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.

Some of the numbers on the Orioles recent lack and season-long lack of offense. *The O's are on a pace to score 530 runs this year (3.27 per game) which would be the fewest in team history. The fewest number of runs scored by the O's during a 162-game season was 550 by the 1988 Orioles. Of course, the O's are also on pace for a record of 44-118. *The Orioles have scored just eight runs over the past seven games and just 14 runs during their nine-game losing streak. They have just 11...

According to Elias Sports Bureau, Juan Samuel suffered the second-worst loss for a manager in his first game dating back to 1900. Milwaukee's Buck Rodgers lost, 15-2, to the Minnesota Twins in 1980. The Orioles are 15-40 this season. The 1988 team was 13-42 after 55 games. The 1962 Mets were 16-39 on their way to a 40-120 record, the worst in the modern era. The Orioles remain the only team in the majors without a home run from a first baseman. (Garrett Atkins hit one while serving as the...

The Nationals are advising fans to arrive early for Tuesday's major league debut of #1 selection Stephen Strasburg versus the Pittsburgh Pirates. Gates and the Miller Lite Scoreboard Walk open at 4:30 p.m. Fans are also urged to pick up their tickets for Tuesdays game early. Will Call windows are open Sunday at 9 a.m. until 30 minutes after the game, Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesday at 9 a.m. Parking is limited, but available at Lots HH and W for $5 and $10 respectively. More...

Well, not in the big leagues, but he'll take the ball tonight at home for Triple-A Norfolk vs. Buffalo. Arrieta is 3-0, 0.82 over his last three starts and in 22 innings has allowed just two earned runs with 16 hits and 23 strikeouts. After his last start, he told me he felt 100 percent ready for the Majors. Arrieta leads the International League in ERA and is tied for first with 71 innings. Opponent batters have hit just .183 against him and he is fifth in the league with 62...

O's right-hander Brad Bergesen last pitched in relief during the 2008 season, once for Bowie and once for Frederick. But he will be in the bullpen tonight here at Camden Yards vs. Boston. With Orioles' starters, including Bergesen, having pitched just 9 1/3 innings combined over the last three games, Bergesen is in the pen tonight. As for how long he stays, there, the O's are not saying for certain right now. "I am going to the bullpen for tonight. I'm going to skip at least one...

Michael Gonzalez's bullpen session in Sarasota today didn't go well, and he's been instructed to rest the next two days and try again on Tuesday. Interim manager Juan Samuel was told that Gonzalez's velocity is still down and the left-hander couldn't hit his spots. "That's what I was informed by our pitching coach. His session wasn't that good," Samuel said. Gonzalez is scheduled to throw Tuesday, rest two more days and take the mound again on Friday. I'm not feeling real good...

For the Orioles: Corey Patterson LF Miguel Tejada 3B Nick Markakis RF Ty Wigginton 1B Matt Wieters C Adam Jones CF Garrett Atkins DH Julio Lugo 2B Cesar Izturis SS Jeremy Guthrie RHP For the Red Sox: Scutaro SS Pedroia 2B Ortiz DH Youkilis 3B Martinez 1B Drew RF Varitek C Reddick CF Hall LF Lester LHP Brad Bergesen's name is listed among the relievers on the magnetic board outside the clubhouse, but one of his teammates might be playing a joke on the media. Another young pitcher pointed it...