Orioles shut out in penultimate home game of 2021 (updated)

Orioles shut out in penultimate home game of 2021 (updated)
Zac Lowther turned to watch the ball and slapped his glove against his leg. Knowing where it would land and the implications. Perhaps also knowing that one run might be too much for the Orioles to overcome against Nathan Eovaldi. J.D. Martinez's 28th homer of the season, a solo shot to center field with one out in the second inning, was the only run surrendered by the rookie left-hander through the fifth. Plenty of hard-hit line drives, but nothing to influence the score. That happened in the...

Orioles bullpen folds again in eighth in 9-6 loss (updated)

Orioles bullpen folds again in eighth in 9-6 loss (updated)
The Orioles closed out their series against the Rays today trying to dodge a sweep and keep the runs allowed under 10 for the first time in five games, with one of their best hitters removed from the active roster and a couple other starters banged up on the bench. A volatile bullpen received a fresh arm. The Orioles needed a fresh start. Cedric Mullins gave them a hot one with his leadoff home run in the first inning, making him the seventh player in Orioles history with a 20/20 season...

Mancini comes off bench to tie game, Orioles lose in 10th

Mancini comes off bench to tie game, Orioles lose in 10th
The All-Star break is a time for rest and reflection, and Orioles manager Brandon Hyde knows exactly why his club has the worst record in the American League. Precisely what he's going to think about before play resumes Friday night in Kansas City. "For me," he said this afternoon, "it just shows you how far away we are, pitching-wise." Spenser Watkins tried to narrow the gap a little, maybe present Hyde with another option and keep earning more chances. He held the White Sox to one run in...

Rain falls before Orioles do in 7-2 loss (Lowther joining O's)

Rain falls before Orioles do in 7-2 loss (Lowther joining O's)
The Orioles are recalling pitching prospect Zac Lowther from the alternate training site in Bowie, according to an industry source, and he'll be available in the bullpen for Sunday afternoon's series finale against the Athletics. Wade LeBlanc, who started tonight, will be designated for assignment to create roster space. Lowther, who turns 25 on Friday, is the No. 11 prospect in the system, according to MLBPipeline.com, and he's on the verge of making his major league debut. The Orioles...

Means and Hays the primary stars in Orioles' 5-2 win

Means and Hays the primary stars in Orioles' 5-2 win
The math is intertwined with logic to make left-hander John Means the opening day starter for the Orioles. It just isn't official. Means held the Braves to one run and two hits tonight in four innings, with no walks and four strikeouts. He's allowed two runs and four hits with eight strikeouts in his last two appearances covering eight innings. Putting him on the mound every fifth day aligns him to pitch on April 1 against the Red Sox at Fenway Park to begin the 2021 season. Done deal. Means...