Roch Kubatko

Hearing from Cobb, Showalter and Duquette

March 21, 2018, 10:49am

Orioles

Hearing from Cobb, Showalter and Duquette

SARASOTA, Fla. - Alex Cobb has met his new teammates and the media and fulfilled all of his interview obligations. He's ready to focus on pitching again, whenever he's able to debut for the Orioles after signing his four-year, $57 million contract. Cobb is expected to stay back at extended spring training and report to a minor league affiliate to build up his innings. There's no timetable set for his return to a major league rotation. Here's a sampling of Cobb from his first session with...

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Hunter Harvey optioned, plus Orioles lineup

March 21, 2018, 10:26am

Orioles

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles optioned pitcher Hunter Harvey to Double-A Bowie this afternoon and will start Miguel Castro in tonight's game against the Yankees in Tampa. Rule 5 pick Nestor Cortes Jr. will follow him to the mound. Harvey allowed three earned runs (four total) and nine hits over seven innings in his three starts in the Grapefruit League. He walked four batters and struck out seven. Tanner Scott and Jimmy Yacabonis also are listed among the relievers tonight. Tim Beckham is...

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Alex Cobb passes physical with Orioles (Mesa DFA)

March 21, 2018, 7:16am

Orioles

SARASOTA, Fla. - Alex Cobb has passed his physical, according to a source, and is the latest free agent pitcher to join the Orioles rotation with less than a week remaining before they break camp. Cobb agreed to terms yesterday on a four-year, $57 million contract, the largest given by the Orioles to a free agent pitcher. It exceeds the $50 million deal for Ubaldo JimÃ©nez in 2014. A better return is anticipated and sorely needed. The Orioles haven't announced Cobb's signing, but it's done...

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Orioles nearing deal with Alex Cobb (final update)

March 20, 2018, 2:25pm

Orioles

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles played the waiting game again in free agency and are close to scoring with the biggest piece remaining on the free agent market. Right-hander Alex Cobb is nearing an agreement with the Orioles, according to a source, and would become the third starter signed by the club since opening camp. Confirmation could come later tonight. Cobb, 30, spent all six of his major league seasons with the Rays and compiled a 48-35 record, 3.50 ERA and 1.217 WHIP in 115 starts. In a...

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This, that and the other (updated)

March 20, 2018, 1:26pm

Orioles

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles' deal with pitcher Alex Cobb should be made official later today after he passes his physical. The club has zero concerns about the physical, so let's not break out the tired observation that everyone fails it. And if we are going down that road, tell me again how they were wrong about Grant Balfour. I've been told that $56 million for Cobb is "almost on the nose" over four years, the largest contract in club history for a free agent pitcher. There is deferred...

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Wynns on being cut: "It was definitely a shock" (game cancelled)

March 20, 2018, 12:18pm

Orioles

Wynns on being cut: "It was definitely a shock" (game cancelled)

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles and Rays won't play baseball tonight at the Ed Smith Stadium complex. The game has been cancelled due to rain and a tornado watch in the area. There's no makeup date in the Grapefruit League. Rule 5 pick Nestor Cortes Jr. and Miguel Castro were supposed to pitch tonight, but instead will make the trip to Tampa for Wednesday night's game against the Yankees and work in relief behind starter Hunter Harvey. Fans holding paid tickets for tonight's game purchased...

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andrew susac austin wynns buck showalter chance sisco hunter harvey miguel castro nestor cortes jr. orioles spring training featured_sidebar frontstory_orioles2

Early notes on Davis, Valencia and pitching matchups

March 20, 2018, 9:16am

Orioles

Early notes on Davis, Valencia and pitching matchups

SARASOTA, Fla. - Chris Davis said he received about 12 plate appearances yesterday at the minor league camp and a nasty bruise on his right shin after being drilled by a pitch from Tampa Bay's Chih-Wei Hu. Davis had the shin wrapped today and said he might wear a protective guard on it, but it won't prevent him from staying in the lineup. With extra motivation to run against Hu, Davis eventually scored a run and could joke about it later. Davis was able to lead off in several innings while...

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Taking another look at camp competitions

March 19, 2018, 5:03pm

Orioles

Taking another look at camp competitions

SARASOTA, Fla. - Orioles first baseman Chris Davis built up his spring at-bats yesterday at Twin Lakes Park, where the spectators included executive vice president Dan Duquette, and he should remain in the lineup for tonight's game against the Rays in Sarasota. MASN is carrying it live, so pull up a sofa and enjoy baseball under the lights. The forecast is calling for rain, of course, because the Orioles are playing at home and we're nearing the start of the regular season. Left-hander Nestor...

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alex presley andrew susac austin wynns buck showalter chance sisco chris davis colby rasmus dan duquette joely rodriguez josh edgin mark trumbo miguel castro nestor cortes jr. orioles pedro alvarez featured_sidebar frontstory_orioles2

Santander cementing spot on opening day roster

March 19, 2018, 7:10am

Orioles

Santander cementing spot on opening day roster

SARASOTA, Fla. - The absence of Mark Trumbo on opening day due to a strained quadriceps muscle could provide regular at-bats for Anthony Santander in the designated hitter role. He also could get some starts in the outfield as manager Buck Showalter maneuvers players and takes advantage of his roster flexibility. No one is debating whether Santander makes the club and can stay for the first 44 days to shed his Rule 5 status. Santander is a lock. He's done everything necessary to earn the trust...

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Ynoa on his injury, Araujo on his chances to make club

March 19, 2018, 6:03am

Orioles

Ynoa on his injury, Araujo on his chances to make club

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles haven't provided an explanation for Danny Valencia's removal from today's lineup. Manager Buck Showalter will update the media in Lakeland. Valencia was in the clubhouse this morning. He hit a two-run homer yesterday and is 6-for-29 (.207) with three doubles, two home runs and six RBIs in 11 games after signing a minor league deal on March 2. Gabriel Ynoa no longer is wearing a protective boot after being diagnosed with shin splints, but the Orioles are expected...

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Orioles lineup vs. Tigers (Valencia scratched)

March 19, 2018, 4:07am

Orioles

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles' projected regulars are staying back today as the team travels to Lakeland to play the Tigers. Austin Hays is in right field and batting third and Pedro Ãlvarez is playing first base and batting fourth. Danny Valencia is starting at third base and Anthony Santander is the designated hitter. Chance Sisco is catching. The list of reserves includes Mike Yastrzemski, Cedric Mullins, Erick Salcedo, Andrew Susac and Jomar Reyes. The bullpen includes Josh Edgin, Joely...

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Tillman on the spring training balancing act

March 18, 2018, 2:38pm

Orioles

Tillman on the spring training balancing act

SARASOTA, Fla. - Chris Tillman is toeing more than the pitching rubber. There's also a fine line beneath his spikes. Use spring training to work on various things, but also understand the importance of achieving results. Throw pitches in sequences that contradict your approach in the regular season, but also record outs and lower your ERA. It's the type of balancing act that can make a pitcher splatter from the fall. Tillman grasps the importance of today's start against the Tigers in...

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Wynns optioned and wrapping up a 5-4 loss

March 18, 2018, 12:42pm

Orioles

Wynns optioned and wrapping up a 5-4 loss

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles made a bold statement about their backup catching situation today by optioning Austin Wynns to Triple-A Norfolk. The remaining candidates are down to Chance Sisco and Andrew Susac. Wynns batted .222/.391/.556 (4-for-18) with two home runs, three RBIs, five walks and seven strikeouts. His work behind the plate earned him high marks, but couldn't prevent him from heading to minor league camp. "The way Austin is, he's just pushing all the time," said manager Buck...

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Updating Dylan Bundy's latest start (O's lose 5-4)

March 18, 2018, 11:12am

Orioles

Updating Dylan Bundy's latest start (O's lose 5-4)

SARASOTA, Fla. - Dylan Bundy today became the first Orioles starter to clear five innings. He got his pitch count up to 96. His arm continues to feel good. Cling to the positives and divert your eyes from the stat line. Bundy was charged with four earned runs and five total in 5 2/3 innings, with five hits, one walk, six strikeouts, one home run, one wild pitch and two hit batters. He threw 58 strikes among his 96 pitches, going heavy with his secondary stuff and having mixed results with his...

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Hart optioned, Showalter on backup catchers (O's down 5-1)

March 18, 2018, 8:29am

Orioles

Hart optioned, Showalter on backup catchers (O's down 5-1)

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles reduced the competition among left-handed relievers in camp this afternoon by optioning Donnie Hart to Triple-A Norfolk. Hart allowed three runs and 10 hits in eight innings, with three walks and 11 strikeouts. He appeared in 51 games with the Orioles last summer and was 2-0 with a 3.71 ERA and 1.397 WHIP in 43 2/3 innings. Joely Rodriguez and Josh Edgin are vying for a spot and their chances could be influenced by Rule 5 pick Nestor Cortes Jr., who might work out...

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andrew susac austin wynns chance sisco donnie hart joely rodriguez josh edgin nestor cortes jr. orioles spring training featured_sidebar frontstory_orioles2

Pregame notes on Davis, Britton, roster, Rodriguez and more

March 18, 2018, 7:40am

Orioles

Pregame notes on Davis, Britton, roster, Rodriguez and more

SARASOTA, Fla. - Chris Davis will go from leadoff hitter today at Ed Smith Stadium to playing Monday afternoon in a minor league game at Twin Lakes Park. Manager Buck Showalter is going to find ways to get Davis more at-bats now that the Orioles first baseman is able to play without discomfort in his right forearm/elbow. A few other players will join Davis at the minor league complex for Triple-A and Double-A games, including catcher Caleb Joseph and perhaps outfielder Colby Rasmus. Showalter...

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Orioles lineup vs. Mets

March 18, 2018, 4:11am

Orioles

SARASOTA, Fla. - Orioles first baseman Chris Davis is back in the lineup for today's game against the Mets at Ed Smith Stadium. Davis is leading off and playing first base. He's been out since March 2 due to a strained right forearm/elbow. Cedric Mullins is in left field and Colby Rasmus is in right. Trey Mancini is the designated hitter. Available relievers include Brad Brach, Mychal Givens, Luis Gonzalez and James Teague. For the Orioles Chris Davis 1B Jonathan Schoop 2B Manny Machado SS...

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What's left for Orioles to consider in bullpen?

March 17, 2018, 6:16pm

Orioles

SARASOTA, Fla. - The composition of the Orioles bullpen on opening day hinges on a variety of factors. Which candidate for the fifth starter's job slips into a relief role? How many Rule 5 picks make the roster? How many left-handers will manager Buck Showalter choose to carry? Showalter doesn't appear to have a set number of southpaws in mind. "All scenarios are in play right now," he said. "If you look at an all right-handed rotation, the potential for that, then it's something that you...

Wrapping up a 5-2 loss

March 17, 2018, 12:51pm

Orioles

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles will withhold making more roster cuts until Sunday morning. They still have 42 players in camp. Closer Zach Britton and pitcher Gabriel Ynoa are out of their protective boots. Britton already is on the 60-day disabled list and Ynoa is expected to go on the 10-day DL. Left-hander Tanner Scott worked another inning in relief today in a 5-2 loss to the Blue Jays before a sellout crowd of 7,409 at Ed Smith Stadium, but he's still slated to start at Triple-A...

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Updating Mike Wright Jr.'s latest start (O's fall 5-2)

March 17, 2018, 11:02am

Orioles

Updating Mike Wright Jr.'s latest start (O's fall 5-2)

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles turned three double plays this afternoon to provide assistance to Mike Wright Jr. in his latest bid to make the rotation, but he couldn't turn back the Blue Jays in a three-run fifth inning that marred his outing. Wright was charged with four runs and nine hits in 4 2/3 innings. He walked a batter, struck out two and committed a balk, and he left the game with a 4.91 ERA in five appearances. Joely Rodriguez stranded two runners by retiring Justin Smoak on a fly...