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The comeback trail: 2009 pick Ryan Berry is working his way back with Aberdeen

August 12, 2011, 4:27am

Orioles

The comeback trail: 2009 pick Ryan Berry is working his way back with Aberdeen

Ryan Berry was looking forward to the 2011 season. The right-hander went 2-2 with a 3.04 ERA in 17 games last year at Single-A Frederick and it was likely he would have started off this season in the pitching rotation at Double-A Bowie. But he never made it there. The Orioles' ninth-round pick out of Rice from the 2009 draft got sidetracked by shoulder tendinitis in the spring. "Last year, I threw 117 innings and I felt fine," Berry said recently at Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen. "I took...

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Berry defends Rice program and its use of pitchers

August 12, 2011, 4:56am

Orioles

Berry defends Rice program and its use of pitchers

Earlier today, I wrote about pitcher Ryan Berry and his comeback from right shoulder tendinitis that is continuing now with the short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds. Berry had some shoulder issues in college and was limited to 81 2/3 innings in 2009 as a junior when he was one of the top pitchers in college baseball, going 7-2 for Rice with an ERA of 2.42. That June the Orioles selected him in round nine of the draft. "I had some tendinitis and actually my junior year missed about six...

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Second to none (Brian's Bash canceled)

August 11, 2011, 5:35pm

Orioles

I'll pass along new reliever Willie Eyre's uniform number as soon as I get it. That will be my first order of business today. With Chris Tillman optioned last night, the Orioles will need a starter for Tuesday's game in Oakland after Tommy Hunter takes the mound for the series-opener on Monday. Brian Matusz would be working on normal rest and he's coming off his finest outing of the year. He would be the obvious replacement unless team officials want him to stay down a little longer....

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Tillman on his rocky outing and Markakis on a milestone homer

August 11, 2011, 6:34pm

Orioles

Tillman on his rocky outing and Markakis on a milestone homer

His night began when he gave up four runs to the game's first five hitters and ended with his being optioned back to Triple-A Norfolk. It could have gone better here this evening for Orioles' right-hander Chris Tillman, who gave up six runs and eight hits in just 2 2/3 in a 6-3 loss to Chicago. "I felt fine. It is frustrating," Tillman said quietly in the Orioles clubhouse. "I wasn't necessarily making bad pitches, but they got way too comfortable early. They were diving over the plate...

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Tillman optioned to Norfolk

August 11, 2011, 5:59pm

Orioles

The Orioles optioned starter Chris Tillman to Triple-A Norfolk after tonight's 6-3 loss to the White Sox at Camden Yards. Chris Tillman talks with reporters after picking up the loss and being optioned to Triple-A Norfolk Tillman allowed six runs and eight hits in 2 2/3 innings, raising his ERA to 5.52. It was a disappointing follow-up to his last start, when he held the Blue Jays to two runs over seven innings. The corresponding move for Tillman hasn't been announced, but reliever...

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Showalter talks about Tillman

August 11, 2011, 6:20pm

Orioles

Manager Buck Showalter began his postgame session with the media by talking about Chris Tillman's poor performance in a 6-3 loss to the White Sox. It wasn't until about halfway through that he mentioned a roster move. Tillman was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk, and Showalter said a reliever would fill the roster spot. He didn't mention anyone by name, but it's Willie Eyre. Tillman allowed six runs and eight hits in 2 2/3 innings. He threw 77 pitches, 47 for strikes. "It's frustrating,"...

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Tillman rocked early as Sox top O's, 6-3

August 11, 2011, 5:40pm

Orioles

Tillman rocked early as Sox top O's, 6-3

Coming off a start against Toronto where he gave up just two runs over seven innings, Chris Tillman hoped to build on that tonight against Chicago. Four batters into the game he allowed more runs - three - than he had in that last start. The first five Chisox hitters reached against Tillman, on a single, homer and three doubles, as he got rocked while giving up four first-inning runs. Tillman gave up six runs (all earned) and eight hits over just 2 2/3 as Chicago beat the Orioles 6-3 in front...

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Bergesen restores order (O's lose 6-3)

August 11, 2011, 5:13pm

Orioles

Brad Bergesen replaced ineffective starter Chris Tillman in the third inning and gave the Orioles a fighting chance. Bergesen shut out the White Sox on two hits over 4 1/3 innings, with one walk and no strikeouts. He threw 48 pitches, 33 for strikes. In his previous outing, Bergesen held the Blue Jays to one run and three hits over three innings, with no walks and four strikeouts. Add it up, and he's allowed one run and five hits over his last 7 1/3 innings, with one walk and four...

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Dan Klein still having discomfort throwing

August 11, 2011, 5:01pm

Orioles

Dan Klein still having discomfort throwing

Orioles minor league pitcher Dan Klein tried to throw twice recently and is still having discomfort with his right shoulder. He is going to head back to see Los Angeles Angels physician, Dr. Lewis Yocum on Monday. Klein has a SLAP tear in his right labrum and the Orioles third-round draft pick in 2010 out of UCLA has not pitched since June first for Bowie. The 23-year-old right-hander began this year at Single-A Frederick and went 0-1 with a 1.15 ERA in seven games over 15 2/3 innings. After...

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All seems quiet for now on the draft signing front

August 11, 2011, 1:19pm

Orioles

All seems quiet for now on the draft signing front

With four days to go until the deadline to sign this year's draft picks, the Orioles do not have deals with top pick Dylan Bundy, second round pick Jason Esposito or sixth-round pick Nicky Delmonico. That is not unusual and if they sign one or all three, it could go down to the final day and often does. I asked Orioles manager Buck Showalter today if he had talked recently with scouting director Joe Jordan and had gotten any sense of what might happen over the next few days? "Joe had...

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Could be another losing series for the Orioles

August 11, 2011, 4:33pm

Orioles

We already knew the Orioles would not win this series against Chicago, after they had lost the first two games of a four-game series. Now that they are trailing 6-3 in the fifth, they have an uphill battle to even tie this series. A loss tonight would mean the Orioles will have lost 10 of their last 11 series and split one other, since taking two of three from the Reds June 24-26. They split four games coming out of the All-Star break here against Cleveland, but would have lost every other...

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Markakis hits home run and century mark

August 11, 2011, 4:17pm

Orioles

The Orioles are trying to get back into this game. J.J. Hardy singled with two outs in the third inning to score Nolan Reimold, who reached on a ground-rule double, and Nick Markakis followed with his 100th career home run. The ball landed on the flag court in right field. Estimated distance: 368 feet. White Sox 6, Orioles 3 Markakis' last home run came July 24 against the Angels. Left-hander Mark Buehrle retired the first seven batters before Reimold's double. That's two straight hits...

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Tillman's terrible first inning (updated)

August 11, 2011, 3:25pm

Orioles

Tillman's terrible first inning (updated)

In his last start, Chris Tillman held the Blue Jays to two runs and four hits over seven innings in a 6-2 victory at Camden Yards. In tonight's start, the first five White Sox's batters strung together a single, home run, double, double and double. So much for building momentum. Tillman was down 4-0 before recording his first out on his 20th pitch of the inning, getting a ground ball from Alex Rios that was met with a sarcastic ovation from fans. Adam Dunn walked, but Tillman struck out...

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Eyre next man up? (updated)

August 11, 2011, 1:48pm

Orioles

The Orioles apparently are on the verge of purchasing reliever Willie Eyre's contract from Triple-A Norfolk. Eyre isn't heading to Baltimore at this moment, but I'm anticipating another roster move within the next day or two. Update: The Orioles could announce Eyre's promotion after tonight's game or before tomorrow's series-opener against the Tigers. The club could choose to send down a reliever or a position player. Third baseman Josh Bell, whose playing time is limited again with...

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Showalter talks about Matusz

August 11, 2011, 12:49pm

Orioles

No matter how hard the media tries, manager Buck Showalter is not going to provide a timetable for left-hander Brian Matusz's return to the Orioles. Showalter said it wouldn't be "shocking" if Matusz was recalled before rosters expand on Sept. 1, but he's not looking to heighten expectations and place additional pressure on the young southpaw. "If everybody feels like he's ready to come back, he will," Showalter said. Matusz tossed a five-hit shutout today at Triple-A Norfolk, and...

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Hardy picks up the homer pace

August 11, 2011, 2:25pm

Orioles

J.J. Hardy continues to hit home runs at a pretty amazing pace. He now has 21 on the year and that is tied for 11th best in the AL with teammate Adam Jones. Mark Reynolds, by the way, is tied for fourth, with 26. Hardy is second in the majors in homers by a shortstop to Colorado's Troy Tulowitzki, who has hit 23. But while Tulo averages a homer every 19.0 at-bats, Hardy has hit one every 15.95 at-bats. His 21 homers are the most by an AL East shortstop since Miguel Tejada hit 24 for the...

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Guerrero cleaning up again

August 11, 2011, 11:35am

Orioles

Vladimir Guerrero has returned to the lineup and will bat fourth. J.J. Hardy returns to the leadoff spot. For the Orioles: J.J. Hardy SS Nick Markakis RF Adam Jones CF Vladimir Guerrero DH Matt Wieters C Mark Reynolds 3B Chris Davis 1B Nolan Reimold LF Robert Andino 2B Chris Tillman RHP

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Quick Matusz update (last update)

August 11, 2011, 9:58am

Orioles

Left-hander Brian Matusz appeared to take another big step forward in his eventual return to the Orioles' rotation. I say "appeared" because I don't have a scouting report from today's start against Lehigh Valley. But Matusz has blanked the Iron Pigs - yes, I just wrote that - on five hits over seven innings, with one walk, eight strikeouts and two hit batters. Matusz has thrown 95 pitches, 64 for strikes. He's induced seven ground balls and three fly balls. Matusz is locked in a duel...

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Talking about Arrieta, the lineup and Berken

August 10, 2011, 5:43pm

Orioles

Talking about Arrieta, the lineup and Berken

The first 10,000 fans 15 and older who attend tonight's game will receive a Jake Arrieta T-shirt. Yes, I know, a Brian Matusz bobblehead and a Jake Arrieta T-shirt. I can't wait for Jake Fox Photo Night. Before you ask, the Arrieta bobblehead doesn't come with a little bone spur or a sling or a tiny Dr. Yocum. I've heard 'em all. Well, feel free to add your own, but I've probably heard it. Arrieta underwent a CT scan and MRI on his right elbow yesterday - taking the advice of agent...

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Heath Bintliff: Losing is Birdland

August 10, 2011, 3:28pm

Orioles

The Orioles are all but assured of a losing record for the 14th straight season. But it's even worse than that. The Orioles are likely not to reach the 70 win plateau for the fifth straight season. That's really bad and it's pretty hard to do. How hard? Here is the short list of teams who have won less than 70 games for five or more straight seasons since the advent of the 162-game schedule in 1961. New York Mets 6 1962-1967* San Diego Padres 6 1969-1974* Tampa Bay Devil Rays...