As the only left-hander in the Orioles' bullpen, Troy Patton knows that he could be used in a variety of ways. Long man one night, situational southpaw another night. Manager Buck Showalter's preference is to keep Patton available for later in games, but he may not always have that luxury. "I take it as they can still use me if they need me," Patton said. "If the other team has a lefty-ladened lineup and the starter is done early, I still think that they have the ability to use me in...

CHICAGO - The Nationals had one hit and failed to score a run through the first seven innings of today's ballgame. They then scratched across one run with two outs in the eighth to tie the game, and got the winning run with two outs in the ninth. Ian Desmond went 3-for-5, including the game-winning RBI single in the top of the ninth that plated pinch runner Brett Carroll, giving the Nats a 2-1 win over the Cubs. Stephen Strasburg threw seven strong innings of one-run ball for the Nats, and...

BOWIE, Md. - There is plenty of excitement surrounding the Bowie Baysox game tonight. Not only is it opening night, but the game will also feature the Double-A debuts of the Orioles' top two position prospects in Manny Machado and Jonathan Schoop. Machado, the club's first-round pick in 2010, will play at short and bat fifth tonight. Schoop, the Orioles 2011 minor league Player of the Year, will play second base and bat ninth. "When I heard they were coming here, I was excited and excited...

Orioles manager Buck Showalter is expected to pass along his opening day lineup later today. His players are taking batting practice as I type this entry. Naturally, Showalter was asked whether there's a different feeling as opening day approaches. It's the traditional first question. "There always is," he replied. "As much as you know the reality of the length of the season and the grind, it's always a special day. Families that have made it a tradition for years. You always want to...

CHICAGO - You'd like to think on days where Stephen Strasburg goes seven fantastic innings, allowing just one run, that his teammates would be able to scratch across a couple runs for him. That has not been the case today. Strasburg is in line for the loss this afternoon despite a stellar start to the regular season. The Nationals righty went seven innings, allowing a single run on five hits with a walk and five strikeouts. He threw 82 pitches, 58 for strikes. Unfortunately, he got zero...

BOWIE, Md. - When the Double-A Bowie Baysox open a new season tonight at Prince George's Stadium against Harrisburg, LJ Hoes will bat third and play left field. But tomorrow night he will likely be at another position. About 10 days ago, the Orioles moved Hoes from left to center field at camp and he will likely begin playing center field for the Baysox tomorrow night. Bowie manager Gary Kendall said it might become a permanent change. "Could be. Everything is subject to change," Kendall...

CHICAGO - Twice today, Adam LaRoche and Jayson Werth have come to the plate with two runners in scoring position. Twice today, LaRoche struck out swinging and Werth flew out to right to end the threat. The Nationals have left five runners on base through three innings this afternoon, and left 'em loaded in the third. Today, at least, the Nats haven't had issues with Ian Desmond and Danny Espinosa getting on base; instead, they're having issues getting their No. 1 and No. 2 hitters...

CHICAGO - Yes, a baseball game will be played at Wrigley Field today. No, John Lannan will not be here for it. We've talked a ton about Lannan over these last three days, but there are other notes to pass along as we close in on first pitch. Manager Davey Johnson said today that Brad Lidge will be his closer today, but don't take that to mean that Lidge will be in for the ninth inning every time the Nats have a save situation prior to Drew Storen's return from elbow inflammation. Johnson...

The workout hasn't started and I'm not sure whether manager Buck Showalter will share his opening day lineup, but here's the Twins lineup that will oppose right-hander Jake Arrieta: Denard Span CF Jamey Carroll SS Joe Mauer C Justin Morneau DH Josh Willingham LF Ryan Doumit RF Danny Valencia 3B Chris Parmelee 1B Alexi Casilla 2B Carl Pavano RHP So who starts in left field for the Orioles? Endy Chavez is 4-for-18 lifetime against Pavano. Reimold is 1-for-6. Wilson Betemit is...

The Orioles today announced that left-handed pitcher Dana Eveland has cleared waivers and been outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk. Eveland was designated for assignment on March 29 when the club claimed infielder Zelous Wheeler off of waivers from the Milwaukee Brewers.