Tillman optioned (updated)
Tillman optioned (updated)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Well, that didn't take long. The Orioles just optioned pitcher Chris Tillman to Triple-A Norfolk. A corresponding move will be announced tomorrow. I'm heading down to the clubhouse. More to come. Here it is: Kevin Millwood will be activated tomorrow and start on Thursday. Tillman wasn't available for an interview, but I joined The Sun's Jeff Zrebiec in interim manager Juan Samuel's office. "Tillman isn't going to pitch for five days, so why not do it now and get him on his way?"...
The Bell question
The Bell question
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Josh Bell remains out of the lineup tonight against a right-hander, which has become a sore subject with fans who wonder why a prospect is buried on the bench. If he's here, use him. Otherwise, he's better served playing every day at Triple-A Norfolk. I asked interim manager Juan Samuel about the thought process behind the decisions to start or sit Bell, understanding that the club might be showcasing Miguel Tejada, and the current roster includes left-handed hitters Felix Pie, Luke Scott...
Brandon Snyder staying positive amidst a trying season
Brandon Snyder staying positive amidst a trying season
Steve Melewski
Orioles
It has been a tough year for Brandon Snyder. The O's 2005 first-round pick has struggled at Triple-A Norfolk for the second year in a row and also has had to deal with an injury that has kept him off the field since June 17. But tonight he is here in Aberdeen, at Ripken Stadium on an injury-rehab assignment with the IronBirds. He is expected to play three games here before re-joining the Tides. Snyder first felt some pain during that June 17 game at Toledo. "I have some torn or...
Weekday Update (w/quotes added)
Weekday Update (w/quotes added)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Brian Roberts isn't expected to come off the disabled list during this homestand. The Orioles are deciding whether to let him play in Toronto or Kansas City. "Brian Roberts has stated that he wishes to come with us on the road trip, so we'll see what the medical people say and when they turn it over to the baseball people and see what the decision's going to be," interim manager Juan Samuel said. "For me, the ideal place for him is Kansas City. I don't know if we want him coming back...
Tonight's lineups
Tonight's lineups
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
For the Orioles: Felix Pie LF Miguel Tejada 3B Nick Markakis RF Luke Scott DH Ty Wigginton 1B Adam Jones CF Scott Moore 2B Craig Tatum C Cesar Izturis SS Jake Arrieta RHP For the Rays: Zobrist 2B Crawford LF Longoria 3B Pena 1B Joyce RF Aybar DH Jaso C Upton CF Brignac SS Garza RHP
Get to Know: Joel Peralta
Get to Know: Joel Peralta
Josh Land
Nationals
You asked (through Ben Goessling's in-game chats), and Nats Buzz answered. We'll try to do more of these throughout the season, featuring new faces and players who you don't usually hear much about. First up is Joel Peralta, new to the organization after stints with the Angels, Royals and Rockies. Peralta was called up to join the Nationals on June 21st after going 2-0 with 20 saves and a 1.08 ERA in 28 appearances with the Syracuse Chiefs. Since the callup, Peralta has pitched in 13...
Brandon Snyder at Aberdeen tonight
Brandon Snyder at Aberdeen tonight
Steve Melewski
Orioles
Orioles 2005 first-round draft pick Brandon Snyder returns to Aberdeen tonight. Snyder, who played for the IronBirds in parts of 2005 and 2006, will play the next three games with Aberdeen on an injury-rehab assignment. Snyder is coming back from an upper back injury and has not played for Triple-A Norfolk since June 17. He is batting .255-5-28 in 64 games and was hitting .327 in June at the time of the injury. My Orioles minor league tour continues tonight in Aberdeen after Bowie last...
Sales pitch for Arrieta
Sales pitch for Arrieta
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
I need to feel better about the cavalry tonight, so I'm counting on rookie right-hander Jake Arrieta. No pressure, kid. Just give me somewhere in the neighborhood of 6 2/3 innings of two-run ball. Will Ohman retires a left-hander to carry the game into the eighth. David Hernandez serves as the bridge to closer Alfredo Simon, who locks up a 4-2 victory. Nothing to it. Mark Hendrickson still isn't available after throwing a season-high 4 1/3 innings on Sunday. Matt Albers also can't be...
Chico's consistency can't be ignored
Chico's consistency can't be ignored
Byron Kerr
Nationals
Syracuse Chiefs pitcher Matt Chico has not allowed a run in two consecutive starts, a span of 14 innings in a pair of home-and-away matchups against Pawtucket. The numbers are impressive in those last two starts: 14.0 IP, 6 hits, 0 runs, 2 walks, 7 strikeouts. His shutout streak is currently 14 innings. Chico (4-3, 3.00) says the key to his recent success has been "hitting both sides of the plate. I have been using the two-seam fastball a lot. The changeup has been pretty good lately. ...
Roberts' return could be for real this time
Roberts' return could be for real this time
Steve Melewski
Orioles
For any O's fan it was a positive sight. Seeing Brian Roberts take the field in Bowie last night. Even though he had on a Baysox uniform, the mannerisms and actions out at second base looked quite familiar. After watching Roberts play and talking with him before and after the game, this thought came to mind: This time Roberts may actually make it back on the field. He looked good in the game vs. Binghamton, going 2 for 5, and is now 10 for 20 in six injury rehab games. Bigger tests will...