Notes on Jones, the rotation, Gonzalez, Harvey and more

Notes on Jones, the rotation, Gonzalez, Harvey and more
WASHINGTON - Orioles manager Buck Showalter said Adam Jones' back has improved, though the All-Star center fielder remains out of the lineup. "He's better, he's better," Showalter said. "That's encouraging. Hopefully, it will continue down that path. He can do some things today that he couldn't do yesterday. That was good to see." Showalter can't commit to Jones being in the lineup Wednesday night. "No necessarily. We'll see what 24 hours brings," Showalter said. Showalter also...

Tyler Wilson talks about his next opportunity

Tyler Wilson talks about his next opportunity
What could be better than losing the season's final off-day on Thursday and making the horrible drive to D.C. four times instead of three? What could possibly top spending all day and a large chunk of the night at Nationals Park without actually covering a game? The baseball gods have a wicked sense of humor. The Orioles will be eliminated from the division race with a loss tonight or a Blue Jays win over the Yankees. You may have stopped checking a while ago. The Rays dropped into last place...

More Orioles notes while waiting out a rain delay (game postponed)

More Orioles notes while waiting out a rain delay (game postponed)
WASHINGTON -The start of tonight's game at Nationals Park will be delayed by rain. Orioles manager Buck Showalter would have played Adam Jones tonight if not for the back spasms that basically took the decision out of his hands. "He's not available to start," Showalter said before tonight's game against the Nationals. "We'll see what the rest of the game brings. Just a little wear and tear from four days on the turf and a long season of playing center field every day. Hopefully, it will...

Adam Jones bothered by back spasms, Tyler Wilson starting Wednesday

Adam Jones bothered by back spasms, Tyler Wilson starting Wednesday
WASHINGTON - Rain continues to fall at Nationals Park. People here sound confident that the game will be played. No word on contingency plans if there's a postponement. Manager Buck Showalter said Adam Jones is out of the lineup due to back spasms. Jones wasn't available to start tonight, but might be able to play later if needed. "We'll see what the rest of the game brings," Showalter said. Showalter said Jones would have played if able. Jones received treatment on his back earlier...

Updates on Adam Jones and Miguel Gonzalez

Updates on Adam Jones and Miguel Gonzalez
WASHINGTON - Center fielder Adam Jones said he's just receiving a normal day off in the series opener against the Nationals and he wonders why it's a story.Jones usually has to be dragged out of the lineup, which makes his absence seem like a bigger deal."Just played four days on the turf, man. Got to let my body relax a little bit and heal a little bit," said Jones, who's replaced tonight by Junior Lake. Jones said there isn't one specific ailment that's bothering him."Nah, just...

A take on the rotation, Jonathan Schoop and a winning season

A take on the rotation, Jonathan Schoop and a winning season
With 13 games to play in the 2015 season, many Orioles fans must have one eye on the present and one on the future at this point. As the hopes dim and are almost closed on this year, there is always hope that next year could be better. The Orioles' winter will be interesting to follow as we will eventually find out if they can re-sign any of their key free agents. If they don't or can't, we'll find out how they intend to move forward without those players. With a look back and a watchful...

Showalter on the rotation, Hardy and Bowie's title

Showalter on the rotation, Hardy and Bowie's title
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The Orioles continue to list Ubaldo Jimenez and Chris Tillman as the first two starters for the D.C. series, and TBD on Wednesday. Tyler Wilson's turn falls on Wednesday after he allowed six runs in 4 1/3 innings against the Rays in the second game of the series. "Wally (Dave Wallace) wants to wait on a couple of things," said manager Buck Showalter. "I think we'll be able to announce that after today. He wants to see a work day, a couple of other things. With the...

Tyler Wilson in the rotation, tonight's game, last night's win and more

Tyler Wilson in the rotation, tonight's game, last night's win and more
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Now it's Tyler Wilson's turn. The Orioles aren't holding auditions for their 2016 rotation. It only seems that way with Wilson getting the start tonight after Mike Wright took the mound again on Wednesday. This is being done more out of necessity. Miguel Gonzalez is on the disabled list. The list of alternatives is short. We're not even talking cocktail napkin short. No replacement is going to carry a lengthy track record of success at the major league level. It comes...

More from Buck Showalter on the rotation

More from Buck Showalter on the rotation
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Orioles manager Buck Showalter confirmed that Ubaldo Jimenez will start Monday night against the Nationals in D.C. Chris Tillman will pitch Tuesday, and Wednesday's starter is listed as TBD. Tyler Wilson's turn falls on that day. However, Showalter didn't rule out Mike Wright returning to the rotation. It's a fluid situation. Miguel Gonzalez will throw from 120 feet on Friday and could rejoin the rotation next weekend in Boston. Showalter pretty much ruled out...

Buck Showalter on today's anniversary and Miguel Gonzalez

Buck Showalter on today's anniversary and Miguel Gonzalez
Today marks the one-year anniversary of the Orioles clinching the American League East at home and setting off a wild on-field celebration shared with the fans who were in no hurry to leave Camden Yards. Merry Clinchmas to everyone. Manager Buck Showalter was challenged today to share his most vivid memories from that night. "I'd have to think about it," he said. "You never assume any of it until it happens, until the last ball is caught and you step on first. Because we live in that world,...

Miguel Gonzalez on pitching again in 2015: "I think it's important for all of us"

Miguel Gonzalez on pitching again in 2015: "I think it's important for all of us"
Miguel Gonzalez remains encouraged by his recovery and his chances of starting again this season for the Orioles. Gonzalez made 25 throws from 60 feet yesterday, his first activity since going on the disabled list Sept. 4 with tendinitis in his right shoulder. He also had swelling in his right elbow. He's scheduled to throw from 90 feet on Wednesday and 120 feet on Friday. "They want to take it slow," Gonzalez said. If there are no setbacks, Gonzalez will progress to a bullpen session before...

Updating Miguel Gonzalez and more

Updating Miguel Gonzalez and more
Miguel Gonzalez threw off flat ground today in his first session since going on the disabled list with tendinitis in his right shoulder and inflammation in his right elbow. "Felt really good, no problems," said manager Buck Showalter. "Actually got more aggressive toward the end and didn't feel anything, so that's good news today." The next step probably involves another flat ground session. "Would do that again, I think," Showalter said. "That was the first time in a long time....

Updates on game status, Garcia, Gonzalez and more (we're under way)

Updates on game status, Garcia, Gonzalez and more (we're under way)
The rain continues to fall at Camden Yards and the start of today's game will be delayed. The only time that the tarp was peeled back was to allow the grounds crew to work on the area around home plate. It was a brief exposure. Manager Buck Showalter stopped by the weather room after finishing his session with the media. He's searching for a window to play the game. Rule 5 pick Jason Garcia will pitch in the Arizona Fall League. The Orioles checked to make sure he was eligible. The Orioles...

Showalter on Jones, Hardy, Gonzalez, 2016 schedule and more (O's win 2-1)

Showalter on Jones, Hardy, Gonzalez, 2016 schedule and more (O's win 2-1)
NEW YORK - Orioles manager Buck Showalter said he didn't bother to ask Adam Jones about the center fielder's status for tonight's game, about how the right shoulder was feeling after discomfort forced his removal yesterday in the eighth inning. Showalter isn't meeting Jones for the first time here. "You check with him, you're going to pretty much get the same answer," Showalter said. "Adam is one of those guys who takes playing every day real seriously. That one last night, l watch him...

Adam Jones: "There's a lot of things that's hurting, man"

Adam Jones: "There's a lot of things that's hurting, man"
NEW YORK - Orioles center fielder Adam Jones arrived at Yankee Stadium today expecting to be in the lineup. Instead, he's on the bench for the second game of the series while Gerardo Parra plays center and Chris Davis moves to right. Jones left yesterday's game in the eighth inning with a sore right shoulder. His entire body seems to be banged up, including his wrist, but the shoulder is the main issue. Manager Buck Showalter waited to post the lineup and decided to rest Jones. "You know me....

Rotation comes up short again in 5-1 loss

Rotation comes up short again in 5-1 loss
The Orioles were held to one run today, the offense reverting to its previous form after totaling 17 runs over the last two games. However, they also had another abbreviated start from their rotation, a shortcoming that can't be ignored. Mike Wright lasted four innings in a 5-1 loss to the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. He threw 80 pitches on three days' rest. An Orioles starter hasn't completed seven innings since Kevin Gausman on Aug. 23 against the Twins in a 4-3, 12-inning loss at Camden...

Miguel Gonzalez on going on the DL; Mike Wright on his start Saturday

Miguel Gonzalez on going on the DL; Mike Wright on his start Saturday
TORONTO -- Orioles right-hander Miguel Gonzalez officially went on the disabled list today, retroactive to Monday, with right shoulder tendinitis. He still intends to pitch again this year and hopes to do some throwing sometime next week. "That's the goal," he said today in the visiting clubhouse at Rogers Centre. "As soon as we start throwing, we'll see if I can get on the mound. Richie (Bancells, head athletic trainer) is just telling me to do things day by day. We don't want to rush...

Orioles and Blue Jays lineups (updated)

Orioles and Blue Jays lineups (updated)
Matt Wieters is catching tonight for the third time in four nights as the Orioles open their three-game series in Toronto. Manny Machado is playing shortstop and Ryan Flaherty is starting at third base. Jimmy Paredes is serving as the designated hitter. The Orioles made their roster moves official. Junior Lake, Jorge Rondon and Mike Wright are back with the team and Miguel Gonzalez goes on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to Aug. 31 with right shoulder tendinitis. For the Orioles Manny...

More on today's roster moves and crunching some numbers

More on today's roster moves and crunching some numbers
The Orioles will announce their roster moves later today as they approach their series opener in Toronto. As I wrote yesterday, Miguel Gonzalez will be placed on the 15-day disabled list with tendinitis in his right shoulder and elbow. The move allows the Orioles to recall reliever Jorge Rondon in fewer than the 10 days required for an optioned player to remain in the minors. Also, the Orioles will recall outfielder Junior Lake and pitcher Mike Wright from Triple-A Norfolk. Wright is expected...

Dylan Bundy to start throwing program next week

Dylan Bundy to start throwing program next week
The Orioles received two pieces of good medical news within the past few days. Top pitching prospect Dylan Bundy's right shoulder passed the test administered by Dr. James Andrews. He's been cleared to start a throwing program. Miguel Gonzalez may go on the disabled list as the Orioles begin a three-game series in Toronto, but MRIs on his right shoulder and elbow revealed nothing more serious than tendinitis that's causing inflammation. There's nothing structurally wrong. Gonzalez was most...