Gonzalez hoping hot streak extends beyond break

Miguel Gonzalez has gone eight innings in each of his last two starts, allowing only three earned runs and being left without a decision.

He'll gladly take the length tonight. A win would be nice, too.

Gonzalez is making his first start since being optioned before the break. The Orioles will officially recall him later today, around the time they post the lineup.

Gonzalez is 0-1 with a 2.63 ERA in two starts against the American League West this season. He's 2-1 with a 2.14 ERA in three career starts against the Angels, his lowest ERA against any opponent.

Mike Trout is 2-for-9 with two home runs lifetime against Gonzalez, and Howie Kendrick is 3-for-9. Josh Hamilton is 1-for-9, and Erick Aybar and Albert Pujols are 1-for-8.

The Angels signed Gonzalez as an amateur free agent in 2004. The Red Sox selected him in the Rule 5 draft four years later.

Gonzalez has allowed eight home runs in his last five starts.

Can he block out the trade rumors tonight? Gonzalez's name has come up in discussions as the non-waiver deadline approaches, and former executive Jim Duquette stated on MLB Network Radio that the Orioles offered the right-hander to the Padres for Ian Kennedy.

Stay tuned.

The Orioles are 13-13 against left-handed starters and they'll see one tonight in Hector Santiago.

Santiago has a 3.86 ERA in four games (two starts) against the Orioles, with 14 hits, five walks and 17 strikeouts in 14 innings.

Adam Jones, who's hit three home runs and driven in nine runs in the past three games, is 3-for-8 with a homer against Santiago. Chris Davis is 2-for-6 with a double and a home run, and Manny Machado is 3-for-6 with a double.

A reminder that the fifth annual Casey Cares 5K run/walk at Camden Yards will take place on Saturday, Aug. 2. Orioles right fielder Nick Markakis and his wife, Christina, will serve as race ambassadors.

"The Orioles have been an amazing supporter of the Casey Cares mission and our 5K," said Casey Baynes, founder and executive director of the Casey Cares Foundation. "The money raised at this event helps provide thousands of heartwarming opportunities for critically ill children and their families who are in dire need of a diversion from their rigorous treatment schedules."

"Nick and I could not be happier to team up with Casey Cares for the 5k race again this year," Christina said. "These children are so brave and such an inspiration to us, that we are honored to be a part of the Casey Cares programs and we look forward to seeing all of the runners that also care so much for these critically ill children and their families."

The 3.1-mile run/on- mile walk starts at 8 a.m. at Camden Yards and ends on the field. Participants will partake in a pre-race warm-up with the Oriole Bird, music and other entertainment, and will enjoy post-race refreshments. Top race winners will be announced in a pregame ceremony at the Orioles' 7:05 p.m. game against the Mariners.

Registration for the race is open now through Aug. 2 and both teams and individuals are encouraged to register. Entry fees are $35 per person through Aug. 1 or $40 on race day. To register, visit www.caseycares5k.org.

All proceeds of the 5K will benefit the Casey Cares Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit that provides personalized, uplifting, and ongoing programs with a special touch to critically ill children and their family members throughout the mid-Atlantic region.