Roch Kubatko

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...

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adam jones andrew cashner chance sisco chris tillman colby rasmus craig gentry danny valencia dylan bundy joely rodriguez kevin gausman luis sardinas mike wright jr. orioles spring training trey mancini featured_sidebar frontstory_orioles2

Notes on Davis, Valencia, Wright and more (O's down 4-1)

March 17, 2018, 7:53am

Orioles

Notes on Davis, Valencia, Wright and more (O's down 4-1)

SARASOTA, Fla. - Orioles manager Buck Showalter is sticking to his plan of starting Chris Davis in Sunday's game against the Mets in Sarasota. Davis campaigned for today's game, which fell on his 32nd birthday, but he gets one more day in his recovery from a strained right elbow/forearm. "He tried to talk me into playing today, but we have a plan and a process and we'll stick to it until tomorrow," Showalter said. "He's going to do everything again today." Danny Valencia has been taking...

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Trumbo on remaining patient in recovery from quad injury

March 17, 2018, 6:06am

Orioles

Trumbo on remaining patient in recovery from quad injury

SARASOTA, Fla. - Mark Trumbo isn't going to rush the process in his recovery from a strained right quadriceps muscle. He won't create a specific timetable for his return, seeing no benefit in setting himself up for disappointment. Trumbo is headed to the disabled list with a Grade 2 strain, opening up the designated hitter slot while closing his chances of playing on opening day. The early estimates have him missing at least three to four weeks. "I don't think it's beneficial to try to...

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Orioles lineup vs. Blue Jays

March 17, 2018, 5:14am

Orioles

SARASOTA, Fla. - Orioles manager Buck Showalter is resting some of his regulars today who made the East Coast trip, with Manny Machado and Jonathan Schoop listed as reserves for a 1:05 p.m. game against the Blue Jays at Ed Smith Stadium. First baseman Chris Davis won't play until Sunday. Trey Mancini gets another start at first base. Danny Valencia is the third baseman today and the middle infield will be handled by Engelb Vielma and Luis SardiÃ±as. Colby Rasmus is serving as the designated...

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Brach on bullpen, Britton's progress and more

March 16, 2018, 3:21pm

Orioles

Brach on bullpen, Britton's progress and more

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles return home today after two games on the East Coast to face the Blue Jays at 1:05 p.m. Mike Wright Jr. is on the mound and first baseman Chris Davis wants to be in the lineup. Manager Buck Showalter could make him wait until Sunday, also in Sarasota, but the return is coming. Reliever Brad Brach threw two innings Thursday afternoon against the Red Sox's Triple-A team at Twin Lakes Park, the first time he's gone more than one this spring. He didn't allow a run or...

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Davis ready to return to lineup

March 16, 2018, 7:04am

Orioles

SARASOTA, Fla. - If it's left to Chris Davis, he will be in the Orioles lineup for Saturday's game against the Blue Jays and celebrate his birthday with a home run and animated trip around the bases. Davis is confident that he's avoided a trip to the disabled list. The stiffness and discomfort in his right elbow/forearm has subsided and he's performing full baseball activities in anticipation of returning to first base this weekend. "I feel good, I feel really good," he said. "Midseason...

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Orioles lineup vs. Mets

March 16, 2018, 6:56am

Orioles

SARASOTA, Fla. - Tim Beckham is leading off today for the Orioles as they conclude their East Coast swing with a 1:10 p.m. game against the Mets in Port St. Lucie. Colby Rasmus is playing center field, Austin Hays is in right and Trey Mancini is in left. Danny Valencia is the first baseman. Pedro Ãlvarez is serving as the designated hitter, a role he could inherit with Mark Trumbo headed to the disabled list with a strained quadriceps muscle. Andrew Cashner is making his second Grapefruit...

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Wondering about the roster impact of Trumbo injury

March 15, 2018, 2:54pm

Orioles

Wondering about the roster impact of Trumbo injury

SARASOTA, Fla. - The news that Mark Trumbo is headed to the disabled list with a Grade 2 strain of his right quadriceps muscle paints a different picture of the projected opening day roster. Pedro Ãlvarez, signed last month as a "what-if" insurance policy, appears to have a better shot at breaking camp with the team, though manager Buck Showalter didn't run with the idea yesterday in Jupiter. It would have required a prolonged absence from Trumbo or first baseman Chris Davis, who's still...

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Cortes still making his pitch for rotation spot

March 15, 2018, 7:09am

Orioles

Cortes still making his pitch for rotation spot

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles clubhouse didn't have many occupants this morning with most of the team headed to Jupiter for today's game against the Cardinals. Chris Tillman and Brad Brach played table tennis, and Richard Bleier and Joely Rodriguez had the next game. Chris Davis made a brief appearance at his locker, but not long enough for two reporters to reach him. Andrew Cashner headed out to the field to play catch with Bleier. Zach Britton, Dylan Bundy, Donnie Hart, Mychal Givens, Mike...

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Orioles and Cardinals lineups

March 15, 2018, 6:53am

Orioles

SARASOTA, Fla. - Trey Mancini is leading off again for the Orioles as they make the trip to the East Coast to play the Cardinals in Jupiter. Mancini also batted first yesterday and appears to be a legitimate candidate for the role. Colby Rasmus is batting second, followed by Manny Machado and Jonathan Schoop. Kevin Gausman is making his third Grapefruit League start. He retired all nine Phillies he faced and struck out five in his most recent outing on March 3. The bullpen includes Tanner Scott...

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Utility competition loses player but doesn't gain much clarity

March 14, 2018, 5:13pm

Orioles

Utility competition loses player but doesn't gain much clarity

SARASOTA, Fla. - Among the most unsettled competitions in Orioles camp is the job of utility infielder, which ideally requires the player also to have outfield skills. Not a deal-breaker, but a sweet bonus. No one within the current group of candidates has seized the opportunity. There are absolutely no indications that the Orioles will head north with Luis SardiÃ±as or Engleb Vielma and they reassigned Ruben Tejada yesterday to minor league camp. It's nice to have that kind of middle...

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Two more camp cuts and wrapping up a 7-4 win

March 14, 2018, 1:40pm

Orioles

Two more camp cuts and wrapping up a 7-4 win

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles reduced the competition for an extra outfielder and utility infielder today by optioning Joey Rickard to Triple-A Norfolk and reassigning Ruben Tejada to minor league camp. The moves leave the Orioles with 42 players on the roster. Rickard didn't play today and was 5-for-33 (.152) with 10 strikeouts. He was trying to become part of a right field platoon with Colby Rasmus and back up at the other spots, roles that are still alive for Craig Gentry and Austin...