Source: Orioles hire Anthony Sanders as first base coach

Source: Orioles hire Anthony Sanders as first base coach
The Orioles are down to two vacancies on their major league coaching staff. A deal was finalized today to make Anthony Sanders the first base coach, according to a source. The Orioles haven't announced it. The sides drew close to an agreement late last week, and the final details have been completed. Sanders, 45, replaces Arnie Beyeler, who was told last month that he wouldn't be retained after one season. Sanders also can assume Beyeler's duties as outfield instructor based on his...

Wynns caught in logjam behind plate

Wynns caught in logjam behind plate
Another game passed last night with Austin Wynns unable to swing the bat beyond the usual cage work. He's healthy and he's ready, but the life of a third catcher on an expanded September roster can be filled with idle time. There's the fast lane and then the cell phone lot. Wynns hasn't received a plate appearance with the Orioles since Game 1 of a June 1 doubleheader against the Giants. He caught an inning on July 19, two in the nightcap of Tuesday's doubleheader and one last night after...

Trey Mancini remembers the 2015 Bowie Baysox champs

Trey Mancini remembers the 2015 Bowie Baysox champs
As Double-A Bowie and Single-A Delmarva began the minor league playoffs this week, the Orioles' Trey Mancini remembered one of the best years of his baseball life. Mancini was on the 2015 Bowie team that won the Eastern League championship. It remains to present day the only title in Baysox history and the last title won by an Orioles' affiliate. In the opening round, Bowie lost Game 1 to Altoona but won three straight to advance to face a prospect-laden Reading team for the title. Reading...

A few notes after the Red Sox even the series

A few notes after the Red Sox even the series
Watching a relentless Boston offense hit three homers and take advantage of eight walks last night can make one have an even greater appreciation for John Means' outing on Monday night in the Orioles' 4-1 win. The Red Sox had scored 30 runs its previous three games before this series and was averaging 6.1 runs per game during an 11-5 run before Monday's series opener. They got back to that last night and never trailed in an 8-5 victory to even this series. The Orioles tied it 2-2 in the...

Orioles lineup vs. Red Sox

Orioles lineup vs. Red Sox
Joey Rickard is out of the Orioles lineup for tonight's series opener against the Red Sox, but Richie Martin has returned to shortstop. Stevie Wilkerson is in center field. Pedro Severino is catching left-hander John Means. Hanser Alberto is on the bench tonight, with Rio Ruiz at third base and Jonathan Villar at second. Means made an April 14 start against the Red Sox at Fenway Park and allowed one run in five innings in a 4-0 loss. J.D. Martinez is 2-for-2 with a double and home run against...

This, that and the other

This, that and the other
Anthony Santander lasted only one game with the Orioles after serving as the 26th man in the nightcap of Wednesday's doubleheader in Chicago. Hit a home run and hit the road. He won't be forgotten by the Orioles. Santander was wise to unpack his bags after returning to Triple-A Norfolk, but manager Brandon Hyde expects to write the outfielder's name on the lineup card again during the summer. "I think you're going to see Tony here at some point. I don't know when, but he'll be back up,"...

Sucre outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk

Sucre outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk
CHICAGO - Jesús Sucre is staying in the Orioles organization, giving them a veteran catcher as insurance for a roster that is susceptible to change. The Orioles announced this afternoon that Sucre cleared waivers and accepted his outright assignment to Triple-A Norfolk rather than becoming a free agent. Sucre was designated for assignment Sunday after breaking camp as the starter. He batted .210/.269/.242 with two doubles and three RBIs in 20 games after agreeing to a minor league deal on...

More on Orioles' thrilling 11-inning win

More on Orioles' thrilling 11-inning win
TAMPA - A trip that showed so much promise and offered the chance to inflict further damage within the division following a four-game split in Boston threatened to crumble beneath the dome at Tropicana Field. The Orioles were 2-0-1 in road series before losing two of three to the Rays, but avoiding a sweep last night and winning in such thrilling fashion - 11 innings after fumbling a three-run lead - put them in a celebratory mood. Music blared in the visiting clubhouse at Tropicana Field as...

What Cobb's return means for the rotation (and other notes)

What Cobb's return means for the rotation (and other notes)
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Orioles manager Brandon Hyde checked on Alex Cobb yesterday, received the information he wanted and proceeded with his pitching plans for the weekend and beyond. Cobb's back is fine. The spasms are gone. And he's coming off the injured list Friday to start against the Twins at Camden Yards. The rotation lines up as Cobb, Dan Straily and Dylan Bundy for the weekend series, followed by David Hess and Andrew Cashner for the first two games against the White Sox in...

Hyde on Davis, bench, Hess, Wynns and more (O's down 8-1)

Hyde on Davis, bench, Hess, Wynns and more (O's down 8-1)
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - A short bench for the Orioles has reached its tiniest stage with Chris Davis unable to play due a stomach virus. Manager Brandon Hyde needs length from his starters. He won't get it from his bench, which is down to infielder Hanser Alberto and backup catcher Pedro Severino. It's risky to use the second catcher, leaving Hyde with Alberto and fingers crossed. "Options are a little short," Hyde said. "It's part of it. This happens a lot throughout the year where things...

Orioles option Austin Wynns to Triple-A Norfolk

Orioles option Austin Wynns to Triple-A Norfolk
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The Orioles didn't need much convincing about catcher Austin Wynns' readiness to play on a regular basis. Wynns was reinstated from the 10-day injured list this afternoon and optioned to Triple-A Norfolk after only four injury rehab games. A strained oblique and placement on the IL denied Wynns a shot at breaking camp with the Orioles. He went 2-for-5 with two RBIs last night for Double-A Bowie and was 5-for-17 with two doubles and four RBIs. Wynns has been catching...

Leftovers for breakfast

Leftovers for breakfast
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Orioles manager Brandon Hyde has confirmed that Alex Cobb is in line to start Friday night's series opener against the Twins at Camden Yards, the veteran nearing a return from the injured list after throwing yesterday without discomfort in his back. However, Hyde isn't able to divulge plans for the corresponding move and how Cobb fits back into the rotation. One scenario is to option reliever Josh Lucas to Triple-A Norfolk and move John Means to the bullpen again as a...

John Means was strong against Boston, plus farm notes

John Means was strong against Boston, plus farm notes
As the Orioles are looking for some solid starting pitching - they don't have a quality start over their last 11 games - John Means provided an encouraging outing on Sunday at Boston. Means went five innings, allowing four hits and one run with one walk and three strikeouts in Boston's 4-0 win. He took the loss and is now 1-2 but has a 1.98 ERA over five outings. In 13 2/3 innings on the season, he has walked four and fanned 13. Means threw 82 pitches Sunday, averaging 91.5 mph on his 50...

Means added to Orioles rotation (and other notes, O's down 11-3)

Means added to Orioles rotation (and other notes, O's down 11-3)
Orioles left-hander John Means has been chosen to start Tuesday night's game against the Athletics at Camden Yards, with manager Brandon Hyde providing a little more clarity today to his pitching plans. The TBD has been scratched. Andrew Cashner starts Monday's series opener, with Alex Cobb going Wednesday and Dylan Bundy Thursday. Means is replacing Nate Karns, who's working exclusively out of the bullpen now rather than continuing in the opener role. Dan Straily, signed on Friday to a...

Orioles trade Susac to Royals

Orioles trade Susac to Royals
The Orioles loosened the catching logjam at Triple-A Norfolk. Andrew Susac has been traded to the Royals for cash considerations, with the announcement coming from both clubs. Chance Sisco and Carlos Pérez remain with the Tides and Austin Wynns is at extended spring training while recovering from a strained oblique. Norfolk didn't need a third catcher on the active roster. Martin Cervenka and Cael Brockmeyer were assigned to Double-A Bowie. The Orioles have been seeking a trade partner for...

Sisco and Scott among six players cut from Orioles camp

Sisco and Scott among six players cut from Orioles camp
SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles apparently have decided to carry Jesús Sucre and Pedro Severino as their catchers on opening day. Chance Sisco posted a .382 average in spring training, collecting three more hits this afternoon, but he's included among six roster cuts. Sisco and left-handers Tanner Scott and Josh Rogers were optioned to Triple-A Norfolk. Catchers Carlos Pérez and Andrew Susac and infielder Jace Peterson were reassigned to minor league camp. Manager Brandon Hyde confirmed...

Núñez, Pérez and Palmeiro homer as O's split-squad loses to Phillies

Núñez, Pérez and Palmeiro homer as O's split-squad loses to Phillies
CLEARWATER, Fla. - It was a spring training game that will be long forgotten very soon and maybe this one should be. The Orioles allowed 18 hits and made three early errors as a Baltimore split-squad lost 11-4 to the Philadelphia Phillies in front of a sellout crowd of 8,349 at Spectrum Field in Clearwater. The Orioles are 0-5-1 over their last six games. The rest of their squad played in Sarasota today and tied 1-1 with the Pirates. After both games this afternoon, the O's record is 12-16-3...

Peterson scratched from lineup

Peterson scratched from lineup
SARASOTA, Fla. - Infielder Jace Peterson has been scratched from the Orioles lineup today for their split-squad game against the Pirates in Sarasota. Zach Vincej has come over from minor league camp and is starting at second base. Peterson may be the latest roster cut following today's news that the Orioles optioned reliever Evan Phillips. Or it could be injury related. Peterson was hit twice by pitches last night, but he stayed in the game. The utility competition has been one of the more...

Orioles claim Pedro Severino off waivers

Orioles claim Pedro Severino off waivers
SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles have tossed another competitor into the catching mix today, claiming Pedro Severino off waivers from the Nationals and designating infielder Stevie Wilkerson for assignment. Severino, 25, is out of options and the Nationals were trying to pass him through waivers. The move gives the Orioles six catchers in camp and 35 players overall. Wilkerson already had been optioned to Triple-A Norfolk and was on the minor league side. A defense-first player in his four major...

More roster rumblings as Orioles near some important decisions

More roster rumblings as Orioles near some important decisions
SARASOTA, Fla. - The latest roster cuts yesterday, condensed and earlier than usual, left the Orioles with 35 players in camp. Manager Brandon Hyde has to remove 10 more before opening day while knowing that the waiver wire is a potential complication. In a good way, of course. Mark Trumbo is a wild card because he could go on the injured list. Hyde will be asked about it again in a day or two and repeat that the decision is on hold. It's going down to the wire. The Orioles need Trumbo healthy...