Another setback for Lebron (updated)
Another setback for Lebron (updated)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Minor league reliever Luis Lebron continues to experience pain in his right elbow, and he's scheduled to visit Dr. James Andrews on May 10 in Birmingham, Ala. It isn't often that these examinations bring positive news. Lebron was shut down late in spring training after impressing manager Dave Trembley in major league camp. He started throwing again recently, but the discomfort resurfaced on Wednesday during a bullpen session in Sarasota. Lebron emerged as a future closer candidate after...
Matt Chico adds new pitch, gets win for Harrisburg
Matt Chico adds new pitch, gets win for Harrisburg
Byron Kerr
Nationals
Senators pitcher Matt Chico continues to work hard to get back to the Major Leagues and had a very good outing this week for Harrisburg at Reading, his first win of the season. I caught up with Matt this week and he talked about the conditions of his start and his new pitch, the two seam fastball. "I had no problems in the 40 degree weather. It is cold but you are warm. "It wasn't bad. It was one of those games where I like the result but I didn't feel good. One of those nights I had...
Rick Kranitz talks about JJ heading to Norfolk
Rick Kranitz talks about JJ heading to Norfolk
Steve Melewski
Orioles
This has not been an easy day for Orioles pitching coach Rick Kranitz. Today he had to tell a pitcher that has been solid for him for a few seasons, that he was going back to the minor leagues. Kranitz and manager Dave Trembley met with Jim Johnson earlier today here at Camden Yards to tell the right-hander he was being optioned to Triple-A Norfolk. "Number one, this is very hard for me, for what he has given this organization. We've asked him to close, we've asked him to go three...
Trembley talks about J.J.
Trembley talks about J.J.
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Manager Dave Trembley called reliever Jim Johnson into his office this afternoon, closing the door behind them. Johnson knew what was coming. The possibility kept him awake much of the night - same as Trembley. The Orioles optioned Johnson to Triple-A Norfolk to make room for tonight's starter, Brad Bergesen, on the 25-man roster. Johnson posted a 6.52 ERA in 10 appearances, and he allowed the tying and go-ahead runs to score last night in another brutal outing. He was bumped from the...
Adjusting Koji's schedule
Adjusting Koji's schedule
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
I'll have more on Jim Johnson's demotion in a few minutes, but I wanted to post a quick update on reliever Koji Uehara. The original plan called for Uehara to throw an inning in relief tonight for Triple-A Norfolk, and another inning on Monday, before the Orioles determined whether to activate him from the disabled list. His schedule has been adjusted, however, so he'll pitch tomorrow and Monday. The change has nothing to do with soreness in Uehara's hamstring. The Orioles want him to...
Tonight's lineups
Tonight's lineups
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
For the Orioles: Adam Jones CF Nick Markakis RF Matt Wieters C Miguel Tejada 3B Luke Scott DH Ty Wigginton 2B Rhyne Hughes 1B Nolan Reimold LF Cesar Izturis SS Brad Bergesen RHP For the Red Sox: Scutaro SS Pedroia 2B Martinez C Youkilis 1B Drew RF Ortiz DH Beltre 3B McDonald LF Van Every CF Matsuzaka RHP
In a bad way with J.J. (updated)
In a bad way with J.J. (updated)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The question popped up in the press box and spread like a virus. "Does Jim Johnson have options left?" I made the first inquiry, just out of curiosity. Two writers sitting in front of me didn't have an answer despite my constant badgering. One of them thought he could silence me with a shrug of his shoulders. So naive. As the debate continued, someone else walked over to me and said, "Does this guy have options left?" Pure coincidence, but it spoke volumes about Johnson's performance...
More notes and quotes and another look back at Friday's win over Boston
More notes and quotes and another look back at Friday's win over Boston
Steve Melewski
Orioles
Well, I guess when you go just 2-16 vs. a team like the Orioles did last year vs. the Red Sox, it is hard to not do better the next season. But in 2010 the Orioles are 2-2 vs. the Red Sox and the O's have won the last two games vs. Boston, each in ten innings. O's first four games vs. Boston: 2009: 0-4 and outscored 30-14 2010: 2-2 and each team has scored 21 runs Friday's win ended the O's seven-game home losing streak vs. Boston. Four to score and win: The Orioles are now 5-3 when...
Cleaning out the notebook
Cleaning out the notebook
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Nick Markakis on the win: "It's big. You look at the past, we've fell short in those situations. We just did a great job all around. Our bullpen came in and got some big outs." Adam Jones on having Miguel Tejada on the team: "Me and Wiggy were talking about that and he said, 'Wait and see how Miggi really hits,' because I haven't had the opportunity to play with him. The last couple days, you could see it. You put him in a tough situation and he usually comes through." What was...
With roster move coming, Albers puts up zeroes
With roster move coming, Albers puts up zeroes
Steve Melewski
Orioles
The Orioles will need to remove a player from the 25-man active roster to activate Brad Bergesen to pitch here on Saturday. A few days ago, it looked like Matt Albers could be the player going. But now he seems to be making a case to stick around. He pitched a 1-2-3, 10th inning tonight vs. Boston and got the win, throwing 11 pitches, seven for strikes. He is now 1-3. Albers said the pending roster move has not been something he can think about. "You know that's one thing I wasn't...