CLEARWATER, Fla. - The Orioles are taking a 3-2 lead into the eighth after scoreless innings from Michael Gonzalez and Jim Johnson. Gonzalez issued a two-out walk and gave up a hit in the sixth. Johnson gave up back-to-back hits with two outs in the seventh, though shortstop Pedro Florimon easily could have been charged with an error on the second one. Both relievers struck out one batter. Here are some quotes from left-hander Brian Matusz, who was charged with two runs in relief: "It was...

CLEARWATER, Fla. - Brian Matusz pitched 2 1/3 innings today before manager Buck Showalter sprinted out of the dugout and removed him from the game. Matusz was charged with one run at the time, on Ryan Howard's homer, but reliever Chris George allowed an inherited runner to score on Shane Victorino's double with one out in the fifth inning. Josh Bell just doubled with two outs in the sixth to score Nolan Reimold, who was hit by a pitch and stole second base. Orioles 3, Phillies 2. Matusz...

CLEARWATER, Fla. - I figured you could use some positive news beyond Koji Uehara being scheduled to throw on Thursday. I'm starting to feel like Debbie Downer. Jake Fox took over the team lead with six RBIs when he doubled in the first inning to score Randy Winn. Josh Bell followed with a sacrifice fly for a 2-0 lead against Phillies left-hander Cole Hamels. Justin Duchscherer mowed down the Phillies in the bottom of the first, retiring the three batters he faced on 10 pitches. He got...

When Dave Trembley was dismissed as Orioles' manager last year, a good man lost his job. I think O's fans realize that Trembley is a good guy who put everything he had into a very difficult job. I wish the guy nothing but the best in his new role with the Atlanta Braves and hope our paths cross at some point during the coming season. Feel free to check out this long interview that David Laurila did with Trembley about his time managing the Orioles. Here are some excerpts: "The first...

CLEARWATER, Fla. - Manager Buck Showalter said Derrek Lee's right wrist is "about the same at the very best" before revealing that the first baseman is visiting a hand specialist today. Nothing is imminent regarding Lee's debut with the Orioles. On the plus side, his thumb is fine. "It's nothing to the surgery side. That feels great," Showalter said. "I don't want to say tendinitis until they diagnose it. He's going to see a specialist in Sarasota just to make sure we know what...

CLEARWATER, Fla. - Manager Buck Showalter dropped a few injury nuggets on reporters as batting practice ended. I'll send quotes later. Derrek Lee is seeing a hand specialist today in Sarasota because of soreness in his right wrist area. Lee was restricted to hitting off a tee and soft toss this morning. Brian Roberts couldn't work out today because of back spasms. They apparently flared up a few days ago while he stretched, then went away. Roberts is penciled into tomorrow afternoon's...

CLEARWATER, Fla. - Here's the Orioles' lineup for today's game vs. the Phillies: Randy Winn CF Brendan Harris 2B Nolan Reimold LF Jake Fox DH Josh Bell 3B Brandon Snyder 1B Nick Green RF Craig Tatum C Robert Andino SS Justin Duchscherer RHP Brian Matusz, Michael Gonzalez and Jim Johnson also will pitch today.

For pitcher Steve Johnson, it had to be frustrating and confusing and a little difficult to deal with. First, he was traded to the Orioles, his hometown team as a kid from Baltimore, and that was exciting. Then, after the trade with the Dodgers, he pitched to a 2.84 ERA over seven starts with Double-A Bowie late in the 2009 season. Then he comes out in 2010, with the same club and halfway through the year is 3-6 with an ERA of 6.14 over 17 starts. "I can deal with getting hit around a...

SARASOTA, Fla.- It feels like I just left the Ed Smith Stadium complex about 45 minutes ago, and I'm already back here. I'll be heading to Clearwater for today's game against the Phillies. I may take a few Sun reporters with me, just for laughs. The Orioles haven't posted their lineup. Cesar Izturis won't make the trip, which must be causing the delay. He apparently rolled his ankle last night, but it's nothing serious. Justin Duchscherer and Brian Matusz are pitching today. Here's...

Derek Norris received high praise this week from manager Jim Riggleman, who has been impressed with the way camp has started for the Nationals' top catching prospect. Norris feels completely healthy after battling through injuries last season. His 2010 campaign was slowed by a broken bone in his hand before the season began. In May, he was hit by a pitch in his head and suffered a concussion. Norris now has a clean bill of health and that has helped him at the plate. In four games this...