Orioles waste Bundy's latest gem in 2-0, 12-inning loss (updated)

Orioles waste Bundy's latest gem in 2-0, 12-inning loss (updated)
The later sunset must have tricked Dylan Bundy into thinking that he was working a day game. The night version hasn't been nearly as effective this season, with Bundy sporting a 7.68 ERA and 1.706 WHIP in seven starts heading into the series opener against the Red Sox. Meanwhile, the pitcher who's earned the moniker "Sunny" carried a 1.08 ERA and 0.888 WHIP in six early outings. Putting aside that first pitch was 7:06 p.m., Bundy shut out the Red Sox tonight on three hits through eight...

How will Orioles fit Britton in their bullpen and on the roster?

How will Orioles fit Britton in their bullpen and on the roster?
The Orioles swept a two-game series against the Mets at Citi Field and led the Blue Jays 4-1 with one out in the bottom of the ninth inning at Rogers Centre. I foolishly let myself believe that they were getting on a roll with three straight wins, that they might move into a more respectable neighborhood. Brad Brach blew the save and the Jays walked off in the 10th against Miguel Castro to point them toward a four-game sweep and another soul crushing moment in the 2018 season. Darren O'Day...

O's game blog: Kevin Gausman on the mound in Toronto

O's game blog: Kevin Gausman on the mound in Toronto
TORONTO - On this current road trip, the Orioles have scored two, one, four and one run. They actually won two games in New York, but they've lost the last two nights in Toronto. The Blue Jays (28-35) host the Orioles (19-43) this afternoon in the third game of the series and fifth of the road trip. The Orioles have scored eight runs on 23 hits at Citi Field and Rogers Centre. In last night's 5-1 loss, Craig Gentry went 3-for-3 and the rest of the Baltimore lineup was 2-for-28. The Orioles...

Orioles lineup doesn't include Davis

Orioles lineup doesn't include Davis
The offensive funk that followed Chris Davis into the 2018 season won't leave him. It's wrapped around him like a scarf. Davis went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts last night in Toronto and is batting .152/.232/.232 with four doubles, four home runs, 15 RBIs and nine runs scored in 220 plate appearances. He's drawn 19 walks and struck out 81 times. The Orioles are facing a left-hander tonight, J.A. Happ, as their series continues in Toronto and Davis is on the bench. Trey Mancini moves to...

Orioles lineup vs. Blue Jays

Orioles lineup vs. Blue Jays
Austin Wynns is behind the plate for the Orioles again tonight while they face Blue Jays left-hander Jaime García to start a four-game series in Toronto. Wynns is playing his second major league game. He singled in his first at-bat Tuesday night against the Mets. Danny Valencia is in the cleanup spot, followed by Mark Trumbo and Jonathan Schoop. Chris Davis is batting seventh as the only left-handed hitter in the lineup. Craig Gentry is playing right field. The Orioles are 8-12 against...

Orioles win second road series with 1-0 victory (with quotes)

Orioles win second road series with 1-0 victory (with quotes)
FLUSHING, N.Y. - Fans came to Citi Field today to watch a baseball game and a pillow fight broke out. The starting pitching was on point or the offenses were out of sync again. It's not as though the Orioles and Mets have been lighting up scoreboards across the country. But dim the sarcasm, because Dylan Bundy and Zach Wheeler were dealing. Both pitchers carried shutouts through the seventh inning, but the Mets brought in reliever Jeurys Familia in the eighth and the Orioles manufactured the...

Orioles and Mets lineups (updated)

Orioles and Mets lineups (updated)
FLUSHING, N.Y. - Catcher Austin Wynns is making his major league debut tonight with the Mets starting left-hander Jason Vargas. The Orioles officially recalled Wynns earlier today after Sunday's postponement delayed the announcement. Trey Mancini is back in the leadoff spot. Danny Valencia is batting cleanup and Mark Trumbo is in right field, as there is no designated hitter in a National League ballpark. Signed to a two-year, $16 million contract in February with an $8 million club option,...

Orioles continue search for leadoff hitter

Orioles continue search for leadoff hitter
The Orioles are recalling catcher Austin Wynns from Triple-A Norfolk today to replace Andrew Susac, who was optioned last night. Wynns, 27, will be making his major league debut. It's termed "recalled" because he's on the 40-man roster. The leadoff carousel spun in Joey Rickard's direction yesterday, with the outfielder and former Rule 5 pick chosen to bat atop the order. If not him, then who? Manager Buck Showalter has used seven different players in the leadoff spot, with Rickard...

This, that and the other

This, that and the other
There will come a point later this month when the Orioles' bullpen includes Zach Britton and Darren O'Day. Together at the same time. Maybe it's not too late to produce dual bobbleheads for the occasion. Britton hasn't pitched this season after undergoing Achilles surgery back in December. O'Day's been on the disabled list since May 6 after a teammate ran into him in the bullpen and hyperextended his right elbow. (A perfect symbol of the 2018 season.) If the Orioles stick with a seven-man...

Orioles silenced by Scherzer in 2-0 loss (updated)

Orioles silenced by Scherzer in 2-0 loss (updated)
Orioles rookie David Hess struck out Bryce Harper on three pitches tonight in the top of the first inning, freezing him on a slider and sending him back to the Nationals dugout. He got ahead of Harper 0-2 in the third inning, watched the count go full and then saw a changeup disappear into the left field seats. It would be one of only two mistakes from Hess, who retired the last 10 batters he faced and worked through the sixth inning with only one run against him. The other mistake was pitching...

Can Hess turn Nats into Rays?

Can Hess turn Nats into Rays?
The major league education of rookie right-hander David Hess continues tonight and he won't be facing the club that's provided the least resistance. Hess already owns two victories and quality starts against the Rays, including his debut in Game 1 of a May 12 doubleheader at Camden Yards. Matt Duffy's three-run homer in the first inning accounted for all of the scoring against him. He tossed 6 2/3 shutout innings last week at Tropicana Field, leading the Orioles to their only win of the...

Orioles offense still in low gear in 3-2 loss to Nats (updated)

Orioles offense still in low gear in 3-2 loss to Nats (updated)
There are only so many ways that a manager can manipulate a 25-man roster while trying to resuscitate his offense. Sub out a few names, raise or lower guys in the lineup, say a few prayers and maybe light a few candles, depending on the level of desperation and religious denomination. Buck Showalter dropped Trey Mancini from the leadoff spot to sixth yesterday afternoon and completely out of the order last night, the slump white-knuckling his left fielder to the tune of a .113 average in the...

Orioles and Nationals lineups

Orioles and Nationals lineups
Mark Trumbo has returned to the Orioles lineup today after receiving a cortisone injection in his right knee. He's serving as the designated hitter against the Nationals at Camden Yards. Trey Mancini has moved down to sixth in the order, with Joey Rickard leading off and playing right field. Mancini is playing first base and Chris Davis is on the bench with Washington starting left-hander Gio Gonzalez. Craig Gentry is in left field. Alex Cobb is 1-6 with a 7.32 ERA and 1.932 WHIP in eight...

Orioles complete road trip with 8-3 loss (with quotes)

Orioles complete road trip with 8-3 loss (with quotes)
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The Orioles come off their 11-game road trip with more bumps and bruises as they reach the Memorial Day marker. The seventh loss was especially painful today with an early three-run lead and Kevin Gausman on the mound against a team that gives the impression of having more interest in cutting costs than deficits. The Rays sent 12 batters to the plate in the third inning and scored six runs, and the Orioles lost 8-3 at Tropicana Field to remain stuck on one road series...

Orioles and Rays lineups

Orioles and Rays lineups
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Adam Jones is out of the lineup today as the Orioles conclude their 11-game road trip. Manager Buck Showalter wanted to get Jones off the turf, especially with a day game Monday at Camden Yards. Just the usual soreness for Jones. Craig Gentry is in center field and Jace Peterson is in right. Pedro Álvarez is the designated hitter and Chance Sisco is catching. The Orioles are expecting the Rays to use right-hander Austin Pruitt behind starter Sergio Romo. Mark Trumbo is...

Orioles and Rays lineups

Orioles and Rays lineups
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Closer Zach Britton threw his two-inning simulated game this morning at Tropicana Field, with the Orioles summoning six players from extended spring training to assist him. Britton said it was the best he's felt. Britton did extensive fielding drills afterward and is expected to join Triple-A Norfolk on Wednesday to begin his injury rehab assignment. While the extended spring players took batting practice, David Hess ran the stadium steps as part of his conditioning....

Hess and three relievers combine for 2-0 win (with quotes)

Hess and three relievers combine for 2-0 win (with quotes)
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The Orioles knocked out the starting pitcher tonight after only two-thirds of an inning. They scored one run. A quick hook or a quirky plan by the opposition? Go with the latter. The Rays continue to use relievers as starters, tabbing Sergio Romo for tonight and Sunday afternoon. The Orioles turned to prospect David Hess, the more conventional move, and he responded with 6 2/3 scoreless innings in a 2-0 victory at Tropicana Field. The Orioles have won back-to-back road...

Orioles and Rays lineups

Orioles and Rays lineups
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Mark Trumbo said the MRI on his knee this morning showed some "fairly advanced arthritis" and the usual "wear and tear." No structural damage. He expects to receive a cortisone injection - and perhaps have the knee drained - and could be available in a few days. Trumbo is listed among the reserves for tonight's series opener against the Rays. Trey Mancini is the designated hitter and Craig Gentry is in left field. Chris Davis is batting sixth. It's a right-handed...

Dylan and Davis dominated the Orioles discussion on Thursday

Dylan and Davis dominated the Orioles discussion on Thursday
CHICAGO - When Dylan Bundy fanned 14 Chicago White Sox batters Thursday afternoon he came one whiff short of the Orioles' single-game record of 15 strikeouts, done three times. Mike Mussina fanned 15 Minnesota Twins batters on Aug. 1, 2000, and he also fanned 15 Boston Red Sox batters on Sept. 24, 2000. On July 7, 2007, Erik Bedard fanned 15 against the Texas Rangers. Bundy got 14 in his two-hitter as the Orioles beat the White Sox 9-3 to split a four-game series. It topped his previous career...

The need for a left-handed hitting outfielder

The need for a left-handed hitting outfielder
The Orioles signed Colby Rasmus to a minor league deal because they wanted a left-handed hitting outfielder who could give them plus-defense in right and also back up in center. He made it through eight games before going on the disabled list with a hip injury and only two hits with 13 strikeouts in 21 at-bats. Rasmus is playing in extended spring training games and the Orioles miss him. Not the injured, .095 hitting version, but the guy that they envisioned after reaching agreement on a deal...