Contrary to popular belief, Chris Tillman has not been terrible for the Orioles this year. There have been two terrible starts, but four others that have been decent. Tillman gave up six runs in just 1 2/3 on April 13 versus the Yankees. In his last start, he gave up ten hits and eight runs in just 3 2/3 against Kansas City. Those were two terrible starts. In his four other outings, his ERA is 3.22. The Orioles are 3-1 in those four games, by the way. But Tillman's overall ERA of 7.16 is...

ATLANTA - According to Nationals manager Jim Riggleman, catcher Wilson Ramos performs better when he plays in back-to-back games. As a result, Riggleman plans to utilize Ramos in two or three game stretches moving forward. "Wilson (Ramos) just plays better when he plays more," said Riggleman. "He showed us that in spring training. The games that he's played this year, whenever I get him two or three days in a row, he just seems to produce more." Ramos went 5-for-11 during his only...

Justin Duchscherer threw a side session today in Sarasota and will pitch a two-inning simulated game on Friday. He's eligible to come off the disabled list May 30. Third baseman Mark Reynolds has bigger worries than the virus that's sweeping through the clubhouse. He's not in the lineup, and he managed to smile when asked if it's just a scheduled day off. "I don't think it was an off day. I think it's because I'm struggling," he said. "I think they're just giving me a day. And it...

Brian Matusz threw 40 pitches, including 26 strikes, over three innings in an extended spring training game today at Twin Lakes Park in Sarasota, Fla. Matusz didn't walk a batter and said he had a good feel for his fastball. His off-speed stuff was a little inconsistent, but it was very good at times. Matusz was hit on the right wrist/palm area by a comebacker, but he's fine. I'm sure manager Buck Showalter held his breath while watching the video. Matusz will join the Orioles in St....

BOWIE, Md. - Before I leave Bowie where today's game was played in near-perfect weather, here are some quotes from Alfredo Simon, who was very pleased with his outing today. "I felt great," Simon said after throwing 94 pitches. "I just tried to work on all my pitches and everything is fine. My velocity, my two-seamer, my splitter and my breaking ball are fine. I'm ready to go right now and everything seems to be working pretty good. "My velocity on my two-seamer was really good. When I...

You wanted a different lineup? You've got it. For the Orioles: Brian Roberts 2B Felix Pie RF Derrek Lee 1B Vladimir Guerrero DH Luke Scott LF Adam Jones CF Matt Wieters C J.J. Hardy SS Robert Andino 3B Chris Tillman RHP Nick Markakis is a career .464 (13-for-28) hitter against Seattle's Felix Hernandez, with two doubles, five RBIs and five walks. Mark Reynolds is 1-for-4 with a home run. They're both sitting tonight. Update: Markakis came down with flu-like symptoms last night and...

BOWIE, Md. - O's director of player development John Stockstill got an up-close look at Alfredo Simon's outing today here at Bowie from right behind the screen in the first few rows at Prince George's Stadium. Simon allowed five hits and three runs, all earned over five innings, throwing 94 pitches. "He was a little improved with his overall performance from the other day," Stockstill said. "Threw 94 pitches and needs to get to the point where he can put people away with that split...

BOWIE, Md. - Right-hander Alfredo Simon has exited today's game at Double-A Bowie after giving up a double and walk to the first two batters in the top of the sixth. Lefty Pedro Viola has come on. Simon has given up just one run on five hits, but the runners on base are his responsibility. He walked three and fanned eight, throwing 94 pitches, 61 for strikes. Simon had his best inning when he struck out the side on 15 pitches in the fifth. He gave up a run on two hits in the fourth. The...

BOWIE, Md. - Alfredo Simon gave up one run in a 30-pitch, top of the fourth here today. The inning began with a Roger Kieschnick double on a 94 mile per hour fastball. Juan Perez then singled to get Richmond on the board and cut Bowie's lead to 2-1. Simon walked the next batter, but then got a ground out, strikeout and ground out to end the Richmond threat. He threw 19 strikes among his 30 pitches as he labored a bit in that inning. Simon is at 71 pitches through four innings today with a...

The Orioles had considered bringing up another reliever for tonight's game against the Mariners, but they apparently will stick with their current group. President of baseball operations Andy MacPhail met with manager Buck Showalter after last night's 7-6, 13-inning victory to discuss the possibility of adding a fresh arm. Rather than make a roster move, they're "holding at present," according to a team official. Starter Jake Arrieta went six innings, which led to a parade of five...