Sarasota in the rear view mirror (updated)

Sarasota in the rear view mirror (updated)
SARASOTA, Fla. - Counted among the yearly traditions of spring training is the sudden realization that I can't consume all of the food that I bought during my seven-week stay. How many packets of oatmeal can I possibly eat before check-out this morning? And honesty, the bags of frozen broccoli and Brussels sprouts seemed like a good idea at the time. No way they're coming with me to St. Petersburg. I'm down to three bottled waters. I think I timed that one just about right. Anyway, the...
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Tillman named No. 3 starter

Tillman named No. 3 starter
SARASOTA, Fla. - Right-hander Chris Tillman will start Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field, following Jeremy Guthrie and Brian Matusz in the rotation. Tillman went 2-0 with a 3.93 ERA in five games this spring. He allowed 20 hits, walked nine and struck out 10 in 18 1/3 innings. He also gave up one run over six innings in a minor league game, which doesn't count in the official Grapefruit League statistics. Brad Bergesen, who threw two innings in today's minor...
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Showalter not ready to name No. 3 starter or closer (updated)

Showalter not ready to name No. 3 starter or closer (updated)
SARASOTA, Fla. - Orioles manager Buck Showalter ventured into the press box to meet with reporters while the minor league game continued on the Ed Smith Stadium field. Showalter still hasn't named his No. 3 starter. He wants to wait until head athletic trainer Richie Bancells checks on Brad Bergesen. Showalter said he didn't expect the Orioles to add anyone from outside the organization, but he didn't completely dismiss the idea. "I've got a pretty good feel for where we're going, but...
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Matusz: "I feel like I'm 100 percent ready for the season"

Matusz: "I feel like I'm 100 percent ready for the season"
SARASOTA, Fla. - Brian Matusz threw 35-40 pitches in the bullpen this morning and didn't feel any discomfort in his left biceps. He remains scheduled to take the ball Saturday night against the Rays at Tropicana Field, making him the No. 2 starter in the rotation. Chris Tillman said he hasn't been told whether he's starting the third game, but he's headed to manager Buck Showalter's office to find out. Jake Arrieta is pitching in the minor league game and will start the April 4 home...
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VandenHurk clears waivers, Matusz starting Saturday

VandenHurk clears waivers, Matusz starting Saturday
SARASOTA, Fla. - Rick VandenHurk cleared waivers and remains in the organization. He's in uniform for today's minor league game. VandenHurk had control issues that knocked him out of the running for a rotation or bullpen slot. He'll be outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk and join a rotation that includes Zach Britton and Ryan Drese. VandenHurk allowed 12 runs (nine earned) and 10 hits, with eight walks and four strikeouts, in six innings. Also, Jake Arrieta and Brad Bergesen are starting the...
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Weaver and Showalter a first-pitch battery

Weaver and Showalter a first-pitch battery
SARASOTA, Fla. - Hall of Fame manager Earl Weaver will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the April 4 home opener at Camden Yards. Current manager Buck Showalter will catch it. I love the idea. And it seems appropriate, given the excitement that greeted Showalter's arrival in Baltimore last August and the frequent comparisons to Weaver. Showalter invited Weaver to speak to his coaches this spring. It also allowed Weaver to autograph the circular No. 4 sign that hangs in his honor...
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One more game in Sarasota

One more game in Sarasota
SARASOTA, Fla. - Enjoy that dateline while you can, because it changes starting tomorrow. The Orioles will break camp later today. Naturally, manager Buck Showalter scheduled a simulated game first. I almost expect Craig Tatum to hit off a tee tomorrow in between his wife's contractions. A group of minor leaguers will take a bus to Ed Smith Stadium, then take their swings against Brad Bergesen and Jake Arrieta. I normally wouldn't care much, but I need to find out whether Bergesen is...
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Only a few decisions remain

Only a few decisions remain
SARASOTA, Fla. - Senior citizens were invited to run the bases after today's 7-4 loss to the Blue Jays. Brady Anderson walked past me on the field and asked whether I was going to run. Ouch. Manager Buck Showalter basically has two decisions remaining before the Orioles break camp and head to St. Petersburg for Thursday's workout. Showalter must decide whether Chris Tillman or Brad Bergesen makes Sunday's start at Tropicana Field. But he'll also need to know whether Bergesen or...
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Britton talks about being optioned

Britton talks about being optioned
SARASOTA, Fla. - Zach Britton said he wasn't surprised when he was called into manager Buck Showalter's office and told that he had been optioned to Triple-A Norfolk. "Right when they called me in, I figured, 'Hey you were either making the team or not making the team.' I was leaning toward not making the team, so I expected it," he said. What will he take away from camp? "Just the experience and getting to know the guys," Britton said. "Whenever I get up there, it will be nice to...
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Lee: "I'm ready to go for opening day"

Lee: "I'm ready to go for opening day"
SARASOTA, Fla. - Josh Rupe gave up his first two earned runs of the spring in the seventh inning, and the Blue Jays took a 5-4 lead. Former Orioles farmhand Mike McCoy drove in the go-ahead run. Robert Andino made a dazzling play at second base, backhanding a ball in front of the bag and making an off-balance throw as his momentum carried him toward shortstop. First baseman Tyler Townsend dug the ball out of the dirt for the out. Former Oriole Adam Loewen pinch-ran in the eighth and scored...
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Another game update, Showalter on health (and note)

Another game update, Showalter on health (and note)
SARASOTA, Fla. - My eyes weren't deceiving me. Blue Jays manager John Farrell ordered an intentional walk to Vladimir Guerrero in the fourth inning with runners on second and third and two outs. In a spring training game. Luke Scott was robbed of a hit on a diving stop by second baseman Aaron Hill. Michael Gonzalez struck out two in a scoreless fourth inning, throwing six of 11 pitches for strikes. Kevin Gregg walked a batter and struck out one in the fifth, throwing seven of 15 for...
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Game update, Showalter on Sarasota

Game update, Showalter on Sarasota
SARASOTA, Fla. - Derrek Lee picked up his first RBI of the spring, in the final exhibition game. He lined a single into center field off Blue Jays left-hander Brett Cecil (Maryland) with two outs in the second inning to score Brian Roberts and give the Orioles a 4-3 lead. Matt Wieters doubled to score Adam Jones, who reached on a bunt single, and he came home on Brian Roberts' double. Nick Markakis walked before Lee stepped to the plate. Koji Uehara struck out two batters in a perfect...
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Duchscherer officially on disabled list (and more)

Duchscherer officially on disabled list (and more)
SARASOTA, Fla. - Another domino fell in Orioles camp today when they placed pitcher Justin Duchscherer on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left hip. We knew it was coming. Now it's official. Duchscherer threw two innings in yesterday's simulated game against six minor league hitters. The Orioles are hoping that he'll be ready to pitch on April 21 against the Twins at Camden Yards. Here's how the 25-man roster breaks down: Rotation: Jeremy Guthrie Brian Matusz Brad...
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Three more cuts coming today (updated)

Three more cuts coming today (updated)
SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles will make three more cuts after batting practice, though they could adjust the roster if Brad Bergesen experiences a setback tomorrow. Bergesen and Jake Arrieta will face minor league hitters tomorrow at Ed Smith Stadium. Bergesen could get Sunday's start against the Rays at Tropicana Field if he makes it through the game without a hitch. Backup catcher Craig Tatum will leave the team tomorrow to be with his wife for the birth of their child on Thursday. Tatum is...
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Notes on Bergesen, Britton and Rupe

Notes on Bergesen, Britton and Rupe
SARASOTA, Fla. - Brad Bergesen is receiving treatment today on his right arm, but he isn't scheduled to throw. He's supposed to pitch tomorrow. The question is where. Bergesen could head over to Twin Lakes Park. The Orioles could arrange an intrasquad game at Ed Smith Stadium. We should know more later today. Bergesen said his arm feels good after being hit Friday by a Denard Span line drive in Fort Myers. He hopes to start Sunday's game at Tropicana Field, but that decision hasn't been...
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Matusz's update and lineup

Matusz's update and lineup
SARASOTA, Fla. - Brian Matusz won't throw today after being hit on the left biceps during yesterday's simulated game. He's wearing an ice pack on his arm to reduce the inflammation, but he told reporters this morning that there's only a small bruise. No pain that should keep him from pitching Saturday. Matusz is hoping to throw tomorrow, as long as the inflammation stays down. "I feel pretty good about it today," he said. "It's not too swollen. It's a little bit black and blue....
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Final thoughts on 14-9 victory

Final thoughts on 14-9 victory
SARASOTA, Fla. - They also played a game here today. The Orioles gave up six runs in the top of the ninth, but held on for a 14-9 win over the Tigers before 7,621, the 10th sellout at Ed Smith Stadium this spring. Ryohei Tanaka was charged with six runs in one-third of an inning. Brandon Cooney got the last two outs, though he gave up a hit and a bases-loaded walk. Good times. Justin Duchscherer threw two innings in the simulated game on Field No. 4 and didn't experience any problems with...
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Matusz remains optimistic

Matusz remains optimistic
SARASOTA, Fla. - So, anything going on today? Brian Matusz has a pressure pad on his left biceps to reduce the swelling after an LJ Hoes line drive slammed off his arm during today's simulated game on Field No. 4. Matusz was working his second inning. He was supposed to get up six or seven times to increase his pitch count, but fate intervened again. "I was feeling good. I was starting to get in a good grove, and then L.J. came up and I threw a fastball and he hit a line drive right back...
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Matusz struck by line drive in simulated game

Matusz struck by line drive in simulated game
SARASOTA, Fla. - Orioles pitcher Brian Matusz was hit by a line drive on the left biceps in the second inning of today's simulated game at the Ed Smith Stadium complex. X-rays have not been scheduled, but the left-hander's status for the second game of the regular season against the Rays in St. Petersburg, Fla., is unknown. Manager Buck Showalter told reporters that Matusz threw 29 pitches before being hit. The game ended after that incident. Showalter said that Zach Britton, who is...
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Britton on Britton

Britton on Britton
SARASOTA, Fla. - Left-hander Zach Britton knows what's coming. It isn't necessarily fair, but he's heard enough chatter to know that he's going to be optioned to Triple-A Norfolk. Britton talked about today's outing, and eventually, the likelihood that he'll begin the season in the minors. "In the fourth inning, I was trying to do a little bit too much, but I was happy to minimize damage in both (the fourth and fifth) innings, and I think that's big, too," he said. "I thought that...
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