Updating Gausman, Castro and Gentry (lineup change)

Updating Gausman, Castro and Gentry (lineup change)
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. - Kevin Gausman played a game of table tennis inside the Orioles clubhouse this morning and joked with teammates, nothing to indicate that he was bothered by the after effects of yesterday's collision with the Tigers' Jeimer Candelario that forced him out of the game and left him bloodied. Gausman has a cut above his left eyelid and there appears to be a little more swelling today, but it doesn't require stitches. He also managed to avoid a concussion after the training...

Gentry sidelined with hamstring injury (and other notes)

Gentry sidelined with hamstring injury (and other notes)
SARASOTA, Fla. - Veteran outfielder Craig Gentry injured his hamstring yesterday in Fort Myers and his return isn't imminent. "Could be a little issue for us for a little while, I think," said manager Buck Showalter. "We took him out yesterday. He told the trainer he kind of felt it tighten a little bit on the ball he dove for in center field, and the last time he ran the bases, same thing, so we got him out there an inning earlier. He's got some soreness today, so it might be a little...

Brugman outrighted to Norfolk (Orioles fall 7-1)

Brugman outrighted to Norfolk (Orioles fall 7-1)
FORT MYERS, Fla. - Outfielder Jaycob Brugman has cleared waivers and been outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk, keeping him in the organization. He'll return to major league camp on Monday. The Orioles designated Brugman for assignment on Wednesday while re-signing starter Chris Tillman. Brugman gives the Orioles another left-handed hitting outfielder to join Colby Rasmus and Alex Presley, who were signed to minor league deals. Brugman has options and can be sent down if he fails to break camp with...

Orioles lineup vs. Red Sox

Orioles lineup vs. Red Sox
SARASOTA, Fla. - Austin Hays is serving as the designated hitter today and Craig Gentry is leading off and playing center field, as the Orioles make the trip to Fort Myers to play the Red Sox. The lineup is missing a projected starter for the 2018 season. Joey Rickard is in right field - he could work into a platoon - and Anthony Santander is batting cleanup and playing left field. Austin Wynns is catching after hitting a home run last night to give the Orioles a 1-1 tie with the Twins. For the...

Cortes retires six of seven batters in spring debut (O's, Twins tie)

Cortes retires six of seven batters in spring debut (O's, Twins tie)
SARASOTA, Fla. - Rule 5 pick Nestor Cortes Jr. came as advertised tonight in his first spring start. Didn't throw hard, but worked quickly and changed speeds and his arm angle to keep the Twins off balance. Cortes duplicated Mike Wright Jr.'s outing yesterday by allowing one run and one hit over two innings. Cortes retired six of seven batters and threw 16 of 23 pitches for strikes. The Twins lead the Orioles 1-0 in the top of the third inning. Alec Asher replaced Cortes and struck out the...

Gentry: "I love playing here. It just worked out perfectly"

Gentry: "I love playing here. It just worked out perfectly"
SARASOTA, Fla. - Nothing much has changed for Craig Gentry since the Orioles signed veteran outfielder Colby Rasmus to a minor league deal this week and invited him to camp. Gentry is working under a similar contract and could be used in a platoon with Rasmus. The Orioles have been searching for plus defenders for the outfield who bat from the left side, capable of playing center to provide rest for Adam Jones, and Rasmus doesn't present a direct challenge to Gentry. What I'm saying here is...

Orioles agree to terms with Rasmus on minor league deal

Orioles agree to terms with Rasmus on minor league deal
SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles' search for a left-handed hitting corner outfielder has led them to Colby Rasmus. Rasmus and the Orioles have agreed to terms on a minor league deal pending the completion of a physical, according to a source. Rasmus, 31, could platoon in right field and back up at all three spots. He's a career .252/.318/.463 hitter against right-handers and a .211/.290/.366 hitter versus lefties. Most of Rasmus' experience is in center field, where he's made 724 starts, but...

Orioles sign Alex Presley to minor league deal

Orioles sign Alex Presley to minor league deal
SARASOTA, Fla. - With a left-handed hitting outfielder on their shopping list and the first full-squad workout held later today, the Orioles announced that they've signed veteran Alex Presley to a minor league deal and invited him to camp. The Orioles have 62 players at the Ed Smith Stadium complex. Presley is a career .263/.306/.388 hitter in eight major league seasons with the Pirates, Twins, Astros, Brewers and Tigers. He appeared in 71 games with the Tigers last season and batted...

Brach on Cashner: "I think it's a really good pickup for us"

Brach on Cashner: "I think it's a really good pickup for us"
SARASOTA, Fla. - Outfielders Crag Gentry, signed to a minor league deal last week, and DJ Stewart are early arrivals at camp. Andrew Cashner, signed yesterday to a two-year, $16 million contract with an option for 2020, has been assigned No. 54. Reliever Jimmy Yacabonis also is wearing 54, but those days are ... wait for it ... numbered. Brad Brach was Cashner's teammate in San Diego back in 2012-2013 and offered a nice scouting report this morning as media gathered at his locker. "He's a...

Will the Orioles find their starting pitcher this week?

Will the Orioles find their starting pitcher this week?
SARASOTA, Fla. - Orioles outfielder Joey Rickard can be added to the list of position players who reported early to camp, joining a group that includes Adam Jones, Tim Beckham, Anthony Santander and Trey Mancini. Rickard is competing for a spot as an extra outfielder, whether he's platooning in right field with an unidentified left-handed hitter or serving as a backup. His primary competition comes from Craig Gentry and Austin Hays. Improved play in the field has enhanced Rickard's chances,...

Sifting through spring training storylines

Sifting through spring training storylines
One more day until Orioles pitchers and catchers are required to post at the Ed Smith Stadium complex in Sarasota, Fla. The first workout is held the following day. My first trip to Publix will come later this afternoon after my flight lands in Tampa, I hop into a rental car and make the hour drive to the hotel. I can do it with my eyes closed, but local authorities keep issuing warnings. The offseason began with the Orioles needing three starting pitchers to fill out their rotation and more if...

Flaherty signs minor league deal with Phillies

Flaherty signs minor league deal with Phillies
The Ryan Flaherty era in Baltimore really has come to an end. Or maybe it's just been put on hold. The Phillies have signed Flaherty to a minor league deal, as first reported by ESPN.com. He'll go to spring training in Clearwater, Fla., and attempt to win a utility job. Selected from the Cubs organization in the December 2011 Rule 5 draft, Flaherty spent six seasons with the Orioles and batted .215/.284/.355 in 1,270 plate appearances. It wasn't about the bat. Flaherty gained manager Buck...

Orioles re-sign Craig Gentry to minor league deal (updated)

Orioles re-sign Craig Gentry to minor league deal (updated)
The Orioles are bringing back outfielder Craig Gentry and increasing the number of invites to major league camp. Gentry has agreed to a minor league deal, according to a source, and will report to the Ed Smith Stadium complex. He can earn $900,000 if he makes the club, as first reported by USA Today. Manager Buck Showalter expressed his interest in Gentry, 34, during last month's minicamp in Sarasota. Though the veteran doesn't solve the need for a left-handed hitting outfielder, he offers...

Can Santander's defense keep him in majors?

Can Santander's defense keep him in majors?
While the Orioles try to settle on a left-handed hitter to play the outfield, along with other moves required to fill out the roster, they promise not to skimp on the defense. Upgrading it must be part of any plan. The club's reputation for outstanding glovework took another hit last season, and it could influence the decision whether to carry Anthony Santander for the first 44 days until losing his Rule 5 status. Santander must prove capable of playing the outfield. The Orioles like his bat,...

Showalter on Machado, Beckham, the roster and more

Showalter on Machado, Beckham, the roster and more
SARASOTA, Fla. - Orioles manager Buck Showalter continues to proceed as if Manny Machado will be part of his opening day lineup, though trade discussions haven't closed. There's no other way to handle the matter. Showalter has talked to Machado and Tim Beckham about the left side of the infield and how it might unfold. Machado could move over to shortstop, the spot where Beckham prefers to play. It's a delicate situation. "It's further along than it was," Showalter said. Any...

Quick hits from Showalter following Day One of minicamp

Quick hits from Showalter following Day One of minicamp
SARASOTA, Fla. - Pitcher Chris Tillman, who has a home here, is working out at the Ed Smith Stadium complex after receiving permission from the Orioles. Tillman is a free agent and manager Buck Showalter expressed interest today in bringing back the veteran right-hander. Showalter also said he'd like to hold onto free agent outfielder Craig Gentry, whose defense and speed are valuable assets. Showalter didn't dismiss the idea of bringing back Pedro Álvarez, but conceded it would be...

Chris Davis on hitting approach, contract pressure and more

Chris Davis on hitting approach, contract pressure and more
It won't be long before Chris Davis' family, which already includes wife Jill and daughter Ella, will expand with the arrival of twin girls. "We're going to go from man-to-man coverage to a zone real quick in our house, but we're fired up about it," Davis said this week while interviewed on the "Orioles Hot Stove Show" on 105.7 The Fan. "I couldn't be happier. We always said that we wanted at least three. I'm still pushing for maybe four, but it's probably not the best time to be...

Seven Orioles officially hit free agency

Seven Orioles officially hit free agency
The conclusion of the World Series last night ignited the start of free agency, beginning with 149 players hitting the market earlier this afternoon. The list, made available by the Major League Baseball Players Association, includes Orioles pitchers Chris Tillman, Ubaldo Jiménez and Jeremy Hellickson, designated hitter Pedro Álvarez, outfielders Seth Smith and Craig Gentry, and utility infielder Ryan Flaherty. Three more Orioles will join the group. Catcher Welington Castillo is expected...

Orioles can sit out the qualifying offer process

Orioles can sit out the qualifying offer process
The offseason can provide various doses of drama as important dates drop off the calendar. For the Orioles, the qualifying offer process should be duller than an insurance seminar. Teams must decide whether to extend the offer to its free agents within five days after the World Series. The Orioles should have 11 players on the market and none of them are expected to receive it. Only five players in the past five seasons have accepted the offer, including former Orioles catcher Matt Wieters in...

Quiet start to Orioles offseason, Hill on hill, spring update

Quiet start to Orioles offseason, Hill on hill, spring update
Updates on the Orioles are scarce as we move through the last days of October. A final decision hasn't been made on the coaching staff and contracts expire at the end of the month. The Orioles are notorious for dragging out the process. Manager Buck Showalter already has met with owner Peter Angelos and he's back in town for Saturday's KidsPeace Trick-or-Trot 5K/1-mile walk at Camden Yards. Showalter and Angelos could talk again later this week. A replacement hasn't been named for head...