Showalter on Jones' health, Urrutia's chances of returning next month (O's lose 4-1)

ARLINGTON, Texas - Adam Jones remained in the Orioles' lineup tonight following batting practice, passing his final test that cleared him to play. Jones struck out to end the first inning. Manny Machado also struck out, as Rangers starter Cole Hamels retired the side in order on 13 pitches. Kevin Gausman retired the Rangers in order on 12 pitches in the bottom of the first, getting a pop-up and two groundballs. Jones had blurred vision yesterday after slamming into the fence at Kauffman...

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Hearing from Alvarez, Roe, Clevenger and Hardy before tonight's game

August 28, 2015, 3:13pm

Orioles

Hearing from Alvarez, Roe, Clevenger and Hardy before tonight's game

ARLINGTON, Texas - Dariel Alvarez will become the 1,004th player tonight to appear in a game with the Orioles since 1954 when he takes his position in right field. Alvarez, using coach Einar Diaz as an interpreter, said he learned of his promotion to the majors two days ago. "I was so happy I didn't know what to say," said Alvarez, who replaced another Cuban-born outfielder, Henry Urrutia, on the 25-man roster. "It was tough early in the season. I never stopped working, got help from all...

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Adam Jones in lineup, Dariel Alvarez making major league debut

August 28, 2015, 2:46pm

Orioles

Adam Jones in lineup, Dariel Alvarez making major league debut

ARLINGTON, Texas - The Orioles waited to put out their lineup until seeing how Adam Jones responded to a series of tests. He's fine and starting in center field tonight. Jones ran into an unpadded section of fence yesterday at Kauffman Stadium. Dariel Alvarez, 26, is set to make his major league debut. He'll bat eighth and play right field. The Cuban-born outfielder batted .275/.305/.424 in 130 games with Triple-A Norfolk this season, with 16 homers and 72 RBIs. He has drawn just 16 walks...

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Orioles option Henry Urrutia

August 28, 2015, 1:56pm

Orioles

ARLINGTON, Texas - The Orioles announced their roster moves this afternoon, which includes the decision to option outfielder Henry Urrutia to Triple-A Norfolk. The Orioles selected the contract of outfielder Dariel Alvarez from Norfolk and reinstated catcher Steve Clevenger from the paternity list. They optioned reliever Jorge Rondon to Norfolk after yesterday's game in Kansas City. Urrutia, 28, hit .265/.306/.382 (9-for-34) with a double, a home run and six RBIs in 10 games with the Orioles...

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Alvarez, Clevenger, Roe and Hardy with team, plus Rangers lineup (updated)

August 28, 2015, 1:05pm

Orioles

Alvarez, Clevenger, Roe and Hardy with team, plus Rangers lineup (updated)

ARLINGTON, Texas - Dariel Alvarez is with the team and could get a start this weekend with the Orioles set to face three left-handers. He's batting .295/.333/.459 with six homers against lefties in the minors this season. Alvarez will wear No. 12. A corresponding move has not yet been announced. Steve Clevenger is also in Texas, rejoining the team after going on paternity leave for the birth of his daughter, Peyton. Clevenger hit in Chaz Roe's simulated game at Globe Life Park earlier this...

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Cal Ripken Jr. reflects on The Streak 20 years later

August 27, 2015, 5:17pm

Orioles

Cal Ripken Jr. reflects on The Streak 20 years later

KANSAS CITY - As the 20th anniversary of his historic night crept closer, Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. found himself in an unusually reflective mood. Images flashed in his head, his father's face causing emotions to bubble to the surface. He saw the smile, the wave, and was transported back in time. Even an Iron Man can get sentimental. Ripken played in his 2,131st consecutive game on Sept. 6, 1995 to break Lou Gehrig's unbreakable record. The final tally read 2,632 before Ripken removed...

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More on Adam Jones' injury and a 5-3 loss (Jorge Rondon optioned)

August 27, 2015, 3:57pm

Orioles

More on Adam Jones' injury and a 5-3 loss (Jorge Rondon optioned)

KANSAS CITY - To the surprise of no one, Orioles center fielder Adam Jones said following today's 5-3 loss to the Royals that he feels fine and he expects to play Friday night in the series opener against the Rangers in Arlington. Jones underwent X-rays on his wrists and neck after slamming into the unpadded portion of the fence at Kauffman Stadium while chasing Ben Zobrist's fly ball in the bottom of the first inning. He left the game in the third, saying he didn't feel like...

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Adam Jones leaves game with injury (O's lose 5-3)

August 27, 2015, 12:43pm

Orioles

Adam Jones leaves game with injury (O's lose 5-3)

KANSAS CITY - Adam Jones came out of today's game in the top of the third inning after slamming into the unpadded portion of the Kauffman Stadium fence in the first. Jones was chasing Ben Zobrist's fly ball, which took a high hop for an automatic double. He began to stumble and hit the fence straight-on while trying to regain his balance. Jones crumbled to the warning track and laid motionless while Steve Pearce signaled to the dugout. Head athletic trainer Richie Bancells and manager Buck...