masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgThe rotations for the Orioles-Nationals series that begins Friday night at Camden Yards are mostly a blur. Only one pitcher has come into focus.
The Nationals announced today that left-hander Gio Gonzalez will start the opener. Max Scherzer also figures to pitch against the Orioles before the All-Star break, though the club is keeping the rest of the rotation a secret.
At least the Nats have passed along one name. The Orioles haven’t even gone that far.
Chris Tillman, Miguel Gonzalez and…

The rotations for the Orioles-Nationals series that begins Friday night at Camden Yards are mostly a blur. Only one pitcher has come into focus.

The Nationals announced today that left-hander Gio Gonzalez will start the opener. Max Scherzer also figures to pitch against the Orioles before the All-Star break, though the club is keeping the rest of the rotation a secret.

At least the Nats have passed along one name. The Orioles haven’t even gone that far.

chen-pitching-black-back-sidebar.jpgChris Tillman, Miguel Gonzalez and Wei-Yin Chen would start the three games if the Orioles stay in order.

Gio Gonzalez would have started yesterday if not for a rainout. He was supposed to be followed in the rotation by Jordan Zimmermann, Doug Fister and Scherzer.

Gonzalez has allowed only one run in his last two starts totaling 14 innings. Opponents batted .188 against him. He’s is 1-4 with a 3.80 ERA in seven career starts against the Orioles and 1-2 with a 3.12 ERA in four starts at Camden Yards.

The Yankees announced today that outfielder Brett Gardner replaces injured outfielder Alex Gordon on the American League’s All-Star team. Gordon is on the disabled list with a groin injury.

Orioles center fielder Adam Jones should replace Gordon in the starting lineup. He finished second among outfielders to the Angels’ Mike Trout in player votes with 424. Trout totaled 785.

Down on the farm, left-hander Wesley Wright retired all four batters he faced today in Triple-A Norfolk’s 1-0 loss to Gwinnett. He threw eight of his 13 pitches for strikes.

Left-hander T.J. McFarland retired the side in order in the eighth, getting three ground balls and throwing eight of 12 pitches for strikes.

Rule 5 pick Jason Garcia walked two batters and struck out one for Double-A Bowie in a scoreless eighth inning.

Update: Jones will now be a starter for the AL All-Star team due to Gordon’s recent DL stint.