Orioles manager Buck Showalter expects first baseman Chris Davis to return to the lineup on Friday in Toronto. Showalter said Davis is dealing with "a couple of things" physically and he's been looking for a spot to rest his first baseman. Davis continues to ice his thumb, an injury he sustained at Tropicana Field while making a slide/dive into second base. Showalter said "nothing got worse" for Davis following last night's brawl and he hasn't been informed of any new injuries to his...

Barring a late change in plans, the Orioles intend to start right-hander Mike Wright in Saturday afternoon's game against the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Wright allowed an unearned run over seven innings last night in a 4-1 win over the Royals. "It's like I said last night with Michael, I'm going to be real surprised if he doesn't pitch well tonight, but it's the following outing," said manager Buck Showalter. "It's the following outings that matter. It's the next outing for...

In an interview this afternoon, executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette said the Orioles are considering two left-handers currently in the organization to possibly soon join the team. "Wandy Rodriguez is a veteran pitcher and we have to make a decision on him in the next week," Duquette said on 105.7 the Fan. "We've always liked him, he has a good curve. We'll see if there is an opportunity to fit him in. If we don't do something soon, I'm sure he'll be interested...

Orioles manager Buck Showalter believes his bullpen is in good shape for tonight's series opener against the Yankees at Camden Yards despite the loss of setup man Darren O'Day, who went on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right hamstring. Showalter used Brad Brach for only one inning last night to keep the right-hander available. Mychal Givens worked two innings last night and most likely will be rested, but Showalter has other available arms, including T.J. McFarland and closer Zach...

The Orioles weren't done making moves tonight with the Brian Matusz trade. They also acquired Single-A right-hander Franderlin Romero from the Reds for two international signing bonus slots. Romero, 23, was 1-4 with a 2.87 ERA in eight starts with the Dayton Dragons. He walked nine batters and struck out 42 in 47 innings. In seven minor league seasons, Romero is 15-25 with a 3.07 ERA in 78 games (62 starts). He allowed two hits in six scoreless innings in his last start. The announcement comes...

The Orioles are in dual mode when it comes to their pitching needs. They remain in the market for another arm, but they're also trying to ready their own minor leaguers for possible duty later in the summer. They had a minor league offer on the table for veteran Kyle Lohse before he signed yesterday with the Rangers, a deal that reportedly included a June 1 opt-out. They recently had special assignment scout Ron Schueler, who's based in Arizona, watch Tim Lincecum's showcase. The Orioles are...

It's a slow news day at Camden Yards. Orioles manager Buck Showalter described left-hander Wandy Rodriguez as "inventory" following news today that the club signed him to a minor league deal. Rodriguez, 37, has been sent to extended spring training in Sarasota. The Orioles eventually want to insert him into Triple-A Norfolk's rotation, but he may push for a promotion to the majors. For now, the plan is to stretch him out and allow him to shake off the rust, see whether he's a guy who can...

Looking to bolster their pitching depth at the Triple-A level, the Orioles have signed veteran left-hander Wandy Rodriguez to a minor league contract. Rodriguez will report to extended spring training in Sarasota and attempt to work his way back up to the majors. Being left-handed won't hurt his chances. The Orioles are sorely lacking in that department. Rodriguez, 37, is 97-98 with a 4.10 ERA in 11 major league seasons with the Astros, Pirates and Rangers. He made 15 starts among his 17...

The Pirates are buyers, proving again that it's a mad, mad, mad, mad world. It is not 1971 or 1979. I took the time to check. In case you missed it, the Pirates acquired pitcher Wandy Rodriguez from the Astros last night for minor leaguers Rudy Owens, Robbie Grossman and Colton Cain. The Astros will be sending a nice hunk of cash, too. The Orioles spoke to the Astros about Rodriguez, as I wrote here, but they weren't overly enthusiastic. I've heard that his salary was a big turnoff -...

You can add left-hander Wandy Rodriguez to the list of pitchers who are on the Orioles' radar. The Orioles have contacted the Astros about Rodriguez, according to an industry source. No word on the level of interest or which players have been discussed, but executive vice president Dan Duquette is considering Rodriguez as a possibility for his ever-changing rotation. Rodriguez is owed about $5 million for the rest of 2012 and is signed through next season, when he'll make $13 million. The...