About last night and today ...

About last night and today ...
The Orioles have fallen 4 ½ games behind the Royals in the race for the second pick in next year's amateur draft. Isn't that the race we're tracking here? With last night's walk-off win for the Royals, the Orioles have dropped to 1-7-2 in their last 10 series. They're 0-83 when trailing after seven innings and have lost 12 of the last 14 games at Kauffman Stadium since May 17, 2014, including six in a row. Dylan Bundy is 1-6 with a 8.46 ERA in his last 10 starts after starting out 6-7...

Valera recalled, tonight's lineups

Valera recalled, tonight's lineups
The Orioles have expanded their roster by one player today, recalling infielder Breyvic Valera from Triple-A Norfolk. They still have two openings on the 40-man roster. Valera, acquired from the Dodgers in the Manny Machado trade, was 1-for-4 with an RBI in his only game with the Orioles. He was batting .229/.310/.364 in 38 games with the Tides. The Orioles have an extra utility infielder with Valera joining Jace Peterson. John Andreoli gets the start in left field tonight as the Orioles...

A few thoughts on expanded roster

A few thoughts on expanded roster
The speculation can slow today as the Orioles and the rest of the teams in baseball can begin expanding their September rosters like waistlines at Thanksgiving. The Orioles won't stuff themselves. Manager Buck Showalter doesn't want a huge crowd in the clubhouse and dugout. A few players are expected to officially join the Orioles this afternoon in Kansas City, while others will trickle onto the roster in the coming days. A third catcher always is part of the expansion, and Chance Sisco is...

Gentry designated for assignment (plus lineups)

Gentry designated for assignment (plus lineups)
The Orioles have designated veteran outfielder Craig Gentry for assignment and recalled outfielder Joey Rickard from Triple-A Norfolk. Another spot was cleared on the 40-man roster, taking it down to 38, with reliever Jhan Mariñez outrighted to Norfolk after clearing waivers. Teams can begin expanding their 25-man rosters on Saturday and the Orioles have created spaces for players who aren't on the 40-man. Gentry batted .269/.321/.346 in 68 games and was 12-for-30 in his last seven games....

Hardy resumes life without baseball but doesn't rule out return

Hardy resumes life without baseball but doesn't rule out return
J.J. Hardy is bound to lose cell phone reception as he drives on a stretch of Montana highway. He's headed back to his ranch, where his family has been living for almost two months. The conversation cuts out and returns, which could mimic his playing career. Though he didn't hook on with a team this season as a free agent, the former Orioles shortstop still hasn't filed retirement papers with Major League Baseball. He might give it another try this winter. Or he could continue to move toward...

Hays and Wilkerson included on Glendale roster in AFL

Hays and Wilkerson included on Glendale roster in AFL
Double-A Bowie outfielder Austin Hays and Triple-A Norfolk infielder Steve Wilkerson are the only confirmed Orioles assigned to the Glendale Desert Dogs roster in the Arizona Fall League. The Orioles have four spots saved for pitchers and one for a catcher, who will be announced at a later date. As I wrote yesterday, Bowie catcher Martin Cervenka would have to re-sign as a minor league free agent before the Orioles could send him to Arizona. Orioles minor league infield coordinator Dave...

Orioles remain quiet as next trade deadline approaches

Orioles remain quiet as next trade deadline approaches
With the second trade deadline arriving on Friday, the Orioles aren't poised to make other moves after doing the heavy lifting last month. Players must pass through waivers before a deal can be struck - most of them clear - and Friday marks the last day that they're eligible for inclusion on a team's playoff roster. Everything can change with a single phone call or text, but I'm hearing that there's nothing percolating with the Orioles. They checked the market for veteran outfielder Craig...

Orioles complete first three-game sweep of 2018 (with quotes)

Orioles complete first three-game sweep of 2018 (with quotes)
The Orioles had their hottest pitcher on the mound tonight and a chance to secure their first three-game sweep of the season. The opponent was sending out a rookie with only 12 starts in the majors and much better splits at home than on the road. What could go wrong? Stars that are aligned can scatter like a kindergarten class. But they also can be corralled, at least in baseball terms. Alex Cobb served up three solo home runs in 5 2/3 innings and his streak of six consecutive quality starts...

Trumbo chooses knee surgery (plus other notes, O's lead 7-5)

Trumbo chooses knee surgery (plus other notes, O's lead 7-5)
The latest examination of Mark Trumbo's right knee today brought the same recommendation for surgery, which the veteran will undergo while ending his 2018 season. The Orioles passed along the information this afternoon, saying that Trumbo will decide on a date and location for the procedure within the next few days. Trumbo flew out to Northern California for the latest consultation. He was shut down and placed on the 10-day disabled list after an Aug. 19 game in Cleveland with discomfort in...

Orioles lineup vs. Blue Jays

Orioles lineup vs. Blue Jays
Rookie Cedric Mullins is out of the lineup for the third time in four games as the Orioles attempt to complete their sweep of the Blue Jays at Camden Yards. Jonathan Villar remains in the leadoff spot and John Andreoli is playing center field. Craig Gentry remains in left field after collecting three hits last night, including his first home run. Trey Mancini is the designated hitter and Austin Wynns is catching. Mancini is hitting .324 (48-for-148) with seven home runs when leading off an...

Orioles announce 2019 spring training schedule

Orioles announce 2019 spring training schedule
The Orioles will open and close their 2019 exhibition schedule with home games at the Ed Smith Stadium complex in Sarasota. The first Grapefruit League game in spring training will be played on Feb. 23 against the Twins. The Orioles finish up against the Mets on March 25. Pitchers and catchers report on Feb. 13, with the full squad required to be at the complex by Feb. 18. The Orioles will face nine different opponents among their 17 home games, including the Twins four times and the Red Sox,...

Orioles monitoring pitching innings

Orioles monitoring pitching innings
While the Orioles set their September roster by deciding on the number of call-ups, they also will continue to chart the innings accumulated by various pitchers while determining which ones eventually will be shut down to eliminate any risk of injury or fatigue. Manager Buck Showalter stated yesterday that no one in the current rotation besides Josh Rogers, who made his major league debut last night, is in danger of an early dismissal. He could choose to provide additional rest on occasion, but...

Josh Rogers wins major league debut, O's win series (updated)

Josh Rogers wins major league debut, O's win series (updated)
The Orioles assigned Josh Rogers one of the lockers closest to the entrance that allows the media inside, and he already was planted in his seat today at 3:10 p.m. as the door swung open. He made eye contact with a reporter and began to rise before realizing that there wouldn't be an introduction. Never talk to the pitcher on the day that he's starting. It's an unwritten rule that applies to veterans and rookies. Rogers would be surrounded later in the night, of course, after making his...

Showalter on Mullins, Rogers and more (O's lead 9-4)

Showalter on Mullins, Rogers and more (O's lead 9-4)
The Orioles are withholding Cedric Mullins from tonight's lineup as a precaution after the rookie complained of soreness in his hip that led to his benching Sunday night. Manager Buck Showalter said Mullins is available tonight. John Andreoli gets the start in center field, his first since joining the Orioles. "He's OK, he's available," Showalter said of Mullins. "Just, we want to get a look at John in center field and just trying to be a little careful with (Mullins') leg. I'd really...

Orioles lineup vs. Blue Jays

Orioles lineup vs. Blue Jays
Left-hander Josh Rogers had his contract selected from Triple-A Norfolk and gets tonight's start against the Blue Jays, becoming the 53rd player used by the Orioles this season and the 12th to make his major league debut. The club record is 14, in 1955. The Orioles placed Tides catcher Andrew Susac on the restricted list to create room for Rogers on the 40-man roster. Susac fractured his left wrist last month after being hit by a foul ball and left the team. Left-handers hit .211 against...

Orioles announce two international signings

Orioles announce two international signings
The Orioles announced two more international signings today following yesterday's trade of bonus slots to the Phillies. They're working both sides of the international street. The club has agreed to terms with Dominican infielder Moises Ramirez, 16, and right-hander Carlos del Rosario, 19, to bring the number of their confirmed signings to three players. "Today's signings are part of a coordinated plan for the Orioles to reestablish the club in the international recruiting arena,"...

Morning leftovers on Akin, Núñez and Maríñez

Morning leftovers on Akin, Núñez and Maríñez
The Orioles will announce their minor league award winners next month, and the top pitcher, while expected to be Double-A Bowie left-hander Keegan Akin based on his run toward the Eastern League's "Triple Crown," won't be an easy choice. That's tremendously good news for an organization that absolutely must develop its own pitching, especially through the rebuilding process. Stock the rotation with homegrown arms or stockpile them in order to consummate trades, as so many contenders are...

Orioles option Carroll and announce Rogers as Tuesday starter

Orioles option Carroll and announce Rogers as Tuesday starter
The Orioles have optioned reliever Cody Carroll to Triple-A Norfolk and announced that left-hander Josh Rogers, as reported earlier today, will make his major league debut by starting Tuesday night against the Blue Jays. Rogers arrived in Baltimore tonight and will be the first left-hander to start for the club this season. The roster moves are a swap of players obtained from the Yankees for closer Zach Britton. Carroll has allowed seven runs and eight hits with nine walks and six strikeouts in...

Hess duplicates success, Mancini has five RBIs in 7-0 win

Hess duplicates success, Mancini has five RBIs in 7-0 win
One way for the Orioles to learn more about David Hess tonight was to observe whether the Blue Jays figured out the rookie starter. Hess was facing the Jays for the third time this season, but in back-to-back outings following last week's series at Rogers Centre. Can't sneak up on a team under these circumstances. Familiarity didn't breed a beating for Hess, who tossed six scoreless innings and watched Trey Mancini drive in five runs in the Orioles' 7-0 win over the Blue Jays before an...

Showalter on Mullins, Mancini, trade deadline and more (O's up 7-0)

Showalter on Mullins, Mancini, trade deadline and more (O's up 7-0)
The Orioles were able to get Cedric Mullins back into their lineup tonight for the series opener against the Blue Jays. However, manager Buck Showalter can't be certain that Mullins' hip flexor won't become an issue again. Roll out the rookie and keep a close eye on him. There's only the assumption right now that Mullins is healthy again. "You're familiarizing yourself with players," Showalter said. "Brian (Ebel) and him were out there running and hitting and moving around. We think,...