Information on "Birdland Social" and other notes (updated)

Information on "Birdland Social" and other notes (updated)
The Orioles will host "Birdland Social," a Social Media Night event at Camden Yards on July 28 prior to the 7:05 p.m. game against the Braves. The exclusive pregame party on the center field Roof Deck will host 250 of the Orioles' most engaged social media followers. I'll join former pitcher and current MASN analyst Jim Palmer for a Q&A session with fans, continuing my Hall of Fame tour. Cal Ripken Jr. yesterday, Palmer on July 28. Someone get Brooksie on the phone. Tickets for the...

Hearing from Matusz and Showalter before tonight's game

Hearing from Matusz and Showalter before tonight's game
Orioles reliever Brian Matusz arrived in the clubhouse today around the same time that the media was allowed inside. He joked about not getting a tan in Sarasota so teammates wouldn't tease him about being on vacation instead of serving an eight-game suspension that ends before Sunday's game. Matusz chose his words carefully when asked about Major League Baseball's decision to uphold his suspension. Brewers reliever Will Smith had his suspension reduced from eight to six games for the same...

Orioles release Everth Cabrera (plus other notes)

Orioles release Everth Cabrera (plus other notes)
The Orioles released infielder Everth Cabrera, who was designated for assignment on June 5 as one of six roster moves made in Cleveland. Cabrera batted .208/.250/.229 in 29 games while filling in at shortstop and second base. The Orioles signed him to a $2.4 million contract on Feb. 25. Cabrera had a minor league option when the Orioles signed him, but his service time kicked in toward the end of April. He couldn't be sent to the minors without his consent. Manager Buck Showalter confirmed...

Notes on Tillman, Jones and Britton, plus Duquette on Cabrera and Cabral

Notes on Tillman, Jones and Britton, plus Duquette on Cabrera and Cabral
That's two wins in a row for the Orioles. How long does it need to stretch before it constitutes a streak? Chris Tillman continues to ride the roller coaster. A good outing followed by a poor one followed by a good one. Let's check the earned runs allowed in his starts this season: One, seven, one, seven, two, four, five, one (in three innings), two, five and two. Tillman isn't the model of consistency, but he provides reason to be optimistic. He just needs to cut down on the walks. Tillman...

Orioles make six roster moves, Matusz suspension remains eight games

Orioles make six roster moves, Matusz suspension remains eight games
The Orioles made six roster moves today, including reinstating catcher Matt Wieters from the 60-day disabled list. They also recalled infielder Rey Navarro from Triple-A Norfolk and selected the contract of left-handed reliever Cesar Cabral. In corresponding moves, the Orioles optioned catcher Steve Clevenger and pitcher Mike Wright to Norfolk, and designated infielder Everth Cabrera for assignment. The Orioles have 10 days to waive or trade Cabrera, who reached five years service time in late...

Orioles and Astros lineups (Hardy having "oblique issue")

Orioles and Astros lineups (Hardy having "oblique issue")
J.J. Hardy is out of the Orioles' lineup for the second consecutive game due to soreness in his left side. Ryan Flaherty is starting at shortstop. Manager Buck Showalter, calling into MLB Network, said Hardy is having "an oblique issue" and will undergo an MRI. Hardy missed 25 games in 2011 with a strained oblique. Flaherty is playing shortstop instead of Everth Cabrera, who's batting .202/.238/.223 in 102 plate appearances and is 2-for-26 with eight strikeouts in his last 10 games. Steve...

Jones serving as DH tonight

Jones serving as DH tonight
Adam Jones returns to the Orioles lineup tonight as the designated hitter after a two-game absence. Jones has been sidelined with a sprained left ankle sustained in Game 2 of Thursday's doubleheader against the White Sox. He played on Friday and sat out back-to-back losses to the Rays. Jones is looking for his first home run since May 11. He's driven in three runs during that stretch. Everth Cabrera is starting at shortstop, with J.J. Hardy listed among the reserves. Jimmy Paredes, 1-for-20...

Showalter on roster move and more

Showalter on roster move and more
Orioles manager Buck Showalter met with reporters earlier today and explained the Orioles' decision to designate outfielder Alejandro De Aza for assignment to clear a spot for infielder Ryan Flaherty on the 25-man roster. De Aza batted .293/.341/.537 with five doubles, three triples, three home runs and 10 RBIs in 20 games with the Orioles last season after coming over in a trade with the White Sox. He also gave the Orioles plus-defense in left field, which was a primary reason why they made...

This, that and the other

This, that and the other
The Orioles are expected to make another roster move today with infielder Ryan Flaherty eligible to come off the 15-day disabled list. Manager Buck Showalter indicated that Flaherty, who went 0-for-2 with two walks last night at Triple-A Norfolk, would be added to the 25-man roster. Flaherty has an option, but the Orioles intend to keep him in the majors. The key for Flaherty, of course, is being fully healed after two stints on the disabled list with a right groin strain. He was fine the first...

This, that and the other (Bundy update)

This, that and the other (Bundy update)
The good news yesterday regarding Orioles shortstop J.J. Hardy was that his left shoulder felt fine. He wasn't grimacing in the seventh inning because of pain shooting down his arm as he swung the bat. Fans watching the game guessed shoulder or hamstring on my Twitter timeline. No one submitted "back" as an answer. But that's why Hardy came out of the game. His back felt tight when he showed up at the ballpark and manager Buck Showalter could tell that something was wrong just from watching...

Orioles lineup vs. Astros

Orioles lineup vs. Astros
Chris Davis is out of the Orioles lineup today against Astros left-hander Dallas Keuchel. Steve Pearce is starting at first base and Everth Cabrera is at second base. Davis had played every game since his suspension ended after opening day. Shortstop J.J. Hardy returns to the lineup after being rested yesterday in Miami. For the Orioles Manny Machado 3B Jimmy Paredes DH Adam Jones CF Delmon Young RF Steve Pearce 1B J.J. Hardy SS Caleb Joseph C Everth Cabrera 2B Alejandro De Aza LF Wei-Yin Chen...

Orioles-Marlins lineups for finale

Orioles-Marlins lineups for finale
MIAMI - The Orioles will send right-hander Miguel Gonzalez to the mound for today's finale of a three-game series against the Marlins. The right-hander is 5-2 with a 3.24 ERA and his five victories lead the staff. He's worked at least six innings in five of his eight starts, and has pitched seven or more innings three times in his last four outings.David Lough gets the start in left field, Everth Cabrera starts in place of J.J. Hardy at shortstop and Ryan Lavarnway will be behind the...

Looking back and ahead

Looking back and ahead
MIAMI - The Orioles were discussing late last night whether to rush a pitcher from Triple-A Norfolk to Marlins Park for today's series finale. They're fortunate that Oliver Drake ate up three innings in his major league debut, but he doesn't figure to be available for the next few days. And who knows what's happening to Brian Matusz, who was ejected for having a sticky substance on his right arm and could be facing a suspension? Marlins manager Dan Jennings probably should avoid swinging by...

Orioles lineup vs. Marlins (O's make roster move)

Orioles lineup vs. Marlins (O's make roster move)
MIAMI - The Orioles have reinstated infielder Everth Cabrera from the 15-day disabled list and optioned infielder Rey Navarro to Triple-A Norfolk. With the Orioles in Miami, they lose their designated hitter for the next three games. However, hot-hitting Jimmy Paredes will remain in the lineup at second base. The Orioles will attempt to win in Miami for only the second time in 13 games. This is their first visit to Marlins Park. The lone win in Miami came on June 9, 1999, a 4-2 victory at Pro...

Rain and player updates from Camden Yards

Rain and player updates from Camden Yards
A light rain continues to fall at Camden Yards and the tarp is on the field while kids learn about the weather on their Field Trip Day. Nice timing. Manager Buck Showalter isn't confident that the game will start at 12:35 p.m., but he said the forecast is "a little better." "I think we'll play at some point," he said, "I don't think we'll play in good conditions necessarily. "It beats having to play on an off-day in 27 straight games. It doesn't work for either team. But right now...

Wondering how the Orioles make room on their roster

Wondering how the Orioles make room on their roster
As the Orioles rotation is lined up, the next five starters should be Wei-Yin Chen and Chris Tillman against the Mariners and Ubaldo Jimenez, Mike Wright and Miguel Gonzalez versus the Marlins in Miami. Bud Norris is one of eight Orioles currently on the disabled list, joining Matt Wieters, Wesley Wright, Jonathan Schoop, Everth Cabrera, Kevin Gausman, Ryan Flaherty and Rule 5 pick Jason Garcia. Norris can return on May 26. Manager Buck Showalter already is bracing for some difficult roster...

This, that and the other

This, that and the other
I've been asked whether Mike Wright gets another start with the Orioles. I'm not sure whether he gets another day in the majors. As I explained yesterday, the Orioles can go in many directions due to the uncertain status of Chris Tillman (back) and Bud Norris (bronchitis) and the presence of Tyler Wilson on the taxi squad. There must be a temptation to place Norris on the disabled list, backdated to May 11, while he slowly recovers. He was still coughing yesterday and it's obvious by looking...

Showalter says Hunter Harvey should avoid surgery (more quotes)

Showalter says Hunter Harvey should avoid surgery (more quotes)
Orioles manager Buck Showalter didn't offer much detail on Hunter Harvey's MRI today, but he said the young pitching prospect should be able to avoid elbow surgery. Team orthopedist Dr. Michael Jacobs examined Harvey, and the results of his MRI, after the right-hander flew into Baltimore. Harvey lasted only two innings in Sunday's extended spring training start before leaving the game with elbow stiffness. Harvey will be shut down for what appears to be an extended period. "How do you put...

Pregame notes on Cabrera, Flaherty, Garcia and more

Pregame notes on Cabrera, Flaherty, Garcia and more
Infielder Everth Cabrera will join Triple-A Norfolk on Friday in Indianapolis to begin his injury rehab assignment. Cabrera, on the disabled list with a bruised left foot, ran the bases earlier today. Infielder Ryan Flaherty, on the disabled list with a strained right groin, received a platelet-rich plasma injection today. Flaherty will report to Sarasota in a few days to rehab his injury. Wesley Wright threw off a mound today in Sarasota and the reports on him were positive. Wright is on the...

Injury updates from Camden Yards

Injury updates from Camden Yards
Orioles pitcher Kevin Gausman said his right shoulder feels much better today after he took an anti-inflammatory on Saturday. "It feels like nothing ever happened," said Gausman, who went on the disabled list retroactive to May 7 with right shoulder tendinitis. Team orthopedist Dr. Michael Jacobs is examining Gausman's shoulder this afternoon. Gausman will undergo an MRI Tuesday morning, but he's confident that there's nothing structurally wrong. The Orioles must decide whether to send...