Bergesen in NY as expected

Bergesen in NY as expected
Pitcher Brad Bergesen joined the Orioles in New York, another sign that he's starting Wednesday night's game at Yankee Stadium. However, nothing has come easily to Bergesen, so he'll naturally be at the mercy of the weather. It isn't raining in New York as I type this entry, but the forecast is ominous. We'll find out later how a postponement tonight would affect the rotation for the rest of the series. It isn't any better in Baltimore. Too bad the Orioles couldn't escape the...

This and that

This and that
Single-A Delmarva shortstop Manny Machado went 3-for-4 with a double, walk and run scored last night, leaving his average at .467 with two doubles, a triple, three RBIs and seven walks in five games. . This just in: The kid is good. He should be in the Carolina League no later than the midway point of the season. The Orioles will play the 10th game of their season tonight in New York. Do the first 10 really mean anything? You decide. Since baseball switched to a three-division alignment...

Reimold homers again, Machado on roll (Patton injured)

Reimold homers again, Machado on roll (Patton injured)
Nolan Reimold homered in the fourth inning tonight in Triple-A Norfolk's game against the Gwinnett Braves. His solo shot increased the Tides' lead to 2-0. Reimold is batting .286 with two homers and two RBIs in five games. He batted .315 with three doubles, three homers, 10 RBIs and a .985 OPS in 24 spring training games. Josh Bell is 2-for-2 with a double and run scored tonight, raising his average to .333. Troy Patton shut out the Braves on one hit over three innings. He struck out...

Bergesen in Baltimore, good news on Hardy (updated twice)

Bergesen in Baltimore, good news on Hardy (updated twice)
Brad Bergesen hasn't reported to Triple-A Norfolk and won't make tonight's scheduled start in Gwinnett. He's still in Baltimore, waiting to find out whether he'll be recalled to start Wednesday night in New York. A team official said a final decision hasn't been made, but it's fair to speculate that Bergesen will get the assignment. The Orioles can recall Bergesen in fewer than 10 days because he'll be replacing shortstop J.J. Hardy, who will go on the disabled list. An MRI today...

Ripken reflects

Ripken reflects
The Orioles aren't playing tonight, so they'll need to wait a little longer to end the first losing streak of 2011. I'm still impressed that Jeremy Guthrie gave the Orioles six quality innings yesterday, less than a week after being hospitalized with pneumonia. That was one of the guttier performances we'll witness on this club in any season. If I had a vote, I'd want the Orioles to recall Brad Bergesen to make Wednesday's start in New York. I think he gives you a better chance to...

Postgame Showalter

Postgame Showalter
Manager Buck Showalter summed up a 3-0 loss to the Rangers that included Ian Kinsler's two-run shot off Jim Johnson in the seventh inning and left the Orioles 3-3 on their first homestand of 2011. "Home runs hurt us today," Showalter said. "Obviously, we gave in a little bit there on Kinsler. I like our chances there 1-0. But we had the tying run at the plate more than once and some good people there who over the course of the season will deliver." Buck Showalter meets with the media to...

Two-thirds of the rotation for New York

Two-thirds of the rotation for New York
Manager Buck Showalter confirmed that Chris Tillman is the likely starter for Tuesday night's series opener against the Yankees. Jake Arrieta will start Thursday over left-hander Zach Britton, who will take the ball Friday in Cleveland. Showalter wants to give Britton an extra day to rest after his extended Game 1 start yesterday. The Orioles are still listing Wednesday's starter as TBA. Chris Jakubauskas is one possibility if they stay in-house, but they also could call up a pitcher while...

Texas hold 'em (updated)

Texas hold 'em (updated)
The Orioles almost scored the tying run in the fifth inning. Then they didn't. Then they almost did again. They they didn't. John Russell held up his arms to hold Nick Markakis at third base on Derrek Lee's two-out double into the left-field corner. Markakis, his head down, initially ran through the stop sign, then slammed on the brakes and started back toward third. The relay throw skipped past Rangers catcher Yorvit Torrealba, causing Markakis to take a few strides toward home again. He...

Guthrie through three (updated)

Guthrie through three (updated)
Jeremy Guthrie has allowed one hit and walked a batter in three innings in his first start since April 1. His fastball is clocked at 91-92 mph. Adrian Beltre reached on Mark Reynolds' throwing error leading off the second. Ian Kinsler lined a single to center with two outs in the third and Michael Young walked on four pitches. Josh Hamilton followed with a long drive to right, but Nick Markakis made a nice grab against the fence to end the rally. Markakis didn't budge for a few seconds...

Talking to Showalter

Talking to Showalter
Manager Buck Showalter took a seat in the interview room this morning, saw the recorders lined up in front of him and said, "I don't think anything's changed since three hours ago." Showalter advised us last night to "sleep fast." It's been a quick turnaround since Game 2. Here are some topics that Showalter covered while the Orioles and Rangers took batting practice: On waiting until tomorrow or early Tuesday to make a roster move: "We'll see how we get through today's games and...

A few pregame notes

A few pregame notes
Brad Bergesen could be recalled to start one of the games in New York while shortstop J.J. Hardy goes on the disabled list. Bergesen wouldn't have to stay in the minors for the minimum 10 days if he's replacing an injured player. Chris Tillman will start Tuesday or Wednesday in New York. Bergesen could take the other turn. We definitely know that Jeremy Guthrie is starting today. The rest will be sorted out later. Manager Buck Showalter must decide between Zach Britton or Jake Arrieta for...

Today's lineup includes Fox in LF (with Rangers lineup)

Today's lineup includes Fox in LF (with Rangers lineup)
Jake Fox is getting another start today, but it's in left field against Rangers left-hander Derek Holland. For the Orioles: Brian Roberts 2B Nick Markakis RF Derrek Lee 1B Vladimir Guerrero DH Mark Reynolds 3B Adam Jones CF Jake Fox LF Matt Wieters C Robert Andino SS Jeremy Guthrie RHP Here's the Rangers lineup: Ian Kinsler 2B Michael Young DH Josh Hamilton LF Adrian Beltre 3B Nelson Cruz RF Mitch Moreland 1B Yorvit Torrealba C Andres Blanco SS Julio Borbon CF Derek Holland LHP

No roster move today

No roster move today
Unless something changes abruptly, the Orioles won't make a roster move today. They're inclined to wait until tomorrow's off-day to place shortstop J.J. Hardy on the disabled list. Hardy is scheduled to undergo an MRI tomorrow after being diagnosed last night with a strained left oblique, an injury that routinely leads a player to the DL. The Orioles must decide on a corresponding roster move. It could involve a pitcher or backup catcher Craig Tatum. One reason why the Orioles don't...

Showalter quotes after Game 2 loss

Showalter quotes after Game 2 loss
Manager Buck Showalter started with the good - Game 1 starter Zach Britton. Make that the very good. "He was very good. That goes without saying," Showalter said. "I think he had five hitters on to lead off innings. Something like that. That's the beauty of the ground ball. We actually had a chance to turn another one behind him. He had good stuff. I thought his secondary stuff was good, too. Keep them off the velocity a little bit. (Matt) Wieters did a great job with him. They were...

Hardy likely headed to DL

Hardy likely headed to DL
Orioles manager Buck Showalter anticipates shortstop J.J. Hardy being placed on the disabled list with a strained left oblique. Hardy was clearly upset that the injury forced him out of tonight's game after two innings and likely will interrupt his first season with the Orioles. The pain appears to be coming more toward Hardy's back than his ribcage area. He's never suffered this type of injury in the past. J.J. Hardy talks about the pain he felt in his oblique muscle after his first at...

Another Britton fun-fact

Another Britton fun-fact
According to Elias, the last Orioles starting pitcher to allow one run or fewer in his first two major league appearances and go at least 13 2/3 innings was - drum roll, please - Tom Phoebus in September 1966. Phoebus allowed no runs over 18 innings. Zach Britton has surrendered only one run in 13 2/3. Again, I find myself drifting back to Game 1. I'd settle for 1966. Or any September. Just get me out of here.

Jakubauskas warms up again (and enters game)

Jakubauskas warms up again (and enters game)
It's looking less likely that Chris Jakubauskas will make tomorrow's start against the Rangers. He's warmed up twice tonight, which seems to signal that Jeremy Guthrie will take the ball tomorrow. About five hours ago, Guthrie tweeted the following: "Seen some varying 'reports' on when I am pitching next. For the record I have been told by the skip it is still undecided. Stay tuned." Manager Buck Showalter dropped some strong hints to reporters that Jakubauskas would start tomorrow...

Game 2 drama and trauma (and attendance)

Game 2 drama and trauma (and attendance)
Jake Arrieta is charged with eight runs and six hits in 3 1/3 innings, with two walks and five strikeouts. He threw 77 pitches, 50 for strikes. Arrieta's ERA jumps to 8.68. J.J. Hardy left the game after two innings with a strained left oblique muscle, an injury that usually leads to a stay on the disabled list. So much for that feel-good vibe from Game 1. Brian Roberts needed some assistance from assistant athletic trainer Brian Ebel after apparently getting some dirt in his eye, but he...

Hardy leaves game (with 2 updates)

Hardy leaves game (with 2 updates)
J.J. Hardy lasted one at-bat before coming out of Game 2. Hardy has been bothered by tightness in his lower left ribcage area. He appeared to be in pain after swinging at a pitch, and struck out looking to end the second inning. Robert Andino moved from left field to shortstop. Felix Pie took over in left. Hardy could be a candidate for the disabled list, though we might hear "day-to-day" after the game. Perhaps he'll sit out tomorrow's series finale and gain another day of rest on...

Britton talks about outing

Britton talks about outing
Zach Britton didn't get rattled on the mound today, and he kept the same composure in the interview room. Maybe he'll crack a smile later tonight. Britton was all business today, shutting out the Rangers on four hits over 7 2/3 innings. He must have left his nerves back in Clearwater. "I felt pretty good," he said. Is it getting easier? Zach Britton comments on his shutout performance as the Orioles defeat the Rangers, 5-0 "Yeah, definitely," he said. "Getting that first one out...