The Orioles today announced six spring training roster cuts, bringing their spring roster to 37 players. The Orioles optioned infielder Josh Bell to Triple-A Norfolk and assigned non-roster catcher Michel Hernandez to minor league camp. Minor league invitees left-handers Mike Ballard, Alberto Castillo and Chris George, and right-hander Chris Jakubauskas were also assigned to minor league camp. With the moves, the Orioles have 37 players in camp including 19 pitchers (five non-roster...

The Orioles today announced that right-hander Adrian Rosario has been returned to the Milwaukee Brewers organization. Rosario was selected by the Orioles in the Rule 5 draft in December. Rosario appeared in two spring training games for the Orioles and allowed two earned runs in two innings. Rosario will be assigned to Milwaukee's Triple-A Nashville affiliate. The Brewers returned Rule 5 draftee right-hander Pat Egan to the Orioles Thursday. Egan, who will be assigned to the Orioles'...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Jake Arrieta has turned in the longest outing by an Orioles starter this spring against major league competition. And yes, the Pirates count. Arrieta appeared to run out of gas after retiring 14 of 15 batters. Neil Walker hit his second home run off Arrieta, and the next two batters walked. Arrieta threw 91 pitches, including 54 for strikes. Chris Jakabauskas replaced Arrieta and stranded two runners. Arrieta is charged with four runs and five hits, with three walks and...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Jake Arrieta has retired 13 of the last 14 batters, and the Orioles have given him a 5-3 lead in the fifth inning. Instant update: J.J. Hardy singled off reliever Evan Meek to increase the lead to 6-3. We're still in the fifth. Arrieta has blanked the Pirates on one hit since the first inning. He's thrown 70 pitches, 45 for strikes. See what happens when I challenge the young arms to produce better results? Felix Pie broke a 3-3 tie in the fifth inning with his first home...

SARASOTA, Fla. - We learned today that Jeremy Guthrie will start the April 1 opener and Brian Matusz will take the ball the following night. We also received a strong hint that Jake Arrieta will get the call for the first home game, making him the No. 4 starter. The rotation is coming into focus, but the young starters need to give a clearer indication that they're ready for the season and the responsibilities that go with it. Arrieta gave up back-to-back homers to Lyle Overbay and Neil...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Jeremy Guthrie will start the Orioles' regular-season opener for the third time in four years, an assignment that he calls "a big honor." "I think it's a manifestation of the confidence that Buck (Showalter) and the coaching staff have in me," he said. "I'm pleased to be out there. It's a great feeling to be out there with your team on the first game of the season, being out there battling and trying to start the season off on a good note. I'll be very excited to...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Pat Egan, claimed by the Brewers in the Rule 5 draft and returned to the Orioles today, will work out here and possibly pitch in a game. However, he's not part of the official camp roster and eventually will be sent to Triple-A Norfolk. Egan doesn't have to be included on the 40-man roster. "He'll be here in a day or two," manager Buck Showalter said. "He's going to be available to pitch. He's going to have a locker and a uniform and he'll be a just-in-case type...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Manager Buck Showalter just buried reporters with news during batting practice. It won't all fit into the headline on this blog entry. Rule 5 pick Adrian Rosario cleared waivers and returned to the Brewers. Pat Egan cleared waivers and returned to the Orioles. Egan worked 6 1/3 scoreless innings and recorded two saves this spring. Justin Duchscherer is projected to make his debut on April 21, which requires a stop on the disabled list. The Orioles will begin the season...

Nationals right-handed pitching prospect Brad Meyers is finally injury-free again and ready to continue his trek towards the majors after dealing with a major foot problem all of last season. The 6-foot-6, 195-lb. hurler from Los Angeles, Calif., had a positive result in his most recent outing on Tuesday. Meyers threw four innings, allowed two runs, only one was earned on a solo homer, three hits, no walks and struck out five. He threw 58 pitches, 10 in the bullpen. His next scheduled start...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Rule 5 pick Adrian Rosario is expected to be included in today's cuts. He'll be placed on waivers, and another team can put in a claim and attempt to keep him on the major league roster. If Rosario clears as expected, the Orioles must offer him back to the Brewers for $25,000 or work out a trade. Rosario has a live arm, but he's raw. He allowed two runs and three hits, walked three batters and struck out one in two innings. Rosario's lone decision came in a loss to the...