Roch Kubatko

Game update and more notes (Jones hits career-high 33rd homer)

September 27, 2013, 3:28pm

Orioles

Game update and more notes (Jones hits career-high 33rd homer)

The Red Sox are serious about securing the top seed in the American League playoffs. Real serious. They sent nine batters to the plate in the first inning and jumped Orioles starter Scott Feldman for five runs, the last three coming on Daniel Nava's home run to right field. Five straight batters reached after Feldman retired leadoff hitter Jacoby Ellsbury. Mike Napoli doubled to score Dustin Pedroia and Nava followed with his 12th home run on a 75 mph curveball. Left-hander Zach Britton...

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More from Duquette

September 27, 2013, 1:44pm

Orioles

Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette watched part of Wednesday night's game with agent Scott Boras, who was in town to visit clients from both teams. Boras represents catcher Matt Wieters, first baseman Chris Davis and pitchers Wei-Yin Chen, Francisco Rodriguez and Zach Britton. Rodriguez is a pending free agent. "They're some of our core group," Duquette said. "It was just an informal meeting. We're turning our attention to having a good team next year." Asked about how...

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Orioles will tender contract to Jim Johnson

September 27, 2013, 1:14pm

Orioles

Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette confirmed this afternoon that the Orioles will tender a contract to closer Jim Johnson for the 2014 season, viewing him as part of a core group that he wants to keep in Baltimore. Johnson's status was uncertain after nine blown saves and the prospect of receiving another substantial raise from the $6.5 million he's earning this season. That's a significant chunk of money for a ninth inning specialist. "Jim Johnson is one of our core players,"...

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Davis returns to Orioles lineup

September 27, 2013, 11:12am

Orioles

Chris Davis is starting at first base tonight for the Orioles after sitting out last night's game with a sore right foot. Brian Roberts is leading off as the designated hitter, with Jonathan Schoop at second base. For the Orioles Brian Roberts DH Nick Markakis RF Adam Jones CF Chris Davis 1B Matt Wieters C J.J. Hardy SS Nate McLouth LF Jonathan Schoop 2B Ryan Flaherty 3B Scott Feldman RHP For the Red Sox Jacoby Ellsbury CF Dustin Pedroia 2B David Ortiz DH Mike Napoli 1B Daniel Nava...

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While waiting for the lineups ...

September 27, 2013, 10:54am

Orioles

The Orioles are down to their last three games and will attempt to play spoilers by denying the Red Sox home field advantage throughout the playoffs. The Orioles (9-7) are the only American League East team to post a winning record against the Red Sox in 2013. The Yankees were 6-13, the Rays were 7-12 and the Blue Jays were 8-11. Scott Feldman is making is final start in 2013. Will it also be his last start with the Orioles? He's a pending free agent. Mike Napoli is 11-for-27 (.407) with...

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Because You Asked - A Good Day To Die Hard

September 26, 2013, 9:39pm

Orioles

Because You Asked - A Good Day To Die Hard

The Orioles' season is almost over, but the questions keep coming in waves. Sometimes, you actually wave to me before asking them. But that only happens in person. I keep answering them and you keep asking them and we dance the night away. Here's the latest sequel to "Because You Asked." Unfortunately, I had to rush through it because someone named Sweet Pea said she needed to have a few words with me. No idea what that's all about, but I'm told she brought refreshments. Will the...

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Showalter speaks after 3-2 win

September 26, 2013, 6:09pm

Orioles

The Orioles are back to playing spoilers this weekend, trying to deny Boston the best record in the American League and homefield advantage in the playoffs. But first, they made sure to win the season series against Toronto by winning tonight's game 3-2. The Orioles finished 10-9 against the last-place Blue Jays. They're 13-5 at home against Toronto since the start of the 2012 season. Miguel Gonzalez was outstanding tonight, retiring 13 in a row and holding the Blue Jays to an unearned run...

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Pridie, Gonzalez and Markakis in a 1-1 tie (O's win 3-2)

September 26, 2013, 3:41pm

Orioles

Pridie, Gonzalez and Markakis in a 1-1 tie (O's win 3-2)

Miguel Gonzalez was charged with an unearned run in the first inning tonight when left fielder Jason Pridie dropped a routine fly ball with two outs and Munenori Kawasaki on second base. Pridie was camped under the ball and it popped out of his glove. Very strange. The Orioles tied the game in the bottom of the second on Matt Wieters' 22nd home run, and his 11th from the right side of the plate. Pridie followed Steve Pearce's one-out double in the second with a single to put runners on the...

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More notes before tonight's game

September 26, 2013, 1:41pm

Orioles

Orioles manager Buck Showalter hasn't made a final decision on his Sunday starter to close out the 2013 season. Chris Tillman remains the listed starter, but Showalter could choose to call upon Jason Hammel. A deciding factor could be whether the Red Sox or Athletics already have clinched home field advantage in the playoffs. "All things being equal, Chris wants to pitch," Showalter said. "I went through all the tie-breakers and all the stuff to make sure we knew what meant what. It also...

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Davis out of lineup with sore foot

September 26, 2013, 12:49pm

Orioles

It's first baseman Chris Davis' turn to get a night off. Davis is out of the lineup tonight because of a sore right foot, a condition that he aggravated during the four-game series at Tropicana Field. Manager Buck Showalter pinch-hit for Davis in the eighth inning last night and is starting Steve Pearce at first base again tonight, with Brian Roberts serving as designated hitter. Davis was the DH last night. "It's one of those things where I think everybody's body is hurting at the end...

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Schoop and Pridie return to lineup

September 26, 2013, 11:40am

Orioles

The Orioles' lineup for tonight's game against the Blue Jays includes Jonathan Schoop at second base and Jason Pridie in left field. Chris Davis is on the bench tonight. Steve Pearce is starting at first base. Adam Jones returns to center field and Matt Wieters is behind the plate. For the Orioles Brian Roberts DH Nick Markakis RF Danny Valencia 3B Adam Jones CF Matt Wieters C J.J. Hardy SS Steve Pearce 1B Jason Pridie LF Jonathan Schoop 2B Miguel Gonzalez RHP

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This, that and the other

September 25, 2013, 8:38pm

Orioles

The Orioles didn't play split-squad games last night. The regulars didn't head over to Dunedin. Manager Buck Showalter rested some regulars, went with a makeshift lineup and ended a six-game losing streak. It won't be the same lineup tonight. Showalter dismissed that idea. I'd expect Adam Jones in center field and Matt Wieters behind the plate. Jonathan Schoop brings the most intrigue. Does he stay at second base tonight against Blue Jays left-hander Mark Buehrle, with Brian Roberts...

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Showalter speaks after 9-5 win

September 25, 2013, 7:10pm

Orioles

With a bunch of their regulars planted on the bench tonight, the Orioles ended a six-game losing streak with a 9-5 victory over the Blue Jays at Camden Yards. So, same lineup tomorrow night? "Ah, no," said manager Buck Showalter. Not even tempted? "No." So much for that idea. "We've got some other things we need to accomplish," he said. The Orioles did accomplish something important tonight, guaranteeing their second straight winning season for the first time since 1996-97. Is...

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A night of firsts for the Orioles (Flaherty homers twice, O's win 9-5)

September 25, 2013, 4:36pm

Orioles

It figures that the lineup chosen tonight by manager Buck Showalter would produce a bunch of firsts. Jonathan Schoop collected his first major league hit and scored his first run in the third inning. He later hit into his first double play. And yes, this is his first game with the Orioles. Ryan Flaherty followed Schoop's hit with his ninth home run, and his first onto Eutaw Street. It's the 77th Eutaw Street home run in Camden Yards history and the 31st by an Oriole. It's the 11th this...

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Pridie makes debut, Davis sets club strikeout record (updated)

September 25, 2013, 3:48pm

Orioles

Pridie makes debut, Davis sets club strikeout record (updated)

Jason Pridie, starting in center field tonight, is the 54th player to suit up for the Orioles this year, tying the 1955 team for most in a season. They dressed 53 last year. I don't have a list available of the ones who declined to wear clothes. Pridie grounded out to end the second inning, with Jays second baseman Ryan Goins making a lunging stop and throw. Chris Davis struck out in the second inning, breaking Mark Reynolds club record of 196 set in 2011. He doesn't lead the majors,...

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Machado meets the press

September 25, 2013, 2:54pm

Orioles

Orioles third baseman Manny Machado hobbled into the auxiliary clubhouse on crutches today and left the same way. He's not quite ready to walk on his own, but he's otherwise in pretty good spirits. That will happen - the crutches and the positive attitude - when an MRI reveals far less damage to the knee than once feared. "Obviously, when it first happened, it was a terrifying moment for myself, all the fans and my teammates," Machado said, recalling the horrific spill he took at first...

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A few pregame notes

September 25, 2013, 1:06pm

Orioles

Outfielder Chris Dickerson underwent an MRI on his sore right hamstring and hasn't been available. That's why Jason Pridie's contract was selected from Triple-A Norfolk. The Orioles placed third baseman Manny Machado on the 60-day disabled list to make room for Pridie on the 40-man roster. Machado will meet with reporters at 6:15 p.m. Pridie was expected to arrive at Camden Yards around 4 p.m. Showalter has talked to Chris Tillman about Sunday's start against the Red Sox. Showalter told...

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Pridie in center field, Schoop at second base

September 25, 2013, 11:14am

Orioles

Pridie in center field, Schoop at second base

Wondering whether the Orioles would drastically change their lineup after being eliminated from the wild card race? You better believe it. Jason Pridie has his contract selected from Triple-A Norfolk and he's in center field tonight. Adam Jones had started every game last season and all 157 this year. The last time he was absent from the lineup was Sept. 25, 2011. Jones has played in 322 consecutive games. Jonathan Schoop will make his major league debut, starting at second base. Steve...

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Norris returns to rotation tonight, Davis tries to avoid club record

September 25, 2013, 10:24am

Orioles

Norris returns to rotation tonight, Davis tries to avoid club record

Orioles pitcher Bud Norris will make his first start tonight since Sept. 8 against the White Sox. He was skipped in the rotation because of a sore right elbow. Norris made one relief appearance, allowing a run in the 18th inning in Friday night's 5-4 loss to the Rays at Tropicana Field. In his last start, he surrendered four runs and nine hits in 4 1/3 innings. Norris is 4-1 with a 4.50 ERA in eight starts with the Orioles, and is 2-1 with a 7.40 ERA in four starts at Camden Yards, with 17...

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What happens once the playoffs are off the table?

September 24, 2013, 9:24pm

Orioles

What happens once the playoffs are off the table?

The Orioles begin the next phase of the 2013 season and it's down to only five games. For the first time, they will arrive at the ballpark today knowing they won't return to the playoffs. They've been mathematically eliminated. It went from improbable after leaving Florida to impossible after the 10th inning. Five more games and they will clean out their lockers and scatter across the country. Five more games, and manager Buck Showalter may be in more of a reflective mood. Same...