Showalter speaks after 3-3 tie

Showalter speaks after 3-3 tie
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. - The Rays rallied in the bottom of the 10th against Steve Johnson, getting singles from Hak-Ju Lee and Chris Gimenez to put runners on first and second with one out. But Johnson struck out the next two batters, including Stephen Vogt to end the game. Vogt's at-bat lasted eight pitches, which were clocked at 67, 90, 88, 76, 68, 91, 90 and 77 mph. Jake Arrieta was outstanding, as you've read in previous entries today. "Jake threw the ball well," manager Buck...

Reimold's CT scan negative

Reimold's CT scan negative
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. - The best news to come out of today's 3-3 tie reached us after the final out, when manager Buck Showalter informed reporters that Nolan Reimold's CT scan didn't reveal any broken bones in his face. Reimold is bruised and he has a loose tooth. That's apparently the extent of the damage from an Alex Cobb fastball that nailed him on the left side of his face. "The lowlight was Nolan getting hit and the highlight was finding out that he didn't have a break, and I...

Arrieta: "I've really never felt this good" (updated twice)

Arrieta: "I've really never felt this good" (updated twice)
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. - Seven months after having a bone spur removed from his right elbow, Jake Arrieta says he's never felt better. The results today backed up that claim. Arrieta didn't allow a ball out of the infield in two innings and topped out at 97 mph multiple times. He walked one batter, struck out one and threw 17 of his 24 pitches for strikes. "I'm very happy," he said. "That's really the best I've felt, not only this year in spring training, but I think in my professional...

Reimold hit in face by pitch (Arrieta and Reimold updates)

Reimold hit in face by pitch (Arrieta and Reimold updates)
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. - Orioles left fielder Nolan Reimold was hit on the left side of his face by a pitch from Rays starter Alex Cobb in the top of the first inning. Reimold grabbed his head and fell to the ground. He laid on his stomach as head athletic trainer Richie Bancells and manager Buck Showalter rushed on the field. Reimold stayed down for several minutes before finally sitting up. He stood up under his own power and didn't appear to be bleeding, and he rode on the back of a cart to...

More notes from pregame session with Showalter

More notes from pregame session with Showalter
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. - Travis Adair, the son of Orioles pitching coach Rick Adair, has been hit in the head three times this spring. Fortunately, he seems to be fine, but he must be questioning his luck. The latest incident took place last night on a pickoff throw at first base. Adair dived back into the bag and ... bam. Adair was hit by a line drive in batting practice before Monday's exhibition-opener against the Rays. He also was nailed by a throw at second base on a stolen base during an...

Lindstrom scratched, Berken hurting and other notes

Lindstrom scratched, Berken hurting and other notes
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. - Reliever Matt Lindstrom was scratched from Saturday's game against the Phillies in Clearwater because of lower-back discomfort. Manager Buck Showalter said four or five players are dealing with the same health issue, including third baseman Mark Reynolds and catcher Taylor Teagarden. They've being pushed back a day. Teagarden was supposed to catch today, but John Hester gets the start. Showalter is hoping it's just the usual camp soreness. (Showalter was including...

Nick Johnson in the field today

Nick Johnson in the field today
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. - I arrived at the Tampa Bay Rays' spring complex ahead of the Orioles' bus this morning. It's one of our shortest drives. I made it from Sarasota in under an hour. The Rays are on the field for batting practice. Though I'm sitting in the third-level press box, I'm pretty sure I spotted former Oriole Luke Scott playing catch in the outfield. The rifle and deer carcass gave him away. Seriously though ... Nick Johnson will make his first start at first base today...

Orioles lineup vs. Tampa Bay

Orioles lineup vs. Tampa Bay
SARASOTA, Fla. - Nick Johnson will play his first game at first base today, as the Orioles travel to Port Charlotte to face the Tampa Bay Rays for the second time this spring. We'll also see Jake Arrieta for the first time. For the Orioles: Endy Chavez RF Robert Andino 2B Nick Johnson 1B Chris Davis DH Nolan Reimold LF Ryan Flaherty SS Josh Bell 3B Xavier Avery CF John Hester C Jake Arrieta RHP

Showalter speaks after 2-1 victory

Showalter speaks after 2-1 victory
SARASOTA, Fla. - Left-hander Troy Patton was handed the ball in the ninth inning today, and he picked up the save by retiring the side in order and striking out one in the Orioles' 2-1 victory over the Atlanta Braves. Manager Buck Showalter touched on the following topics: On Jason Hammel: "He was good. He's facing a team that obviously knows him and has seen a lot of him. He's working on getting his times to the plate faster. We've challenged our pitchers with Matt (Wieters) and...

Talking to Hammel and Markakis (updated twice)

Talking to Hammel and Markakis (updated twice)
SARASOTA, Fla. - Orioles pitcher Jason Hammel says he was more amped up for Friday's intrasquad start than today's Grapefruit League outing against the Atlanta Braves. Hammel retired the side in order in his only inning on Friday. Today, he allowed two hits and a walk in two scoreless innings. "Honestly, for the first time out, considering all things, the results were good," he said. "The fastball was a little erratic today. That was my goal, to work on fastball command. The first inning...

Hammel goes two scoreless innings

Hammel goes two scoreless innings
SARASOTA, Fla. - Jason Hammel provided quite a contrast to yesterday's starter, Wei-Yin Chen, and not only for the obvious reasons. Chen was a strike-thrower yesterday. Hammel had trouble finding the plate this afternoon. However, Hammel also gave the Orioles two scoreless innings, allowing two hits and walking a batter. Hammel walked Braves leadoff hitter Luis Durango on four pitches and fell behind, 2-0, to Martin Prado. But Matt Wieters threw out Durango trying to steal second, and...

Duquette on Damon, Ohlman update

Duquette on Damon, Ohlman update
SARASOTA, Fla. - Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette may have delivered the final blow to the ongoing rumors that the club might sign free agent Johnny Damon. The following exchange took place this morning as Duquette walked past a small group of reporters outside the clubhouse. Reporter: "Are you going to sign Johnny Damon?" Duquette (laughing): "I don't think so. I already signed Johnny Damon when he was 28." Meanwhile, catcher Michael Ohlman will be examined Friday by team...

Markakis set to make spring debut on March 14

Markakis set to make spring debut on March 14
SARASOTA, Fla. - Now that Nick Markakis is running sprints, the Orioles are able to map out his schedule in an attempt to get him ready for opening day on April 6. Markakis is scheduled to serve as the designated hitter on March 14, his first game action since undergoing surgery in January to repair a torn abdominal muscle. Markakis has been taking batting practice, gradually increasing the intensity of his swings, and shagging fly balls in the outfield. The sprints yesterday gave manager...

Orioles lineup vs. Braves

Orioles lineup vs. Braves
SARASOTA, Fla. - Jason Hammel makes his first spring start today. For the Orioles: Nolan Reimold LF J.J Hardy SS Adam Jones CF Matt Wieters C Mark Reynolds 3B Wilson Betemit 1B Jai Miller RF Ryan Adams DH Robert Andino 2B Jason Hammel RHP Manager Buck Showalter told reporters that he wanted to see more of Miller, who had a three-run double yesterday, and the former Oakland Athletics outfielder is starting in right today. Also, Showalter indicated that Nick Johnson would play first...

Showalter speaks after 6-0 victory

Showalter speaks after 6-0 victory
SARASOTA, Fla. - Manager Buck Showalter told reporters that Nick Markakis ran sprints today for the first time and continues to feel good. He's making a nice recovery from the abdominal surgery and continues to believe that he'll be ready by opening day. As Showalter loves to say, "So far, so good." "That's a good sign," he said. Nick Johnson will play first base tomorrow. Showalter noted that Wei-Yin Chen had "a little bit better command" today. "It's part of the progression...

Chen finds comfort and strike zones (updated twice)

Chen finds comfort and strike zones (updated twice)
SARASOTA, Fla. - Wei-Yin Chen seemed more relaxed today in his exhibition debut against the Minnesota Twins. It didn't matter that a crowd was watching. Pitching in front of empty seats for the intrasquad game didn't do much to soothe his nerves. "Last time, I didn't feel comfortable on the mound, but today I adjusted a lot and I felt more confident to throw the ball to Matt (Wieters)," Chen said through his interpreter after blanking the Twins on one hit and striking out three in two...

Chen much more impressive in exhibition debut

Chen much more impressive in exhibition debut
SARASOTA, Fla. - The last time we saw Wei-Yin Chen, he was throwing 31 pitches in two-thirds of an inning in an intrasquad game. He allowed one run and two hits, walked one and struck out one. Fast-forward to today's exhibition game against the Minnesota Twins. Chen was much more effective, allowing one hit in two scoreless innings and striking out the side in the second. Chen's fastball topped out at 91 mph, but he fanned Brian Dinkelman and Sean Burroughs with 89 mph heaters. The only...

Wada and Eyre complete their bullpen sessions

Wada and Eyre complete their bullpen sessions
SARASOTA, Fla. - The injury news is good concerning pitchers Tsuyoshi Wada and Willie Eyre. Wade (elbow) and Eyre (groin) looked good during their bullpen sessions this morning. "Obviously, Willie Eyre is healthy, and Wada was outstanding," said pitching coach Rick Adair. "The ball's coming out of his hand much better. I think we're always concerned to a certain degree until you know and they get in game speed, but it was good today. Encouraging." Wada mixed in his changeup and slider...

Ohlman escapes serious harm in vehicle accident

Ohlman escapes serious harm in vehicle accident
SARASOTA, Fla. - Minor league catcher Michael Ohlman was involved in an accident yesterday while leaving the Ed Smith Stadium complex. Manager Buck Showalter told reporters that Ohlman appeared to be fine, but doctors were checking the catcher's right shoulder. "He's got some discomfort there," Showalter said. "We're just happy that it isn't anything life threatening." Ohlman, who played in 105 games with Single-A Delmarva last summer, was brought to camp because of a shortage of...

Roberts remains the same

Roberts remains the same
SARASOTA, Fla. - Second baseman Brian Roberts said he's having more good days than bad days, but he still can't provide a timetable for his exhibition debut this spring. Nothing much has changed with Roberts. He's still taking ground balls and running sprints and taking batting practice from coaches. "It's a pretty systematic approach," he said. "I don't just go and do whatever I want every day. My doctor lays out a plan each day and we kind of go by that." Asked if he sees himself...