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...

JUPITER, Fla. - Ryan Zimmerman's spring in hiding continues, but probably not much longer. The Nationals first baseman, who has been playing almost exclusively on minor league fields and not in big league games, will make his much-anticipated return to Grapefruit League action this week. Though Davey Martinez didn't give an exact plan that's to occur, the manager did acknowledge it's on the horizon. "Yeah, we'll get him in," Martinez said. "There's no real time frame for now, but he's...

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...

SARASOTA, Fla. - It seems there are times we don't hear his name mentioned when it comes to earning a bullpen spot for the Orioles. But maybe we should. After he had a decent September for the Orioles, 25-year-old right-hander Jimmy Yacabonis has had a solid spring training, as well. In seven games, he has allowed three runs and seven hits with five walks and six strikeouts over seven innings for an ERA of 3.86. Yacabonis allowed two runs in one inning March 3 versus the Phillies. Other than...

JUPITER, Fla. - With this week's surprise signing of Jeremy Hellickson, A.J. Cole suddenly finds himself in an uncertain position. The frontrunner for the No. 5 starter's job through the first month of camp, what exactly is his status now? Is he still competing for the job? Is he destined for a spot in the bullpen? Is he in danger of being designated for assignment? The Nationals aren't saying anything for now, other than telling Cole to keep taking the mound and competing. Which he'll do...

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...

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - While attention was focused Saturday on Adam Eaton - and rightfully so, given the major injury he was returning from - Michael A. Taylor also was playing in his first big league game in a while and actually tested his body more than his fellow outfielder did. Taylor, who had been out since March 4 with tightness in his right side, returned to the Nationals lineup and played six innings in center field while taking three at-bats. He singled, stole second with a headfirst...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Outfielder Colby Rasmus signed a minor league contract with the Orioles on Feb. 21. Just over a month later, he could find himself in the starting lineup on opening day. Rasmus seems to have an excellent shot to break north with the club and possibly be the left-handed batting side of a right field platoon. For now, he's enjoying his first few weeks as an Oriole. "It's been good," he said Saturday morning in the clubhouse. "Enjoying my time so far. Been feeling good and...

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...

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - There were smiles and knowing glances all morning from teammates and other well-wishers. There was an expanded, 90-minute warmup session. Then four adventurous innings in left field that included a couple of tough plays complicated by the wind. And, of course, two at-bats against major league pitchers, the second of which ended with a celebratory trip around the bases and an acknowledgement of the 10 family members watching (and, in some cases, crying) from the...