Roch Kubatko

Miguel Gonzalez talks about his outing (O's win 8-0)

March 21, 2014, 10:57am

Orioles

Miguel Gonzalez talks about his outing (O's win 8-0)

ORIOLES QUICK WRAP Score: Orioles 8, Braves 0 Recap: Miguel Gonzalez filled in for Chris Tillman today and looked like an ace, tossing six scoreless innings with three hits allowed, no walks and five strikeouts. He's the first Orioles pitcher to complete six innings this spring. Chris Davis' sacrifice fly gave the Orioles a 1-0 lead in the first and produced his team-leading 10th RBI. Braves starter Gus Schlosser retired 12 in a row after David Lough's leadoff double in the first. Alex...

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M. Gonzalez and Schlosser dealing in Sarasota (updated)

March 21, 2014, 10:08am

Orioles

M. Gonzalez and Schlosser dealing in Sarasota (updated)

SARASOTA, Fla. - David Lough had a leadoff double in the first inning today for the Orioles. That's their only hit. Braves right-hander Gus Schlosser, making only his second spring start, retired 12 Orioles in a row. But he's losing 1-0 because Miguel Gonzalez is keeping Atlanta off the board. Some serious dealing going on here in Sarasota. Gonzalez is proving to be a good substitute. He replaced Chris Tillman as today's starter and has faced one batter over the minimum through five...

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Notes on Machado, Ayala, Bundy, Tillman and more (game update)

March 21, 2014, 8:21am

Orioles

Notes on Machado, Ayala, Bundy, Tillman and more (game update)

SARASOTA, Fla. - Third baseman Manny Machado flew back into Sarasota late last night and has been excused from camp this morning. Machado no longer has any physical restrictions after Dr. Neal ElAttrache re-examined his left knee yesterday in Los Angeles. However, the Orioles still haven't provided a firm date for his spring debut. "I have to talk to the ESPN people to find out what the next step is," manager Buck Showalter quipped. Reliever Luis Ayala is taking the rest of his physical...

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Alex Gonzalez talks about his medical condition

March 21, 2014, 7:27am

Orioles

Alex Gonzalez talks about his medical condition

SARASOTA, Fla. - Infielder Alex Gonzalez is back in the Orioles' lineup today as the third baseman, and he intends to get as many at-bats as possible while competing for a utility job. Gonzalez was shut down briefly and underwent an endoscopy after his pre-spring training physical revealed something in his blood work that drew the concerns of the Orioles' medical staff. Gonzalez, a 15-year major league veteran, discovered that he's anemic and is taking iron pills. "Everything's fine,"...

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Orioles and Braves lineups, and update on Ayala

March 21, 2014, 5:57am

Orioles

SARASOTA, Fla. - Reliever Luis Ayala arrived at the Ed Smith Stadium complex this morning, and an announcement of his minor league deal with the Orioles should be coming later today. There's no word on whether Ayala has been offered an invitation to spring training. I was told yesterday that he'd report to Twin Lakes Park. Stay tuned. The Orioles found a new opponent today. They're playing the Braves, who are sending a split squad to Sarasota. Third baseman Chris Johnson made the trip....

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orioles spring training

Because You Asked - Passion of the Crust

March 20, 2014, 7:26pm

Orioles

Because You Asked - Passion of the Crust

SARASOTA, Fla. - It's the Florida edition of our popular mailbag sequel, which means it's tanned, doesn't drain after a heavy rain and thinks the fast lane is only for cars going 25 mph or 125 mph. It also writes checks at the grocery store and becomes confused during elections. You've got questions. I've got answers. You've got the same questions. I've got the same sarcasm. Here we go. Do you think Michael Almanzar can make the club? It's going to be tricky unless the Orioles can...

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Showalter speaks after 4-2 win (with Ayala note)

March 20, 2014, 6:18pm

Orioles

Showalter speaks after 4-2 win (with Ayala note)

BRADENTON, Fla. - Left-hander T.J. McFarland allowed a run in the eighth inning tonight and faced three former Orioles in a row in the ninth - Omar Santos, Robert Andino and Travis Ishikawa. A fourth, Chris Dickerson, stood on deck. Dickerson never made it to the plate. Ishikawa grounded to McFarland, and the Orioles defeated the Pirates, 4-2, at McKechnie Field. Manager Buck Showalter thought starter Bud Norris was "good" tonight. "Threw a lot more changeups, around 10 or 12. Got about...

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Game update and hearing from Norris (O's win 4-2)

March 20, 2014, 5:10pm

Orioles

Game update and hearing from Norris (O's win 4-2)

ORIOLES QUICK WRAP Score: Orioles 4, Pirates 2 Recap: Bud Norris became the second Orioles starter to complete five innings, joining Chris Tillman. Andrew McCutchen homered off Norris in the first inning for the only run off the right-hander. Nelson Cruz doubled twice and drove in a run, and Rule 5 pick Michael Almanzar lifted a sacrifice fly to score Jemile Weeks and break a 1-1 tie in the seventh. Henry Urrutia had an RBI grounder and Chad Tracy had a sacrifice fly in the eighth. Need to...

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Updating Norris in Bradenton (Norris goes five innings)

March 20, 2014, 4:16pm

Orioles

Updating Norris in Bradenton (Norris goes five innings)

BRADENTON, Fla. - Orioles pitcher Bud Norris has produced much better results tonight in his fourth start of the spring than in his previous outing in Tampa. Norris has held the Pirates to one run and two hits over four innings, with one walk and five strikeouts. He's thrown 60 pitches, 37 for strikes. Andrew McCutchen hit a two-out, opposite field home run off Norris in the first. Norris proceeded to strike out three of the next four batters. Jose Tabata led off the third inning with a...

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A few notes before tonight's game (updated)

March 20, 2014, 2:53pm

Orioles

A few notes before tonight's game (updated)

BRADENTON, Fla. - The Orioles haven't received an update on third baseman Manny Machado's knee exam today in Los Angeles. Manager Buck Showalter has stated that it's up to the team to determine when Machado can start playing in games. Official word won't come from Dr. Neal ElAttrache's office. Showalter said the Orioles could wait until the March 29 exhibition game in Norfolk to decide whether Machado is on the opening day roster or goes on the disabled list. They would likely use him...

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Orioles and Pirates lineups (with Ayala update)

March 20, 2014, 8:52am

Orioles

SARASOTA, Fla. - Adam Jones is making another road trip tonight, a short drive to Bradenton to face the Pirates. Jones played in Dunedin Sunday after returning from Baltimore following the birth of his son. Alexi Casilla, in more need of at-bats, is batting leadoff and playing shortstop. For the Orioles Alexi Casilla SS Nolan Reimold DH Adam Jones CF Nelson Cruz RF Steve Pearce 1B Delmon Young LF Jonathan Schoop 2B Caleb Joseph C Michael Almanzar 3B Bud Norris RHP Steve Johnson, Alfredo...

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Orioles nearing agreement with Ayala (agreement in place)

March 20, 2014, 6:54am

Orioles

SARASOTA, Fla. - Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette continues to keep close watch on the waiver wire, and he's on the verge of signing a reliever discarded yesterday by the Nationals. The Orioles are nearing an agreement with veteran right-hander Luis Ayala, according to sources. An announcement could come later today, after final details are worked out. I'm just confirming multiple reports here. Was worth a check. FOXSports.com first reported that the Orioles made an offer to...

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Orioles practicing their night moves

March 19, 2014, 6:57pm

Orioles

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles are playing under the lights at McKechnie Field tonight, which is basically like playing in candlelight, except without the dripping wax and the romance. And honestly, you can't have romance without dripping wax. OK, I've said too much. Manager Buck Showalter would prefer playing day games against the Pirates in Bradenton, but we always end up with at least one nighttime affair. Perhaps his fielders could wear miners helmets with the lights on the front. Glow...

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Showalter on moves and more

March 19, 2014, 1:16pm

Orioles

SARASOTA, Fla. - Orioles manager Buck Showalter isn't ready to declare a winner in the battle for the backup catching job. He did, however, point out the obvious. Steve Clevenger is the current leader inside the clubhouse after the Orioles optioned Johnny Monell to Triple-A Norfolk. "Stevie's presented himself well," Showalter said. "We'll see what happens between now and the end of spring, what other options present themselves. Caleb (Joseph) has had a good spring, but I'd categorize...

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orioles spring training buck showalter evan meek johnny monell steve clevenger suk-min yoon wei-yin chen xavier paul frontstory_orioles3

Orioles option Monell and reassign Paul (Yoon optioned)

March 19, 2014, 12:39pm

Orioles

SARASOTA, Fla. - There's no longer any doubt that Steve Clevenger is the leading in-house candidate to back up catcher Matt Wieters. The Orioles optioned catcher Johnny Monell following today's 7-4 loss to the Rays. They also reassigned outfielder Xavier Paul to minor league camp and will make one more roster move. Clevenger hasn't won the job at this point in camp. The Orioles continue to check outside the organization. Left fielder David Lough passed his impact test and manager Buck...

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orioles spring training david lough frontstory_orioles2 johnny monell manny machado suk-min yoon xavier paul

Chen removed in fourth (O's lose 7-4, plus pictures)

March 19, 2014, 11:07am

Orioles

Chen removed in fourth (O's lose 7-4, plus pictures)

ORIOLES QUICK WRAP Score: Rays 7, Orioles 4 Recap: Wei-Yin Chen didn't make it out of the fourth inning today, allowing six runs and 10 hits in 3 2/3 frames. The Rays collected five doubles and homered twice off him. On the plus side, Chen didn't walk anybody. Suk-min Yoon served up a home run to Jayson Nix, but retired six of seven batters in his second appearance with the Orioles. Chris Davis singled in the first inning for his team-leading ninth RBI. Need to know: Adam Jones was...

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Pregame quotes from Showalter (with game update)

March 19, 2014, 9:01am

Orioles

Pregame quotes from Showalter (with game update)

SARASOTA, Fla. - Reliever Darren O'Day is throwing two innings today at Twin Lakes Park. Grant Balfour is facing the Orioles today - in a minor league game. Do they have brushback pitches at the Charlotte Sports complex? Bud Norris starts Thursday night's game against the Pirates in Bradenton. Steve Johnson, T.J. McFarland and Alfredo Aceves also are scheduled to pitch. Chris Tillman faces the Braves on Friday in Sarasota, and Ubaldo Jimenez faces the Rays on Saturday in Port...

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orioles spring training buck showalter chris tillman david lough dylan bundy francisco peguero frontfeatured_orioles johan santana manny machado ubaldo jimenez frontstory_orioles2

Hearing from Lough, Bundy and Santana

March 19, 2014, 8:06am

Orioles

SARASOTA, Fla. - Outfielder David Lough is taking an impact test now as the final step in being cleared to play Thursday in a Triple-A game. Lough had been experiencing dizziness and eye floaters that may have been related to neck stiffness. He said the symptoms occurred after he was thrown out at the plate trying to stretch a triple into an inside-the-park home run March 8 in Fort Myers. "They cleared me to go for activity and stuff, so I feel pretty good about it, getting back on the right...

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orioles spring training david lough dylan bundy frontfeatured_orioles johan santana frontstory_orioles2

Updates on Machado and Lough (with videos and pictures)

March 19, 2014, 7:16am

Orioles

Updates on Machado and Lough (with videos and pictures)

SARASOTA, Fla. - Orioles third baseman Manny Machado has a 12:30 p.m. appointment on Thursday with Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles, and he will take a red-eye flight back to Sarasota that evening. Machado is scheduled to depart at 6 a.m. Manager Buck Showalter said Machado still hasn't run the bases due to scar tissue breaking up in his left knee, but he's doing infield drills. He could run during his examination by ElAttrache, which would seem to be a requirement before clearing him to...

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A few morning notes (updated)

March 19, 2014, 5:29am

Orioles

SARASOTA, Fla. - Outfielder Francisco Peguero, who remains shut down with a strained right wrist, must wear a brace for two weeks due to inflammation and most likely will begin the season on the disabled list. Peguero is out of minor league options and the Orioles wanted to take a long look at him this spring. He's appeared in only six games, going 4-for-15 with a triple and three RBIs. "It's frustrating," he said. "I can't do anything right now. I'm here to make the team and I can't...