Tillman throws 42 pitches in 2 2/3 innings at Bowie (with quotes)

Tillman throws 42 pitches in 2 2/3 innings at Bowie (with quotes)
BOWIE - Chris Tillman's first rehab start tonight at Double-A Bowie lasted 2 2/3 innings and 42 pitches. He departed with two Richmond Flying Squirrels on base and two outs, and reliever Lucas Long stranded them. Tillman didn't appear to be laboring due to the right shoulder at any point, which was the most important development. The Richmond Squirrels managed one run off Tillman on a home run by Carlos Garcia with one out in the top of the first inning. He allowed two hits, walked one and...

Orioles trade Bridwell to Angels

Orioles trade Bridwell to Angels
BOWIE - The Orioles have traded reliever Parker Bridwell to the Angels for a player to be named later or cash, the latest transaction in a busy first few weeks of the season. Bridwell was designated for assignment on Friday night to make room on the 40-man roster for left-hander Paul Fry, obtained from the Mariners for international signing bonus slot No. 105. Bridwell, 25, made his major league debut on Aug. 21 against the Astros at Camden Yards. He appeared in two games and allowed five runs...

Jason García outrighted to Bowie

Jason García outrighted to Bowie
BOWIE - Jason García has cleared waivers and been outrighted to Double-A Bowie, allowing the Orioles to keep him in the organization. The Orioles designated García, 24, for assignment on Thursday to make room for pitcher Damien Magnifico on the 40-man roster. Magnifico was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk and made his debut last night, allowing one run and two hits in one inning. García surrendered five runs (four earned) in 3 1/3 innings in his one appearance with Bowie before coming off...

Who closes in Britton's absence? (and other notes)

Who closes in Britton's absence? (and other notes)
The Orioles won three of four games in Toronto, lost their closer and almost lost their center fielder. The only defeat came on Saturday's walk-off home run by Kendrys Morales off Tyler Wilson. That's how close the Orioles were to a sweep. The latest off-day gives Adam Jones more time to recover after slamming into the plexiglass cover on the scoreboard yesterday while chasing a fly ball. He finished the inning after staying down on the warning track for a disturbing amount of time. "He...

Orioles lineup (Britton to DL)

Orioles lineup (Britton to DL)
Trey Mancini is starting at first base today and Chris Davis is serving as the designated hitter, as the Orioles conclude their series against the Blue Jays in Toronto. Craig Gentry is leading off against Jays left-hander J.A. Happ. The Orioles placed closer Zach Britton on the 10-day disabled list with soreness in his left forearm and recalled reliever Stefan Crichton from Triple-A Norfolk. Steve Melewski will provide more information on MASNsports.com For the Orioles Craig Gentry LF Adam...

Bundy gets another start against the Jays

Bundy gets another start against the Jays
The Orioles made it through an entire day without trading for anyone. The only roster move involved optioning reliever Stefan Crichton in order to create a spot for Alec Asher, who had an outstanding debut yesterday. They didn't surrender an international signing bonus slot or receive a player to be named later or cash considerations. It was business as unusual. Asher was charged with one run in 6 1/3 innings, the team's shutout bid ending after left-hander Donnie Hart let an inherited runner...

Orioles option Crichton (plus today's lineup)

Orioles option Crichton (plus today's lineup)
The Orioles optioned reliever Stefan Crichton to Triple-A Norfolk this morning to make room for Alec Asher, who's starting against the Blue Jays in Toronto. Crichton's stay was brief. The Orioles purchased his contract from Norfolk on Thursday and designated reliever Oliver Drake for assignment. Drake was traded to the Brewers. The Orioles are back to having a seven-man bullpen. Ryan Flaherty is making his first start today, replacing J.J. Hardy at shortstop. Flaherty is 3-for-9 with two home...

Orioles send Alec Asher to the mound today

Orioles send Alec Asher to the mound today
Alec Asher makes his Orioles debut this afternoon, with a corresponding roster move pending. They finally need a fifth starter. The Blue Jays lineup is loaded with right-handed bats, one of the reasons why the Orioles chose him over left-hander Jayson Aquino. He could be one and done or receive another start. The Orioles are flexible. They've also been busy, making their third trade last night in less than 24 hours. They obtained left-hander Paul Fry from the Mariners for their 2016-17...

Miley vs. Sanchez tonight in Toronto

Miley vs. Sanchez tonight in Toronto
Orioles left-hander Wade Miley will attempt tonight to restore order to his statistical page. Miley made his season debut on Sunday against the Yankees and allowed only one hit over five scoreless innings. He struck out five batters. All in all, a solid outing that was delayed but not denied - until you check the walks. Seven of them spread over those five innings to tie his career high. The last pitch thrown was his 100th of the afternoon. Miley heads into tonight's game against the Blue Jays...

Orioles lineup vs. Blue Jays

Orioles lineup vs. Blue Jays
Hyun Soo Kim has returned to the Orioles lineup tonight, playing left field and batting seventh against Blue Jays right-hander Aaron Sanchez. Kim hasn't played since April 8 due to the Orioles facing left-handers and knuckleballer Steven Wright. Seth Smith is in right field and leading off. Rookie Trey Mancini is on the bench. Catcher Welington Castillo's .385 average ranks second in the American League behind the White Sox's Avisaíl García at .452. Castillo is 10-for-26. For the...

Orioles acquire Magnifico from Brewers and trade Drake

Orioles acquire Magnifico from Brewers and trade Drake
The Orioles continued their roster maneuvering following tonight's 2-1 win over the Blue Jays in Toronto, acquiring right-hander Damien Magnifico from the Brewers in exchange for the 2016-17 international signing bonus slot No. 15 and trading reliever Oliver Drake to the Brewers for a player to be named or cash. Drake was designated for assignment earlier today to make room for reliever Stefan Crichton on the 25-man and 40-man rosters. Magnifico, 25, was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk. "Damien...

Notes on Asher, D. Álvarez, Bourn, 40-man and more

Notes on Asher, D. Álvarez, Bourn, 40-man and more
With their competition for the fifth starter's spot reduced to two pitchers occupying the first two spots on an alphabetical list, the Orioles chose the one who would stay in turn and produced the best results at Triple-A Norfolk in an extremely short sample size. Their selection also rewarded the newcomer, a right-hander who joined the organization less than a week before the Orioles broke camp. Alec Asher was acquired from the Phillies on March 28 for the always popular "player to be...

Crichton also joining Orioles in Toronto (Drake DFA)

Crichton also joining Orioles in Toronto (Drake DFA)
The Orioles apparently are ready to make a series of roster moves in Toronto. Triple-A Norfolk reliever Stefan Crichton also is joining the team at Rogers Centre, along Tides teammates Alec Asher, who's expected to start Saturday. No word from the Orioles on the two arrivals, particularly how Crichton fits and who's coming off the 40-man roster to make room for him. He's listed among nine relievers on the lineup card posted by the Blue Jays, and a source confirmed that Crichton is joining...

Orioles lineup vs. Blue Jays

Orioles lineup vs. Blue Jays
Trey Mancini stays in the lineup tonight as the Orioles open a four-game series in Toronto. Mancini, who homered twice last night in Boston, is serving as the designated hitter against left-hander Francisco Liriano. Craig Gentry is in left field and Mark Trumbo is in right. Mancini started in left field the past two nights. Adam Jones recorded hits No. 1,455 and 1,456 last night as an Oriole, tying and passing Ken Singleton for the seventh-most in club history. For the Orioles Craig Gentry LF...

Asher joining Orioles in Toronto

Asher joining Orioles in Toronto
Right-hander Alec Asher is on his way to Toronto to join the Orioles, making him the choice for fifth starter on Saturday. Sources confirmed that Asher left Triple-A Norfolk, which is playing an early game today against Gwinnett at Harbor Park. Major League Baseball rules allow Asher to sit in the visiting dugout Friday at Rogers Centre. The Orioles begin a four-game series tonight. The Orioles didn't need a fifth starter until Saturday due to multiple off-days in the first week of the season....

Orioles return to Toronto on opposite end of standings

Orioles return to Toronto on opposite end of standings
BOSTON - The Orioles are back in Toronto tonight for the first time since their 11-inning loss in the wild card game. They're facing left-hander Francisco Liriano, who earned the win in relief that night. Wonder if anyone will find a good storyline? At least Ubaldo Jiménez can't come out of the bullpen. He started last night in Boston and won't be available after throwing 104 pitches in 4 1/3 innings. Toronto lost again last night and is in last place in the American League East with a...

Orioles offense breaks out in 12-5 win (with quotes)

Orioles offense breaks out in 12-5 win (with quotes)
BOSTON - While so much attention is being paid to the flu and how the Red Sox didn't appreciate the needling from manager Buck Showalter, the Orioles may have found a cure for the common knuckleball. Drop the heavy lumber on it. The Orioles sent 10 batters to the plate in the top of the first inning and scored six runs on six hits. It started with Seth Smith being tapped by the first pitch from Steven Wright and ended with Smith sending left fielder Chris Young to the warning track with a...

Tillman to start Monday night at Double-A Bowie (O's lead 12-5)

Tillman to start Monday night at Double-A Bowie (O's lead 12-5)
BOSTON - Chris Tillman will start Monday night at Double-A Bowie to begin his injury rehab assignment. He's slated to work three innings if his pitch count allows it. The discomfort hasn't returned to Tillman's right shoulder and he feels good after yesterday's two-inning start at extended spring training. "He's ready to go," said manager Buck Showalter. "He's going to take his work day in (Sarasota) and his next outing will be in Bowie. That's good news." The Orioles are expected to...

Gentry back on the bench tonight

Gentry back on the bench tonight
BOSTON - Craig Gentry was spared Red Sox knuckleballer Steven Wright tonight at Fenway Park, but he never really had a chance. Not with a right-hander on the mound. Gentry has been forced to tap the brakes since the Orioles broke camp. He played in a career-high 29 spring training games and received 53 at-bats, crafting a .321/.429/.528 slash line and proving that he could stay healthy. Getting on the field up north isn't as easy. Gentry mostly is working in a platoon role and as a defensive...

Orioles lineup and challenges vs. knuckleballer

Orioles lineup and challenges vs. knuckleballer
BOSTON - A team that's tied for the fewest runs scored in the majors through six games must solve a knuckleball pitcher tonight. Because it isn't supposed to be easy and no one on the other side offers an ounce of sympathy. The Orioles have totaled 21 runs, equaling the Royals' output, and their .215 average ranks 25th. Now comes the complication provided by Steven Wright. Wright is 2-0 with a 2.45 ERA and 1.045 WHIP in four career games (two starts) against the Orioles. The current group is...