Orioles lineup vs. Padres

Orioles lineup vs. Padres
Brian Roberts is back on the active roster and back at second base for tonight's series opener against the San Diego Padres. Roberts moves up to eighth with the absence of a designated hitter. No real surprises tonight. Nate McLouth is leading off and playing left field. Nick Markakis is batting third. For the Orioles Nate McLouth LF Manny Machado 3B Nick Markakis RF Adam Jones CF Chris Davis 1B Matt Wieters C J.J. Hardy SS Brian Roberts 2B Bud Norris RHP

Roberts reinstated, Valencia optioned (Betemit update)

Roberts reinstated, Valencia optioned (Betemit update)
The Orioles made the anticipated roster move today, reinstating second baseman Brian Roberts from the paternity leave list and optioning infielder Danny Valencia to Triple-A Norfolk. Roberts had to be placed on the roster today. His three days were up. And Valencia was the obvious choice to go back down, since the Orioles didn't figure to go with an expanded bench. They already lost their designated hitter on this trip. Manager Buck Showalter indicated over the weekend that the roster could...

Pregame notes and Mariners lineup

Pregame notes and Mariners lineup
The Orioles' roster could undergo more changes this week as the club embarks on a three-city West Coast trip that includes off-days on Monday, Thursday and August 15. The Orioles could choose to carry an extra bench player once Brian Roberts comes off paternity leave on Monday. Manager Buck Showalter indicated that it's one of the possibilities being considered. Bud Norris and Miguel Gonzalez are scheduled to start the two games in San Diego. Gonzalez would be skipped if he's used out of...

Valencia recalled and in lineup

Valencia recalled and in lineup
The Orioles have recalled Danny Valencia from Triple-A Norfolk and inserted him in today's lineup as the designated hitter against Seattle left-hander Joe Saunders. Valencia replaces pitcher Steve Johnson, who was optioned following last night's 8-4 loss. Brian Roberts remains on paternity leave. He will accompany the team to San Diego on Monday. For the Orioles Nick Markakis RF Manny Machado 3B Adam Jones CF Chris Davis 1B J.J. Hardy SS Steve Pearce LF Danny Valencia DH Taylor Teagarden...

Hammel: "Definitely some good news"

Hammel: "Definitely some good news"
Orioles pitcher Jason Hammel was relieved today, and in a good way. Hammel told reporters that the MRI taken on his right forearm didn't reveal anything more serious than some inflammation. "Definitely some good news," he said. "Came back real good. No structural damage, but definitely inflammation around the ulnar nerve. We just have to calm that area down. "The forearm's a little stiff. I wouldn't call it tendinitis or anything, but it came back about as good as it could have...

Roberts (and baby) update

Roberts (and baby) update
Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts and his wife, Diana, are the proud parents of a baby boy, Jax Isaac Roberts, born last night in Baltimore. The club's public relations staff announced via Twitter that "all are doing well." Jax is 6 pounds, 7 ounces. No word on whether he bats from both sides of the plate. Roberts was placed on paternity leave last night, with pitcher Steve Johnson being activated from the disabled list and rejoining the Orioles at Camden Yards as an extra...

Orioles place Roberts on paternity leave

Orioles place Roberts on paternity leave
The Orioles have placed second baseman Brian Roberts on paternity leave. Roberts left the club this morning to be with his wife, Diana, for the birth of their first child in Baltimore. Roberts can remain on leave for a maximum of three days. To fill Roberts' roster spot, the Orioles have reinstated pitcher Steve Johnson from the 15-day disabled list. Johnson will serve as an extra reliever in Roberts' absence. Johnson, on the disabled list since June 6 with a strained left oblique, was...

Showalter waiting for updates on Roberts and Hammel

Showalter waiting for updates on Roberts and Hammel
Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts informed manager Buck Showalter at 10:30 a.m. this morning that he was headed to the hospital with his wife for the birth of their first child. Showalter hadn't spoken to him since around 2 p.m. and didn't have any updates for reporters this afternoon. Roberts isn't on paternity leave, and Showalter said "there's always the chance that everything goes real well and she's sleeping and Brian feels comfortable and he comes back here tonight." Roberts...

Orioles and Mariners lineups and note on Pries (Roberts' wife giving birth)

Orioles and Mariners lineups and note on Pries (Roberts' wife giving birth)
Ryan Flaherty is starting at second base tonight for the Orioles, as they begin a three-game series against the Mariners at Camden Yards. Brian Roberts is listed among the reserves, though I haven't seen him today. He's expected to go on paternity leave soon for the birth of his first child. Pitcher Jason Hammel underwent an MRI on his right arm today and he's still waiting to hear the results. For the Orioles Nate McLouth LF Manny Machado 3B Nick Markakis RF Adam Jones CF Chris Davis...

It's Chen vs. Santana tonight

It's Chen vs. Santana tonight
Orioles left-hander Wei-Yin Chen is seeking his third consecutive win tonight since coming off the disabled list. He also could intensify the debate over which Orioles starter qualifies as the ace. Is it Chen, Chris Tillman or Miguel Gonzalez? Chen has allowed two runs and 11 hits in his last two starts covering 13 1/3 innings - both against the Rangers. He's posted seven quality starts among his 10 outings, and he was headed for another on May 12 with five scoreless innings in Minnesota...

Some thoughts on Roberts, Wieters and a big week of baseball ahead

Some thoughts on Roberts, Wieters and a big week of baseball ahead
A big week of baseball has arrived. While the Orioles begin a four-game series at Kansas City tonight, the Tampa Bay Rays begin a four-game series at Boston. The Rays are baseball's hottest team with 13 wins in 14 games. But the Rays have also recently taken advantage of a weak schedule. Tampa is 15-2 in July and has played against Houston, the White Sox, Minnesota and Toronto this month. The Rays' pitching has been very impressive and anyone that has watched this team over the last few...

Chris Tillman wins his 12th as Orioles complete sweep in Texas

Chris Tillman wins his 12th as Orioles complete sweep in Texas
For the third day in a row, the Orioles took an early lead at Texas and went on to win behind a solid starting pitching performance. Tonight, the Orioles led 4-0 after four innings and won 4-2 to complete a three-game sweep, as Chris Tillman picked up his 12th win. The Orioles improved to a season-best 13 games over .500 at 56-43 with their seventh win over the last eight games. The O's completed their first three-game sweep at Texas since July 21-23, 1997; however the O's did sweep a...

Roberts, gloves and Tillman (updated)

Roberts, gloves and Tillman (updated)
Does Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts look more comfortable at the plate these days? Roberts is 2-for-2 with an RBI and a run scored tonight, and 4-for-6 with a double, three RBIs and two runs scored in the last two games. Roberts is 6-for-14 in his last five games. He's collected hits in six of the last nine, raising his average to .266. Ryan Flaherty is going to have all sorts of trouble getting off the bench with Roberts in a groove and Henry Urrutia on the roster. Roberts doubled...

A few notes before tonight's game

A few notes before tonight's game
It's finally stopped raining at Camden Yards and the tarp is off the field. For how long is a different matter. If tonight's game is postponed - and I'm saying if - they won't play a doubleheader on Saturday. That much is a certainty. But let's just assume that they get this one in tonight. Chris Dickerson's left shoulder feels much better today. He's going to hit in the cage, and the Orioles believe he will dodge the disabled list. "That seems to have been minor in nature," said...

Miguel Gonzalez reveals he overcame back spams before he overcame Texas

Miguel Gonzalez reveals he overcame back spams before he overcame Texas
Not only did Miguel Gonzalez pitch the Orioles past the Texas Rangers tonight, but it was revealed after the game that he did so about 30 minutes after dealing with some pregame back spasms. "Yeah, it was not that bad, just a little bit," Gonzalez said. "They were a little curious about it, but I told them I was feeling good. I was fine. Treat it real quick and I went out there and wasn't thinking too much about it. "It's new. Just happened today about 30 minutes before the game. As...

Dickerson update, and Showalter speaks after 3-1 win

Dickerson update, and Showalter speaks after 3-1 win
Orioles outfielder Chris Dickerson received a cortisone injection in his left shoulder today to speed up his recovery. He took some dry swings and hopes to throw on Friday. Dickerson still isn't scheduled to undergo an MRI and remains available in a limited capacity. Manager Buck Showalter said Dickerson should be "full-go very shortly." "He's had some issues there before that were a lot more of a serious nature, so he's got a pretty good feel for what he's dealing with and he said...

Miguel Gonzalez pitches Orioles past Texas and to a series split

Miguel Gonzalez pitches Orioles past Texas and to a series split
The Orioles didn't give Miguel Gonzalez much offense to work with tonight. With a late assist from the O's bullpen, he made it work. Gonzalez gave up just one run over 6 2/3 innings to pitch the Orioles past Texas 3-1 and to a four-game split of a series where the O's lost the first two nights. Gonzalez has now recorded an Orioles' season-high seven consecutive quality starts, pitching to an ERA of 2.49 in that stretch. He has 12 quality starts on the year in 16 outings. Gonzalez gave...

Hearing from Showalter, Roberts and Dickerson after 6-1 win

Hearing from Showalter, Roberts and Dickerson after 6-1 win
The Orioles are deciding whether to option left-hander Wei-Yin Chen during the All-Star break so he can make another start after being sidelined for two months with a strained oblique. Chen made a triumphant return tonight, holding the Rangers to one run and three hits over seven innings in a 6-1 victory at Camden Yards. He hadn't pitched since May 12 in Minnesota. Asked if the Orioles are considering sending down Chen, Showalter replied, "To be frank with you, yes we are. I don't know if...

Showalter's plans for second base

Showalter's plans for second base
Brian Roberts snapped a 1-for-18 streak last night with a game-tying RBI single in the second inning. He was back at second base after serving as the designated hitter in three of the past four games. Orioles manager Buck Showalter has been easing Roberts back onto the field since the hamstring surgery and extended absence. Ryan Flaherty was getting the bulk of the starts at second in Roberts' absence. Alexi Casilla would get some starts against left-handed pitching. Asked if he's...

Lineups for Rangers-Orioles opener

Lineups for Rangers-Orioles opener
Right-hander Scott Feldman takes the mound for the Orioles tonight in the opener of a four-game series against his old team, the Texas Rangers. Left-hander Derek Holland will oppose him. Brian Roberts is back in the lineup as the Orioles designated hitter tonight. His travels around the batting order take him to the eight-hole. He's previously batted fifth, sixth and ninth since returning from the disabled list. Alexi Casilla is hitting ninth at second base. For the Rangers Ian Kinsler...