Note on Orioles' offensive approach and Russell's take on Wieters

HOUSTON - If the Orioles are going to break out of their offensive slump, they may need more than a live chicken in the clubhouse. They may require a less predictable approach at the plate.

Left-hander Brett Oberholtzer has held the Orioles to one run over 14 innings in his two career starts against them. The Astros have permitted only two runs in the first two games of the current series.

"We did some research," Oberholtzer, projected as Houston's sixth starter, told reporters after last night's game. "They get 0-1, 1-1, they get very aggressive, so we started pitching higher in the zone."

At the same time, the Orioles are sinking under the weight of a four-game losing streak.

Can Chris Tillman provide a lift today? He's due after allowing 14 runs over his last two starts over 6 2/3 innings.

In his only career start in Houston on June 4, 2013, Tillman limited the Astros to one earned run and four hits over seven innings to pick up the win. He struck out eight batters.

There wasn't much positive news yesterday beyond Matt Wieters' first throwing session. He played catch with bench coach John Russell, making 20 tosses without discomfort in his right elbow. Assistant athletic trainer Brian Ebel stood nearby and chatted with Wieters as he came off the field.

"It was about 65, 70 feet probably," Russell said. "It's the first day. The ball came out well. It wasn't like he was lobbing it. The ball was firm and he looked fine, but it's the first step in a process to continue to build and see where it is. But I was very encouraged by it, by the way he threw, so we'll see where we go from there. But it's day one, so we'll wait and see."

The Orioles just wanted to make certain that Wieters could complete the number of designated throws without any setbacks. Mission accomplished.

"Obviously, yeah," Russell said. "Make two throws and shut it down, obviously that's not a good sign, but he made it through it and he'll continue to rehab it and he'll stay with Richie (Bancells) and Brian's program and we'll see where we go. But we got the first day out of the way and hope he keeps progressing, but only time will tell."

Wieters is off today and will throw again on Sunday, perhaps increasing the distance and the number of tosses.

"It's going to be a slow process," Russell said. "You don't want to rush it, obviously, and set him back, but the program they set up, they've used it a lot in the past. So, I don't think it's going to be a ton more (throws), but each time he feels better and progresses, they'll start stretching it out a little farther."

Fingers remain crossed that Wieters won't require surgery.

"I wish I could say that he's on his way back, but again, it's too early to tell," Russell said. "It's the first day of a progression that's going to take a little bit of time to find out and make sure it's completely what he needs to be able to play.

"I'd like to sit here today and say, 'Yeah, in a few weeks we'll have him back,' but you can't say that. It's day one of a process where we've got to go through all the check points and make sure they line up. And hopefully don't have any setbacks in the process."