A 32-pitch first inning for Hammel (O's win 7-5)

A 32-pitch first inning for Hammel (O's win 7-5)
The Orioles are playing two games today, which could tax their bullpen. Jason Hammel's 32-pitch first inning won't offer much relief. Hammel allowed back-to-back singles to Mark Ellis and Matt Kemp, and Andre Ethier belted a three-run homer onto the flag court in right field to give the Los Angeles Dodgers a 3-0 lead. Ethier jumped on Hammel's first pitch, a 93 mph fastball, and almost deposited it onto Eutaw St. Former Orioles catcher Ramon Hernandez walked with two outs before Skip...

Sifting through the options for Wednesday's starter

Sifting through the options for Wednesday's starter
As soon as manager Buck Showalter received yesterday's weather report, he began to consider his options for a Wednesday night starter against the Toronto Blue Jays. Showalter anticipated a postponement last night and a doubleheader today, which will require the club to find a starter from outside their current five-man rotation. They're considering all the possibilities at Triple-A Norfolk, which also was rained out last night. As I wrote this morning, Josh Stinson would have been working...

Two for the price of two

Two for the price of two
The Orioles are playing a split-admission doubleheader today against the Los Angeles Dodgers, something that did not happen in the 1966 World Series. They weren't trying to be nostalgic. Doubleheaders can challenge even the best pitching staffs, and the Orioles' starters haven't been getting deep into games. Last night's postponement provided rest for the bullpen, but manager Buck Showalter needs Jason Hammel to give him innings this afternoon. Otherwise, the burden really falls upon Game...

Showalter speaks after 5-3 win

Showalter speaks after 5-3 win
NEW YORK - Here's a sampling of manager Buck Showalter's comments following today's 5-3 Orioles win over the New York Yankees. On Jason Hammel: "He was pretty good. His command was good. He threw a lot of strikes, threw enough breaking balls, got some big outs when he needed it, like you always say. He made the lead matter. He got it over to our bullpen. They did a great job and Ham was the difference-maker today. You've got to have a quality start. He continues to keep our bullpen in a...

Hearing from Hammel, Markakis, McLouth and Reimold

Hearing from Hammel, Markakis, McLouth and Reimold
NEW YORK - Jason Hammel earned his second victory today, both of them on the road. He berated himself after the game against the Tampa Bay Rays, but he found more to like this afternoon against the New York Yankees. "Much better," he said after allowing three runs (two earned)in six innings in the Orioles' 5-3 victory. "I still think there's room for improvement, but I feel everything coming around. I know when I'm going good. The slider and fastball command is much better. I was...

Hammel gets a win, Orioles hit three homers to beat Yankees 5-3

Hammel gets a win, Orioles hit three homers to beat Yankees 5-3
The Orioles hit three solo homers and put last night's ugly loss behind them, beating the Yankees 5-3 today behind Jason Hammel at Yankee Stadium. The Orioles even this series at a win each and improve to 5-3 in American League East games and 6-5 overall. The Orioles hit Yankee starter Phil Hughes pretty hard and got to him for solo homers in three consecutive innings. Ryan Flaherty hit his first of the season in the second inning, Nick Markakis hit his second an inning later and Nolan...

Hammel keeps the walks to a minimum (O's win 5-3)

Hammel keeps the walks to a minimum (O's win 5-3)
NEW YORK - Orioles manager Buck Showalter appeared to be bothered more by the number of walks and hit batters from his pitchers last night than Adam Jones' dropped fly ball and the triple play that contributed to an 8-5 loss to the New York Yankees. Jason Hammel has been a comfort to Showalter this afternoon. Hammel issued only one walk in six innings, and he left the game with the Orioles ahead, 5-3. Brian Matusz has replaced him in the seventh with the top of the Yankees' order due...

Reimold optimistic about injury and Hammel still looking for fastball command

Reimold optimistic about injury and Hammel still looking for fastball command
Nolan Reimold doesn't feel he will have to miss any games after leaving today's game because of tightness in his right hamstring suffered when he grounded into a double play in the sixth. "I just had a little cramp, spasm whatever you want to call it that kept getting tighter and tighter," Reimold said. "Sprinted out to first to try and beat out that double play. Think (Wayne) Kirby could tell it was bothering me. Probably a smart idea to come in and evaluate it." Could it turn into a...

Showalter speaks after 4-3 loss (updated with Navarro note)

Showalter speaks after 4-3 loss (updated with Navarro note)
A day that started slowly really picked up steam as it progressed into the late afternoon. Nolan Reimold exited the game with tightness in his right hamstring, and he could go on the disabled list because the Orioles already are playing with a short bench. We learned that Luis Ayala was taken to a local hospital after becoming ill. And manager Buck Showalter confirmed that Miguel Gonzalez will start in New York this weekend, but not because he's aiming for specific match-ups or concerned...

Orioles drop another one-run game as Twins take series finale

Orioles drop another one-run game as Twins take series finale
Some miscommunication in the Orioles outfield was among the factors leading to a 4-3 loss this afternoon to Minnesota. Also, don't look now, but the Orioles have started the year 0-3 in one-run games after going 29-9 last year. They didn't lose their third one-run game last season until May 13, in the 35th game. The Orioles are 3-3 as they head to Boston and New York for a six-game road trip. With the bases loaded and two outs in the Twins' third, Justin Morneau lifted a fly ball toward...

Reimold leaves game with tight hamstring (O's lose 4-3)

Reimold leaves game with tight hamstring (O's lose 4-3)
Nolan Reimold grounded into a double play today to end the bottom of the sixth inning, and he didn't take the field for the top of the seventh. The Orioles announced that Reimold was removed from the game with right hamstring tightness. He will be re-evaluated on Monday. Reimold was bothered by a sore right shoulder in spring training, but didn't have any hamstring issues. He's 1-for-3 with a run scored today and 4-for-17 this season. Nate McLouth replaced Reimold in left...

A look ahead, and Showalter's theory on patience at the plate

A look ahead, and Showalter's theory on patience at the plate
The Orioles have gone through their rotation once, and it's back to Jason Hammel for today's series finale against the Minnesota Twins. The club's starters have posted a 5.74 ERA, which includes the three runs Hammel allowed to the Tampa Bay Rays over six innings on opening day. Hammel berated himself afterward, but the Orioles would gladly take another quality start after the back-to-back struggles of Jake Arrieta and Chris Tillman. Hammel is 2-0 with a 2.14 ERA in four career games...

Is tonight's game Chen music to Zobrist's ears? (plus home opener plans)

Is tonight's game Chen music to Zobrist's ears? (plus home opener plans)
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Now that we've slowed our heart rates following yesterday's opening day festivities at Tropicana Field, and the Orioles' 7-4 victory that followed, it's time to move onto the second game of the 2013 season. Jason Hammel basically trashed himself yesterday after turning in a quality start by definition, allowing three runs over six innings. He retired 15 of the first 17 batters he faced, serving up a single and home run to Ben Zobrist, but still gave himself a failing...

Hearing from Showalter, Wieters and Hammel

Hearing from Showalter, Wieters and Hammel
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Matt Wieters feels right at home in Tropicana Field, which makes you wonder whether he lives in a large storage shed. Wieters' .371 average here is the second-highest among active players with a minimum of 100 at-bats, trailing only Victor Martinez (.402). He had two hits today, including a two-run homer in the first inning off Cy Young Award winner David Price, and drew two walks. Wieters is now 5-for-10 with two homers and three RBIs in three career openers against...

And there goes the lead (O's win 7-4)

And there goes the lead (O's win 7-4)
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The Orioles are 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position today, and it's come back to haunt them. Tampa Bay left-hander David Price is done after six innings and 100 pitches. He served up a two-run homer to Matt Wieters in the first, but that's all the scoring off him. Jason Hammel carried a 2-1 lead into the bottom of the sixth, but he walked No. 9 hitter Kelly Johnson to lead off the inning. As you know, nothing good ever comes from a leadoff walk, especially to...

Showalter on Hammel and Steve Johnson (Yankees lineup)

Showalter on Hammel and Steve Johnson (Yankees lineup)
SARASOTA, Fla. - The decision came easily for manager Buck Showalter. He just needed confirmation that Jason Hammel was healthy. If Hammel's knee cooperated, he would take the ball on opening day at Tropicana Field for the Orioles. "Just a health thing," Showalter said today after confirming Hammel's assignment. "We look at it as one of the five starters. He will be the first guy of the season. We don't look at it like socially or whatever. It's just our team. It's, 'You're gong...

Hammel talks about the opening day assignment

Hammel talks about the opening day assignment
SARASOTA, Fla. - So how's that for a flurry of activity today? Just wait until the Orioles actually play a game tonight. Jason Hammel finally had the freedom to talk about his opening day assignment on April 2. Manager Buck Showalter was impressed that the right-hander waited until reporters already had been notified before discussing it. It's also the little things that get noticed around here. "It's an honor," Hammel said. "I'm very excited. Basically, what it means is I get to be...

Hammel named opening day starter, Gausman reassigned (updated)

Hammel named opening day starter, Gausman reassigned (updated)
SARASOTA, Fla. - Jason Hammel was officially named the Orioles' opening day starter today by manager Buck Showalter. He will take the ball April 2 against the Tampa Bay Rays. Wei-Yi Chen will pitch the second game against the Rays and Miguel Gonzalez will be the third starter in the series at Tropicana Field. Chris Tillman will pitch the home opener April 5 if he is not placed on the disabled list. Otherwise, he will pitch the fifth day because the assignment would be backdated. Showalter...

Steve Johnson shut down with sore lat muscle

Steve Johnson shut down with sore lat muscle
SARASOTA, Fla. - Jason Hammel has been told about his next start and where he fits in the Orioles rotation, but he asked reporters to get the information from manager Buck Showalter. Hammel clearly has been chosen as the opening day starter on April 2 against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Official word is pending. Wei-Yin Chen is lined up to pitch the second game, followed by Miguel Gonzalez. The starter for the home opener on April 5 against the Minnesota Twins could depend on Chris...

Orioles have few games remaining and some interesting decisions

Orioles have few games remaining and some interesting decisions
SARASOTA, Fla. - And down the stretch we come, with no more road trips left before the Orioles break camp and only three Grapefruit League games remaining on the schedule. The Orioles will play back-to-back night games against the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays. Two division rivals. Quick, hide the starters! Jair Jurrens takes the ball tonight after moving up to replace Steve Johnson. The Orioles should be thrilled with the progress he's made physically and with his command since the...