Roch Kubatko

Showalter speaks after 3-2 loss

August 04, 2013, 1:08pm

Orioles

If we've learned anything about Orioles manager Buck Showalter over the past three years, it's that he focuses on the positive developments in a game, whether it ends with a win or a loss. Today provided the latest example. Showalter praised starter Wei-Yin Chen and deflected a question about the walk to light-hitting Brendan Ryan with two outs in the seventh inning that preceded Henry Blanco's two-run homer in a 3-2 loss to the Mariners. "He pitched outstanding," Showalter said....

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Valencia offers support for Chen (O's lose 3-2)

August 04, 2013, 11:36am

Orioles

Valencia offers support for Chen (O's lose 3-2)

Wei-Yin Chen has held the Mariners to one run over six innings. He's in line for his fifth consecutive quality start since coming off the disabled list. Whether he picks up another win is another matter. The odds just improved, thanks to an unlikely source. The Orioles hadn't score a run for him through five innings, going 0-for-11 with runners in scoring position and stranding eight runners against left-hander Joe Saunders. But Steve Pearce walked to lead off the bottom of the sixth and...

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Game update and more notes (updated)

August 04, 2013, 10:05am

Orioles

Orioles right fielder Nick Markakis began today leading the majors with a .330 average from the leadoff spot. Of course, he singled today leading off the bottom of the first. That's what he does. Adam Jones doubled after Manny Machado grounded into a double play. Two hits off former Oriole Joe Saunders, but no runs. Jones began today leading the majors with a .387 average in day games. Left-hander Wei-Yin Chen retired the Mariners in order on nine pitches in the top of the first, including...

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Pregame notes and Mariners lineup

August 04, 2013, 8:34am

Orioles

The Orioles' roster could undergo more changes this week as the club embarks on a three-city West Coast trip that includes off-days on Monday, Thursday and August 15. The Orioles could choose to carry an extra bench player once Brian Roberts comes off paternity leave on Monday. Manager Buck Showalter indicated that it's one of the possibilities being considered. Bud Norris and Miguel Gonzalez are scheduled to start the two games in San Diego. Gonzalez would be skipped if he's used out of...

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Valencia recalled and in lineup

August 04, 2013, 6:39am

Orioles

The Orioles have recalled Danny Valencia from Triple-A Norfolk and inserted him in today's lineup as the designated hitter against Seattle left-hander Joe Saunders. Valencia replaces pitcher Steve Johnson, who was optioned following last night's 8-4 loss. Brian Roberts remains on paternity leave. He will accompany the team to San Diego on Monday. For the Orioles Nick Markakis RF Manny Machado 3B Adam Jones CF Chris Davis 1B J.J. Hardy SS Steve Pearce LF Danny Valencia DH Taylor Teagarden...

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It's Chen vs. Saunders today

August 03, 2013, 8:19pm

Orioles

The Orioles had a chance to re-sign left-hander Joe Saunders over the winter and didn't do it, though one member of the organization said they were "close." They checked on his availability at the non-waiver trade deadline last week, but the Mariners held onto him. Saunders is facing the Orioles today for the second time since signing a one-year, $6.5 million contract over the winter. He went the distance on April 29, allowing two runs and four hits in a 6-2 victory over the Orioles at...

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Showalter speaks after 8-4 loss (Steve Johnson optioned)

August 03, 2013, 7:10pm

Orioles

Showalter speaks after 8-4 loss (Steve Johnson optioned)

Orioles manager Buck Showalter had calmed down considerably by the time he met with reporters following tonight's 8-4 loss to the Mariners. Showalter was ejected by plate umpire Larry Vanover in the bottom of the seventh inning for disputing a strike call on Nick Markakis. Asked later if he had been given an explanation, Showalter took the high road. "Umpires are an easy target," he said. "It's not really fair. They've got a really tough job. There's a lot of ebbs and flows to a game....

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Showalter ejected in seventh (O's lose 8-4)

August 03, 2013, 5:46pm

Orioles

Showalter ejected in seventh (O's lose 8-4)

Orioles manager Buck Showalter didn't have to leave the dugout tonight to be ejected from the game. He apparently said enough from the railing. Showalter barked at plate umpire Larry Vanover after a high and outside pitch to leadoff hitter Nick Markakis was called a strike in the bottom of the seventh inning. Vanover turned to the dugout and tossed Showalter, who rushed onto the field to pick up the argument. It's the second ejection for Showalter this season, the other coming on June 21 in...

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Feldman turns in shortest outing as Oriole (updated)

August 03, 2013, 4:50pm

Orioles

Feldman turns in shortest outing as Oriole (updated)

Scott Feldman allowed the leadoff batter to reach in four of the first five innings tonight. He issued four walks. He let 11 of the 25 batters he faced reach base. Quite the recipe for disaster. Feldman was charged with five runs and seven hits in 4 2/3 innings, his shortest outing in six starts with the Orioles and tied for his second-shortest this season. He went 4 2/3 in his first outing with the Cubs this season, and 4 1/3 in his next game. Michael Morse singled with two outs in the...

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Game update and more notes (Wieters and Machado homer)

August 03, 2013, 3:32pm

Orioles

Game update and more notes (Wieters and Machado homer)

Scott Feldman allowed only his third home run tonight in six starts with the Orioles, as Justin Smoak lifted a 75 mph curveball onto the flag court in right field in the top of the second inning to give Seattle a 1-0 lead. Feldman allowed a single and walked a batter in the first before retiring the next three Mariners, striking out Raul Ibanez to close the inning. And yes, Ibanez is still booed here by fans who haven't forgotten the damage he did for the Yankees in last year's American...

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orioles matt wieters scott feldman

More on Hardy being out of tonight's lineup

August 03, 2013, 1:47pm

Orioles

More on Hardy being out of tonight's lineup

Orioles manager Buck Showalter didn't write shortstop J.J. Hardy's name in tonight's lineup. But that doesn't mean Hardy is definitely getting the night off. "He doesn't start," Showalter said. "Two different terminologies there." Hardy, who has started every game this season, could be used tonight as a pinch-hitter or defensive replacement. The game will dictate it. "I'd like to stay away from him," Showalter said. "I've been trying to do it for a while. Told him we were...

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Hammel: "Definitely some good news"

August 03, 2013, 1:06pm

Orioles

Orioles pitcher Jason Hammel was relieved today, and in a good way. Hammel told reporters that the MRI taken on his right forearm didn't reveal anything more serious than some inflammation. "Definitely some good news," he said. "Came back real good. No structural damage, but definitely inflammation around the ulnar nerve. We just have to calm that area down. "The forearm's a little stiff. I wouldn't call it tendinitis or anything, but it came back about as good as it could have...

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Flaherty at shortstop, Casilla at second base (Hammel update)

August 03, 2013, 11:08am

Orioles

Flaherty at shortstop, Casilla at second base (Hammel update)

Brian Roberts remains out of the Orioles lineup on paternity leave, which gives Alexi Casilla the start at second base. Ryan Flaherty isn't returning to the bench. He's replacing J.J. Hardy at shortstop. We'll find out later whether Hardy is being rested or if he's hurting. Hardy leads all major league shortstops with 971 1/3 innings played this season. Henry Urrutia moves up to seventh in the lineup as the designated hitter. For the Orioles Nate McLouth LF Manny Machado 3B Nick...

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Roberts (and baby) update

August 03, 2013, 9:33am

Orioles

Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts and his wife, Diana, are the proud parents of a baby boy, Jax Isaac Roberts, born last night in Baltimore. The club's public relations staff announced via Twitter that "all are doing well." Jax is 6 pounds, 7 ounces. No word on whether he bats from both sides of the plate. Roberts was placed on paternity leave last night, with pitcher Steve Johnson being activated from the disabled list and rejoining the Orioles at Camden Yards as an extra...

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This and that

August 02, 2013, 10:38pm

Orioles

Chris Tillman must be living a charmed life when he gives up six runs and still registers his 14th win of the season. As manager Buck Showalter said, the Orioles probably owed Tillman after the way he's pitched for them this season. Tillman is 14-3, which currently ranks as the highest winning percentage (.824) in franchise history for a pitcher with at least 15 decisions. He's ahead of Dave McNally (21-5, .808 in 1971), Jim Palmer (16-4, .800 in 1969), Wally Bunker (19-5, .792 in 1964) and...

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Showalter speaks after 11-8 win

August 02, 2013, 6:43pm

Orioles

The Orioles have hit at least three home runs in a game 19 times this season to lead the American League. The Braves lead the majors with 20. The Orioles' power was on full display tonight, with Chris Davis hitting his 40th home run, Nate McLouth belting his first career grand slam and Ryan Flaherty coming within a triple of the cycle in an 11-8 win over the Mariners at Camden Yards. Here's a sampling of manager Buck Showalter's post-game comments: On whether the bats are back: "Tonight,...

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McLouth hits first career grand slam (O's win 11-8)

August 02, 2013, 5:37pm

Orioles

McLouth hits first career grand slam (O's win 11-8)

Chris Davis isn't the only Oriole who can hit milestone home runs. Nate McLouth belted his first career grand slam in the bottom of the sixth inning tonight after the Orioles strung together three straight singles off Mariners reliever Brandon Maurer. J.J. Hardy, Henry Urrutia and Ryan Flaherty singled, and McLouth cleared the fence in center field to give the Orioles an 11-6 lead. At that point, Maurer had faced four batters after replacing starter Aaron Harang. It was all downhill from...

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Davis reaches another milestone and Eutaw Street (O's lead 7-6)

August 02, 2013, 4:35pm

Orioles

Davis reaches another milestone and Eutaw Street (O's lead 7-6)

Add Chris Davis to the list of Orioles who have hit 40 home runs in a season. Davis became the fifth Oriole to reach the milestone when he launched a ball an estimated 442 feet onto Eutaw St. in the bottom of the third inning to increase the lead to 5-3. Mariners right fielder Michael Morse didn't budge. The only people who moved were the fans chasing after the ball. Aaron Harang threw Davis two straight 90 mph fastballs. Davis wasn't fooled. That's three home runs in the last four games...

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Tillman and Jones continue to torment their former team (updated)

August 02, 2013, 3:35pm

Orioles

Tillman and Jones continue to torment their former team (updated)

Chris Tillman must circle the dates on his Orioles schedule that include games against the Mariners. Then, he must duck inside manager Buck Showalter's office and beg to start each one of them. Tillman is 4-0 with a 0.98 ERA in four career starts against the Mariners, with only three earned runs allowed in 27 2/3 innings. He's posted a 0.69 WHIP against them. The Mariners have long regretted the Erik Bedard trade. It doesn't stop Tillman from throwing it in their faces. Tillman retired...

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Orioles place Roberts on paternity leave

August 02, 2013, 2:46pm

Orioles

The Orioles have placed second baseman Brian Roberts on paternity leave. Roberts left the club this morning to be with his wife, Diana, for the birth of their first child in Baltimore. Roberts can remain on leave for a maximum of three days. To fill Roberts' roster spot, the Orioles have reinstated pitcher Steve Johnson from the 15-day disabled list. Johnson will serve as an extra reliever in Roberts' absence. Johnson, on the disabled list since June 6 with a strained left oblique, was...