Roch Kubatko

More notes and quotes before tonight's game

July 19, 2011, 1:57pm

Orioles

More notes and quotes before tonight's game

According to reports given to manager Buck Showalter, Single-A Frederick pitcher Bobby Bundy was topping out at 96 mph last night and routinely sat at 93 mph while going the distance in the Keys' victory over Salem. Bundy, the brother of first-round pick Dylan Bundy, allowed one earned run (two total) and three hits, with one walk and nine strikeouts. He's 9-5 with a 3.11 ERA. Closer Kevin Gregg threw a simulated game today while continuing to serve his three-game suspension. Cesar...

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Updates on Scott, Roberts, Duchscherer, Izturis and more

July 19, 2011, 12:38pm

Orioles

Updates on Scott, Roberts, Duchscherer, Izturis and more

The Orioles are shutting down Luke Scott for a few days while he deals with more discomfort in his right shoulder related to the labrum tear. Scott could continue his injury rehab assignment and perhaps be activated later in this homestand, which concludes on Sunday. Surgery remains an option, and it seems inevitable at some point. Scott said he's about 70 percent right now. He also noted that the tear is bigger than he first realized. Brian Roberts was bothered by headaches yesterday, but...

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Simon back from restricted list, Bell sent to Norfolk, Roberts to 60-day DL

July 19, 2011, 11:56am

Orioles

Simon back from restricted list, Bell sent to Norfolk, Roberts to 60-day DL

The Orioles have reinstated right-hander Alfredo Simon from the restricted list and sent third baseman Josh Bell to Triple-A Norfolk. To make room for Simon on the 40-man roster, the club transferred second baseman Brian Roberts to the 60-day disabled list. Luke Scott will not be activated from the disabled list today. Scott said he is still experiencing discomfort in his shoulder, though no sharp pain. Scott will play in at least another couple of minor league rehabilitation games, though his...

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Orioles acquire LHP Phillips, Spoone DFA

July 19, 2011, 11:16am

Orioles

The Orioles made a minor trade today, acquiring left-hander Zach Phillips from the Texas Rangers organization for infielder Nick Green and cash. Phillips will be added to the 40-man roster and assigned to Triple-A Norfolk. To make room for him, the Orioles designated Double-A Bowie pitcher Chorye Spoone for assignment. Phillips was 1-3 with a 4.43 ERA in 33 games with Triple-A Round Rock. The former 23rd-round pick out of Sacramento City C.C. allowed 50 hits, walked 21 and struck out 38 in...

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Looking back and ahead (updated)

July 18, 2011, 8:22pm

Orioles

When the Orioles scored two runs in the bottom of the first inning last night, I thought that I might be writing about a three-game winning streak. When they scored five times in the bottom of the fifth to reclaim the lead, I thought that I might be writing about a three-game winning streak. I couldn't have been more wrong. The bullpen was overmatched with Kevin Gregg serving his three-game suspension, Koji Uehara having pitched in the last three games and Jim Johnson being the designated...

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A little more clubhouse chatter

July 18, 2011, 7:37pm

Orioles

Brad Bergesen was charged with four earned runs (six total) and eight hits in five innings. He had a chance to get the win after the Orioles scored five runs in the bottom of the fifth, but he ended up with a no-decision. Bergesen was strong in the first two innings before giving up three runs in the third. Brad Bergesen is not happy with the outcome but is pleased with his outing Monday night "Obviously, I was able to go 1-2-3 for both those innings," he said. "I felt pretty good, but...

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Showalter speaks after 15-10 loss

July 18, 2011, 7:21pm

Orioles

The Red Sox got into Baltimore around 6 a.m. this morning. Shouldn't they be more tired than this? Where did they find the energy to go for the two-point conversion? The Orioles scored 10 runs tonight, and they still came up five short. They also used five relievers who combined to allow nine runs. Jason Berken wasn't charged with a run, but he gave up a hit to the only batter he faced. The less said about this game, the better, but here's a sampling from manager Buck Showalter. Buck...

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Gonzalez goes again, Red Sox take lead (updated)

July 18, 2011, 6:01pm

Orioles

Gonzalez goes again, Red Sox take lead (updated)

Michael Gonzalez made his fourth appearance in five games tonight, which means that manager Buck Showalter has gained a lot more confidence in the left-hander, or he's lost confidence in a few other relievers. Gonzalez loaded the bases with one out in the eighth on a single and two walks. Showalter brought in newest Oriole Mark Worrell, who ran the count full before giving up a two-run, tie-breaking double to Dustin Pedroia. Kevin Youkilis drove in two more runs with a single after an...

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So, do you like...stuff? (and four updates?)

July 18, 2011, 4:07pm

Orioles

So, do you like...stuff? (and four updates?)

Luke Scott's second game with Double-A Bowie has been put on hold. The Baysox's game in Harrisburg has been delayed by rain, but they should be getting started shortly. Scott is batting third and serving as the designated hitter, just as he did last night when he walked twice and homered. We'll find out tomorrow whether the Orioles activate him from the disabled. list. If so, he can serve as the designated hitter while Vladimir Guerrero is on the DL. Pitcher Alfredo Simon is heading back...

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Updates on Izturis, Roberts, Gregg and more

July 18, 2011, 12:26pm

Orioles

Updates on Izturis, Roberts, Gregg and more

Pitcher Mark Worrell, who had his contract purchased earlier today from Triple-A Norfolk, is the 900th player to wear the Orioles' uniform. And I don't mean this season. Worrell is here for as long as Alfredo Simon remains on the restricted list. The Orioles hope that Simon returns for tomorrow night's game. Cesar Izturis is a little sore today, according to manager Buck Showalter, so his injury rehab assignment has been pushed back from Wednesday to Friday. Izturis could report to the...

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Markakis named AL Player of the Week

July 18, 2011, 11:44am

Orioles

Right fielder Nick Markakis has been named the American League's Player of the Week for the period ending July 17. In four games last week, Markakis hit .429 (6-for-14) with two doubles, two home runs, four RBIs and five runs scored on his way to earning his first career AL Player of the Week honor. He's the first Oriole to be recognized since Luke Scott on July 25, 2010. Markakis tied for first in the league in home runs, runs scored and slugging percentage (1.000), and was second with 14...

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The J.J. Hardy press conference - Part I

July 18, 2011, 11:28am

Orioles

The J.J. Hardy press conference - Part I

The Orioles held a press conference today to announce J.J. Hardy's contract extension, which covers three years for a reported $22.25 million and includes a limited no-trade clause to eight teams. "We're delighted to have him, we're delighted to have him for three more years after this," said president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail. "It's nice to have one position where you just have to, knock on wood, not have to worry about it for a while. It's great to have a good, young...

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Orioles and Red Sox lineups

July 18, 2011, 11:22am

Orioles

Matt Wieters is batting cleanup for tonight's 7:05 p.m. game against the Red Sox at Camden Yards. Nolan Reimold will serve as the designated hitter, with Felix Pie starting in left field. For the Orioles: J.J. Hardy SS Nick Markakis RF Adam Jones CF Matt Wieters C Derrek Lee 1B Mark Reynolds 3B Nolan Reimold DH Felix Pie LF Robert Andino 2B Brad Bergesen RHP For the Red Sox: Jacoby Ellsbury DH Dustin Pedroia 2B Adrian Gonzalez 1B Kevin Youkilis 3B Josh Reddick CF Carl Crawford...

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Quick sales pitch on pitching

July 18, 2011, 9:44am

Orioles

I'm getting ready to change clothes and head over to the MASN studio in Hunt Valley for today's "The Mid-Atlantic Sports Report," which airs at 5:30 p.m. A jacket and tie are required. What I do below the waist from a sitting position is my own business. Anyway ... I wanted to quickly visit this report from FOX Sports that states the Tigers' interest in Orioles pitcher Jeremy Guthrie. The Orioles have scouts dispersed in every direction, and one of them is tailing the Tigers, according...

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Another newcomer, left field and the Red Sox

July 17, 2011, 7:17pm

Orioles

Another newcomer, left field and the Red Sox

When reliever Mark Worrell reports to the Orioles today, he'll be putting on a major league uniform for the first time since 2008 with the St. Louis Cardinals. I'm not counting spring training or Halloween parties. Worrell appeared in four games with the Cardinals in '08, which is the extent of his major league experience. He gave up five runs and eight hits, with four walks and four strikeouts, in 5 2/3 innings. It's possible that Worrell will stay at Camden Yards for one day and return...

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Scott homers at Bowie (with quote)

July 17, 2011, 4:44pm

Orioles

Luke Scott's first game on his injury rehab assignment at Double-A Bowie is going quite well tonight. Scott walked twice in his first three plate appearances, and he hit a long home run to right field off Richmond's Alex Hinshaw in the bottom of the eighth inning to increase Bowie's lead to 5-1. Scott, who homered with the count full, has scored twice for the Baysox. The Orioles want Scott to accompany Bowie to Harrisburg tomorrow and play in one more game. He could be activated from the...

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More on roster moves (updated)

July 17, 2011, 2:34pm

Orioles

I wanted to chime in again on today's roster moves, since I'm home and not pulling off the road to tweet and dictate blog updates. The Orioles optioned Mitch Atkins to Triple-A Norfolk after today's game, and the move can't come as much of a surprise. Manager Buck Showalter noted how Atkins again displayed poor fastball command, and the right-hander has allowed nine runs and 13 hits, with three walks and five home runs, in his last two starts spanning only 4 2/3 innings. Atkins held the...

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Showalter speaks after 8-3 win (Atkins optioned)

July 17, 2011, 1:30pm

Orioles

Showalter speaks after 8-3 win (Atkins optioned)

Today's attendance: 17,754 The Orioles have won back-to-back games for the first time since June 19-20, and veteran left-hander Mark Hendrickson is a big reason why they defeated the Indians today, 8-3, at Camden Yards. Hendrickson replaced starter Mitch Atkins and threw three scoreless innings. Buck Showalter's postgame comments after the Birds beat the Indians 8-3 "He was probably the key to the game, the innings he put up there," manager Buck Showalter said. "Mitch was very...

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The all-important tack-on runs (and more)

July 17, 2011, 12:13pm

Orioles

The all-important tack-on runs (and more)

Last night, Felix Pie's two-run double in the bottom of the eighth inning proved to be extremely important when the Indians scored three times in the ninth. Pie had extended the Orioles' lead to 6-2. They needed every inch of that margin. Today, Robert Andino laid down a bunt in the bottom of the seventh with Derrek Lee breaking for home. Lee beat the throw to the plate, and Andino raced to second when the ball got past catcher Carlos Santana. Andino was credited his fourth RBI, a career...

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Andino the unlikely homer hero (Markakis more likely)

July 17, 2011, 11:26am

Orioles

Andino the unlikely homer hero (Markakis more likely)

If an Oriole was going to hit a three-run homer today, it didn't figure to be second baseman Robert Andino. On your list of candidates, he would have ranked pretty low. Andino's three-run shot off Indians starter Jeanmar Gomez gave the Orioles a 4-3 lead in the bottom of the fifth inning. The ball traveled an estimated 362 feet. It didn't clear the left field fence by much, but it got there. Andino has two home runs this season, the other coming on April 30. He was hitting .176 with...