Can the Orioles improve at working the count?
Can the Orioles improve at working the count?
Steve Melewski
Orioles
Programming note: Today's game is not airing on MASN, and instead is being broadcast on FOX. More information can be found here. With the Orioles' offense continuing to struggle, the issue of taking more pitches and trying to increase the opposing starters' pitch count often comes up. The Orioles want to become a good team at working counts, but right now, they just are very inconsistent at it. Some nights it happens, but many times it doesn't. Also, when a team is struggling to score,...
Uehara talks about his recent struggles
Uehara talks about his recent struggles
Steve Melewski
Orioles
Orioles reliever Koji Uehara has now been scored on in four of his last six appearances after giving up a two-run homer to Johnny Damon in the ninth last night. He's trying to regain the form that saw him start this season with 4 2/3 scoreless innings. "Major leagues is all about results so when you give up runs it's very frustrating," Uehara said today through his interpreter, Jiwon Bang. Last year, Uehara gave up as many homers, five, as he allowed walks over 44 innings. This year, he...
Quick Matusz update (plus Hardy and Machado)
Quick Matusz update (plus Hardy and Machado)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Brian Matusz went two innings today in an extended spring training game in Sarasota, and he threw 12-15 pitches in each inning. He faced six batters, and more important, he felt good. Matusz is scheduled to pitch again on Wednesday, and he'll go three innings. If Matusz stays on schedule, he could be activated on May 21 or 26. He would be limited to five innings (depending on pitch count) if he comes off the disabled list on the earlier date, so the condition of the bullpen could play a big...
Reynolds, Lee adjusting to life in a new league
Reynolds, Lee adjusting to life in a new league
Dan Kolko
Orioles
When Mark Reynolds first learned that he'd been traded from the Diamondbacks and would be moving over to the American League, he chose not to believe the long-standing theory that it takes players time to adapt to playing in a new league. The Orioles' third baseman says he was "skeptical" of the idea that he would need to adjust to new pitchers and what they brought at him, and thought his transition to the American League would be fairly seamless. And now, after playing in the AL for...
Orioles lineup against Tampa Bay
Orioles lineup against Tampa Bay
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The Orioles' lineup for today's 1:10 p.m. game on Fox includes Matt Wieters behind the plate. He's catching a day game after a night game. Brian Roberts 2B Nick Markakis RF Derrek Lee 1B Vladimir Guerrero DH Luke Scott LF Adam Jones CF Matt Wieters C Mark Reynolds 3B Robert Andino SS Jeremy Guthrie RHP Guthrie will aim for his eighth consecutive quality start against the Rays. Scott is batting .326 (14-43) with two doubles, four homers, 10 RBIs and six runs scored in his last 11...
For now, Townsend likely to stay put at Frederick
For now, Townsend likely to stay put at Frederick
Steve Melewski
Orioles
With Joe Mahoney back on the disabled list at Double-A Bowie and expected to be out the next three or four weeks, some fans have wondered if the Orioles would move first baseman
Ankiel placed on 15-day disabled list by Nationals
Ankiel placed on 15-day disabled list by Nationals
Pete Kerzel
Nationals
Following tonight's game, the Washington Nationals placed center fielder Rick Ankiel on the 15-Day Disabled List, retroactive to May 3, with a right wrist sprain. Nationals Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Ankiel has a .302 on-base percentage with four doubles, one home run, seven RBI and 12 walks in 28 games with the Nationals. The 31-year-old has played flawless defense in center field with a team-best two outfield...
Ankiel to DL with wrist sprain; Bernadina likely call-up
Ankiel to DL with wrist sprain; Bernadina likely call-up
Byron Kerr
Nationals
Following Friday's game, the Nationals placed center fielder Rick Ankiel on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to May 3, with a right wrist sprain. Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs outfielder Roger Bernadina is likely to be recalled to take Ankiel's place on the roster. Ankiel has a .302 on-base percentage with four doubles, one home run, seven RBIs and 12 walks in 28 games with the Nationals. The 31-year-old leads the team with two outfield assists.
More postgame clubhouse chatter
More postgame clubhouse chatter
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Zach Britton said his callus is fine. The eight three-ball counts among the 21 batters he faced was a different story. Zach Britton talks about the shortest outing of his young career after the O's 6-2 loss "I just wasn't very good at all," he said. "When you fall behind, you've got to give them fastballs, and they're hot, so they're hitting the ball well. When you fall behind in counts, they're going to square some balls up." Though the three runs and four hits were confined to...
Showalter speaks after 6-2 loss
Showalter speaks after 6-2 loss
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Orioles manager Buck Showalter wasn't going to use the rain as an excuse for tonight's 6-2 loss. It's not like the Rays were inside a dome. Buck Showalter meets with the media to discuss the Birds' 6-2 loss to the Rays "This is not a perfect-condition sport," he said. "You have to deal with all of it - cold, wind, rain. It's part of it. We've played in a lot worse." The Orioles are 2-14 when scoring three runs or fewer. Showalter was asked whether he's concerned that the lack...