Orioles and Angels lineups

Orioles and Angels lineups
Danny Valencia is back in the lineup at third base as the Orioles continue their series in Anaheim. Valencia was day-to-day with tightness in his hamstring, which caused him to be scratched from Sunday's lineup. Mark Trumbo is the designated hitter against left-hander Andrew Heaney. Craig Gentry is in right field instead of Anthony Santander. Chris Davis continues to bat seventh. Engelb Vielma is starting at second base instead of Jace Peterson. The Orioles rotation has registered 12 quality...
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Sisco's collision, Brach's slump and other observations

Sisco's collision, Brach's slump and other observations
The Orioles announced after last night's game that rookie catcher Chance Sisco was day-to-day following a collision with Pedro Álvarez's forearm, the equivalent of running face-first into an oak tree. Sisco sustained a "facial contusion," according to the club, but wasn't showing symptoms of a concussion. He just looked that way while lying flat on his back after a failed pursuit of a pop up in foul territory. It doesn't appear that the Orioles are going to summon another catcher to...
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Santander countdown, Rickard rehashed and more

Santander countdown, Rickard rehashed and more
The NFL draft is over, leaving Orioles outfielder Anthony Santander alone on the clock. Santander had to stay in the majors for the first 44 days of the season to lose his Rule 5 status and allow the Orioles to option him to the minors. No need to put him on waivers or offer him back to the Indians, who gladly would take him. Manager Buck Showalter rattled off the date recently while talking about Santander's development. The calendar has included a circle around May 12. Does he stay or does...
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Orioles and Angels lineups

Orioles and Angels lineups
Chris Davis has returned to the Orioles lineup tonight, batting seventh as the first baseman. Davis sat out the last two games against the Tigers at Camden Yards. Pedro Álvarez remains at third base, with Danny Valencia on the bench. Mark Trumbo is the designated hitter after coming off the disabled list earlier today. Chance Sisco is behind the plate to catch Alex Cobb. On this date in 1970, Terry Crowley hit his first career home run, a shot off Twins right-hander and Baltimore native Dave...
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Trumbo activated, Vielma recalled

Trumbo activated, Vielma recalled
The latest strokes to the Orioles' 25-man roster were applied today prior to the start of their three-game series in Anaheim. Mark Trumbo has been activated from the disabled list and likely will make his debut tonight, whether he's in right field or serving as the designated hitter. Trumbo has been on the disabled list with a strained right quadriceps muscle, an injury that surfaced in spring training and worsened after one exhibition game. He just completed his rehab assignment at Triple-A...
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Does the Seager injury really push Machado closer to the exit?

Does the Seager injury really push Machado closer to the exit?
The media's obsession over Manny Machado's future spiked yesterday with news that Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager would undergo Tommy John surgery and miss the remainder of the season. Meanwhile, anything you read is speculation. But it still makes for good copy. The Orioles might be more inclined to move him. The Dodgers might be willing to surrender prospects for a rental, though it mostly goes against their norm. I'll repeat that executive vice president Dan Duquette didn't put a block on...
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Tonight's game and roster moves, Bleier's been best and more

Tonight's game and roster moves, Bleier's been best and more
A win tonight in Anaheim will allow the Orioles to equal their longest streak of the season. If anyone regards back-to-back victories as constituting a streak. The Cambridge Dictionary defines "streak" as: A mark of a color that is different from what surrounds it, or a thin strip of light. Doesn't seem like a fit here. Let's keep going. An obvious characteristic in a personality. Strike two. A period during which a series of things happens. We're getting there. A short period of good or...
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Britton looking forward to talking pitching instead of surgery

Britton looking forward to talking pitching instead of surgery
Orioles closer Zach Britton has thrown three full-mound bullpen sessions at Camden Yards and he's going to have a bigger audience this week while he's in Anaheim. Dr. Kenneth Jung, who performed the surgery in December to repair Britton's ruptured Achilles, will watch him throw on Wednesday with head athletic trainer Brian Ebel and give his final "blessing," as the left-hander worded it with a chuckle. One of Jung's offices overlooks center field at Angel Stadium, so it's a short walk to...
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Álvarez homers twice, O's win first home series (Rickard optioned)

Álvarez homers twice, O's win first home series (Rickard optioned)
Pedro Álvarez wasn't supposed to be in the Orioles lineup this afternoon, and they appeared to be fed another dose of rotten luck with Danny Valencia a late scratch. This wasn't a spoonful of sugar. Just the latest situation to make them bitter. Luis Sardiñas is out with a sore lower back. The Tigers started left-hander Daniel Norris. A normal four-man bench, down to only two healthy players including catcher Chance Sisco, limited the options for manager Buck Showalter. Enter Álvarez...
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Showalter on Davis' slump: "It's eating at him" (O's up 4-3)

Showalter on Davis' slump: "It's eating at him" (O's up 4-3)
Luis Sardiñas informed manager Buck Showalter following last night's game that he's experiencing soreness in his lower back, which makes his availability uncertain for this afternoon's series finale against the Tigers that also closes the homestand. The Orioles are in the process of determining whether he can play later today and if the disabled list is a possibility. The club is off Monday. "He's not a whole lot better today," said manager Buck Showalter. "We'll see what his...
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Orioles lineup vs. Tigers

Orioles lineup vs. Tigers
Chris Davis is out of the Orioles lineup again this afternoon for the series finale against the Tigers. The Orioles are facing another left-hander, Daniel Norris, and I'm told there isn't a physical issue with Davis. It's just a break before the West Coast trip. Trey Mancini is at first base again today. Adam Jones is the designated hitter, with Craig Gentry in center field. Joey Rickard is in left field and Caleb Joseph is catching. For the Orioles Trey Mancini 1B Jace Peterson 2B Manny...
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Gausman vs. Norris in series finale that closes homestand

Gausman vs. Norris in series finale that closes homestand
Will Kevin Gausman continue to trend in the right direction? Will he continue to hack away at his ERA, which has lost so much weight that I'm waiting for it to do the weather on "The Today Show"? Gausman is a tough act to follow after holding the Indians to two runs and four hits over eight innings. One walk, seven strikeouts, but a 2-1 loss. The right-hander has allowed two runs in three of his last four starts, but he's increased his innings from five to six to eight. His ERA, meanwhile,...
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Orioles suffer 20th loss of season (with quotes)

Orioles suffer 20th loss of season (with quotes)
Momentum in baseball always has been and always will be the next day's starting pitcher. Whether it's your own or the opposition. Chris Tillman tossed a one-hit shutout over seven innings last night to give the Orioles a rare win, but Andrew Cashner allowed five runs in the first two innings tonight and progress was halted. Left-hander Francisco Liriano exited in the seventh with only one run against him and the Orioles were beaten 9-5 before an announced crowd of 20,896 at Camden Yards that...
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Showalter on Rickard's return and more (O's down 9-5)

Showalter on Rickard's return and more (O's down 9-5)
A combination of factors allowed outfielder Joey Rickard to make it back to Baltimore. The desire to have a four-man bench. The reduced need for a second left-handed reliever. Opposing left-handed starters the next two games. And most important, Rickard's scorching stretch at Triple-A Norfolk. The former Rule 5 pick batted .345/.456/.473 with five doubles, one triple and 10 RBIs in 16 games with the Tides. He went 5-for-5 on April 20 and 3-for-5 on April 23 and he reached base in all 15 games...
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Rickard recalled, Scott optioned, Mancini playing first base

Rickard recalled, Scott optioned, Mancini playing first base
The Orioles optioned left-hander Tanner Scott to Triple-A Norfolk this afternoon and recalled outfielder Joey Rickard from the Tides, giving them a four-man bench and Richard Bleier as the sole left-handed reliever. Scott has allowed three runs and six hits with one walk and five strikeouts in 4 2/3 innings over his three appearances. He goes back in Norfolk's bullpen, where the Orioles want to get him more consistent work and have him pitch on back-to-back days. Manager Buck Showalter is...
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Rickard arrives at Camden Yards

Rickard arrives at Camden Yards
The Orioles haven't posted their lineup tonight, but outfielder Joey Rickard walked through the clubhouse. Are the Orioles going back to a four-man bench? Is there an injury? Stay tuned. Rickard is batting .345/.456/.473 with five doubles, one triple and 10 RBIs in 16 games with Triple-A Norfolk. The Orioles are facing left-handed starters in the last two games of their series against the Tigers before heading to the West Coast. Trey Mancini was removed from last night's game for a defensive...
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Duquette says it's "a little early" to talk about tearing down team

Duquette says it's "a little early" to talk about tearing down team
If the Orioles are going to undergo any serious changes while enduring the second-worst start in franchise history, they aren't expected to happen in the coming days or weeks. The sign for the proverbial fire sale won't be posted outside the warehouse. Executive vice president Dan Duquette noted the areas of concern yesterday, but also suggested that more time should be spent evaluating the club and determining whether it can bust out of its early doldrums. Fans screaming for the front office...
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Tillman, two relievers combine for two-hit shutout (with quotes)

Tillman, two relievers combine for two-hit shutout (with quotes)
Twenty-two starts without a win. Chris Tillman carried the burden like a refrigerator strapped to his back. The shoulder injury, the demotion to the bullpen, the trust placed in him by an organization that was willing to give him a major league deal in free agency. Tillman escaped a jam in the first inning, didn't allow a hit until the fifth and shut out the Tigers through the seventh. No more arguing about his placement in the rotation. He's going to stay and keep getting the ball. Manny...
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Showalter on Beckham, Rasmus, Schoop and more (O's up 6-0)

Showalter on Beckham, Rasmus, Schoop and more (O's up 6-0)
Tim Beckham appeared in the Orioles clubhouse this afternoon after taking his mile-long walk with head athletic trainer Brian Ebel, a smile on his face and carefully measured steps as he headed toward his locker. Undergoing core muscle surgery one day earlier to repair tears on both sides of the groin will shorten a player's stride. It didn't reduce the grin. "I'm not going to be put a timetable on it, but I hope to be playing in extended spring training or minor league games in six weeks...
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Schoop nearing rehab assignment

Schoop nearing rehab assignment
With Jonathan Schoop's strained oblique muscle healing at the desired pace, the Orioles are hoping that their second baseman comes off the disabled list on May 8 following their upcoming West Coast trip to Anaheim and Oakland. Schoop is flying to Sarasota on Sunday and will play Wednesday and perhaps Thursday in extended spring training games. He's scheduled to join Double-A Bowie no later than next Friday on his rehab assignment. "I feel good. I'm progressing good and I'm ahead of...
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