Updates on Roberts and Matusz (Matusz with complete-game shutout)

Updates on Roberts and Matusz (Matusz with complete-game shutout)
Orioles manager Buck Showalter told reporters in Anaheim tonight that second baseman Brian Roberts has been diagnosed with a right hip labral tear. Roberts, currently on the disabled list, underwent an MRA yesterday. The procedure is similar to an MRI, except dye is injected into the injured area. Roberts will seek a second opinion, according to Showalter. More details are coming on "O's Xtra" on MASN2 HD, beginning at 9:30 p.m. Also, left-hander Brian Matusz, making his first start...
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Davis out of lineup again, Reynolds starting at first (with Angels lineup)

Davis out of lineup again, Reynolds starting at first (with Angels lineup)
One of the injured Orioles is in tonight's lineup. Mark Reynolds, who was hit on the left hand last night, is starting at first base and batting sixth against Angels southpaw C.J. Wilson. However, Chris Davis is on the bench again after being a late scratch last night because of a strained right trapezius muscle. Only three games remain before the All-Star break, and the Orioles currently have a 24-man roster after optioning pitcher Jake Arrieta following last night's 9-7 loss. No...
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A few minor matters

A few minor matters
Right fielder Nick Markakis isn't in Double-A Bowie's lineup tonight. He's expected to begin his injury-rehab assignment tomorrow at Prince George's County Stadium. Catcher Taylor Teagarden, who hasn't played for the Orioles this year, is behind the plate and batting third tonight for the Baysox after moving up from the Gulf Coast League. The Orioles could activate Teagarden from the disabled list after the All-Star break, which would remove backup Ronny Paulino from the 25-man...
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Getting away from the Oriole Way (updated)

Getting away from the Oriole Way (updated)
The Orioles need to upgrade their pitching. They need to tighten up their defense. It's not the same set of issues I remember them having when I was a kid. They can still hit the longball, which Earl Weaver would appreciate. Their 105 home runs rank third in the majors behind the Yankees (126) and Blue Jays (122). They clubbed three last night in the first four innings against the Angels, who were begging to be beaten. A 7-3 lead disappeared before the Orioles stepped to the plate again...
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With Arrieta optioned, what's next move?

With Arrieta optioned, what's next move?
Remember when the Orioles' rotation on opening day included Tommy Hunter, Brian Matusz and Jake Arrieta? Not anymore. Arrieta became the latest starter to be optioned to Triple-A Norfolk. The Orioles made the announcement following last night's game in Anaheim - which became this morning's game as it played out. I checked Twitter and my e-mails for the final time about five minutes before they sent out the press release. Around here, it's never safe to close your eyes. You might miss...
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Arrieta again fails to clear the fourth (O's lose 9-7)

Arrieta again fails to clear the fourth (O's lose 9-7)
Jake Arrieta got plenty of run support tonight. Manager Buck Showalter didn't think it was going to be enough. Showalter yanked Arrieta with two outs in the fourth inning, a runner on base and the Orioles leading, 7-5. Luis Ayala gave up an RBI single to Torii Hunter to complete Arrieta's line, and he surrendered two runs of his own, as the Angels took an 8-7 lead. Arrieta has gone 3 2/3 innings in his last two starts and allowed a combined 11 runs and 13 hits. And he almost sent his...
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Davis scratched, Flaherty in right field (Reynolds and Flaherty homer)

Davis scratched, Flaherty in right field (Reynolds and Flaherty homer)
We have a lineup change for the Orioles. Chris Davis has been scratched and Ryan Flaherty is starting in right field. Matt Wieters moves up to third. Reporters in Anaheim were told Davis has a right trapezius strain. For the Orioles: Xavier Avery LF J.J. Hardy SS Matt Wieters C Adam Jones CF Jim Thome DH Wilson Betemit 3B Mark Reynolds 1B Ryan Flaherty RF Robert Andino 2B Jake Arrieta RHP Manager Buck Showalter told reporters that Miguel Gonzalez will start tomorrow night. Left-hander...
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Orioles and Angels lineups (and notes)

Orioles and Angels lineups (and notes)
The Orioles recalled first baseman Joe Mahoney today, but he's not in the lineup. His major league debut will have to wait. Mark Reynolds is playing first base and batting eighth. Jim Thome continues to serve as the designated hitter. For the Orioles: Xavier Avery LF J.J. Hardy SS Chris Davis RF Adam Jones CF Jim Thome DH Matt Wieters C Wilson Betemit 3B Mark Reynolds 1B Robert Andino 2B Jake Arrieta RHP For the Angels: Mike Trout CF Torii Hunter RF Albert Pujols 1B Kendrys Morales...
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Hammel won't accompany teammates to All-Star Game

Hammel won't accompany teammates to All-Star Game
Major League Baseball has announced that Rangers pitcher Yu Darvish and Cardinals infielder David Freese are the Final Vote winners for the 2012 All-Star Game on July 10 in Kansas City. Orioles pitcher Jason Hammel was a finalist, but he couldn't overtake Darvish and White Sox's pitcher Jake Peavy. Royals closer Jonathan Broxton and Angels reliever Ernesto Frieri also were finalists. Hammel is 8-4 with a 3.43 ERA in 16 starts, with 97 strikeouts in 99 2/3 innings. The right-hander has lost...
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Phillips outrighted to Norfolk (with note)

Phillips outrighted to Norfolk (with note)
Left-hander Zach Phillips has cleared waivers and been outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk, creating another roster move for the Orioles' top affiliate. The Orioles designated Phillips for assignment on June 30 to make room for Jim Thome on the 40-man roster. In his only appearance for the Orioles this year, Phillips allowed two earned runs and three hits and walked two batters in two-thirds on an inning. The Orioles had recalled him on May 8 while optioning pitcher Jason Berken. Phillips is...
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So why Mahoney?

So why Mahoney?
You've heard of good roster moves. OK, I won't go there again. The Orioles had a decision to make yesterday after optioning pitcher Chris Tillman to Double-A Bowie: Bring up a position player or a reliever. The choices weren't exactly plentiful, if you take another look at the 40-man roster. Pitchers: Jake Arrieta Luis Ayala Jason Berken Zach Britton Dylan Bundy Wei-Yin Chen Oliver Drake Dana Eveland Miguel Gonzalez Kevin Gregg Jason Hammel Tommy Hunter Jim Johnson...
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Orioles will call up Mahoney

Orioles will call up Mahoney
The Orioles will return to a four-man bench before the All-Star break by recalling first baseman Joe Mahoney from Triple-A Norfolk. Mahoney, 25, will take the roster spot vacated by pitcher Chris Tillman, who was optioned to Double-A Bowie following yesterday's 4-2 victory over the Mariners. Mahoney will meet the Orioles in Anaheim. Mahoney is batting .256 with 14 doubles, five home runs and 38 RBIs in 85 games with the Tides. He's hitting .306 in his last 10 games. Jamie Hoffman pinch-hit...
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Tillman optioned after game

Tillman optioned after game
The Orioles optioned pitcher Chris Tillman to Double-A Bowie following today's 4-2 victory over the Mariners at Safeco Field. Tillman allowed two unearned runs in a career-high 8 1/3 innings in his return to the majors. The Orioles don't want Tillman being idle through the All-Star break. He'll start Monday night for Bowie and rejoin the club next weekend after his mandatory 10 days have expired. It's technically a demotion, since he's going back down to the minors, but it's only...
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It's Tillman time (O's win 4-2)

It's Tillman time (O's win 4-2)
In his next-to-last start with the Orioles on against the White Sox, he surrendered six runs and eight hits, and walked three batters, in only 2 2/3 innings. Tillman didn't pitch for the Orioles again - beyond spring training - until making today's start against the Mariners at Safeco Field. I try not to place too much emphasis on one appearance or a game in early July, but this is a fairly big one for Tillman, who is trying to establish himself in the majors and jump off the shuttle to...
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Orioles and Mariners lineups

Orioles and Mariners lineups
Xavier Avery is leading off again today, as the Orioles attempt to win back-to-back games before heading to Anaheim. Chris Tillman is making his first start for the Orioles this season, and he'll have Matt Wieters behind the plate in a day game following a night game. For the Orioles: Xavier Avery LF J.J. Hardy SS Chris Davis RF Adam Jones CF Jim Thome DH Matt Wieters C Wilson Betemit 3B Mark Reynolds 1B Robert Andino 2B Chris Tillman RHP For the Mariners: Ichiro Suzuki RF Michael...
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About last night ... (Hammel update)

About last night ... (Hammel update)
You've heard of good wins. Last night's win was a good one. It helps little old ladies across the street. It picks up your tab. It mows your lawn in the middle of the summer. It raises your allowance. It restores your power. It lets you merge into heavy traffic. It hires Lindsay Lohan to work your next bachelor party. Wei-Yin Chen turned in an inspired performance, carrying a perfect game into the seventh inning before being charged with two runs. Pedro Strop gave up three straight hits in...
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What a difference an Avery makes (O's win 5-4, S. Johnson optioned)

What a difference an Avery makes (O's win 5-4, S. Johnson optioned)
It's unfortunate that an injury is the reason why outfielder Xavier Avery is back in the majors, but he's making an impact again tonight. Batting leadoff with Brian Roberts on the disabled list, Avery is 2-for-3 with a run scored, and he's a central figure in this game, which had been scoreless until the sixth inning. Avery led off the inning with his second hit of the night and later scored on Chris Davis' third hit of the series. Talk about setting a tone. Avery began a streak of four...
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Roberts to DL, Avery rejoins team

Roberts to DL, Avery rejoins team
Second baseman Brian Roberts is going on the disabled list with a strained groin, which explains the Orioles' delay in posting tonight's lineup and outfielder Xavier Avery's arrival in Seattle. Avery has been recalled from Triple-A Norfolk after being optioned on Sunday. He didn't need to spend the required 10 days in the minors because he's replacing a player who's on the DL. Roberts is batting .182/.233/.182 with five RBIs in 17 games. He sat out last night's 6-3 loss, so the DL...
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While waiting for the Orioles' lineup... (roster move coming?)

While waiting for the Orioles' lineup... (roster move coming?)
Congratulations to the Orioles for being the only team in baseball that hasn't posted its lineup. Maybe they're waiting on Brian Roberts, who didn't play last night because of a sore groin. In the meantime... For the Mariners: Ichiro Suzuki RF Casper Wells LF Kyle Seager 3B Jesus Montero DH Miguel Olivo C Michael Saunders CF Justin Smoak 1B Dustin Ackley 2B Brendan Ryan SS Felix Hernandez RHP Taylor Teagarden played in his second rehab game for the Gulf Coast League Orioles today,...
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A noteworthy afternoon

A noteworthy afternoon
One night after Jason Hammel tried to make amends for tying his career high for most runs allowed in a start, left-hander Wei-Yin Chen will attempt to do the same. Hammel limited the Mariners to one run heading into the seventh inning last night before being charged with four in 6 2/3. Chen gave up six runs to the Indians in 6 1/3 innings after allowing two earned runs or fewer in three of his previous four starts and four of six. Tonight marks his first appearance against the Mariners. The...
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