Orioles manager Buck Showalter, during his pregame session with reporters in Seattle, indicated that Chris Tillman could start Wednesday against the Mariners instead of Thursday against the Angels. Executive vice president Dan Duquette told me earlier today that Tillman was scratched from his start in Triple-A Norfolk in case he was needed to pitch against the Angels, but Jake Arrieta could be pushed back a day. That seems to be the plan. It might be a good idea to reintroduce Tillman to...

After a 328 day absence, it appears that Chris Tillman is returning to the Orioles rotation Thursday. While Tillman's 2010 and 2011 seasons have been difficult and trying, in 2012 he has turned back the clock to 2009. In 2009, the 21-year old phenom dominated the International League for nearly four months (only Braves 22-year old hurler Tommy Hanson was better). That was the last bit of real success Tillman has had until this season. I was present at a few of those Norfolk Tides games...

Being selected to the All-Star Game is an honor, regardless how a player gets there. Bryce Harper wasn't voted in as a starter or selected as a reserve by his peers or the manager of the National League All-Star team, Tony LaRussa. He will, however, have a shot to participate in the Midsummer Classic thanks to the All-Star Game Final Vote. The Nationals' 19-year-old outfielder is up against Chipper Jones, Michael Bourn, David Freese and Aaron Hill for the final spot on the NL roster. Fans...

Robert Andino is starting at second base and batting leadoff tonight for the Orioles as they begin a three-game series in Seattle. Brian Roberts is taking a seat on the bench. Jim Thome is serving as the designated hitter again after going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts yesterday in his debut. Wilson Betemit has moved up to third in the order for the first time this season. He has 17 hits in his last 36 at-bats. For the Orioles: Robert Andino 2B J.J. Hardy SS Wilson Betemit 3B Adam Jones CF...

A couple of pregame notes as the Orioles begin a seven-game road trip with a three-game series tonight in Seattle. The road trip will take them to the All-Star break. * Steve Johnson was officially added to the roster this afternoon. He is 3-5 with an ERA of 2.73 in 14 games in nine starts at Triple-A Norfolk. His last four appearances came out of the bullpen. In those four games he pitched 12 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing just five hits while walking seven and striking out 20. Johnson has...

The Washington Nationals have once again partnered with the Baltimore Orioles to help send the "Beltways Ballot" of outfielder Bryce Harper and right-hander Jason Hammel to Kansas City for this year's All-Star Game. Harper and Hammel are candidates on Major League Baseball's Final Vote ballot, in which five players each are chosen from the National and American Leagues to compete for the final spot on their respective league rosters. Fans are encouraged to go online or use their mobile...

The Orioles and Washington Nationals have partnered in an effort to help send the "Beltways Ballot" of right-hander Jason Hammel and outfielder Bryce Harper to Kansas City for this year's All-Star Game. Hammel and Harper are candidates on Major League Baseball's Final Vote ballot, in which five players each are chosen from the American and National Leagues to compete for the final spot on their respective league rosters. Fans are encouraged to go online or use their mobile phones from now...

The month of June treated Tyler Clippard pretty well. The Nationals' new closer went 10-for-10 in save opportunities during June, holding opponents scoreless over 11 2/3 innings. He solidified the back of the Nats' bullpen and found out that he'll more than likely remain Davey Johnson's closer even when Drew Storen returns from his rehab from elbow surgery. Now, Clippard has been named the MLB Delivery Man of the Month for June. The award is given to the most outstanding relief pitcher...

Tyler Clippard of the Washington Nationals has been selected as the winner of the Major League Baseball Delivery Man of the Month Award for June, it was announced today. This Major League Baseball award recognizes the most outstanding relief pitcher during each month of the regular season as voted on by a panel from Major League Baseball. Clippard converted each of his 10 save opportunities during the month of June while not allowing a run over 11.2 innings pitched. The 27-year-old...

The Orioles today announced that they have recalled right-hander Steve Johnson from Triple-A Norfolk. He will be making his major league debut. Johnson, 24, was 3-5 with a 2.73 ERA (62.2IP, 19ER) in 14 games (nine starts) for the Tides. He was acquired by the Orioles with infielder Josh Bell on July 30, 2009 in exchange for left-hander George Sherrill. Steve, and his father, Dave, who pitched for the Orioles from 1989-91, will become the sixth father-son duo to play for the Orioles, joining...