Revisiting some of the most memorable moments in camp

Revisiting some of the most memorable moments in camp
The Ed Smith Stadium complex remains open to non-roster players. The rehabbing, the recovered, the recent international signing. Media and fans aren't allowed inside. One way we can relate to the 40-man crew. The minor league camp opens on Feb. 28 for pitchers and catchers - and perhaps media and fans. All of the details haven't been worked out. We're stuck waiting to find out whether major league spring training already will be in motion. Commissioner Rob Manfred stated it must run a...

More notes before tonight's game against the A's

More notes before tonight's game against the A's
Scott Feldman is available in the bullpen tonight for the Orioles, and he will start Sunday's series finale against the A's if he isn't needed in relief. The A's changed their rotation for the series. Jarrod Parker will start Saturday instead of left-hander Tommy Milone, who was scratched, and Sonny Gray will start Sunday. The Red Sox tentatively are scheduled to start Felix Doubront, John Lackey and Jon Lester in the three-game series against the Orioles that begins Tuesday at Fenway...

Garcia traded to Braves, A's lineup

Garcia traded to Braves, A's lineup
The Orioles have traded veteran pitcher Freddy Garcia to the Atlanta Braves for cash considerations. Garcia had been pitching at Triple-A Norfolk. Garcia was 8-3 with a 2.84 ERA in 13 starts with the Tides, with 15 walks and 61 strikeouts. He went 3-5 with a 5.77 ERA in 11 games (10 starts) with the Orioles. Catcher Luis Exposito has been activated from the minor league disabled list and will take Garcia's roster spot at Norfolk. For the Athletics Coco Crisp CF Jed Lowrie SS Josh Donaldson...

More on Hardy being out of tonight's lineup

More on Hardy being out of tonight's lineup
Orioles manager Buck Showalter didn't write shortstop J.J. Hardy's name in tonight's lineup. But that doesn't mean Hardy is definitely getting the night off. "He doesn't start," Showalter said. "Two different terminologies there." Hardy, who has started every game this season, could be used tonight as a pinch-hitter or defensive replacement. The game will dictate it. "I'd like to stay away from him," Showalter said. "I've been trying to do it for a while. Told him we were...

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...

Garcia signs minor league deal with Orioles, tonight's lineup (plus Indians lineup)

Garcia signs minor league deal with Orioles, tonight's lineup (plus Indians lineup)
Veteran right-hander Freddy Garcia opted out of his contract with the Orioles and agreed to a minor league deal that will keep him in the organization. He will report to Triple-A Norfolk. Garcia was optioned to make room for Kevin Gausman on the 25-man roster, and was given 72 hours to accept it. He chose free agency, but agreed to a newly structured deal. Garcia no longer is on the 40-man roster, which creates a spot for second baseman Brian Roberts if the Orioles activate him from the...

Orioles sign undrafted free agent Tanner Rust, and other notes

Orioles sign undrafted free agent Tanner Rust, and other notes
The Orioles have signed New Mexico State infielder Tanner Rust, an undrafted free agent whose .375 average this year led the Western Athletic Conference and ranked ninth in the country. Rust, who's listed at 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds, had 15 doubles, two triples, seven home runs and 54 RBIs this season. He led the Aggies with 54 runs scored and 24 multiple-hit games. His .481 on-base percentage led the league and his 79 hits were third. He had 34 walks and 43 strikeouts in 216 at-bats. Rust...

Kevin Gausman and Freddy Garcia talk about today's roster move

Kevin Gausman and Freddy Garcia talk about today's roster move
Freddy Garcia was packing his bag. Kevin Gausman was unpacking his. That was the scene a few moments ago in the O's clubhouse. The Orioles just announced that Gausman has been recalled from Triple-A and that Garcia has been optioned to Norfolk. Gausman said he expected to be available out of the bullpen for now. It is possible he could move into Garcia's spot in the rotation which next comes up on Friday. "They told me probably (work) out of the pen," Gausman said. "You know, relieving...

Gausman recalled, replaces Garcia on roster (updated)

Gausman recalled, replaces Garcia on roster (updated)
Kevin Gausman is listed among the Orioles' relievers for tonight's game against the Indians. Freddy Garcia is no longer listed among the starters and said he has been put on waivers. More accurately, he has been optioned to Triple-A Norfolk. However, Garcia apparently can decline the assignment and become a free agent, which appears to be his choice. The Orioles haven't made an announcement, but one is pending. Gausman has been recalled from Triple-A Norfolk and could make Friday...

The rotation, the lineup and other stuff

The rotation, the lineup and other stuff
The Orioles need to make a roster move this afternoon or they need left-hander Zach Britton to give them innings tonight. T.J. McFarland worked 4 1/3 innings yesterday in Toronto. An early exit by Britton would require some baton passing and really tax the bullpen. The Orioles must make a decision on Freddy Garcia. They're willing to put him in the bullpen, though they would have to create a spot for him. Is he a better option in the rotation than Kevin Gausman or Jair Jurrjens? Steve...

Toronto knocks Garcia out early to beat O's and complete three-game sweep

Toronto knocks Garcia out early to beat O's and complete three-game sweep
This one got out of hand early. The Toronto Blue Jays knocked O's starter Freddy Garcia out in the third inning this afternoon to beat the Orioles 13-5 today and complete the three-game sweep at Rogers Centre. This is just the second time on the year the Orioles were swept in a three-game series, and they fall to 42-34. The Orioles were also swept, three in a row, by Tampa Bay on May 17-19. Toronto matched a club record by winning its 11th straight game. The Blue Jays, who are 6-4 against...

What's next for Garcia? (O's lose 13-5)

What's next for Garcia? (O's lose 13-5)
Do the Orioles keep Freddy Garcia in the rotation after today's start, or do they consider the alternatives at Triple-A Norfolk? Garcia turned in his shortest start today, lasting only 2 1/3 innings, and was charged with a season-high seven runs. He allowed seven hits, walked two, struck out one, gave up a home run and hit a batter. Manager Buck Showalter removed Garcia after 61 pitches. Over his last two starts, Garcia has allowed 12 runs and 15 hits in 7 2/3 innings. He hasn't strung...

Orioles waste chance, Blue Jays take advantage (updated)

Orioles waste chance, Blue Jays take advantage (updated)
The Orioles loaded the bases with two outs in the top of the first inning today, and catcher Matt Wieters fouled out to Blue Jays catcher J.P. Acencibia. The Blue Jays loaded the bases with two outs in the bottom of the first inning, and Freddy Garcia hit Arencibia to force in a run. Wieters has only five hits in his last 34 at-bats, lowering his average to .232. He has three RBIs over his last 15 games since June 5. Garcia threw 32 pitches in the first, striking out Maicer Izturis to end...

Retaliation won't be on Sunday's menu

Retaliation won't be on Sunday's menu
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Jose Bautista managed to circle the bases yesterday at his usual speed despite carrying a large chip on his shoulder. Bautista sought revenge on Orioles reliever Darren O'Day, and his tie-breaking, two-run homer pretty much did the trick. But he wasn't content with letting his bat do the talking. Bautista chirped and gestured at O'Day, whose enthusiastic reaction to striking him out the previous night led to yesterday's follow-up exchange of words. Plenty of...

Showalter speaks after 5-4 loss

Showalter speaks after 5-4 loss
Orioles manager Buck Showalter was going to speak with Alexi Casilla after meeting with reporters following today's 5-4 loss to the Red Sox. Casilla has some explaining to do after going from first to third on Ryan Flaherty's liner to right field and being doubled off to end the game. Showalter relayed the explanation from third base coach Bobby Dickerson. "Bobby, I think, talked to him. Said he thought the ball was a sure double, I believe, but I haven't talked to him yet," Showalter...

O's rally in ninth, come up one run short against Boston

O's rally in ninth, come up one run short against Boston
The Orioles took a 2-0 lead today as their first four batters in the game reached. They couldn't maximize that rally though and couldn't get much going after that against John Lackey, as Boston beat the Orioles 5-4 this afternoon in front of 42,422 at Camden Yards. The Orioles did threaten big time in the ninth against Andrew Bailey, as Matt Wieters hit a two-run homer to make it 5-4. J.J. Hardy singled and Alexi Casilla pinch ran for him. But when Ryan Flaherty lined out to right, Casilla...

Machado continues monster season (O's lose 5-4)

Machado continues monster season (O's lose 5-4)
It's been quite a day for Manny Machado, and it's only the fourth inning. Machado is 2-for-2. He doubled in the first inning, giving him 31 this season. He singled in the third, giving him 28 mult-hit games, which also leads the majors. The 97 hits? Yeah, that also leads the majors. Machado has four straight multi-hit games, going 9-for-18 with four doubles. His average is up to .327. Imagine how good he could become once he turns 21 next month? The Red Sox hadn't scored in 18 innings...

More on Manny Machado (O's lead 2-0)

More on Manny Machado (O's lead 2-0)
Orioles third baseman Manny Machado has 30 doubles in 68 games. According to Elias, the earliest any other major leaguer under 21 reached 30 doubles since 1900 was 81 games by Hall of Famer Ted Williams in 1939. According to STATS, Machado's 30 doubles in 68 games are the most by any player under age 22 since 1920, topping Williams' 25 in 1939 and Joe DiMaggio's 24 in 1936. Machado is on pace for 71 doubles. The major league record in a season is 67 by Earl Webb for Boston in 1931. The...

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...

Showalter speaks after 4-3 win

Showalter speaks after 4-3 win
Orioles manager Buck Showalter offered praise for the Camden Yards grounds crew and the umpiring crew following tonight's soggy 4-3 victory over the Angels. The rain delay lasted 2 hours, 14 minutes. The game itself lasted 2 hours, 23 minutes. At one point, it seemed highly unlikely that it would resume in the bottom of the sixth as the rain came down in buckets and the field was under water. "What a job the grounds crew did. When they put the tarp out there, you wouldn't like the chances...