Showalter on Hardy and a 5-4 win

Showalter on Hardy and a 5-4 win
The Orioles now lead the American League East by seven games following tonight's 5-4 win over the Rays at Camden Yards. Do you credit Bud Norris for gutting out six innings after a 34-pitch, two-run first? Or the bullpen, which didn't allow a run in the four-game series? Or J.J. Hardy, who made a fine play at shortstop to end the top of the seventh and broke a 4-4 tie in the bottom half of the inning? Maybe you fancy the double-steal in the first inning. Let's start with Hardy, who...

Pearce homers, Jones steals home and Orioles tie game (O's win 5-4)

Pearce homers, Jones steals home and Orioles tie game (O's win 5-4)
The Orioles pulled off their first steal of home in five years tonight to score the tying run in the bottom of the first inning. So, it's going to be one of those nights? Down 2-0 after the top half, the Orioles battled back on Steve Pearce's 16th home run of the season, singles by Adam Jones and Nelson Cruz, and the double steal. Cruz broke for second, slammed on the brakes and started to retreat. Jones broke for home and slid in safely as Yunel Escobar's high throw eluded catcher Jose...

A few pregame notes from Camden Yards

A few pregame notes from Camden Yards
The Orioles continue to list Wei-Yin Chen as Sunday's starter against the Twins and Kevin Gausman as Monday's starter. Both pitchers were optioned to the Gulf Coast League team. Manager Buck Showalter confirmed that they're still "in line" to start, but he added, "Let's see what today brings and what our needs are." Stay tuned. Showalter noted how Jimmy Paredes, recalled today from Triple-A Norfolk, can play third base, second and the outfield, and also serve as a...

Orioles recall Paredes (Sept. 14 game moved to 8:05 p.m.)

Orioles recall Paredes (Sept. 14 game moved to 8:05 p.m.)
The Orioles have gone from a three-man to a five-man bench in the matter of a few days. Yesterday, they recalled catcher Steve Clevenger from Triple-A Norfolk. Today, it's infielder Jimmy Paredes. The Orioles selected Paredes off waivers from the Marlins on Feb. 15 and lost him two days later to the Royals on another waiver claim. They purchased him from the Royals on July 24. Paredes is batting .258/.286/.394 with seven doubles, one triple, three homers and 23 RBIs in 32 games with the Tides....

Norris vs. Hellickson tonight in the series finale

Norris vs. Hellickson tonight in the series finale
The sun's out this morning and Bud Norris is hoping he's not out of tonight's game after two innings. No repeat of the Wrigley experience. Norris was done after the second inning Saturday afternoon following a rain delay that lasted more than three hours. The Cubs don't have an indoor mound, which would have allowed Norris to stay loose. Then again, a delay of that length may have required divine intervention. The Orioles could use some length from Norris tonight despite a fairly rested...

O'Day has been more than OK

O'Day has been more than OK
Did everyone get a Darren O'Day T-shirt last night? In case you missed out, it says "O'DAYYY O'DAY O'DAY O'DAY". If that song is now stuck in your head, my work here is done. Orioles manager Buck Showalter said he didn't know about the T-shirt giveaway and asked what was written on it. "At some point this year I might be singing that song, I hope," he said. If I'm O'Day's agent, I'd do a wicked karaoke number with it during the next contract talks. The Orioles hold a $4.25 million...

Orioles option Gausman, Showalter speaks after 3-1 loss

Orioles option Gausman, Showalter speaks after 3-1 loss
The Orioles have optioned right-hander Kevin Gausman to the Gulf Coast League team. A corresponding roster move will be announced on Thursday. Same paper move as the one earlier today involving left-hander Wei-Yin Chen. Relievers Ryan Webb and Joe Saunders pitched today for Triple-A Norfolk. Evan Meek and Preston Guilmet did not get into the game. Gausman, who worked four innings tonight, is listed as Monday's starter against the Twins at Camden Yards. It's possible that the Orioles push him...

Orioles need do-over in first inning (O's lose 3-1)

Orioles need do-over in first inning (O's lose 3-1)
Orioles starter Kevin Gausman will need to become more economical with his pitches tonight if he's going to exceed the five innings he logged in his previous start. Gausman threw 34 in the first inning while surrendering two runs to the Rays. It got weird. Maybe the umpires will review whether the game actually should have started. Gausman struck out leadoff hitter Desmond Jennings on three pitches, but Ben Zobrist doubled off the out-of-town scoreboard in right field. Zobrist is 6-for-10...

Showalter on Machado, the Bundys and more

Showalter on Machado, the Bundys and more
Orioles manager Buck Showalter passed along the update today on Manny Machado's knee surgery. It was a success. Go figure. "Manny's surgery went real well. That was good to hear," Showalter said. "Started at 9 o'clock (our) time, 6 o'clock their time. You always want that first surgery. Brady (Anderson) was telling me last night he'd want the second one. Let (the surgeon) kind of get in the flow a little bit. Make sure he got plenty of sleep the night before. "He didn't want the...

Machado surgery a success

Machado surgery a success
As expected, Orioles third baseman Manny Machado underwent successful surgery today to repair a slightly torn ligament in his right knee. Machado will remain in Los Angeles for the next three weeks before flying to Sarasota or meeting up with the Orioles. Manager Buck Showalter said Dr. Neal ElAttrache didn't find anything unexpected in the knee and the timetable remains the same. Machado should be full-go at the start of spring training. The surgery was done at 9 a.m. Eastern time. Wei-Yin...

Orioles option Chen

Orioles option Chen
The Orioles made their roster move today, officially recalling catcher Steve Clevenger from Triple-A Norfolk and optioning last night's starter, left-hander Wei-Yin Chen, to the Gulf Coast League team. The Orioles currently list their starters for the Twins series as follows: Friday - Miguel Gonzalez vs. Trevor May Saturday - Chris Tillman vs. Kyle Gibson Sunday - Wei-Yin Chen vs. Ricky Nolasco Monday - Kevin Gausman vs. Phil Hughes The GCL team's season ends by Aug. 31, which makes Chen...

O's add Clevenger to taxi squad

O's add Clevenger to taxi squad
The Orioles added catcher Steve Clevenger to their taxi squad this afternoon. A player can stay on it for 24 hours before being added to the 25-man roster or returned to the minors. The Norfolk Tides announced the move, which has been confirmed, while activating right-hander Robert Coello from the temporarily inactive list. Manager Buck Showalter indicated yesterday that the Orioles could send down a starting pitcher and call up a position player because the minor league season ends Sept. 1...

Machado, the challenge of making a trade and tonight's game

Machado, the challenge of making a trade and tonight's game
Unless there's been a late change, Orioles third baseman Manny Machado will undergo surgery this morning in Los Angeles to repair a torn ligament in his right knee. I wonder whether Dr. Neal ElAttrache can zip his own lip. I'm going to eliminate the drama and promise that the surgery will be deemed a success. Machado won't lose the leg, so don't lose any sleep over it. The update also will include mention of how Machado should be ready for spring training, which is why he's having the...

Showalter speaks following 4-2 win

Showalter speaks following 4-2 win
The Orioles won tonight, the Yankees lost and the Blue Jays are losing to the Red Sox 11-4 in the 11th inning. I could close this entry now and wish everyone a peaceful night, but I may as well continue with some quotes from manager Buck Showalter. The Orioles lead the Yankees by seven games in the American League East and are poised to expand their lead to 10 over the Jays. They're 20 games above .500 at 75-55, and 10-4 vs. Tampa Bay this season. Wei-Yin Chen didn't make it through the...

Just to review ... (O's win 4-2)

Just to review ... (O's win 4-2)
Due to the pace of tonight's game at Camden Yards, it has now been reclassified as a mini-series. We had two crew chief reviews in the first three innings. We've had only one run score despite six hits by the Rays. We've decided that a pillow and blanket might be needed later. I had a beef and broccoli stir fry for dinner, but that's not official. The umpires want to take another look at it. The Rays might have scored more than one run off Wei-Yin Chen in the top of the first, but...

Roster manuevering and other notes (game update)

Roster manuevering and other notes (game update)
Don't be surprised if the Orioles decide to option a starting pitcher within the next few days and call up an infielder to give them a four-man bench before rosters expand. The affiliates end their season on Sept. 1, at which point the Orioles could recall the pitcher without having to wait the minimum 10 days. Send down a starter who wouldn't be available anyway and add a position player. Meanwhile, manager Buck Showalter talked about how Kevin Gausman continues to feel good after having...

Seven Orioles minor leaguers to play in AFL

Seven Orioles minor leaguers to play in AFL
The Orioles will send seven of their minor leaguers to play in the Arizona Fall League. Pitchers Parker Bridwell (Single-A Frederick), Zach Davies (Double-A Bowie), Mychal Givens (Bowie) and Asher Tolliver (Bowie), catcher Michael Ohlman (Bowie), infielder Jason Esposito (Frederick) and outfielder Dariel Alvarez (Triple-A Norfolk) will play for the Glendale Desert Dogs. Norfolk's Mike Griffin will serve as co-pitching coach and Aberdeen's Chris Poole will serve as co-athletic...

Orioles lineup vs. Rays (with Rays lineup)

Orioles lineup vs. Rays (with Rays lineup)
Not much to see with the Orioles' lineup tonight unless you enjoy repetition. Steve Pearce is batting second and playing first base. Chris Davis remains at third base and batting seventh, now that the Orioles are back to American League rules. Jonathan Schoop continues to start at second base. The only real drama involves the catcher. Tonight, it's Caleb Joseph. For the Orioles Nick Markakis RF Steve Pearce 1B Adam Jones CF Nelson Cruz DH Delmon Young LF J.J Hardy SS Chris Davis 3B Caleb...

Jays designate Reimold for assignment

Jays designate Reimold for assignment
The Blue Jays designated outfielder Nolan Reimold for assignment late last night, according to an industry source. The club hasn't announced the move. Is a reunion with the Orioles in the works? Stay tuned. Reimold batted .212/.283/.404 with four doubles, two homers and nine RBIs in 22 games. He had six walks and 22 strikeouts in 60 plate appearances. Reimold was in the midst of a 2-for-20 slump that included 11 strikeouts, and he misplayed a fly ball in right field Saturday which led to...

This, that and the other

This, that and the other
So, what did it mean for the Orioles to bounce back last night with a 9-1 victory over the Rays? Delmon Young has the floor. "It's good," he said, "because it seemed like y'all went in panic mode when we got swept in Chicago." I had no idea that Young read this blog. But seriously ... "We weren't scoring many runs, but it happens and then we're back in our division at home facing a guy we've seen before, a team we play," he said. "We know their tendencies and everything. And...