Showalter's plans for second base

Showalter's plans for second base
Brian Roberts snapped a 1-for-18 streak last night with a game-tying RBI single in the second inning. He was back at second base after serving as the designated hitter in three of the past four games. Orioles manager Buck Showalter has been easing Roberts back onto the field since the hamstring surgery and extended absence. Ryan Flaherty was getting the bulk of the starts at second in Roberts' absence. Alexi Casilla would get some starts against left-handed pitching. Asked if he's...

Britton and Gausman optioned

Britton and Gausman optioned
The Orioles have optioned pitchers Zach Britton and Kevin Gausman to Triple-A Norfolk. The corresponding moves will be announced on Wednesday. Wei-Yin Chen will come off the disabled list and replace Britton in the rotation. The Orioles also will call up a reliever to take Gausman's spot in the bullpen. Britton allowed five runs and eight hits in five innings tonight, with three walks and no strikeouts. No matter how the left-hander pitched, he figured to be sent down because his turn...

Showalter speaks after 8-4 loss

Showalter speaks after 8-4 loss
Orioles manager Buck Showalter told reporters that his club will make a roster move or moves later tonight. Stay tuned. The obvious move is activating Wei-Yin Chen from the disabled list and optioning Zach Britton, who allowed five runs and eight hits in five innings in the Orioles' 8-4 loss to the Rangers. It's possible that the Orioles also bring up a fresh bullpen arm. What was the difference in Britton tonight compared to past starts? "Just command," Showalter said. "He's missing...

Britton done after five innings (O's lose 8-4)

Britton done after five innings (O's lose 8-4)
If Zach Britton is making his last start for the Orioles tonight, he isn't leaving on a high note. Britton lasted only five innings and allowed five runs and eight hits, with three walks, no strikeouts and two home runs. He threw 91 pitches, 55 for strikes. Kevin Gausman replaced Britton, who had permitted three earned runs in his last two starts covering 12 1/3 innings. The Orioles could option Britton to Triple-A Norfolk while activating left-hander Wei-Yin Chen, who will start Wednesday...

Machado turns from student to teacher (Beltre homers twice, O's down 5-2)

Machado turns from student to teacher (Beltre homers twice, O's down 5-2)
Orioles third baseman Manny Machado has 122 hits this season, tying him with Baltimore native Al Kaline (1955) for the most hits before the All-Star break by a player under 22 years old, according to STATS. Machado's 47 extra-base hits through July 5 already were the most in major league history before the break by a player under 21. Machado may be facing his biggest challenge with manager Buck Showalter. "He's trying to get me to learn how to download some stuff, apps," Showalter told...

Updates on Steve Johnson, Pearce, Gausman and more

Updates on Steve Johnson, Pearce, Gausman and more
Steve Johnson, on the disabled list with a strained left oblique, will throw live batting practice Thursday in Sarasota. Johnson made 35 throws off a mound yesterday and reported that he's feeling much better, with improved command of his pitches. The next step may be a simulated game, followed by a rehab assignment with a minor league affiliate. Manager Buck Showalter told reporters that outfielder Steve Pearce is down to "one sore wrist." Pearce could swing a bat within the next few...

Britton gets the call (with Rangers lineup)

Britton gets the call (with Rangers lineup)
Left-hander Zach Britton will be on the mound as the Orioles attempt to even their four-game series against the Texas Rangers at a game apiece. It could be Britton's last start with the Orioles for a while. With left-hander Wei-Yin Chen due back to start Wednesday's game, a roster move will need to be made to accommodate Chen, and Britton could be on the bubble. Here are tonight's lineups: For the Orioles Nick Markakis RF Manny Machado 3B Adam Jones CF Chris Davis 1B J.J. Hardy SS Matt...

What's the plan for Gausman?

What's the plan for Gausman?
Kevin Gausman warmed up in the bullpen last night as the game moved toward the later innings and the Orioles were trying to avoid another loss. He didn't pitch, making him available in long relief tonight or Wednesday. Manager Buck Showalter prefers having a right-hander to back up lefties Zach Britton and Wei-Yin Chen, the next two starters to face the Rangers. What happens to Gausman beyond this week remains something of a mystery, but he's expected to be optioned to Triple-A Norfolk,...

Showalter speaks after 8-5 loss

Showalter speaks after 8-5 loss
You can point to the meltdown in the sixth inning tonight as a major reason why the Orioles lost to the Rangers 8-5 at Camden Yards. Or you can focus on how the Orioles went 1-for-12 with runners in scoring position and stranded 10 runners. I chose the latter during manager Buck Showalter's postgame press conference. "That was one of them," Showalter said. "We had some opportunities, but you've got to tip your hat to (Derek) Holland. Maybe tomorrow, some of those flares will go our way....

Sixth inning woes continue (Wieters homers, O's lose 8-5)

Sixth inning woes continue (Wieters homers, O's lose 8-5)
The Orioles gave up six runs to the Rangers in the top of the sixth tonight to fall behind 8-3 and continue their woes in that inning. Opponents have outscored the Orioles 69-40 in the sixth. They've scored 40 in the first, 39 in the second, 38 in the third, 62 in the fourth, 46 in the fifth, 53 in the seventh, 26 in the eighth, 32 in the ninth and four in extras. Scott Feldman was charged with seven runs and nine hits - both season highs - in 5 1/3 innings. He walked one, struck out two and...

Orioles littering bases (updated)

Orioles littering bases (updated)
The Orioles haven't scored in the first three innings tonight against Rangers left-hander Derek Holland. It's not due to a lack of opportunities. The Orioles are 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position and have stranded five. They trail 1-0 as we head to the top of the fourth. Manny Machado and Adam Jones had back-to-back singles in the first inning. J.J. Hardy led off the second with a single and advanced on Nate McLouth's sacrifice bunt. Nick Markakis and Machado opened the third with...

Davis chosen for Home Run Derby

Davis chosen for Home Run Derby
Robinson Cano didn't ignore the obvious choice while picking his team for the Home Run Derby. Cano, the captain who made the selections for the American League, announced that Orioles first baseman Chris Davis will be among the four participants. Cano also chose Tigers first baseman Prince Fielder. He hasn't decided on the fourth participant. National League captain David Wright selected Bryce Harper, Carlos Gonzalez and Michael Cuddyer. The Derby will take place next Monday night at Citi...

McFarland feeling better, and more notes

McFarland feeling better, and more notes
Left-hander T.J. McFarland threw two scoreless innings yesterday in relief of starter Jason Hammel, despite a nasty cold that he kept quiet from manager Buck Showalter, who didn't find out until the end of the game. McFarland said he's feeling much better today, though traces of the cold remain in his system. "I didn't want to tell anyone," he said. "It's just one of those things where you have a sore throat, kind of stuffy and I just battled through it. I really didn't tell...

More on the rotation

More on the rotation
Left-hander Zach Britton will start Tuesday night against the Rangers, and Wei-Yin Chen confirmed that he's coming off the disabled list to start Wednesday night. Miguel Gonzalez will close out the series Thursday night. Britton has allowed seven earned runs in 23 innings over four starts since being recalled. "I feel good," he said. "I had a good bullpen side, and I think staying on five days kind of keeps you on rhythm a little bit, which is nice. Obviously, we know Chen's coming...

Lineups for Rangers-Orioles opener

Lineups for Rangers-Orioles opener
Right-hander Scott Feldman takes the mound for the Orioles tonight in the opener of a four-game series against his old team, the Texas Rangers. Left-hander Derek Holland will oppose him. Brian Roberts is back in the lineup as the Orioles designated hitter tonight. His travels around the batting order take him to the eight-hole. He's previously batted fifth, sixth and ninth since returning from the disabled list. Alexi Casilla is hitting ninth at second base. For the Rangers Ian Kinsler...

Gamboa moving up to Norfolk

Gamboa moving up to Norfolk
Eddie Gamboa, the knuckleball pitcher who recently threw a seven-inning no-hitter at Double-A Bowie, will make his next start for Triple-A Norfolk. Gamboa is scheduled to make his 2013 Tides debut Wednesday night at Gwinnett. Hall of Famer Phil Niekro, who's been working with Gamboa on his signature pitch, is expected to be in Gwinnett. Gamboa, 29, is 4-6 with a 3.64 ERA in 16 starts with Bowie. He's allowed 82 hits, walked 31 and struck out 79 in 99 innings. He allowed one hit over 14...

Today's game and leftovers from yesterday

Today's game and leftovers from yesterday
Scott Feldman makes his Orioles home debut tonight and it just happens to come against the Texas Rangers, his team for the first eight seasons of his major league career. Feldman is familiar with Camden Yards, having gone 3-0 with a 2.49 ERA in seven appearances over 21 2/3 innings. In three starts, he's 3-0 with a 2.55 ERA and two quality starts in 17 2/3 innings. Feldman faced the Rangers on May 6 and shut them out on two hits over seven innings. Now he gets them again in...

Postgame comments from Jones, Markakis and Johnson

Postgame comments from Jones, Markakis and Johnson
NEW YORK - Adam Jones delivered his seventh career go-ahead home run today in the ninth inning or later, and his first since Sept. 19, 2012 at Seattle. This one came against Mariano Rivera and gave the Orioles a 2-1 victory over the Yankees. Considering the circumstances, how big was it? "It's off the greatest closer in the history of the game. I'll always remember it," he said. "You've got to win, and we haven't been playing that well. We need to tighten up. We need to clean it up...

Showalter speaks after 2-1 victory

Showalter speaks after 2-1 victory
NEW YORK - Future Hall of Fame closer Mariano Rivera has lost nine times to the Orioles in his illustrious career. No other team has beaten him in more than seven games. Then again, he's faced the Orioles more than any other team, as well. The Orioles avoided a three-game sweep today on Adam Jones' two-run homer off Rivera in the ninth inning, giving them a 2-1 win over the Yankees before 40,218. The Orioles had three hits going into the ninth, all of them against starter Hiroki Kuroda....

Hammel's winless streak continues (Jones homers off Rivera, O's win 2-1)

Hammel's winless streak continues (Jones homers off Rivera, O's win 2-1)
NEW YORK - Orioles starter Jason Hammel gave up one run today. That's the good part. Hammel lasted only five innings, threw 102 pitches and left with the Orioles trailing the Yankees 1-0. Those are the bad parts. Hammel hasn't won since May 27 in Washington. His winless streak has reached seven starts. Rule 5 pick T.J. McFarland replaced Hammel to begin the bottom of the sixth inning. McFarland hasn't pitched since June 28, when he started against the Yankees and allowed three runs and...