Roch Kubatko

Britton forcing the Orioles into a tough decision (O's win 3-2)

August 18, 2012, 4:48pm

Orioles

Zach Britton is shutting out the Tigers tonight on five hits over five innings. He's slithered out of a few jams. He's bearing down on a quality start. The Orioles can't get him a lead, which is the only downside to Britton's night. The Orioles don't have a game when Britton's turn comes up again on Thursday. They can go back to a four-man rotation or just push back everyone and stick with the current alignment. The other option is sending down Britton and reinserting Steve Johnson...

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Mahoney optioned, Reynolds in lineup

August 18, 2012, 11:54am

Orioles

The Orioles have optioned first baseman Joe Mahoney to Triple-A Norfolk to make room for left-hander Zach Britton on the 25-man roster. Steve Johnson remains on the roster and is available to pitch in relief. He's the designated long man. Manager Buck Showalter will work with a three-man bench tonight: Omar Quintanilla, Lew Ford and Taylor Teagarden. Robert Andino is getting the start at second base. Mark Reynolds remains at first base, one night have blasting the umpires. Should be...

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Reynolds earns high marks for honesty

August 18, 2012, 4:34am

Orioles

Last summer, reliever Kevin Gregg won over a few Orioles fans by yelling at David Ortiz, standing his ground when the burly designated hitter took a few steps toward him and ripping the Red Sox for their sense of entitlement. Now it's Mark Reynolds' turn. Reynolds already had been cheered more after heating up at the plate during the last homestand. Fewer people were wondering why he was in the lineup and on the 25-man roster. Fewer people were demanding that the Orioles eat the rest of...

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Orioles confirm Britton back in rotation

August 17, 2012, 8:36pm

Orioles

In news that won't come as a shock, the Orioles confirmed in a tweet that Zach Britton will start Saturday night's game against the Tigers at Comerica Park. It makes sense, since Britton is in Detroit. He didn't fly there to visit Greektown. The Orioles didn't have to officially recall Britton tonight. He was placed on baseball's equivalent of a 24-hour taxi squad. A corresponding 25-man roster move is coming on Saturday. The Orioles could choose to option right-hander Steve Johnson to...

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Small ball, big debate (big homer, big controversy, O's lose 5-3)

August 17, 2012, 4:25pm

Orioles

Small ball, big debate (big homer, big controversy, O's lose 5-3)

J.J. Hardy has batted twice tonight against Tigers right-hander Justin Verlander. He's laid down two sacrifice bunts. Good execution. Bad idea? Neither bunt led to a run, though some of the blame lies at the feet of plate umpire Tim Timmons, who blew a call in the first inning. Nick Markakis clearly was safe, beating Prince Fielders' throw, but Timmons wouldn't remove the blindfold. Manager Buck Showalter didn't call for Markakis to bunt last night, and there's no way to know whether...

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Showalter breaks out familiar lineup in Detroit (updated)

August 17, 2012, 11:36am

Orioles

Showalter breaks out familiar lineup in Detroit (updated)

Manager Buck Showalter is sticking with his usual lineup tonight against a right-handed starter, including Nate McLouth batting third and playing left field and Omar Quintanilla batting ninth and playing second base. Joe Mahoney is listed among the reserves. For the Orioles: Nick Markakis RF J.J. Hardy SS Nate McLouth LF Adam Jones CF Matt Wieters C Chris Davis DH Mark Reynolds 1B Manny Machado 3B Omar Quintanilla 2B Tommy Hunter RHP Update: Let the speculation cease regarding Saturday's...

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Up next: Another roster move (with Tigers lineup)

August 17, 2012, 9:24am

Orioles

Up next: Another roster move (with Tigers lineup)

As soon as Steve Johnson returned to the mound for the ninth inning last night, I figured he no longer was a candidate to make Saturday night's start in Detroit, unless he recorded three outs on three pitches or learned how to throw a knuckleball. Johnson was listed as Saturday's starter earlier in the day, but manager Buck Showalter couched it by saying the plans could change if the St. Paul's grad had to work in relief. Talk about a cruel tease. Johnson remained in the bullpen through...

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For one inning, hot corner burns Machado

August 16, 2012, 8:28pm

Orioles

For one inning, hot corner burns Machado

The Red Sox broke a 3-3 tie in the top of the sixth inning last night when rookie Manny Machado couldn't field Dustin Pedroia's slow bouncer with runners on second and third and two outs. Machado charged the ball, but didn't come up with it. Not an easy play, but one that had to be made. "They got lucky," said reliever Luis Ayala, who took the loss. "Ground ball. Tough play, but it was a key for the game. "We got lucky, too. We got a nice play with Machado, too. It's part of the...

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Showalter and Tillman speak after 6-3 loss

August 16, 2012, 7:20pm

Orioles

Showalter and Tillman speak after 6-3 loss

Orioles manager Buck Showalter told reporters after tonight's 6-3 loss to the Red Sox that Steve Johnson was still "somewhat of an option" to start Saturday in Detroit. However, I doubt that it's going to happen after Johnson threw 28 pitches tonight. We'll see. "There's still that potential he can pitch there," Showalter said. "He hadn't pitched in seven days. We didn't want to pitch anyone else. We were down to our last guy. I was trying to stay away from Steve if I could. We're...

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Jones is drilled, bringing cold stare from Showalter (O's lose 6-3)

August 16, 2012, 4:25pm

Orioles

Jones is drilled, bringing cold stare from Showalter (O's lose 6-3)

Manager Buck Showalter can count the number of times that Adam Jones has been hit by a pitch this season. He probably can name each body part that's been bruised. Now it's Showalter's face that's turning purple. Showalter didn't hide his displeasure with the Red Sox as he walked toward first base to check on Jones, who was drilled in the backside by a Clay Buchholz fastball in the third inning. He glared at them to such a degree, I'm pretty sure he melted the railing in front of their...

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Orioles 'pen is still mightier, Hardy's defense looks golden (O's lead 3-1)

August 16, 2012, 2:04pm

Orioles

With a win tonight, the Orioles would move 12 games above .500 for the first time since June 17. They also would gain another game on the New York Yankees, closing to within five in the American League East. Over the last 12 games, the Orioles' bullpen has posted a 0.45 ERA by allowing two earned runs in 39 2/3 innings. During that span, the relievers have permitted 25 hits, walked eight, struck out 32 and held opponents to a .175 average. Four of the top 22 qualifiers in ERA among American...

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Betemit has cartilage tear in wrist

August 16, 2012, 12:55pm

Orioles

The MRI taken on Wilson Betemit's right wrist this morning revealed a small cartilage tear and a bone bruise. Betemit will receive a cortisone injection later today and fly down to Sarasota tomorrow morning. The Orioles will shut him down for a week before he's cleared to begin baseball activities. Betemit hasn't played since Saturday, making him eligible to come off the disabled list on Aug. 27 - a realistic target date, according to manager Buck Showalter. Joe Mahoney flew into...

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Orioles lineup against the Red Sox (Mahoney up, Betemit to DL)

August 16, 2012, 11:30am

Orioles

Mark Reynolds continues to start at first base, as the Orioles try to complete a three-game sweep of the Red Sox at Camden Yards. The reserves aren't listed on the magnetic board outside the clubhouse, leaving us to guess whether Wilson Betemit is headed to the disabled list. For the Orioles: Nick Markakis RF J.J. Hardy SS Nate McLouth LF Adam Jones CF Matt Wieters C Chris Davis DH Mark Reynolds 1B Manny Machado 3B Omar Quintanilla 2B Chris Tillman RHP Update: Joe Mahoney is now listed...

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Is Mahoney headed to Baltimore?

August 16, 2012, 9:04am

Orioles

Joe Mahoney started at first base today for Triple-A Norfolk, but he was removed for a pinch hitter before his first at-bat. Jamie Hoffman batted for Mahoney and moved to right field, with Ryan Flaherty going to first base. Wilson Betemit underwent an MRI on his right wrist at 11 a.m., so it's possible that Mahoney is headed to Camden Yards in case the Orioles again need to use the disabled list. Mahoney plays first base, bats from the left side and is on the 40-man roster, which makes him...

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Matusz says he's "excited" about switch to bullpen

August 15, 2012, 8:19pm

Orioles

Matusz says he's "excited" about switch to bullpen

Triple-A Norfolk manager Ron Johnson called Brian Matusz into his office on Monday and made official the left-hander's move to the bullpen. And so began the next phase of Matusz's professional life. Whether it's a passing phase has yet to be determined. The decision was born after numerous conversations involving Johnson, Orioles manager Buck Showalter, executive vice president Dan Duquette, director of pitching development Rick Peterson and Norfolk pitching coach Mike Griffin. "Buck...

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Showalter speaks after 5-3 win

August 15, 2012, 7:04pm

Orioles

The Orioles went from being no-hit tonight to taking a 5-3 lead in the sixth inning. What the heck happened? J.J. Hardy got the first hit off Boston starter Aaron Cook with a single into left field, and the Orioles sent 10 batters to the plate. "J.J. got a pretty good swing on a ball. That's about it," said manager Buck Showalter. "It's one of those things where you've got a pretty good idea of what he's going to do coming in. And he was able to do it because he had that sinker...

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Hearing from Gonzalez and Jones

August 15, 2012, 6:49pm

Orioles

The Orioles have taken the lead in the wild card race with tonight's 5-3 victory over the Red Sox, and they're in sole possession of second place in the American League East. The Orioles are 4-0-1 in their last five series against the Yankees, Rays, Mariners, Royals and Red Sox. Miguel Gonzalez registered his third consecutive quality start and has allowed three runs in his last 21 innings. "I thought I threw the ball well," he said after permitting two runs and six hits in six innings....

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Aaron Cook, Laz Diaz keep Orioles hitless (O's win 5-3)

August 15, 2012, 4:22pm

Orioles

Red Sox starter Aaron Cook has allowed one baserunner through four innings tonight, and it came on a leadoff walk to Nick Markakis in the bottom of the fourth. That's it. Cook and Miguel Gonzalez were working on dueling shutouts before Jacoby Ellsbury's ground-rule double scored Scott Podsednik in the fifth. Nick Punto, who followed Podsednik's single with one of his own, scored on Carl Crawford' sacrifice fly to give Boston a 2-0 lead. Ellsbury has a 38-game hitting streak against the...

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Duquette says Matusz's move to bullpen is only "for now"

August 15, 2012, 1:55pm

Orioles

Duquette says Matusz's move to bullpen is only "for now"

Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette and manager Buck Showalter still view left-hander Brian Matusz as a starter down the road. It's the current path that has led Matusz into the bullpen. As I wrote earlier, Matusz is available to pitch in relief tonight at Triple-A Norfolk. It's conceivable that he could rejoin the Orioles in that same role as they attempt to end their lengthy playoff drought. "It's for now. It's to address a need we have in the big leagues that we've been...

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Betemit to undergo MRI on wrist (updated)

August 15, 2012, 12:46pm

Orioles

Betemit to undergo MRI on wrist (updated)

Wilson Betemit is out of the lineup again tonight because of a sore right wrist, and the Orioles have scheduled an MRI for tomorrow at 11 a.m. Betemit hasn't started the last two games against Boston right-handers Josh Beckett and Aaron Cook. He was expected to platoon at first base with Mark Reynolds after Manny Machado became the regular third baseman. Betemit is hitting .306 with 11 home runs against right-handers, compared to .143 with one home run vs. left-handers. The MRI should...