Ishikawa claimed by Yankees, notes on McLouth and Davis (updated)

Ishikawa claimed by Yankees, notes on McLouth and Davis (updated)
NEW YORK - The Yankees have claimed first baseman Travis Ishikawa off waivers, according to an Orioles official - the exact scenario that the club envisioned while debating what to do with him. The Orioles didn't allow Ishikawa to opt out of his contract at Triple-A Norfolk, summoning him to Detroit on June 18 while placing Miguel Gonzalez on paternity leave. They designated him for assignment on June 29 after recalling Jair Jurrjens and tried unsuccessfully to trade him. The Yankees lost...

This, that and the other

This, that and the other
NEW YORK - Manny Machado turns 21 today. No more jokes about not being able to legally order a beer. Machado's nine-game hitting streak ended last night. Has nothing to do with his age. Jim Johnson has walked 14 batters this season. He walked 15 in 2012. He's not getting the ball down, he's falling behind in the count and he's either walking batters or giving up hits. Anyone who's waiting for manager Buck Showalter to publicly criticize Johnson - say, during O's Xtra - knows nothing...

Showalter on roster move and more

Showalter on roster move and more
Orioles manager Buck Showalter explained to reporters why the club designated first baseman Travis Ishikawa for assignment this afternoon and recalled pitcher Jair Jurrjens. "Just felt like we needed some coverage in our bullpen tonight after last night, and we're going to make a move with Brian (Roberts) tomorrow, anyway," Showalter said. The Orioles will continue their attempts to trade Ishikawa. If he goes through waivers and clears, he can choose to become a free agent. "Hoping it...

Ishikawa on today's roster move

Ishikawa on today's roster move
First baseman Travis Ishikawa received the news this afternoon that the Orioles designated him for assignment to make room for pitcher Jair Jurrjens. He took it in stride, knowing that it was a distinct possibility. "They needed another arm," he said. "I don't know what's going to happen now. They have a few days to try to trade me, and then if they can't trade me, I go through the waiver process and see if anybody claims me. If they don't, I can either accept my assignment to Triple-A...

After nearly leaving the organization, Ishikawa trying to make it with the Orioles

After nearly leaving the organization, Ishikawa trying to make it with the Orioles
Just a few days ago, Travis Ishikawa was a player possibly headed out of the O's organization. Tonight he will make his fifth start with the team and third at first base. When you are a reserve, your roster spot is far from secure, but the veteran is here now after opting out of his minor league contract June 16 and forcing the O's to either bring him to the major leagues or risk losing him to another club. They added him to the 25-man roster and he is 2-for-13 with an RBI in his first five...

Orioles and Blue Jays lineups

Orioles and Blue Jays lineups
Travis Ishikawa will make his second start at first base today, as the Orioles try to even their series against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Chris Davis will serve as the designated hitter for the second time. He hit two home runs Wednesday in Detroit. Taylor Teagarden is behind the plate. For the Orioles Nate McLouth LF Manny Machado 3B Nick Markakis RF Adam Jones CF Chris Davis DH J.J. Hardy SS Travis Ishikawa 1B Ryan Flaherty 2B Taylor Teagarden C Miguel Gonzalez RHP For the...

It's Hammel vs. Dickey tonight (with notes)

It's Hammel vs. Dickey tonight (with notes)
The Orioles will make a roster move later today to create room for pitcher Miguel Gonzalez, who's returned from paternity leave and will start Saturday at Rogers Centre. First baseman Travis Ishikawa had his contract selected from Triple-A Norfolk after filing paperwork to opt out. He's 1-for-9 with five strikeouts in two games. Ishikawa can't be sent back down to the minors without an outright assignment, which he can refuse based on service time. The Yankees are believed to have interest...

Game update and a few more notes (Davis and Teagarden homer)

Game update and a few more notes (Davis and Teagarden homer)
Chris Tillman has thrown 47 pitches in two innings today, but the Orioles and Tigers remain scoreless at Comerica Park. Tillman has allowed four hits and walked a batter. He's been aided by outstanding plays by third baseman Manny Machado and left fielder Nate McLouth. Tillman has allowed eight runs in the third this season, his highest total in any inning. McLouth singled in the first inning, giving him hits in six of his last eight games and four in a row. He's 7-for-27 in those eight...

Ishikawa starting at first base, Davis the DH

Ishikawa starting at first base, Davis the DH
Travis Ishikawa is starting at first base today for the Orioles in the series finale against the Tigers at Comerica Park. Chris Davis will get a partial break as the designated hitter. Taylor Teagarden is catching today. For the Orioles Nate McLouth LF Manny Machado 3B Nick Markakis RF Adam Jones CF Chris Davis DH J.J. Hardy SS Travis Ishikawa 1B Ryan Flaherty 2B Taylor Teagarden C Chris Tillman RHP For the Tigers Austin Jackson CF Andy Dirks LF Miguel Cabrera 3B Prince Fielder...

Orioles remove Navarro from 40-man roster (and rotation note)

Orioles remove Navarro from 40-man roster (and rotation note)
The Orioles made their roster moves official this afternoon. Zach Britton has been recalled from Triple-A Norfolk and will start tonight against the Tigers at Comerica Park. Travis Ishikawa's contact has been selected from the Tides, and he's the designated hitter in manager Buck Showalter's lineup. Pitcher Miguel Gonzalez was placed on three-day paternity leave to make room for Ishikawa on the 25-man roster. Infielder Yamaico Navarro was designated for assignment to create space for...

Ishikawa in tonight's lineup

Ishikawa in tonight's lineup
Travis Ishikawa is in Detroit and in the Orioles' lineup tonight as their designated hitter. The club hasn't announced a corresponding 40-man roster move. For the Orioles Nate McLouth LF Manny Machado 3B Nick Markakis RF Adam Jones CF Chris Davis 1B Matt Wieters C J.J. Hardy SS Travis Ishikawa DH Ryan Flaherty 2B Zach Britton LHP For the Tigers Austin Jackson CF Torii Hunter RF Miguel Cabrera 3B Prince Fielder 1B Victor Martinez DH Jhonny Peralta SS Matt Tuiasosopo LF Omar Infante...

Ishikawa expected to join Orioles (updated)

Ishikawa expected to join Orioles (updated)
Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette said the club is "leaning toward" selecting the contract of first baseman Travis Ishikawa from Triple-A Norfolk. Ishikawa filed paperwork Sunday to opt out of his contract, giving the Orioles 48 hours to decide whether to bring him to the majors. They didn't have a spot on the 25-man roster until pitcher Miguel Gonzalez left the team yesterday to join his wife for the birth of their daughter in California. Gonzalez can be placed on three-day...

Report: O's will call up Ishikawa

Report: O's will call up Ishikawa
Norfolk first baseman Travis Ishikawa filed official paperwork over the weekend to opt out of his contract with the Orioles. At some point Tuesday, that was supposed to make him a free agent, but it appears the O's will not let that happen as they are planning to call up Ishikawa from Triple-A. Ishikawa has hit .316 in 49 Norfolk games with seven homers, 31 RBIs, a .413 OBP and a .939 OPS. Against right-handed pitching, he is batting .331 with an OPS of 1.002. The 29-year-old left-handed...

More pregame notes

More pregame notes
Orioles closer Jim Johnson has converted seven consecutive save opportunities since the meltdown in Toronto on May 26, when he fumbled a three-run lead on the artificial surface at Rogers Centre. He hasn't permitted a run during the current stretch. So, what's the difference now? "Results," said manager Buck Showalter. "Jimmy lives in results. Not nearly as much difference as people may think. It's that job. I can rattle off four or five other guys who are having... Jered Weaver threw a...

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...

Ishikawa wants to add to his Camden Yards memories

Ishikawa wants to add to his Camden Yards memories
SARASOTA, Fla. - Travis Ishikawa hopes that his next visit to Camden Yards includes a uniform and a locker. Ishikawa, the first baseman signed as a minor league free agent on Dec. 19, has never played a game in Baltimore. However, he's not a total stranger to the ballpark, having made one trip with his parents back in 1997. Here's where it gets a little weird. In that game, a 10-2 loss to the Chicago White Sox on July 20, plate umpire Al Clark ejected Cal Ripken in the bottom of the second...

Reimold remains encouraged after today's batting practice session

Reimold remains encouraged after today's batting practice session
SARASOTA, Fla. - Outfielder Nolan Reimold didn't have any restrictions during today's workout. He participated in drills and took batting practice on the Camden Yards field. Reimold swung against camp instructor Scott McGregor on Tuesday, and he joined a batting practice group today that included Manny Machado, Ryan Flaherty and Lew Ford. "It was good. Just progressing into it," Reimold said later while standing at his locker. "I felt pretty good yesterday. Still trying to get stronger...

Duquette talks about the latest batch of spring training invites

Duquette talks about the latest batch of spring training invites
The Orioles announced yesterday that their list of spring training invites expanded to include first baseman Travis Ishikawa and left-handers Daniel Schlereth and Zach Braddock. Executive vice president Dan Duquette is really enthused about Ishikawa, 29, who batted .257/.329/.428 in 94 games with the Milwaukee Brewers this year and .265/.327/.400 with 15 homers and 80 RBIs in 281 games with the San Francisco Giants over four seasons. "Ishikawa is a good first baseman," Duquette said....

Orioles sign Ishikawa, Schlereth and Braddock to minor league deals

Orioles sign Ishikawa, Schlereth and Braddock to minor league deals
The Orioles have signed first baseman Travis Ishikawa and left-handers Daniel Schlereth and Zach Braddock to minor league contracts with invitations to spring training. Ishikawa, 29, batted .257/.329/.428 in 94 games with Milwaukee in 2012. He batted .265/.327/.400 with 15 home runs and 80 RBIs in 281 games with San Francisco over four seasons (2006, 2008-10). In his career, Ishikawa has batted .266/.333/.416 with 18 home runs in 741 plate appearances against right-handed...