If you are the worrying sort, the current state of the Orioles' rotation could be some cause for concern for you. Over the last five games, the Orioles have just one quality start, and the starters' ERA is 6.51 with 20 earned runs allowed over 27 2/3 innings in that stretch. The Orioles are 21-1 on the year when their starting pitcher gives them a quality start of six innings or more, allowing three earned runs or fewer. Early in the season the O's rotation's ERA ranked among the best in...

Manager Buck Showalter explained why the Orioles optioned backup catcher Luis Exposito to Triple-A Norfolk and replaced him with Ronny Paulino. He didn't mention Exposito being 1-for-17 since joining the club. "We're trying to get him catching consistently," Showalter said. "Young guy. I think at the time we sent Ronny out, we had some pitching things. "A lot of these moves aren't just as simple as one-for-one. You've got options, you've got certain guys who can come back with...

Not so slowly, Steve Lombardozzi's story is becoming more than a feel-good local angle. As Lombardozzi continues to perform, his role with the Nationals appears to be increasing. The Maryland native was back in the lineup Friday in Atlanta, leading off and playing left field for his third start in four games and fourth in six contests. He had started just 13 of the team's first 39 games this season. The versatile 23-year-old has played second, third, short and left for the Nats so far this...

Orioles catcher Matt Wieters said that Adam Jones getting a contract extension would be well-received throughout the Orioles' clubhouse. "I think everybody would be very happy for Adam and very happy for the Orioles," Wieters said. "It would mean a great deal for both parties. You know, Adam is a great player, and it's moving in the right direction when you can get players like him to be here for a long time. Adam's been a big part of this team for some years now, so it's nice to keep...

It's been another newsy day here at Camden Yards. In non-Adam Jones developments: Third baseman Mark Reynolds and outfielder Endy Chavez are playing today at extended spring training. They're scheduled to report to Double-A Bowie and start tomorrow and Sunday before the Orioles decide whether to activate them from the disabled list. Yes, two more roster moves are on the horizon. Zach Britton is starting for the Baysox tomorrow, making Prince George's Stadium a hot spot for baseball....

Fresh off taking two of three from the Phillies, the Nationals venture to Turner Field tonight to take on the Atlanta Braves. Here is Davey Johnson's lineup: Steve Lombardozzi LF Bryce Harper RF Ryan Zimmerman 3B Adam LaRoche 1B Ian Desmond SS Danny Espinosa 2B Rick Ankiel CF Jesus Flores C Ross Detwiler LHP Detwiler is 3-3 with a 3.65 ERA. This will be his ninth start of the season. He has lost three of his last four decisions. Detwiler is 1-0 with a 3.26 ERA against the Braves in six games...

The Orioles today announced that they have recalled right-handed pitcher Stu Pomeranz and catcher Ronny Paulino from Triple-A Norfolk, optioned catcher Luis Exposito to the Tides and designated infielder/outfielder Bill Hall for assignment. Pomeranz has not allowed an earned run in 10 appearances this season with Triple-A Norfolk (five games, 10 IP) and Double-A Bowie (five games, 13.1 IP). He pitched more than one inning in nine of 10 appearances, striking out 35 and walking three. Pomeranz...

Adam Jones said his agent is in town, but Jones told reporters a few minutes ago that, as of this hour, he has not agreed to a new contract with the Orioles. "I wish I could tell you more. But there is nothing to tell you because there is nothing being done right now. I wish I had bells and whistles to tell you, trust me I do. My agent is in town. He has a flight out of here in a couple of hours. Hopefully, I will have some good news for you, but right now I don't," Jones said. He...

It looks like the Orioles are switching backup catchers. Stu Pomeranz is sitting at his locker, but he's not yet listed among the available relievers. Pomeranz said he was pulled off the field yesterday and given the news of his promotion from Triple-A Norfolk. Update II: The moves are official. Pomeranz and Paulino have been recalled from Norfolk. Infielder/outfielder

The Orioles are prepared to make a roster move today, since it's been so quiet around here. Seriously, it isn't all about Adam Jones today. Nothing is official, but reliever Stu Pomeranz is expected to be recalled from Triple-A Norfolk and return to the Orioles bullpen. The Orioles optioned Pomeranz on May 13 when they purchased outfielder Xavier Avery's contract from Norfolk. Pomeranz threw four scoreless innings over two appearances with the Orioles after having his contract purchased...