Triple-A rotation needs to turn around a rough start

Triple-A rotation needs to turn around a rough start
The Orioles and Rays didn't let the weather stop them last night. Cold and rainy conditions are just part of the gig. The affiliates didn't have it so good - if we've lowered our standards to the point where last night's weather is acceptable. Triple-A Norfolk, Single-A Frederick and Single-A Delmarva were rained out. Double-A Bowie was in Richmond and gave up two runs in the ninth, stranded 14 runners and lost 2-1. Norfolk left-hander Chris Lee is starting today against Buffalo. He's 0-1...

That escalated quickly: Ugly losses follow Orioles' 4-0 start

That escalated quickly: Ugly losses follow Orioles' 4-0 start
Well, the Orioles will wake up this morning tied for first place in the American League East. So there is some good news. But entering the sixth inning at home on Sunday, the Orioles led the Yankees 3-0 and seemed headed for a 5-0 start. What has followed that is a 13-inning stretch where the Orioles have been outscored 15-1. That has led to back-to-back losses after the 4-0 start. So some things could be better. In the last two games, we've seen Darren O'Day walk three batters in an inning...

Oliver Drake gets final roster spot, plus more after O's-Tides tie

Oliver Drake gets final roster spot, plus more after O's-Tides tie
NORFOLK, Va. - The one remaining roster spot that was an Orioles mystery no longer is. Right-hander Oliver Drake will be the eighth member of the Orioles bullpen on opening day. Manager Buck Showalter announced that after today's 3-3 tie at Harbor Park with the Triple-A Norfolk Tides, concluding the exhibition season. Showalter also provided more clarity on right-hander Chris Tillman's upcoming schedule. It is one that could allow him to pitch for the Orioles as soon as May 2. Showalter told...

Orioles make two cuts, Machado talks about WBC experience

Orioles make two cuts, Machado talks about WBC experience
SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles have reduced their camp roster to 42 players, including nine non-roster invitees, by optioning left-hander Richard Bleier to Triple-A Norfolk and reassigning right-hander Zach Stewart to minor league camp. Bleier, acquired from the Yankees last month, allowed three runs and 10 hits in seven innings. Stewart allowed six runs and 10 hits in 10 2/3 innings. He also tossed 1 1/3 scoreless innings against the Dominican Republic. Stewart's runs came in his last two...

Wrapping up a 6-5 loss

Wrapping up a 6-5 loss
BRADENTON, Fla. - Orioles manager Buck Showalter confirmed that Chris Tillman received a cortisone injection today in his right shoulder. Tillman will be shut down for the next few days. "We're in good shape there," Showalter said after a 6-5 loss to the Pirates. "I know they're encouraged where he is and how he's feeling right now. So we'll see in a couple days how he feels if he can get back on the bump." Pedro Álvarez went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts as the designated hitter....

Game update and Gausman on his start (Orioles walk off 5-4)

Game update and Gausman on his start (Orioles walk off 5-4)
ORIOLES QUICK WRAP Score: Orioles 5, Dominican Republic 4 Recap: Kevin Gausman retired nine of 10 batters over three innings, walking José Bautista to lead off the second. ... Manny Machado grounded to third against Gausman and went 0-for-2 with a walk before coming out for a pinch-runner. ... Brad Brach walked four batters in the sixth inning and was charged with a second run on Zach Stewart's wild pitch. ... Logan Verrett tossed two scoreless innings. ... Sean Coyle scored go-ahead run...

Wrapping up a 1-0 win

Wrapping up a 1-0 win
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. - Zach Stewart ran his spring scoreless streak to 5 1/3 innings today and the Orioles defeated the Rays 1-0 in Port Charlotte. Stewart covered the last two innings, walking one batter and striking out two. He retired the side in order in the ninth, striking out Jace Conrad to end the game. "He sinks the ball, got a little slider, strike thrower," said manager Buck Showalter. "He's got some history and background being a good, competitive pitcher. He's a good depth...

Leftovers for breakfast

Leftovers for breakfast
SARASOTA, Fla. - Beyond the injury updates and roster moves, have there been two topics in Orioles camp more popular than Zach Britton's perfect season and Ubaldo Jiménez's September surge and whether it can carry over this summer? They approach their lockers each morning at their own risk. A reporter inevitably will saunter over to them with notebook in hand. Manager Buck Showalter had to turn reflective again after Jiménez's start Monday afternoon against the Yankees in Sarasota....

Wright critiques his start and spring (Orioles lose 7-5)

Wright critiques his start and spring (Orioles lose 7-5)
ORIOLES QUICK WRAP Score: Orioles 7, Phillies 5 Recap: Mike Wright retired the Phillies in order in the first inning, but Tommy Joseph hit a two-run homer in the second after Johnny Giavotella was charged with an error. ... Chris Dickerson hit an opposite-field home run in the third inning. ... Giavotella had a game-tying RBI triple in the fifth and scored on an Anthony Santander grounder. ... Yermín Mercedes broke a 3-3 tie with an RBI single in the seventh. ... Cody Sedlock, last year's...

Showalter on Bourn injury, Janish signing and more (O's lose 6-2)

Showalter on Bourn injury, Janish signing and more (O's lose 6-2)
ORIOLES QUICK WRAP Score: Pirates 6, Orioles 2 Recap: Gabriel Ynoa allowed a run on three hits in the first inning, with Andrew McCutchen lining a double into left-center field with two outs and scoring on Gregory Polanco's single. ... Jason Garcia allowed two runs and four hits, walked one and hit a batter, in 1 2/3 innings. ... Rule 5 pick Anthony Santander had a game-tying RBI single in the fourth. ... Parker Bridwell gave up three runs in the eighth on back-to-back home runs after striking...

Gausman on wins and losses, Bundy on the cutter/slider

Gausman on wins and losses, Bundy on the cutter/slider
If Orioles right-hander Kevin Gausman is going to take a significant step toward becoming the staff ace, he probably can do so without the weight of an impressive won-loss record reducing his stride. The stat is largely meaningless, considering how many factors are out of a pitcher's control. But Gausman might enjoy a little more support from his teammates this year. The gesture would be appreciated, even if wins and losses won't define him. Gausman is 23-31 in 95 major league games spread...