Flaherty starting at first base (Astros lineup added)

Flaherty starting at first base (Astros lineup added)
Ryan Flaherty is making a rare start for the Orioles tonight, replacing Chris Davis at first base in the series opener against the Astros at Camden Yards. Davis will serve as the designated hitter instead of Henry Urrutia. Flaherty hasn't started since July 5. He's had three at-bats since that date, the last coming on July 13. His last appearance came nine days later. Flaherty has appeared in one game at first base this season, going 0-for-1. Davis hasn't homered since the All-Star break...
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Astros scratch Norris from tonight's start at Camden Yards

Astros scratch Norris from tonight's start at Camden Yards
The Orioles no longer will be facing Astros right-hander Bud Norris tonight in the opener of a three-game series at Camden Yards. The Astros just announced that Lucas Harrell will replace Norris tonight. No explanation was provided, but Norris has been the subject of intense trade speculation as the non-waiver deadline approaches Wednesday afternoon. The Orioles have inquired about Norris, but the Astros reportedly are asking for more than the club is willing to deliver. Former Oriole Erik...
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Gausman: "I'm still learning how to pitch" (Pineiro released)

Gausman: "I'm still learning how to pitch" (Pineiro released)
In desperate need of a break from all the non-waiver trade deadline chatter, speculation and conflicting reports, I set up a phone interview with pitcher Kevin Gausman, who is scheduled to make his next start Friday for Triple-A Norfolk. Gausman has made two starts for the Tides since being optioned, allowing six runs and 11 hits in 7 2/3 innings. He had been working in relief for the Orioles, so the first order of business upon his return to Norfolk was getting him stretched out. For...
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Duquette on the trade deadline (updated)

Duquette on the trade deadline (updated)
With less than 48 hours remaining before the non-waiver trade deadline, executive vice president Dan Duquette said the Orioles are "still looking around to see if we can add a piece here or there to help the team." The Orioles are still looking at "hitting and pitching options," Duquette said. "We're looking at both." Not much has changed since last year's non-waiver deadline. Duquette still feels good about the minor league depth, whether it enables him to make another deal or can...
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Dickerson outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk

Dickerson outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk
So much for trading Chris Dickerson. The Orioles were unable to swing a deal involving the outfielder, and he will stay in the organization after clearing waivers and being outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk. Dickerson, 31, batted .245/.274/.412 with five doubles, four home runs and 13 RBIs in 46 games. The Orioles designated him for assignment to make room for Henry Urrutia on the 25- and 40-man rosters. Dickerson could have refused the assignment and become a free agent. However, he knows that...
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Showalter on the trade talk

Showalter on the trade talk
I jokingly asked a team official yesterday whether it was safe for me to go out after the game, or if I should be prepared to write a trade story. He texted back, "Enjoy your night." I made the bold assumption that Jake Peavy wasn't being traded to the Orioles. Or Bud Norris. Or Michael Young. Or Raul Ibanez. Or Carlos Quentin. Or Justin Morneau. Or Justin Bieber. Or... Executive vice president Dan Duquette is talking to a bunch of teams. Orioles scouts are spread all over the place. And...
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Showalter speaks after 5-0 loss

Showalter speaks after 5-0 loss
The Orioles suffered their fourth shutout loss of the season today and their first since June 8 at Tropicana Field. The Red Sox hadn't blanked the Orioles at Camden Yards since winning 4-0 on July 20, 2011. Manager Buck Showalter focused more on the offense today than starting pitcher Jason Hammel, who allowed three runs and walked a season-high five batters in 5 1/3 innings while remaining winless since May 27. "I see the things everybody looks at, the ERA and what have you, and I've seen...
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Machado and Davis in dueling slumps (O's lose 5-0)

Machado and Davis in dueling slumps (O's lose 5-0)
Manny Machado's average has dipped below .300 for the first time since April 27 after going hitless in his first three at-bats today. It's down to .298 after he lined to Boston shortstop Stephen Drew to strand two runners in the bottom of the fifth inning. The Orioles' third baseman is 3-for-27 in his last seven games, though he's homered twice, and 9-for-57 in his last 14. And he's still looking for his first double since July 6. Machado slammed his bat to the ground after lining to...
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Game update and more notes (O's down 3-0)

Game update and more notes (O's down 3-0)
Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz heard lots of boos as he stepped to the plate in the top of the first inning today, defenders of phones everywhere still taking umbrage with the damage he inflicted in the visiting dugout last night. They must have been disconnected, or he completely ignored them. Ortiz singled up the middle with two outs to keep a rally alive, and Mike Napoli followed with an RBI double to give Boston a 1-0 lead. Jason Hammel has allowed 14 runs in the first this...
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Showalter on the Hoes/Asencio roster move

Showalter on the Hoes/Asencio roster move
LJ Hoes was chosen as the Orioles' extra position player over other candidates at Triple-a Norfolk this weekend because, as manager Buck Showalter put it, "Like always, he was our best option as a right-handed hitting outfielder. Or really, period." In other words, the position really didn't matter. Hoes, 23, was most deserving of the call-up. Hoes, a third-round pick in the 2008 First-Year Player Draft out of St. John's High School in D.C., was batting .304/.406/.403 with 25 doubles, a...
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LJ Hoes starting in left field (Asencio designated for assignment)

LJ Hoes starting in left field (Asencio designated for assignment)
Not only is LJ Hoes in the Orioles clubhouse today, he's starting left field against the Red Sox in the series finale at Camden Yards. This will be Hoes' first major league start. He had one at-bat with the Orioles last season. It's an unusual lineup today, with Chris Davis batting third, Matt Wieters fifth as the DH and Brian Roberts seventh. And, of course, Hoes batting eighth. Hoes will wear No. 25. The Orioles still haven't announced a corresponding roster move. For the...
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Hammel continues search for elusive win

Hammel continues search for elusive win
Jason Hammel will attempt today to capture his first win since May 27, a span of nine starts. Hammel has five losses and four no-decisions since his last victory. He's allowed 20 hits combined in his last two outings, though he was credited with a quality start Tuesday after surrendering three runs in six innings in Kansas City. That's "quality" by definition. Hammel gave up 10 hits and walked four batters. The Orioles are keeping an eye on the pitching market despite their earlier...
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Showalter speaks after 7-3 loss

Showalter speaks after 7-3 loss
Orioles manager Buck Showalter didn't confirm a roster move following tonight's 7-3 loss to the Red Sox, saying only that it's being "contemplated." Showalter said he would check the weather on Sunday, indicating that no announcement will come tonight. We'll see. LJ Hoes is in Baltimore and is expected to be officially recalled at some point. As for tonight's game, starter Scott Feldman took the loss after allowing four runs and six hits in five innings. Stephen Drew hit a three-run...
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Orioles interested in Michael Young, O's lose 7-3

Orioles interested in Michael Young, O's lose 7-3
Not ready to close shop after acquiring a starting pitcher and reliever this month, the Orioles continue to check on available hitters and have talked to the Phillies about Michael Young, according to an industry source. Young could serve as a right-handed designated hitter and a backup at the corner infield positions. Young, 36, is batting .278/.344/.404 with 18 doubles, three triples, seven homers and 32 RBIs in 96 games with the Phillies. He's making $16 million this season, his last...
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Game update and more notes (O's down 4-0)

Game update and more notes (O's down 4-0)
The start of tonight's game at Camden Yards was delayed 32 minutes because of rain. Once it began, Scott Feldman retired the Red Sox in order on three ground balls and 19 pitches. Adam Jones flew to center field with two outs in the bottom of the first to strand Nick Markakis, who drew a walk against Boston starter Ryan Dempster. Why do I mention Jones' at-bat? Glad you asked. Jones has homered in four straight home games for the second time in his career. It also happened July 23-Aug. 6,...
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Hardy trying to reverse trend against Dempster

Hardy trying to reverse trend against Dempster
Orioles shortstop J.J. Hardy didn't need the numbers recited to him as he stood at his locker this afternoon. He's fully aware that Red Sox starter Ryan Dempster has dominated him over the years. To say it's one-sided would be much too kind. Hardy is 2-for-30 lifetime against Dempster, who takes the mound tonight for the second game of their series at Camden Yards. He continues to bat seventh. He continues to search for a solution. So, about those numbers... "They're terrible," Hardy...
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Orioles prepared to recall LJ Hoes

Orioles prepared to recall LJ Hoes
The Orioles have made arrangements to bring Triple-A Norfolk outfielder LJ Hoes to Baltimore, and he could be officially recalled before Sunday's game against the Red Sox at Camden Yards. Hoes isn't with the Tides, who are playing tonight in Rochester. The Orioles are waiting to find out whether they need to continue carrying an extra reliever before announcing the move. Official word could come following tonight's game. Hoes will give the Orioles a fourth bench player and another...
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Red Sox-Orioles lineups for Saturday

Red Sox-Orioles lineups for Saturday
Boston's Ryan Dempster faces Scott Feldman of the Orioles in today's middle game of this three-game weekend series. Here are the lineups for today's game: For the Red Sox: Jacoby Ellsbury CF Shane Victorino RF Dustin Pedroia 2B David Ortiz DH Mike Napoli 1B Mike Carp LF Jarrod Saltalamacchia C Stephen Drew SS Jose Iglesias 3B Ryan Dempster RHP For the Orioles: Nate McLouth LF Manny Machado 3B Nick Markakis RF Adam Jones CF Chris Davis 1B Matt Wieters C J.J. Hardy SS Henry Urrutia...
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Showalter on Davis: "Chris will be a productive hitter for us again"

Showalter on Davis: "Chris will be a productive hitter for us again"
Chris Davis took a called third strike in the eighth inning last night and looked like a man whose head was about to explode. He clearly was no fan of plate umpire Laz Diaz's magical mystery strike zone. Davis sat in the dugout and fumed, his eyes attempting to burn a hole through Diaz and anyone in his path. Then, he stood up and walked down the tunnel, his exit captured by one of MASN's cameras. Maybe he wanted to collect his thoughts. Maybe he wanted to rearrange the bat rack. Davis...
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Showalter speaks after 6-0 win

Showalter speaks after 6-0 win
According to Elias, Chris Tillman is the first Orioles pitcher to be 10-plus games above .500 at any point since Mike Mussina in 1999. Tillman improved to 13-3 tonight by shutting out the Red Sox on two hits over seven innings in a 6-0 win. Tillman struck out eight batters, tying his season high, and retired 19 of the last 21. Manager Buck Showalter didn't know whether Tillman would deliver the Orioles' 11th quality start in 13 games after the right-hander loaded the bases with two outs in...
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