Updates on Roberts, Betemit, Pearce and more

Updates on Roberts, Betemit, Pearce and more
Brian Roberts is expected to play nine innings at second base tonight for Triple-A Norfolk, drive to Baltimore Saturday morning and come off the disabled list on Sunday. The Orioles would prefer that he avoid traveling on the day that he's activated and inserted into the lineup. Roberts isn't coming here to sit on the bench. He's going directly into the lineup, most likely batting ninth. Infielder Wilson Betemit resumed baseball-related activities today in Sarasota. He was shut down for a...

Orioles break out interesting lineup vs. Phelps (Sabathia in, Phelps out tonight)

Orioles break out interesting lineup vs. Phelps (Sabathia in, Phelps out tonight)
Rule 5 pick T.J. McFarland makes his first major league start tonight to open a three-game series against the New York Yankees at Camden Yards. McFarland is the 12th starter used by the Orioles this season, matching last year's total. Manager Buck Showalter is breaking out his right-handed lineup, which is interesting, considering that the Yankees are starting right-hander David Phelps. Nick Markakis is leading off. J.J. Hardy is batting third. Nate McLouth has been lowered to eighth....

A closer look at McFarland and tonight's start

A closer look at McFarland and tonight's start
If you had June 28 as the date of T.J. McFarland's first major league start, step up to the window and collect your money. No shoving, please. Manager Buck Showalter dropped a few hints about McFarland this week, but Kevin Gausman still seemed to be the choice. At least, that's how most of the beat crew read it. Showalter did pause when asked about Gausman's candidacy. More than once. And he brought up all the left-handers in the Yankees lineup. The Yankees are batting .233 vs. lefties...

McFarland named starter for Friday (with quotes)

McFarland named starter for Friday (with quotes)
Orioles manager Buck Showalter threw the best curveball of the night, telling reporters that Rule 5 pick T.J. McFarland will start Friday night's series opener against the Yankees at Camden Yards. McFarland was chosen over Kevin Gausman, who will be available in relief. McFarland will be making his first major league start. He hasn't worked more than 4 1/3 innings in any relief appearance. McFarland is 1-0 with a 4.14 ERA in 18 games. Also, Showalter said second baseman Brian Roberts most...

And they're back (O's win 7-3)

And they're back (O's win 7-3)
Play resumed at 10:45 p.m., just as the Orioles told us. On the money. The delay lasted 1 hour, 18 minutes. I swear it only felt like 1:17. Former Oriole Matt Albers, who was introduced before the delay, retired Nick Markakis on a grounder to shortstop to get us started again.. Troy Patton is warming in the Orioles' bullpen and will work the top of the eighth. The Orioles still hold a 7-3 lead. Down on the farm, Jake Arrieta tossed five hitless innings for Triple-A Norfolk before allowing...

Machado streak ends with ejection (game will resume at 10:45 p.m.)

Machado streak ends with ejection (game will resume at 10:45 p.m.)
Third baseman Manny Machado had played every inning since the Orioles selected his contract from Double-A Bowie on Aug. 9, 2012. The streak ended tonight in the bottom of the fifth when rookie plate umpire Will Little ejected Machado after a strikeout. Machado must have argued, briefly, that it was a foul tip. MASN cameras showed him smiling and saying, "Wow." Perhaps he said something else, because Little tossed him. Manager Buck Showalter raced out of the dugout for yet another argument....

Orioles surrender another home run (O's down 3-2)

Orioles surrender another home run (O's down 3-2)
You can add Indians third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall to the list of players who have sent baseballs bouncing on Eutaw St. Chisenhall crushed a 92 mph fastball from Orioles starter Miguel Gonzalez in the second inning to give Cleveland a 1-0 lead. Estimated distance: 430 feet. This is the 70th home run to land on Eutaw St. and the 42nd by an opponent. It's the fourth this year and the fifth ever by an Indians player. The most recent was by Asdrubal Cabrera on June 29, 2012. Chisenhall had...

More from Showalter before tonight's game

More from Showalter before tonight's game
Orioles manager Buck Showalter will announce his starter for Friday night at the conclusion of tonight's game against the Indians. Showalter made the decision earlier this week, but he hasn't confirmed it with reporters. Kevin Gausman is expected to take the ball against the Yankees. Showalter just wanted to make sure that the rookie wasn't needed in relief. "We'll see how we get through tonight, but we're all set," Showalter said. "Everything's in place to cover our bullpen like...

Roberts likely to rejoin Orioles this weekend

Roberts likely to rejoin Orioles this weekend
Second baseman Brian Roberts is continuing his rehab assignment with two games today at Triple-A Norfolk, including the resumption of a suspended game from last night. He most likely will come off the disabled list and rejoin the Orioles for this weekend's series against the New York Yankees at Camden Yards. Roberts went 2-for-4 with a double and two runs scored Tuesday night, and he walked twice on 18 pitches last night before rain forced the Tides' game against Columbus to be...

Garcia signs minor league deal with Orioles, tonight's lineup (plus Indians lineup)

Garcia signs minor league deal with Orioles, tonight's lineup (plus Indians lineup)
Veteran right-hander Freddy Garcia opted out of his contract with the Orioles and agreed to a minor league deal that will keep him in the organization. He will report to Triple-A Norfolk. Garcia was optioned to make room for Kevin Gausman on the 25-man roster, and was given 72 hours to accept it. He chose free agency, but agreed to a newly structured deal. Garcia no longer is on the 40-man roster, which creates a spot for second baseman Brian Roberts if the Orioles activate him from the...

Urrutia moving up to Norfolk (Ryan Ripken transferring)

Urrutia moving up to Norfolk (Ryan Ripken transferring)
Cuban outfielder Henry Urrutia, who didn't make it out of Haiti until February and got a late start on his professional career, has been promoted to Triple-A Norfolk. Urrutia tweeted the news this morning, and a team official confirmed it. Urrutia batted .365/.433/.550 with 16 doubles, seven homers and 37 RBIs in 52 games with Double-A Bowie. The Orioles had been discussing his move to the International League and it finally happened today. The Orioles will have to make room for Urrutia at...

A few images from last night's loss

A few images from last night's loss
Buck Showalter's face turned red again last night. It's become his primary color. The orange and black are secondary. Showalter has done more arguing over these past few weeks than I can remember during his entire tenure as Orioles manager. It's a nightly scene. Calls on the bases. A decision regarding warmup tosses. And he absolutely fumes over the nightly strike zones, which change like traffic signals. Many of these umpires have to go. Will the commissioner's office green light...

Showalter speaks after 4-3 loss

Showalter speaks after 4-3 loss
Orioles manager Buck Showalter had Tommmy Hunter warming in the bullpen tonight after closer Jim Johnson faced two batters. Troy Patton ended up replacing Johnson, but not until the Indians loaded the bases with no outs, tied the game on a fielder's choice grounder and took the lead on another force play. "I wasn't going to extend Jimmy any more than I had to," Showalter said after a 4-3 loss. "Same reason why Troy came in." Johnson, standing at his locker after his fifth blown save,...

Orioles being no-hit through six innings (O's lose 4-3)

Orioles being no-hit through six innings (O's lose 4-3)
Maybe it should have kept raining. Indians starter Scott Kazmir hasn't allowed a hit in six innings. The only baserunner came on a four-pitch walk to Matt Wieters in the fifth after Kazmir retired the first 13 Orioles. First base umpire Will Little is probably rehearsing his quotes for the pool reporter. If Kazmir completes the no-hitter, immediate attention will fall upon Little, who blew a call in the fourth inning. Manny Machado dove into the bag and was clearly safe. His hand touched...

Duquette on Bundy's surgery (game update)

Duquette on Bundy's surgery (game update)
Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette met with reporters in the back of the press box to discuss pitcher Dylan Bundy's pending elbow surgery. Bundy will undergo ligament-reconstructive surgery Thursday morning in Gulf Breeze, Fla. The Orioles are hopeful that he will be cleared to pitch next summer. "The thinking was that Dylan is 20 years old, he's very young and it's early in his career, and after giving it two times of rest and significant rest, and the elbow not responding...

Rain delay update and more notes

Rain delay update and more notes
Rain continues to fall at Camden Yards and the tarp remains on the field. However, we've been told that tonight's game will start at approximately 8:05 p.m. Sounds like a one-hour rain delay to me. Also, executive vice president Dan Duquette will meet with reporters in the back of the press box at 7:55 p.m. to discuss Dylan Bundy's pending elbow surgery. Jim Johnson's next save will be the 100th of his career. His 99 career saves are fourth-most in Orioles history, trailing Gregg Olson...

Notes and quotes before tonight's game (Chen update)

Notes and quotes before tonight's game (Chen update)
Left-hander Wei-Yin Chen threw in the bullpen today without any physical issues, and he remains scheduled to begin an injury-rehab assignment on Saturday. Double-A Bowie is his likely destination, according to manager Buck Showalter, but it hasn't been made official. Chen's assignment may last only one start before the Orioles activate him from the disabled list. Showalter said he wouldn't anticipate second baseman Brian Roberts and outfielder Nolan Reimold both coming off the disabled...

Bundy to undergo Tommy John surgery, Orioles and Indians lineups

Bundy to undergo Tommy John surgery, Orioles and Indians lineups
After consulting today with orthopedic specialist Dr. James Andrew in Gulf Breeze, Fla., Orioles pitcher Dylan Bundy will undergo ligament-reconstructive surgery on his right elbow Thursday morning, according to an industry source. Bundy was examined yesterday by team orthopedist Dr. John Wilckens before returning to Florida for a follow-up opinion. An MRI taken on Bundy's right elbow back in April came back clean, but he's now been diagnosed with a small tear. Baseball America rated Bundy...

Tough times for the Bundy brothers (with Navarro note)

Tough times for the Bundy brothers (with Navarro note)
Pitcher Dylan Bundy has a scheduled appointment today with renowned orthopedist Dr. James Andrews in Gulf Breeze, Fla. The Orioles may have an update later this afternoon. Bundy is seeking a follow-up opinion after yesterday's examination by team orthopedist Dr. John Wilckens. Bundy felt more discomfort in his right forearm, near his elbow, while throwing from 120 feet Monday morning in Sarasota. Wasting no time, he flew into Baltimore for yesterday's exam and immediately headed back down...

The morning rambler

The morning rambler
Since July 29, 2012, the Orioles have posted the best winning percentage in baseball at .604, making them the only team above .600. They're tied with Oakland for the most wins with 83. And yet, there's just no pleasing some fans. Seriously though ... Jim Johnson picked up his 27th save last night despite allowing a hit and walking two batters in the ninth. He's totaled 78 saves since the start of the 2012 season, 14 more than runner-up Fernando Rodney's 64. Johnson is making $6.5...