When the Orioles sent Clay Rapada to their minor league camp toward the end of spring training, they never gave him a timetable for a return to the majors. It turned out to be April 18. "They kind of told me to keep doing what I was doing and when the time came, they said to be ready," he said earlier today after reporting to Camden Yards. "I felt like I did what I needed to do in spring training to impress Buck (Showalter). I told him I was going to come in and get lefties out, and...

O's right-hander Chris Tillman will take the mound tonight for the first time since he gave up nine hits and six runs over just 1 2/3 innings last Wednesday in New York. There has been a lot of talk about Tillman's velocity being down. Catcher Matt Wieters admits he has seen Tillman throw harder than he has this year, but also feels Tillman's current velocity is plenty good enough to win with. "He can definitely pitch at the velocity he is throwing now. I've seen where him he's been 94,...

Clay Rapada isn't here to serve exclusively as a left-handed specialist. He'll also be needed to retire right-handed hitters. "He's a guy who has the ability to defend himself against some right-handed hitters, too, so we feel confident he'll be able at times to be able to pitch a clean, full inning," manager Buck Showalter said. "As our rotation gets straightened out a little bit, hopefully the need for longer relief stints isn't as prevalent." Left-handers went 1-for-19 against...

As the Orioles continue to struggle to score runs, the players tend to preach patience and say it is not time for them to make any drastic changes in their approach. "I don't think you can really change anything," catcher Matt Wieters said. "It's still early. Not everyone is swinging like they want to right now, but the big thing is, you can't press and that you believe in your ability. I think everyone in this lineup believes in what they can do." The Orioles scored just seven runs in...

The Orioles made their roster moves official. They placed Chris Jakubauskas on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 17, with a strained right groin and purchased the contract of left-hander Clay Rapada from Triple-A Norfolk. Justin Duchscherer was transferred to the 60-day disabled list to create room on the 40-man roster. Jakubauskas began experiencing some tightness in his groin in New York, and he aggravated his condition in Cleveland while fielding a ball and throwing to second...

Jake Fox is making another start in left field today, as the Orioles attempt to break a seven-game losing streak. Otherwise, no major changes to the lineup. Here's the lineup: Brian Roberts 2B Nick Markakis RF Derrek Lee 1B Vladimir Guerrero DH Mark Reynolds 3B Adam Jones CF Jake Fox LF Matt Wieters C Robert Andino SS Chris Tillman RHP

The Nationals recalled 24-year-old right-hander Collin Balester from Triple-A Syracuse to replace Todd Coffey. Coffey has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with a left calf strain. Balester has thrown five scoreless innings of relief for Syracuse this season. In his most recent outing last Monday at Lehigh Valley (Phillies), Balester allowed one hit over two innings with three strikeouts. Last year he was very impressive in 17 appearances, averaging 12 strikeouts per nine innings and...

Once it became clear that Justin Duchscherer wouldn't be ready for opening night, the Orioles targeted him for an April 10 start. He would be placed in the bullpen until the club needed a fifth starter. Once it became clear that Duchscherer needed more time and innings after making only one appearance in an exhibition game, the Orioles decided to place him on the 15-day disabled list and get him ready for an April 21 start. They're now ready to go with Plan C, which eliminates any...

Thirty years ago this morning, the longest game in professional baseball history was suspended. At 4:07 a.m., after 32 innings of play, umpires finally called the game, still tied at 2, between the Rochester Red Wings, the Orioles' Triple-A affiliate, and the Pawtucket Red Sox of the International League. Famously, future Hall of Famers Cal Ripken Jr. and Wade Boggs played the entire game, both manning third base for their respective teams. But there were other players of note on the field...

You may know her from Hot 99.5's popular morning drive program, "The Kane Show." Or maybe you've discussed the latest episode of "Glee" in one of her My Fox DC chats. If you've been to Nationals Park this season, you've probably noticed her in the stands and on the scoreboard. Sarah Fraser is the new Nationals Park in-game co-host. Nats Buzz caught up with Fraser for a quick Q&A about the Nats. Make sure to follow her on Twitter at @misssarahfraser. Sarah, what will your role be this...