Notes on Machado, Ayala, Bundy, Tillman and more (game update)

Notes on Machado, Ayala, Bundy, Tillman and more (game update)
SARASOTA, Fla. - Third baseman Manny Machado flew back into Sarasota late last night and has been excused from camp this morning. Machado no longer has any physical restrictions after Dr. Neal ElAttrache re-examined his left knee yesterday in Los Angeles. However, the Orioles still haven't provided a firm date for his spring debut. "I have to talk to the ESPN people to find out what the next step is," manager Buck Showalter quipped. Reliever Luis Ayala is taking the rest of his physical...

Alex Gonzalez talks about his medical condition

Alex Gonzalez talks about his medical condition
SARASOTA, Fla. - Infielder Alex Gonzalez is back in the Orioles' lineup today as the third baseman, and he intends to get as many at-bats as possible while competing for a utility job. Gonzalez was shut down briefly and underwent an endoscopy after his pre-spring training physical revealed something in his blood work that drew the concerns of the Orioles' medical staff. Gonzalez, a 15-year major league veteran, discovered that he's anemic and is taking iron pills. "Everything's fine,"...

Orioles and Braves lineups, and update on Ayala

Orioles and Braves lineups, and update on Ayala
SARASOTA, Fla. - Reliever Luis Ayala arrived at the Ed Smith Stadium complex this morning, and an announcement of his minor league deal with the Orioles should be coming later today. There's no word on whether Ayala has been offered an invitation to spring training. I was told yesterday that he'd report to Twin Lakes Park. Stay tuned. The Orioles found a new opponent today. They're playing the Braves, who are sending a split squad to Sarasota. Third baseman Chris Johnson made the trip....

Because You Asked - Passion of the Crust

Because You Asked - Passion of the Crust
SARASOTA, Fla. - It's the Florida edition of our popular mailbag sequel, which means it's tanned, doesn't drain after a heavy rain and thinks the fast lane is only for cars going 25 mph or 125 mph. It also writes checks at the grocery store and becomes confused during elections. You've got questions. I've got answers. You've got the same questions. I've got the same sarcasm. Here we go. Do you think Michael Almanzar can make the club? It's going to be tricky unless the Orioles can...

Showalter speaks after 4-2 win (with Ayala note)

Showalter speaks after 4-2 win (with Ayala note)
BRADENTON, Fla. - Left-hander T.J. McFarland allowed a run in the eighth inning tonight and faced three former Orioles in a row in the ninth - Omar Santos, Robert Andino and Travis Ishikawa. A fourth, Chris Dickerson, stood on deck. Dickerson never made it to the plate. Ishikawa grounded to McFarland, and the Orioles defeated the Pirates, 4-2, at McKechnie Field. Manager Buck Showalter thought starter Bud Norris was "good" tonight. "Threw a lot more changeups, around 10 or 12. Got about...

Game update and hearing from Norris (O's win 4-2)

Game update and hearing from Norris (O's win 4-2)
ORIOLES QUICK WRAP Score: Orioles 4, Pirates 2 Recap: Bud Norris became the second Orioles starter to complete five innings, joining Chris Tillman. Andrew McCutchen homered off Norris in the first inning for the only run off the right-hander. Nelson Cruz doubled twice and drove in a run, and Rule 5 pick Michael Almanzar lifted a sacrifice fly to score Jemile Weeks and break a 1-1 tie in the seventh. Henry Urrutia had an RBI grounder and Chad Tracy had a sacrifice fly in the eighth. Need to...

Updating Norris in Bradenton (Norris goes five innings)

Updating Norris in Bradenton (Norris goes five innings)
BRADENTON, Fla. - Orioles pitcher Bud Norris has produced much better results tonight in his fourth start of the spring than in his previous outing in Tampa. Norris has held the Pirates to one run and two hits over four innings, with one walk and five strikeouts. He's thrown 60 pitches, 37 for strikes. Andrew McCutchen hit a two-out, opposite field home run off Norris in the first. Norris proceeded to strike out three of the next four batters. Jose Tabata led off the third inning with a...

A few notes before tonight's game (updated)

A few notes before tonight's game (updated)
BRADENTON, Fla. - The Orioles haven't received an update on third baseman Manny Machado's knee exam today in Los Angeles. Manager Buck Showalter has stated that it's up to the team to determine when Machado can start playing in games. Official word won't come from Dr. Neal ElAttrache's office. Showalter said the Orioles could wait until the March 29 exhibition game in Norfolk to decide whether Machado is on the opening day roster or goes on the disabled list. They would likely use him...

Orioles and Pirates lineups (with Ayala update)

Orioles and Pirates lineups (with Ayala update)
SARASOTA, Fla. - Adam Jones is making another road trip tonight, a short drive to Bradenton to face the Pirates. Jones played in Dunedin Sunday after returning from Baltimore following the birth of his son. Alexi Casilla, in more need of at-bats, is batting leadoff and playing shortstop. For the Orioles Alexi Casilla SS Nolan Reimold DH Adam Jones CF Nelson Cruz RF Steve Pearce 1B Delmon Young LF Jonathan Schoop 2B Caleb Joseph C Michael Almanzar 3B Bud Norris RHP Steve Johnson, Alfredo...

Orioles nearing agreement with Ayala (agreement in place)

Orioles nearing agreement with Ayala (agreement in place)
SARASOTA, Fla. - Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette continues to keep close watch on the waiver wire, and he's on the verge of signing a reliever discarded yesterday by the Nationals. The Orioles are nearing an agreement with veteran right-hander Luis Ayala, according to sources. An announcement could come later today, after final details are worked out. I'm just confirming multiple reports here. Was worth a check. FOXSports.com first reported that the Orioles made an offer to...

Orioles practicing their night moves

Orioles practicing their night moves
SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles are playing under the lights at McKechnie Field tonight, which is basically like playing in candlelight, except without the dripping wax and the romance. And honestly, you can't have romance without dripping wax. OK, I've said too much. Manager Buck Showalter would prefer playing day games against the Pirates in Bradenton, but we always end up with at least one nighttime affair. Perhaps his fielders could wear miners helmets with the lights on the front. Glow...

Showalter on moves and more

Showalter on moves and more
SARASOTA, Fla. - Orioles manager Buck Showalter isn't ready to declare a winner in the battle for the backup catching job. He did, however, point out the obvious. Steve Clevenger is the current leader inside the clubhouse after the Orioles optioned Johnny Monell to Triple-A Norfolk. "Stevie's presented himself well," Showalter said. "We'll see what happens between now and the end of spring, what other options present themselves. Caleb (Joseph) has had a good spring, but I'd categorize...

Orioles option Monell and reassign Paul (Yoon optioned)

Orioles option Monell and reassign Paul (Yoon optioned)
SARASOTA, Fla. - There's no longer any doubt that Steve Clevenger is the leading in-house candidate to back up catcher Matt Wieters. The Orioles optioned catcher Johnny Monell following today's 7-4 loss to the Rays. They also reassigned outfielder Xavier Paul to minor league camp and will make one more roster move. Clevenger hasn't won the job at this point in camp. The Orioles continue to check outside the organization. Left fielder David Lough passed his impact test and manager Buck...

Chen removed in fourth (O's lose 7-4, plus pictures)

Chen removed in fourth (O's lose 7-4, plus pictures)
ORIOLES QUICK WRAP Score: Rays 7, Orioles 4 Recap: Wei-Yin Chen didn't make it out of the fourth inning today, allowing six runs and 10 hits in 3 2/3 frames. The Rays collected five doubles and homered twice off him. On the plus side, Chen didn't walk anybody. Suk-min Yoon served up a home run to Jayson Nix, but retired six of seven batters in his second appearance with the Orioles. Chris Davis singled in the first inning for his team-leading ninth RBI. Need to know: Adam Jones was...

Pregame quotes from Showalter (with game update)

Pregame quotes from Showalter (with game update)
SARASOTA, Fla. - Reliever Darren O'Day is throwing two innings today at Twin Lakes Park. Grant Balfour is facing the Orioles today - in a minor league game. Do they have brushback pitches at the Charlotte Sports complex? Bud Norris starts Thursday night's game against the Pirates in Bradenton. Steve Johnson, T.J. McFarland and Alfredo Aceves also are scheduled to pitch. Chris Tillman faces the Braves on Friday in Sarasota, and Ubaldo Jimenez faces the Rays on Saturday in Port...

Hearing from Lough, Bundy and Santana

Hearing from Lough, Bundy and Santana
SARASOTA, Fla. - Outfielder David Lough is taking an impact test now as the final step in being cleared to play Thursday in a Triple-A game. Lough had been experiencing dizziness and eye floaters that may have been related to neck stiffness. He said the symptoms occurred after he was thrown out at the plate trying to stretch a triple into an inside-the-park home run March 8 in Fort Myers. "They cleared me to go for activity and stuff, so I feel pretty good about it, getting back on the right...

Updates on Machado and Lough (with videos and pictures)

Updates on Machado and Lough (with videos and pictures)
SARASOTA, Fla. - Orioles third baseman Manny Machado has a 12:30 p.m. appointment on Thursday with Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles, and he will take a red-eye flight back to Sarasota that evening. Machado is scheduled to depart at 6 a.m. Manager Buck Showalter said Machado still hasn't run the bases due to scar tissue breaking up in his left knee, but he's doing infield drills. He could run during his examination by ElAttrache, which would seem to be a requirement before clearing him to...

A few morning notes (updated)

A few morning notes (updated)
SARASOTA, Fla. - Outfielder Francisco Peguero, who remains shut down with a strained right wrist, must wear a brace for two weeks due to inflammation and most likely will begin the season on the disabled list. Peguero is out of minor league options and the Orioles wanted to take a long look at him this spring. He's appeared in only six games, going 4-for-15 with a triple and three RBIs. "It's frustrating," he said. "I can't do anything right now. I'm here to make the team and I can't...

Orioles and Rays lineups

Orioles and Rays lineups
SARASOTA, Fla. - David Lough is at the Ed Smith Stadium complex today, but he remains out of the lineup while dealing with neck stiffness. Alexi Casilla is starting at second base and batting ninth. For the Orioles Nick Markakis RF J.J. Hardy SS Adam Jones CF Chris Davis 1B Nelson Cruz LF Matt Wieters C Delmon Young DH Ryan Flaherty 3B Alexi Casilla 2B Wei-Yin Chen LHP Other Orioles pitchers on the lineup card include Tommy Hunter, Brad Brach, Evan Meek, Suk-min Yoon and Kelvin De La...

Let the games continue

Let the games continue
SARASOTA, Fla. - And down the stretch we come. The Orioles have 10 games remaining on their Grapefruit League schedule, including split-squad games March 26 against the Red Sox in Fort Myers and the Rays in Port Charlotte. They also play their Triple-A affiliate, the Norfolk Tides, on March 29 at Harbor Park. They're home today against the Rays at 1:05 p.m., with Wei-Yin Chen making his fourth start. He's allowed three runs and struck out six over nine innings. Manager Buck Showalter...