Showalter talks about Tillman

Showalter talks about Tillman
Manager Buck Showalter began his postgame session with the media by talking about Chris Tillman's poor performance in a 6-3 loss to the White Sox. It wasn't until about halfway through that he mentioned a roster move. Tillman was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk, and Showalter said a reliever would fill the roster spot. He didn't mention anyone by name, but it's Willie Eyre. Tillman allowed six runs and eight hits in 2 2/3 innings. He threw 77 pitches, 47 for strikes. "It's frustrating,"...

Tillman optioned to Norfolk

Tillman optioned to Norfolk
The Orioles optioned starter Chris Tillman to Triple-A Norfolk after tonight's 6-3 loss to the White Sox at Camden Yards. Chris Tillman talks with reporters after picking up the loss and being optioned to Triple-A Norfolk Tillman allowed six runs and eight hits in 2 2/3 innings, raising his ERA to 5.52. It was a disappointing follow-up to his last start, when he held the Blue Jays to two runs over seven innings. The corresponding move for Tillman hasn't been announced, but reliever...

Second to none (Brian's Bash canceled)

Second to none (Brian's Bash canceled)
I'll pass along new reliever Willie Eyre's uniform number as soon as I get it. That will be my first order of business today. With Chris Tillman optioned last night, the Orioles will need a starter for Tuesday's game in Oakland after Tommy Hunter takes the mound for the series-opener on Monday. Brian Matusz would be working on normal rest and he's coming off his finest outing of the year. He would be the obvious replacement unless team officials want him to stay down a little longer....

Bergesen restores order (O's lose 6-3)

Bergesen restores order (O's lose 6-3)
Brad Bergesen replaced ineffective starter Chris Tillman in the third inning and gave the Orioles a fighting chance. Bergesen shut out the White Sox on two hits over 4 1/3 innings, with one walk and no strikeouts. He threw 48 pitches, 33 for strikes. In his previous outing, Bergesen held the Blue Jays to one run and three hits over three innings, with no walks and four strikeouts. Add it up, and he's allowed one run and five hits over his last 7 1/3 innings, with one walk and four...

Markakis hits home run and century mark

Markakis hits home run and century mark
The Orioles are trying to get back into this game. J.J. Hardy singled with two outs in the third inning to score Nolan Reimold, who reached on a ground-rule double, and Nick Markakis followed with his 100th career home run. The ball landed on the flag court in right field. Estimated distance: 368 feet. White Sox 6, Orioles 3 Markakis' last home run came July 24 against the Angels. Left-hander Mark Buehrle retired the first seven batters before Reimold's double. That's two straight hits...

Tillman's terrible first inning (updated)

Tillman's terrible first inning (updated)
In his last start, Chris Tillman held the Blue Jays to two runs and four hits over seven innings in a 6-2 victory at Camden Yards. In tonight's start, the first five White Sox's batters strung together a single, home run, double, double and double. So much for building momentum. Tillman was down 4-0 before recording his first out on his 20th pitch of the inning, getting a ground ball from Alex Rios that was met with a sarcastic ovation from fans. Adam Dunn walked, but Tillman struck out...

Eyre next man up? (updated)

Eyre next man up? (updated)
The Orioles apparently are on the verge of purchasing reliever Willie Eyre's contract from Triple-A Norfolk. Eyre isn't heading to Baltimore at this moment, but I'm anticipating another roster move within the next day or two. Update: The Orioles could announce Eyre's promotion after tonight's game or before tomorrow's series-opener against the Tigers. The club could choose to send down a reliever or a position player. Third baseman Josh Bell, whose playing time is limited again with...

Showalter talks about Matusz

Showalter talks about Matusz
No matter how hard the media tries, manager Buck Showalter is not going to provide a timetable for left-hander Brian Matusz's return to the Orioles. Showalter said it wouldn't be "shocking" if Matusz was recalled before rosters expand on Sept. 1, but he's not looking to heighten expectations and place additional pressure on the young southpaw. "If everybody feels like he's ready to come back, he will," Showalter said. Matusz tossed a five-hit shutout today at Triple-A Norfolk, and...

Guerrero cleaning up again

Guerrero cleaning up again
Vladimir Guerrero has returned to the lineup and will bat fourth. J.J. Hardy returns to the leadoff spot. For the Orioles: J.J. Hardy SS Nick Markakis RF Adam Jones CF Vladimir Guerrero DH Matt Wieters C Mark Reynolds 3B Chris Davis 1B Nolan Reimold LF Robert Andino 2B Chris Tillman RHP

Quick Matusz update (last update)

Quick Matusz update (last update)
Left-hander Brian Matusz appeared to take another big step forward in his eventual return to the Orioles' rotation. I say "appeared" because I don't have a scouting report from today's start against Lehigh Valley. But Matusz has blanked the Iron Pigs - yes, I just wrote that - on five hits over seven innings, with one walk, eight strikeouts and two hit batters. Matusz has thrown 95 pitches, 64 for strikes. He's induced seven ground balls and three fly balls. Matusz is locked in a duel...

Reimold talks about his walk-off

Reimold talks about his walk-off
Nolan Reimold hadn't homered since July 26 before tonight's big swing off White Sox reliever Jason Frasor. Reimold was hitless in four at-bats tonight before stepping to the plate in the bottom of the 10th inning. He ended up with a pretty sweet 1-for-5. "I was just trying to be relaxed," he said. "I was 0-for-4 at that point. Just relax and not be tense. I got a pitch to hit, my first pitch, so I didn't take it. I jumped on it and was happy to come through." After getting pied in the...

Showalter speaks after 6-4 win

Showalter speaks after 6-4 win
Nolan Reimold ended tonight's game with one out in the 10th inning by launching a ball 430 feet into the visiting bullpen. "Good for Nolan," manager Buck Showalter said after the Orioles' 6-4 win. "Put a good swing on it. You could tell he had little approach there, what he was looking for, and he didn't miss it. "I think he just missed a ball earlier, too. Nolan's a strong guy with a lot of skills. Not very often do the waters part and there's just an open-end ticket. He's got...

Talking about Arrieta, the lineup and Berken

Talking about Arrieta, the lineup and Berken
The first 10,000 fans 15 and older who attend tonight's game will receive a Jake Arrieta T-shirt. Yes, I know, a Brian Matusz bobblehead and a Jake Arrieta T-shirt. I can't wait for Jake Fox Photo Night. Before you ask, the Arrieta bobblehead doesn't come with a little bone spur or a sling or a tiny Dr. Yocum. I've heard 'em all. Well, feel free to add your own, but I've probably heard it. Arrieta underwent a CT scan and MRI on his right elbow yesterday - taking the advice of agent...

Jones answers Hardy (Reimold walk-off HR)

Jones answers Hardy (Reimold walk-off HR)
Shortstop J.J. Hardy hit his 21st home run in the first inning to break a tie with Adam Jones for second place on the team behind Mark Reynolds (26). Jones homered in the fifth to create another tie. Talk about a short-lived lead. At least the Orioles have held one since the first inning. Jones' homer, measured at 405 feet, increased the Orioles' lead to 4-0 and gave him a career-high 71 RBIs. Tommy Hunter retired nine in a row before Alex Rios led off the fifth with a double. He set...

Another hearty helping of Hardy homers (updated)

Another hearty helping of Hardy homers (updated)
J.J. Hardy is batting second tonight. He's mostly been leading off. He'd move down to ninth if manager Buck Showalter preferred it. Hardy doesn't care where he hits. The results are pretty much the same anyway. Hardy homered again tonight, connecting off White Sox starter Philip Humber with one out and the count full in the first inning. The ball traveled an estimated distance of 382 feet and gave the Orioles a quick 1-0 lead. Hardy has 21 home runs in 84 games. Remember that he missed...

Bell awaiting results of MRI

Bell awaiting results of MRI
Third baseman Josh Bell underwent an MRI today that he hopes will explain the source of the pain in his left side that's been bothering him for about three months. Bell said he's been dealing with a sore muscle that's located in the "oblique area." The discomfort intensifies when he's immobile and has been interrupting his sleep. "It feels like somebody is sitting on top of me," he said. "It's fine once I've been moving around, but whenever I wake up, I pretty much have to get...

Updating Guerrero, Arrieta, Britton and more

Updating Guerrero, Arrieta, Britton and more
Manager Buck Showalter told reporters today that he's letting Vladimir Guerrero "freshen up" and expects the veteran to be in the lineup tomorrow night. Guerrero is 1-for-18 on this homestand and has two home runs since July 6. Asked whether Guerrero would be the cleanup hitter tomorrow night, Showalter replied, "More than likely." But he didn't make any promises. Guerrero is 13-for-36 (.361) lifetime against White Sox left-hander Mark Buehrle, who starts tomorrow. He has two doubles,...

New leadoff and cleanup hitters tonight

New leadoff and cleanup hitters tonight
Felix Pie is batting first tonight as part of a revamped lineup. J.J. Hardy drops down to second. Adam Jones is batting cleanup, and Vladimir Guerrero is taking a seat on the bench. For the Orioles: Felix Pie LF J.J. Hardy SS Nick Markakis RF Adam Jones CF Matt Wieters C Mark Reynolds 3B Chris Davis 1B Nolan Reimold DH Robert Andino 2B Tommy Hunter RHP
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More clubhouse chatter

More clubhouse chatter
Nick Markakis was in the middle of two crucial moments in tonight's game. If you've been following along, you know that he broke back toward second base on Vladimir Guerrero's one-out single into center field in the fourth inning. He also was incorrectly called out attempting to steal third base in the fifth inning. He'll first address his reaction to Guerrero's single: "That's a line drive right at you and your first natural reaction is to freeze, but I've got to do a better job of...

Showalter returns for postgame media session

Showalter returns for postgame media session
Manager Buck Showalter was ejected by third base umpire Phil Cuzzi in the fifth inning tonight, but he still handled the postgame session with the media. He didn't shower, dress and leave the ballpark. Cuzzi missed the call on Nick Markakis, who clearly beat Brent Morel's tag. "It's one of those things. It's unfortunate," Showalter said. "You can usually go back to three or four things that would have made it not matter, but it's tough. Obviously, he's safe, but it's tough. Things...