By getting an out in the fifth inning today, Tommy Hunter has lasted longer than O's starters have the past two games when Brian Matusz and Jake Arrieta combined to give up 13 earned runs over six total innings. Hunter is, at least, throwing many fewer pitches than that pair. Matusz needed 67 in two-plus innings on Thursday, and Arrieta threw 83 in four innings last night. Hunter today needed just 19 pitches to get through the first two innings and 26 more for the next two frames, for 45...

Three of the first five Phillies singled off Tommy Hunter today, but he's turned in two scoreless innings in his first start with the Orioles since May 28. Jim Thome grounded into a 4-6-3 double play to end the first after Juan Pierre and Hunter Pence singled with out one. Shane Victorino singled leading off the second, but former Oriole Ty Wigginton grounded into a force, former Orioles' first-round draft pick Mike Fontenot flied out and Hector Luna struck out. Wigginton almost hit into a...

BOSTON - One of the Nationals' team buses got stuck in some heavy traffic in downtown Boston today. It just so happened to be the bus carrying manager Davey Johnson. The skipper didn't arrive at Fenway Park until sometime around 2:45, less than 90 minutes until first pitch. As a result, bench coach Randy Knorr handled today's pregame session with reporters. What a treat that must've been for him. It was a little bit surprising to hear Stephen Strasburg say last night that he's been...

After he met with manager Buck Showalter and was told he was staying in the big leagues for now but being moved to the bullpen, Orioles right-hander Jake Arrieta told reporters he was embracing the move. Was he surprised to get that news? "Not really," Arrieta said a few minutes ago in the Orioles clubhouse. "Being in a situation like going to the 'pen right now will do a lot of things for me. One, it's going to allow me to get some of the thoughts and emotions out of my head. When I...

The Orioles had a few reasons for optioning Miguel Gonzalez to Triple-A Norfolk today and keeping Jake Arrieta on the 25-man roster. They wanted Gonzalez to return to Norfolk's rotation and build up innings so he can be considered for starting assignments with the Orioles. It sounds like they have every intention of bringing him back at some point this summer, perhaps not that far down the road. Also, they don't have an immediate need for an extra starter because of Monday's off-day. Other...

BOSTON - With right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka on the mound for Boston, Steve Lombardozzi is back in the leadoff spot. Gio Gonzalez (7-2, 2.31 ERA) will take the mound, and Michael Morse will DH for Game 2 at Fenway Park. Rick Ankiel will be in the starting lineup today, making the first time he's gotten a start since May 29. For the Nationals: LF Steve Lombardozzi RF Bryce Harper 3B Ryan Zimmerman 1B Adam LaRoche DH Michael Morse SS Ian Desmond 2B Danny Espinosa CF Rick Ankiel C Jesus...

Nick Johnson is starting at first base today, as the Orioles try to even the series with the Phillies following last night's loss. We still haven't been told which player is being optioned to make room for Tommy Hunter. Jake Arrieta is here and seems to be in a much better mood than last night. For the Orioles: Endy Chavez LF J.J. Hardy SS Chris Davis DH Adam Jones CF Matt Wieters C Nick Johnson 1B Wilson Betemit 3B Ryan Flaherty RF Robert Andino 2B Tommy Hunter RHP For the...

For whatever reason, last night was as loose and joyous I've seen the Nationals' clubhouse after a game this season. Maybe it was the fact that they had just thoroughly out-played one of baseball's most tradition-rich organizations in that team's own house. Maybe it was the manner in which the game was won, with the Nats shooting line drives all over Fenway Park and getting fabulous starting pitching and highlight-reel defense. Maybe it was the glimpse-into-the-future performances of...

Checking in some Orioles topics after the Birds lost Game 1 of a weekend series with the Phillies, 9-6, last night. Arrieta's struggles: It is hard to believe the pitcher I saw pitch seven shutout innings on opening day in Baltimore in April was the same guy on the same mound last night. But he was, and Jake Arrieta has struggled badly since beginning the year with a 2.66 ERA in his first three starts. Then, he looked like a young pitcher starting to blossom and finally realizing his...

Look who's back. Tommy Hunter is being recalled from Triple-A Norfolk today, and he'll try to nail down his first victory since April 24. Yes, it's been that long. Hunter was optioned after allowing six runs (five earned) and nine hits in three innings May 28 at Toronto. He's surrendered five earned runs in three of his last five starts. In the last two, he's given up 11 runs (10 earned)and 18 hits in nine innings. Hunter's main issue has been fastball command, but that's probably...