O's 22-year-old pitching prospect Zach Britton has had an excellent season. He has pitched well at the two highest levels of the minors and could be a fixture at some point in the future in the Orioles rotation. That future could come as early as the next week or two as Britton knows the O's have considered him for a September callup. For now, he just waits to see whether his final starts of the 2010 season will be in Norfolk or Baltimore. "This is an opportunity I thought about back in...

When Roger Bernadina first smacked the Ryan Franklin offering, it looked like a sure line drive double off the wall. But this shot was hit with such force it cleared the right field wall and saved the Nationals from defeat. Bernadina's ninth career homer was a two-run gem that Nats fans will remember for a long time. The laser to right lifted the Nats out of what looked like their fifth straight loss and gave them another chance at beating the St. Louis Cardinals. Suddenly, the Nats...

The Orioles announced after tonight's game that they have optioned RHP Armando Gabino to Triple-A Norfolk. Gabino, 26, has pitched to a 13.50 ERA (4.2IP, 7ER) in five appearances with the Orioles. A corresponding roster move will be announced before tomorrow's game.

The Orioles announced after tonight's loss that they've optioned Armando Gabino to Triple-A Norfolk. A corresponding roster move will be announced tomorrow. Jim Johnson will be activated from the disabled list. No big mystery here. Look for Jason Berken to be transferred to the 60-day disabled list to make room for Johnson on the 40-man roster. Gabino served up Alex Rios' two-run homer tonight. Nice parting gift. Gabino allowed seven earned runs in 4 2/3 innings over five appearances...

Jake Arrieta needed 35 pitches to get through the first inning and 70 to pitch through three. Meanwhile, Edwin Jackson fanned seven over the first four innings. One team got excellent starting pitching and the other did not as the White Sox routed the O's 8-0 Thursday night to win the three-game series, two to one. Arrieta gave up seven hits and four runs and lasted just four innings tonight. He falls to 4-6, 5.10 and threw 85 pitches. Arrieta, who was making his 15th Major League start...

The Nationals No. 1 overall selection Bryce Harper was introduced for the first time at Nats Park to the media, 10 days after he agreed to a nearly 10 million dollar deal to sign with the Nats. Flanked by his family, Harper talked about his dreams of becoming a Major Leaguer. After hitting 12 homers during early batting practice, Harper was asked where he learned his swing. Harper credited his hitting mechanics to his dad, Ron Harper. "My dad, he has been huge in everything I have done. He...

O's top draft pick Manny Machado is expected to make his pro debut on Friday when he serves as designated hitter for the Gulf Coast League Orioles. Machado is expected to DH in the Gulf League Friday and Saturday. Saturday is the last day of games in the GCL and Machado is expected to join Aberdeen on Sunday. While Machado is expected to play in games for the IronBirds, it's also possible that he just joins the club for workouts over the season's final days. Machado has been working out...

I wouldn't look for a quality start from Jake Arrieta tonight. He's allowed three runs, which still makes it possible, but he's also thrown a ton of pitches. Arrieta threw 350 in the first inning - or maybe it was 35. He was up to 70 after the third, and the White Sox held a 3-0 lead. Arrieta allowed five hits and walked three batters. He also was charged with one bad mustache. Instant update: Arrieta gave up another run with two outs in the fourth inning. He gets ahead in the count,...

The Orioles have agreed to terms with Glynn Davis, an 18-year-old shortstop from Catonsville Community College near Baltimore. The right-handed hitter and thrower was the youngest player on the Catonsville CC team this past season and was a Juco All-American. He hit .430 with 10 homers and 35 steals. Davis was named Catonsville CC's Male Athlete of the Year. Speed is said to be his best tool and reports say he runs as well as some of the fastest players currently in the O's minors like...

Orioles manager Buck Showalter still won't allow himself to be pressed into naming a closer, no matter how hard the media tries. Asked about Koji Uehara's role and whether the right-hander has emerged as the closer, Showalter said he'll continue to do "what's best for the Orioles." That might be Uehara one night and someone else the next. He mentioned how Alfredo Simon is still capable. He knows that Michael Gonzalez has closed games in the past. "But Koji, he's got a hot hand right...