More on Martin in shortstop competition

More on Martin in shortstop competition
Shortstop Richie Martin remains in the Puerto Rican Winter League with Criollos de Caguas, where he's appeared in 14 games and gone 13-for-51 (.255) with six doubles, two home runs, six walks and a .345 on-base percentage. More at-bats and reps in the field after a wasted 2020 season. The Orioles are expected to bring in a shortstop to replace José Iglesias, who was traded to the Angels for minor league pitchers Garrett Stallings and Jean Pinto. It won't be Adeiny Hechavarría, who...

This, that and the other

This, that and the other
I'm not sure how manager Brandon Hyde will readjust to a normal baseball season, if one becomes available to him, after devoting so much of his energy to detailing the protocols set up at Camden Yards and on the road and how his players adhered to them. How the Orioles kept everyone safe, taking no chances if someone reported to the ballpark with the sniffles or a headache. How the sport survived outside of a bubble and completed a 60-game regular season, the playoffs and World Series. What it...

Beckham fields more questions about Machado

Beckham fields more questions about Machado
Orioles shortstop Tim Beckham is making the rounds. The Orioles' annual holiday party for kids at Dave & Buster's at Arundel Mills Mall. A visit to the Mount Washington Pediatric Hospital. A phone interview on the "Orioles Hot Stove Show" on 105.7 The Fan. A Skype interview yesterday morning on "Hot Stove" on MLB Network. Beckham adjusted his cap yesterday, which he turned backward, lowered his head momentarily and chose his words carefully when asked about Manny Machado's desire to...

Showalter on the addition of Jeremy Hellickson

Showalter on the addition of Jeremy Hellickson
ARLINGTON, Texas - Pitcher Jeremy Hellickson's entry into the clubhouse with his new team will have to wait a couple of days. On his way to the airport to fly to Texas, Hellickson and his girlfriend were in a car accident that briefly sent her to the hospital. "I think Jeremy is OK, but his girlfriend had to go to the emergency room," manager Buck Showalter said before tonight's game. "I know Roger (McDowell) has talked to him a couple of times. If everything stays...if she gets cleared,...

Chris Davis, Chris Tillman talk adding Hellickson and losing Kim

Chris Davis, Chris Tillman talk adding Hellickson and losing Kim
ARLINGTON, Texas - Orioles first baseman Chris Davis feels the club's acquisition of pitcher Jeremy Hellickson is a good move for the team. But what if the Orioles also began to look toward the future and dealt one of its key relievers? What if a team 6 ½ games out of the wild card race started to look more toward the future than the present? "For me, it is hard to look that far down the road," Davis said. "Six and half is, I mean, it can change quickly. I don't remember what the exact...

More from Duquette on Hellickson trade

More from Duquette on Hellickson trade
Last night's trade with the Phillies that brought Jeremy Hellickson to the Orioles was born out of need and frustration. The Orioles need someone to give them a chance to win every five days and they're frustrated with a rotation that keeps providing early deficits and is lugging a 5.98 ERA. Executive vice president Dan Duquette sent outfielder Hyun Soo Kim, Double-A Bowie left-hander Garret Cleavinger and international signing bonus slots to the Phillies for a veteran starter who can become...

A look at the Orioles trade for Jeremy Hellickson

A look at the Orioles trade for Jeremy Hellickson
ARLINGTON, Texas - On a night when starter Chris Tillman gave up eight runs and his ERA increased to 7.65, the Orioles added veteran right-handed starter Jeremy Hellickson in a trade with Philadelphia. Hellickson should provide some level of upgrade to the Orioles rotation, but the bar has not been set high by a rotation with a combined ERA of 5.98 after last night. Some fans became very nervous at news of the trade last night. The Orioles did not add a top starter here, and they didn't give...

Orioles acquire Hellickson from Phillies

Orioles acquire Hellickson from Phillies
The Orioles lost another game tonight, but they gained a veteran starter for their rotation. Right-hander Jeremy Hellickson was acquired from the Phillies along with cash for outfielder Hyun Soo Kim, Double-A Bowie left-hander Garrett Cleavinger and international signing bonus slots. Hellickson was scratched from tonight's start. He's 6-5 with a 4.73 ERA 1.255 WHIP in 20 starts and has struck out only 65 batters in 112 1/3 innings. In eight major league seasons, Hellickson has gone 67-63 with...

Orioles and Astros lineups

Orioles and Astros lineups
Hyun Soo Kim gets a rare start today, serving as the designated hitter as the Orioles try to avoid being swept by the Astros. Mark Trumbo is in right field and Caleb Joseph is catching. Adam Jones is 9-for-23 with two doubles, three home runs, nine RBIs and nine runs scored in his last five games. The Astros placed rookie Colin Moran on the 10-day disabled list with a facial fracture sustained last night on a foul ball. They recalled infielder Tyler White. For the Orioles Adam Jones CFManny...

Weather update and Showalter on Wright (O's down 6-4)

Weather update and Showalter on Wright (O's down 6-4)
The tarp remains on the field today at Camden Yards as a light rains falls, the kind that sent fans scurrying and cut short the annual "State of the Orioles" event for season-ticket holders. No word on whether the game will be delayed at the start. Update: It's delayed at the start. The Orioles already have endured 12 games delayed by inclement weather or the threat of it. I'm not certain how to categorize the one in D.C. Now that Mike Wright is back at Triple-A Norfolk, the Orioles must...

Available Orioles and Tillman's return to the mound

Available Orioles and Tillman's return to the mound
There are varying levels of "sellers" in baseball. The Orioles are in the process of seeking their level. They must get approval from ownership before making any significant deals. In the meantime, they'd definitely be willing to move outfielders Seth Smith and Hyun Soo Kim and catcher Welington Castillo. Those are the smaller pieces that don't get as much media attention. Executive vice president Dan Duquette will listen to offers for closer Zach Britton and setup men Brad Brach and Darren...

Orioles close first half with 11-5 win and series split

Orioles close first half with 11-5 win and series split
MINNEAPOLIS - Whose idea was it to stop the season? The Orioles have closed the first half with back-to-back victories, jumping out to an early lead today and defeating the Twins 11-5 to gain a series split before an announced crowd of 25,848 at Target Field. Adam Jones homered twice and drove in five runs, Caleb Joseph had three RBIs and Ubaldo Jiménez was scored upon in only one of his five innings. Jiménez had allowed only nine earned runs in 44 2/3 innings at Target Field before today...

Orioles and Twins lineups

Orioles and Twins lineups
MINNEAPOLIS - Jonathan Schoop is back at second base today as the Orioles conclude their road trip and the first half. Rubén Tejada is starting at shortstop. Hyun Soo Kim is in left field and Caleb Joseph is behind the plate. For the Orioles Seth Smith RF Manny Machado 3B Jonathan Schoop 2B Adam Jones CF Mark Trumbo DH Trey Mancini 1B Hyun Soo Kim LF Caleb Joseph C Rubén Tejada SS Ubaldo Jiménez RHP For the Twins Brian Dozier 2B Robbie Grossman DH Max Kepler RF Miguel Sanó 3B Jason...

Orioles lose big lead and another game (with quotes)

Orioles lose big lead and another game (with quotes)
MINNESOTA - A game that started with back-to-back home runs for the Orioles, that began with such promise that a six-run lead was attached to it like ribbon, deteriorated into one of the worst losses of the season. The fact that it doesn't immediately vault to No. 1 without debate speaks volumes. Kevin Gausman failed to record an out in the fifth inning, another sizeable margin punctured under his watch, and the Orioles fell to the Twins 9-6 before an announced crowd of 28,668 at Target...

Orioles lineup vs. Twins

Orioles lineup vs. Twins
MINNESOTA - Johnny Giavotella is on the bench for tonight's series opener against the Twins at Target Field. The Orioles selected Giavotella's contract earlier today from Triple-A Norfolk, and he's among five reserves available to manager Buck Showalter. Hyun Soo Kim is in left field and batting eighth ahead of shortstop Paul Janish. For the Orioles Seth Smith RF Manny Machado 3B Jonathan Schoop 2B Adam Jones CF Mark Trumbo DH Trey Mancini 1B Welington Castillo C Hyun Soo Kim LF Paul Janish...

Hyun Soo Kim reacts to Pagan's sentencing (O's down 4-0)

Hyun Soo Kim reacts to Pagan's sentencing (O's down 4-0)
TORONTO - Orioles outfielder Hyun Soo Kim was back in the spotlight today - and not for the right reason. The man that threw a beer can at him last October from the Rogers Centre left field stands was sentenced in Toronto this morning. For throwing that can that just missed hitting Kim as was making a catch in deep left, Ken Pagan was given 12 months of probation and 200 hours of community service while being banned from Major League Baseball games for a year. During that time, he cannot go...

Pregame notes on Tillman, Britton and more

Pregame notes on Tillman, Britton and more
TORONTO - Orioles right-hander Chris Tillman threw a bullpen session here earlier today and is now headed back to Baltimore, where his wife is expecting a baby at any time. For now, Tillman is still scheduled to start Friday's opener of the series with the Tampa Bay Rays at Oriole Park. If he has to leave the team before that, right-hander Dylan Bundy, currently slated to pitch Saturday, would be moved up to Friday's start. Meanwhile, O's closer Zach Britton will have his fifth of seven...

Orioles lineup vs. Blue Jays

Orioles lineup vs. Blue Jays
The Orioles will attempt tonight to craft their first four-game winning streak since taking six straight from May 4-9. They also can move above .500 for the first time since being 31-30 on June 11. Paul Janish continues to start at shortstop and Caleb Joseph is behind the plate tonight. Hyun Soo Kim is in left field. The Orioles are 8-2 against the Blue Jays this season and 4-1 at Rogers Centre. They've won only one series in Toronto since 2005. Adam Jones needs one RBI for 766 with the...

Orioles lineup vs. Blue Jays

Orioles lineup vs. Blue Jays
Paul Janish remains the starting shortstop for the Orioles as they begin a three-game series tonight in Toronto. Seth Smith and Hyun Soo Kim are handling the outfield corners. Jonathan Schoop continues to bat third, with Adam Jones in the cleanup spot. In his last 16 games, Trey Mancini is batting .417/.470/.767 (25-for-60) with four doubles, one triple, five home runs, 13 RBIs and eight multi-hit games. Jones needs two RBIs for 766 with the Orioles, tying Ken Singleton for fifth on the club's...

Wondering about tonight's lineup in Toronto

Wondering about tonight's lineup in Toronto
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Do the Orioles go with a more conventional lineup tonight in Toronto or place particular emphasis on defense and ignore the splits? Manager Buck Showalter went with defense Sunday while also considering the career reverse splits of Rays right-hander Jake Odorizzi, who traditionally has fared better against left-handers. He put Joey Rickard in left field and Craig Gentry in right, which also provided defensive upgrades over Hyun Soo Kim and Seth Smith, and the return was...