masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgBelieve it or not, there isn’t much news to report here today.

I’ve talked to a few people in the organization who are seriously downplaying the possibility of the Orioles trading for Marlins third baseman Hanley Ramirez. I’m not saying it definitely won’t happen, but I’m not rearranging my schedule for his introductory press conference.

I’ve heard that the Orioles still haven’t placed outfielder Steve Pearce on waivers. They’re exploring trade possibilities first, so his situation…Believe it or not, there isn’t much news to report here today.

I’ve talked to a few people in the organization who are seriously downplaying the possibility of the Orioles trading for Marlins third baseman Hanley Ramirez. I’m not saying it definitely won’t happen, but I’m not rearranging my schedule for his introductory press conference.

I’ve heard that the Orioles still haven’t placed outfielder Steve Pearce on waivers. They’re exploring trade possibilities first, so his situation might not be resolved for another seven days.

The injury and rehab updates are limited. No setbacks for the likes of Nolan Reimold, Jason Hammel, Brian Roberts and Robert Andino.

Hammel still hasn’t reported to the Ed Smith Stadium complex in Sarasota. Manager Buck Showalter has been told that Hammel, recovering from knee surgery, has the “right soreness,” which is a lot better than the wrong soreness.

Reliever Matt Lindstrom warmed up last night and came within a batter of entering the game, which means he’s also available tonight. His left knee is much better.

Second baseman Ryan Adams has been activated from the minor league disabled list, and he’s in Triple-A Norfolk’s lineup tonight.

Beginning tonight, 56 of the Orioles’ remaining 66 games are against teams that are currently leading their division (Yankees, Rangers and Tigers) or are within 4 1/2 games in the wild card race (Athletics, Rays, Red Sox, Blue Jays and White Sox). The only opponents left that are more than 4 1/2 games out of the wild card are the Mariners (six games left) and Royals (four games).

The Orioles have allowed three runs or fewer in six straight games for the first time since Sept. 28, 2000-April 5, 2001, when they did it in seven straight.

The Orioles have scored four runs or fewer in six of the last seven games, but they’re 5-2 in that stretch.

Left-hander Wei-Yin Chen will try to extend the Orioles’ streak of quality starts to seven for the first time since Sept. 29, 2010-April 4, 2011, when they had nine in a row. They were 8-1 with a 1.03 ERA in those nine games.

For the Rays:
Desmond Jennings CF
B.J. Upton DH
Ben Zobrist 2B
Jeff Keppinger 1B
Matt Joyce RF
Sean Rodriguez SS
Sam Fuld LF
Jose Lobaton C
Brooks Conrad 3B

Jeremy Hellickson RHP

NOTE: The Orioles announced that 25-year old Cuban outfielder Henry Urrutia will be assigned to Double-A Bowie, as expected.

Urrutia played for Las Tunas in the Cuban League from 2006 to 2010. He batted .350 with 72 doubles, nine triples, 33 home runs, 219 RBIs and 209 runs. He also represented Cuba in the 2010 World Championships.

The 6-foot-5, 195-pound switch-hitter didn’t play in 2011 due to a suspension after an unsuccessful attempt at defection. He established residency in Haiti after defecting from Cuba.