The Orioles went 9-5 at Minnesota from 2011-14, but they have lost the first two games of this series. A loss today and they would be swept three straight in Minnesota for the first time since April 2-4, 2007. The Orioles are still looking for some clutch hits. They went 0-5 with runners in scoring position in the first two innings last night in an 8-3 loss at Target Field. The O's are 5-for-50 with RISP the last seven games: * Went 0-for-7 scoring four runs on 7/1 against Texas. * Went...

Christian Walker is batting fifth today as the Orioles designated hitter against Twins left-hander Tommy Milone. Walker was recalled today because of his stats this season against southpaws. He figured to get a start before most likely going back to Triple-A Norfolk on Thursday when Nolan Reimold returns from paternity leave. Chris Davis is batting second for the first time this season. He's made three career starts in the second slot and seven appearances overall. Ubaldo Jimenez becomes the...

The Orioles today announced that they have recalled infielder Christian Walker from Triple-A Norfolk. Walker, 24, batted .266/.321/.380 (81-305) with 25 extra-base hits and 28 RBI in 78 games with the Tides this season. He hit safely in 12 of his last 14 games with Norfolk, batting .328 (20-61) with five multi-hit games, three home runs, and seven RBI, as well as an 11-game hitting streak in that span. In 85 at-bats this season against left-handed pitching, Walker hit .306/.348/.482 with 26...

The Orioles made one roster move this morning, recalling first baseman Christian Walker from Triple-A Norfolk. Walker replaces pitcher Kevin Gausman, who was optioned to Norfolk following last night's 8-3 loss to the Twins. Walker, 24, batted .266/.321/.380 with 20 doubles, five home runs and 28 RBIs in 78 games. He's hit safely in 12 of his last 14 games, batting .328 (20-for-61) with three home runs, seven RBIs and five multi-hit games. In 85 at-bats this season against left-handed...

The Nationals were significantly short-handed Tuesday offensively without Denard Span (back spasms) and Yunel Escobar (left hamstring tightness). Both left Monday's game early, so the Nationals have gone close to 15 innings without their starting one and two-hole hitters. Already the team is without Jayson Werth (wrist), Ryan Zimmerman (plantar fasciitis), Anthony Rendon (quad) and Stephen Strasburg (oblique). That is five starters unavailable offensively. Not to mention that the bench was...

The votes are in and it's all official - Max Scherzer and Bryce Harper are going to the All-Star Game to represent the Nationals. The 2015 game in Cincinnati is Scherzer's third game and first appearance with the Nats, while this is Harper's third appearance at the All-Star Game and festivities. This time around, Harper will not be participating in the Home Run Derby after receiving a National League record of 13.85 million fan votes. Harper is hot this season, which is why he's landed a...

With a roster that features 14 players from the Orioles' 2015 draft class, short-season Single-A Aberdeen is playing good baseball after a slow start. The IronBirds started the new season 2-7, but now have won three in a row and seven of nine to get to 9-9 for the season. Aberdeen manager Luis Pujols - with help from coaches Calvin Pickering and Shawn McGill and pitching coach Justin Lord - is trying to teach the young players how to play the game at the pro level. For the players coming out...

The Orioles tonight announced that they have optioned right-hander Kevin Gausman to Triple-A Norfolk. Gausman, 24, made his third start of the season for the Orioles tonight against the Minnesota Twins. In 11 games (three starts) with Baltimore this season, Gausman went 1-1 with a 5.00 ERA (27.0IP, 15ER).

The Orioles conclude their final road trip before the All-Star break this afternoon while also shaking up their roster again. First baseman Christian Walker is expected to be recalled from Triple-A Norfolk, and I was told a left-handed pitcher could join him. However, T.J. McFarland was in Gwinnett last night. Left-hander Cesar Cabral also is on the 40-man roster and Wesley Wright is on the 60-day disabled list while continuing his injury rehab assignment at Triple-A Norfolk. Wright apparently...

The Orioles optioned right-hander Kevin Gausman to Triple-A Norfolk following tonight's 8-3 loss to the Twins at Target Field. A corresponding move wasn't announced. Gausman was charged with seven earned runs (eight total) in 3 2/3 innings, the shortest start of his major league career. He also threw two wild pitches and hit a batter. Brad Brach allowed all three inherited runners to score after Gausman left the game. As I wrote this morning, the Orioles can begin Gausman's 10-day clock...