I had no idea that I'd file this many entries that included Jake Arrieta. Arrieta pitched two innings in relief tonight for Triple-A Norfolk, allowing one run and three hits, with no walks and two strikeouts. He threw 25 pitches, 18 for strikes. That's not much work for a guy who was slated to start before being scratched, with the Orioles "keeping their options open," according to a team official. Arrieta wasn't needed this weekend, so the Tides used him in relief. But only two innings...

Nationals wrap up series with Reds Sunday at 1:35 p.m. from Nationals Park. RHP Craig Stammen (1-2, 5.88) faces Cincinnati RHP Bronson Arroyo (5-3, 4.92). Stammen has had a tough time in the early innings in his recent starts and has been hit hard with at least nine hits allowed in two of his last three games. He also has had some control issues with six walks in the past two starts. Craig previewed the Reds with me on Saturday. What is the bottom line for you in Sunday's start? "I have...

It's not often a good team like the Red Sox says to the Orioles "here, take this game from us," but the Red Sox just did. The 2010 version of the Orioles said "don't bother." With Boston leading by just a 1-0 score, Jon Lester walked three straight Orioles to load the bases with one out in the seventh and Daniel Bard came on. Bard, with an ERA of 7.36 vs. the Birds this year, got pinch hitter Luke Scott to fly to shallow center and Corey Patterson hit a foul pop to third. A big blown...

The Orioles put two runners on base against Jon Lester in the bottom of the seventh inning. Once again, it was Adam Jones and Garrett Atkins. Once again, it meant Julio Lugo and Cesar Izturis were due up. In the fifth, Lugo laid down a sacrifice bunt, but Izturis popped up and Corey Patterson grounded out. This time, Jones and Atkins walked with one out. We debated whether Luke Scott should pinch-hit for Lugo. It's lefty vs. lefty and Scott is 0-for-8 lifetime against Lester, but he also can...

It sure feels that way tonight. Jeremy Guthrie has been outstanding, but Kevin Youkilis homered on the first pitch thrown in the top of the seventh inning to break a scoreless tie. The Red Sox lead by the narrowest of margins, but the Orioles have given Guthrie the usual support - absolutely nothing. Guthrie's allowed three hits, walked one and struck out four. He retired 15 in a row before Dustin Pedroia singled with two outs in the sixth, and he regrouped after Youkilis' homer to set...

Umpires reviewed Marco Scutaro's fly ball that was ruled foul down the left field line with one out in the top of the sixth, and they upheld the call after checking the videotape. That's the first review here in 2010 and the third all-time at Camden Yards. Replays indicated that the ball hooked foul by a few inches, but Boston manager Terry Francona came out of the dugout to argue the call. Jeremy Guthrie has allowed one hit over 5 1/3 scoreless innings, a Kevin Youkilis double in the...

Over the last nine games, the Orioles pitching staff ERA is 6.12. The Birds have scored just 14 runs in that time and you have to wonder if the lack of offense isn't finally getting to the starting pitchers, who have worked just 9 1/3 combined innings over the last three games before tonight. It must be exhausting to feel like you have to throw a shutout every night and that the game hangs in the balance on almost every pitch. We could ask Kevin Millwood about this, but he's too classy to...

Jake Arrieta didn't start tonight at Triple-A Norfolk, but I'm told that he's jogging to the Tides' bullpen and is expected to pitch in relief. He must have been scratched because the Orioles weren't sure whether they'd need to get him here over the weekend. It's not like they were going to hold him out of tonight's game so he could start next Saturday when Brad Bergesen's next turn came up. That's the best I can give you at the moment. He wasn't needed tonight, so he'll pitch...

Jake Arrieta was supposed to start tonight for Triple-A Norfolk, but Andy Mitchell took his place. Interesting. I'll try to provide an update shortly. And here it is: A club official told me that Arrieta is healthy and the Orioles are just keeping their options open in case they want to call him up. They don't want him throwing 100 pitches tonight and being unavailable for four days. It doesn't sound like he's heading here, but he's on standby.

Jake Arrieta did not make tonight's start for Norfolk vs. Buffalo. I have found out he is not hurt, this has nothing to do with any injuries. Is he Baltimore bound? There is no word on any of that at this point, but he did not make tonight's start for Norfolk as scheduled. Andy Mitchell is on the mound.