Orioles manager Buck Showalter explained to reporters today why the club optioned left-hander Zach Britton to Aberdeen following last night's abbreviated start. Britton allowed four runs in the first inning in Cleveland and was done after 2 1/3. "With the limited number of pitches, 50-ish, he could pitch Sunday (for Aberdeen)," Showalter said. "If they win the first round, they're off Monday. He's eligible to pitch there. That's another good thing about having clubs in the playoffs....

Michael Morse will make his third Orioles start tonight and his second in the field, batting sixth and playing in right field. Despite some of the recent losses, he's enjoying his first few days as an Oriole. "It's been fun. The guys are great and I'm really enjoying myself," he said. Morse made 53 starts for the Mariners this year in right field and he has played more there in his career than in left. "I've played enough in right," he said of his assignment for tonight. "I've...

After joining the Orioles in New York over the weekend and making the trip to Cleveland, catcher Steve Clevenger has finally come home again. Take that, Thomas Wolfe. Clevenger grew up in the Pigtown area and played baseball at Mount St. Joseph in Baltimore. Being at Camden Yards obviously has special meaning to him beyond joining the expanded roster of a contender. "Oh definitely," he said. "Coming home, my hometown team, the team I watched growing up. I've got a lot of special...

Jason Hammel is back on the Orioles' active roster. Out since July 29 due to a right flexor mass strain, Hammel has made two rehab outings in the minors and today is back in the majors. "Very excited to be back," Hammel said. "Being healthy, number one. But being back with these guys, a fun group. I tried to get back as quick as I could. It was tough to watch on TV. I want to be there with them and go through the ups and downs together. I know I can help and tried to get back as quick as I...

Catcher Taylor Teagarden has cleared waivers and accepted an outright assignment to Triple-A Norfolk. The Orioles designated Teagarden for assignment over the weekend in New York to create a 40-man roster spot for catcher Chris Snyder. Norfolk's season is over, but Teagarden could report to the minor league complex in Sarasota and participate in the instructional league. It's also possible that the Orioles decide to select his contract later this month and bring him back to the major...

The Nationals have claimed corner infielder Mauro Gomez off waivers from the Blue Jays, giving them another bench option for next season. The 28-year-old Gomez hit .249 with 29 home runs, 21 doubles, 73 RBI and a .843 OPS in 110 games for Triple-A Buffalo this season. He was designated for assignment by the Blue Jays on Tuesday. Gomez's 29 homers tied current Nationals shortstop Zach Walters for the most home runs at the Triple-A level this year. Gomez will not be reporting to the Nationals...

The Washington Nationals today claimed first baseman/third baseman Mauro Gomez off waivers (not to report) from the Toronto Blue Jays. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. The 28 year-old Gomez joins the Nationals organization after hitting .249 with 21 doubles, 29 home runs, 43 walks, 73 RBI and a .843 OPS in 110 games this season for Buffalo of the Triple-A International League. The right-handed hitting Gomez, who is listed...

With three left-handers starting for the White Sox over the next three nights, Orioles manager Buck Showalter figures to put Michael Morse in the lineup and keep him there. Morse is starting in right field tonight in the series-opener at Camden Yards. It's the position that comes as a bit of a surprise. Nick Markakis is out of the lineup. He's played in 136 of the Orioles' 138 games this season. More on his exclusion later this afternoon, after reporters meet with Showalter. Nate McLouth...

The Orioles today announced that they have recalled right-hander Steve Johnson from Triple-A Norfolk and optioned left-hander Zach Britton to Short-Season Class-A Aberdeen. Additionally, right-hander Jason Hammel has been reinstated from the 15-day disabled list. Johnson, 26, is 1-1 with a 7.82 ERA (12.2IP, 11ER) in six games (one start) for the Orioles this season. He went 2-3 with a 4.11 ERA (46.0IP, 21ER) in 10 games (eight starts) for the Tides. Britton, 25, is 2-3 with a 5.45 ERA...

The Orioles have recalled pitcher Steve Johnson, who had been part of the instructional league roster in Sarasota. Johnson is currently tossing a football in the outfield at Camden Yards. Later, he'll watch the game from the bullpen, providing a fresh arm for manager Buck Showalter. Johnson is 1-1 with a 7.82 ERA in six games with the Orioles, including one start. He was 2-3 with a 4.11 ERA in 10 games with Triple-A Norfolk, including eight starts. In other news, the Astros claimed...