Roch Kubatko

News and notes

May 26, 2011, 8:07am

Orioles

Justin Duchscherer will throw a 35-pitch bullpen session today or tomorrow in Sarasota. That's the only update on him. The Orioles don't know when he'll start another extended spring training game. Duchscherer is eligible to come off the disabled list in four days, but that's obviously not going to happen. Brian Matusz is driving to Norfolk today and will start for the Tides tomorrow night. He requested a Columbus Clippers roster to see whether he recognized any names (he did). Matusz...

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Fox and Tatum in today's lineup

May 26, 2011, 6:16am

Orioles

The Orioles are leaning heavily to the right for today's game against Kansas City left-hander Jeff Francis. For the Orioles: Robert Andino 2B Adam Jones CF Nick Markakis RF Vladimir Guerrero DH Mark Reynolds 3B Nolan Reimold LF J.J. Hardy SS Jake Fox 1B Craig Tatum C Jeremy Guthrie RHP

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Rotation and bullpen pitching in

May 25, 2011, 7:01pm

Orioles

One of the Orioles filled his breakfast plate this morning and Luke Hochevar's ERA went up another point. Speaking of breakfast, you'll barely have time to digest it before the first pitch today. We've got a 12:35 p.m. starting time before the Orioles fly to Oakland to begin their first West Coast trip of the season. The Orioles will try to extend their winning streak to five games for the first time this season. The rotation is rolling again. Jeremy Guthrie, Chris Tillman, Zach Britton...

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Most postgame chatter

May 25, 2011, 6:42pm

Orioles

Adam Jones talks about: Being in a groove: "I feel good up there at the plate. The team is swinging it better of late and I just feed off the person in front of me. Everybody needs to just feed off each other." On the fourth-inning outburst: "It was about time. It was about time when we get one of those instances where you bat twice in an inning." On Luke Hochevar returning for the fifth inning: "He had what? I think I looked up and he had in the seventh 88 pitches or something like...

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Snyder optioned, Tatum to be recalled

May 25, 2011, 6:29pm

Orioles

The Orioles optioned first baseman Brandon Snyder to Triple-A Norfolk after tonight's game. Snyder, 24, batted .222 (2-for-9) in five games. Catcher Craig Tatum is here and will officially be recalled tomorrow. Look for him to be behind the plate for Jeremy Guthrie's start against the Royals. With Nolan Reimold on the roster, Luke Scott is freed up to play more first base. Jake Fox can be used in more of a utility role, which means backing up at first base and serving as a third catcher.

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Showalter speaks after 9-2 win

May 25, 2011, 6:23pm

Orioles

The Orioles tied their season high with their fourth straight victory. Jake Arrieta improved to 6-2 with a 4.57 ERA. It wasn't necessarily pretty, but he got the job done. Buck Showalter meets with the media to recap the Orioles' 9-2 win "Stuff-wise, he was good," manager Buck Showalter said. "He just gets out of sorts some and loses command for a while. He's fortunate to get through six innings. He worked himself into some trouble. Would you take six innings and two runs every...

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Arrieta rebounds from Nats game

May 25, 2011, 5:05pm

Orioles

Tonight's attendance: 15,740 Remember when Jake Arrieta gave up those six runs and six hits against the Nationals in only 3 2/3 innings? Ancient history. Arrieta turned in his eighth quality start tonight, holding the Royals to a two-run homer from Melky Cabrera over six innings. Jim Johnson has replaced him in the seventh. Arrieta allowed five hits, walked three and struck out seven. He threw 106 pitches, 66 for strikes. That's not real sharp, but it's the eighth time in 11 starts...

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Counting on Arrieta (O's take 8-0 lead)

May 25, 2011, 3:42pm

Orioles

The positive spin on Jake Arrieta after two innings is he hasn't allowed a run. Keep in mind that the Nationals abused him for six runs in 3 2/3 innings in his last start, so tonight's early returns are encouraging. However, each positive spin must also include a negative spin. Says so right here in the "spin" handbook. Arrieta has thrown 46 pitches, 23 for strikes. That's a lot of pitches for two innings. Arrieta hasn't given up a hit, but he's walked two batters. That's negative....

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Pregame Showalter

May 25, 2011, 1:26pm

Orioles

Here's a sampler platter from manager Buck Showalter's pregame session with the media. Napkins are optional. A cold beverage is recommended. On the AL East standings: "I see us three games out in the loss column. I think it's the only division with four teams .500 or better. I think it's that time of year where most teams start kind of seeking their level and separation starts happening one way or the other. I look at it from our perspective more than anything. I'd much rather be...

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The Andino question and other notes

May 25, 2011, 12:39pm

Orioles

Orioles manager Buck Showalter sent Robert Andino to the plate in the fifth inning last night with instructions to bunt a strike. The Orioles trailed by two runs and had two runners on base with no outs after back-to-back walks from Royals starter Danny Duffy. Andino offered at the first pitch, a high fastball, and popped it up for a double play. The bunt made perfect sense with the tying runs on base and no outs, but Andino wasn't supposed to go after a pitch out of the strike zone. And he...

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Adams in Orioles' lineup

May 25, 2011, 11:48am

Orioles

For the Orioles: Felix Pie LF Adam Jones CF Nick Markakis RF Vladimir Guerrero DH Matt Wieters C Luke Scott 1B Mark Reynolds 3B J.J. Hardy SS Ryan Adams 2B Jake Arrieta RHP Catcher Craig Tatum is expected to be recalled before the Orioles fly out to Oakland following tomorrow afternoon's game. You can speculate on the corresponding roster move. Brandon Snyder is a strong candidate because Scott and Jake Fox can play first base in Derrek Lee's absence. Tatum could be recalled in time to...

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Simon says ...

May 24, 2011, 7:10pm

Orioles

Almost lost in the euphoria of Adam Jones' walk-off home run was reliever Alfredo Simon being credited with the win after retiring the Royals in order in the top of the ninth inning. "It feels really good," Simon said after pitching in his first major league game since Sept. 26. "That was my first outing and we got the win. I said, 'Thank you,' to Jonesy, who hit the home run. I am really happy right now." Alfredo Simon talks about getting a win in his first outing of the season How...

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Showalter and Jones talk about walk-off 5-3 win

May 24, 2011, 6:57pm

Orioles

Showalter and Jones talk about walk-off 5-3 win

The Orioles hadn't scored against Royals closer Joakim Soria in 12 career games against him covering 11 1/3 innings. Until tonight, that is. They tied the game on a Felix Pie pinch-hit double and won it on Adam Jones' sixth home run of the season, a 418-foot shot to center field with two outs. Pie is 2-for-2 lifetime against Soria. Jones is 1-for-5 with three strikeouts - and one very big home run. Buck Showalter meets with the media after the O's come back to beat the Royals...

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Simon makes 2011 debut (Jones hits walk-off)

May 24, 2011, 6:05pm

Orioles

Simon makes 2011 debut (Jones hits walk-off)

Alfredo Simon pitched the ninth inning tonight, the third reliever used by manager Buck Showalter. And he was the most interesting of the group. Simon retired the side in order, getting two fly balls and a strikeout. He hadn't pitched in a major league game since Sept. 26, 2010, when he was ejected after hitting Toronto's Jose Bautista. You know the rest of Simon's story, though separating fact from fiction is exhausting and can produce a migraine. Simon wants to focus on baseball, so...

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Finding a replacement for Roberts

May 24, 2011, 5:46pm

Orioles

Mark Reynolds hits the longest foul balls in the world. Some people might describe them as majestic. That doesn't help your fantasy team, but I wanted to mention it anyway. I think one ball traveled an estimated three miles last night, but it landed on the wrong side of the left field foul pole. Straighten 'em out, Mark, and you're in business. I'll hit you with a quick question, which we debated in the press box last night before heading to our cars: Which ending was more exciting...

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Orioles finally score for Britton

May 24, 2011, 5:14pm

Orioles

Tonight's attendance: 14,077 Apologies for the technical difficulties, but I'm back. The Orioles had gone 27 1/3 innings without scoring while Zach Britton was on the mound until Matt Wieters doubled off the out-of-town scoreboard in right field with one out in the bottom of the sixth. Nick Markakis raced home, and the Orioles cut the Royals' lead to 3-1. Confetti didn't fall from the sky, but I watched for it. The Orioles put the leadoff hitter on base in five of the first six innings....

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Britton's streak ends (updated)

May 24, 2011, 3:25pm

Orioles

Zach Britton hadn't allowed an earned run in his last 19 2/3 innings until Kansas City's Jeff Francoeur lined an RBI single into left field with one out in the top of the first inning. Alex Gordon reached on a bunt single and Melky Cabrera lined a single up the middle to put Britton in immediate trouble. Eric Hosmer ran the count full before striking out on a changeup - yes, a 3-2 changeup from Britton - but Francoeur singled on the next pitch. Billy Butler grounded into a 5-4-3 double play...

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Roberts out at least 3 more weeks (updated)

May 24, 2011, 2:36pm

Orioles

Roberts out at least 3 more weeks (updated)

A concussion specialist in Pittsburgh recommended no physical activity for Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts for two more weeks. Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail passed along the news to reporters a few minutes ago. MacPhail said in an ideal scenario, Roberts would return to the lineup a week after he's cleared to begin baseball-related activities, "but it could be longer." Roberts hasn't played in the last eight days after diving into first base during a May 16...

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Matusz on his next rehab start

May 24, 2011, 1:51pm

Orioles

Orioles left-hander Brian Matusz said he agrees that one more start in the minors should benefit him. Matusz will start Friday night at Triple-A Norfolk. The Orioles will activate him from the disabled list for the June 1 game in Seattle or give him one more start with an affiliate. "I think it is the right move," Matusz said after throwing a bullpen session today. "I went out today and threw a side and I felt really good. I felt really good out there. This is the best play. Go to Norfolk,...

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Showalter speaks before game (with more Matusz)

May 24, 2011, 1:11pm

Orioles

Showalter speaks before game (with more Matusz)

Orioles manager Buck Showalter provided surgery and rehab updates during today's pregame session with the media. He also provided a clearer picture of how his rotation will unfold the rest of the week. On Cesar Izturis: "Izzy had his surgery today. It went well. I'm not sure if he's back home yet, though. The plan was to release him at some point today. We think he is. They found what they thought, moved the nerve over there and six to eight weeks from what I understand. You can backdate...