Wada takes giant step backward today

Just as it appeared that left-hander Tsuyoshi Wada was getting close to being a consideration for the Orioles pitching staff, he turned in a dreadful start today for Triple-A Norfolk against the Gwinnett Braves. Wada was charged with seven runs and 13 hits in five-plus innings, with one walk, three strikeouts and two home runs. He faced one batter in the sixth without recording an out, and Mark Hendrickson let the inherited runner score. Wada threw 78 pitches, 52 for strikes. In his four previous starts, Wada surrendered only six runs and 19 hits over 24 2/3 innings, with four walks, 20 strikeouts and one home run. But he couldn't stay on a roll. The Orioles briefly considered Wada as a bullpen replacement for Kevin Gausman, but they wanted a right-hander backing up Wei-Yin Chen and chose Josh Stinson. Also, the Orioles still consider Wada a starter and would rather have him take the ball ever fifth day. They just need him to do more with it so they can get at least a partial return on the $8.15 million invested in him. Outfielder Henry Urrutia is 1-for-4 with an RBI single for the Tides. Jonathan Schoop, batting leadoff and playing second base in his first rehab game, went 0-for-2 with a walk for the Gulf Coast League Orioles. Note: The Orioles and OriolesREACH have partnered with the Casey Cares Foundation to host the fourth annual Casey Cares 5K run/walk at Camden Yards on Saturday, Aug. 3. Orioles right fielder Nick Markakis and his wife Christina will serve as race ambassadors. "Nick and I are so excited to be a part of the Casey Cares 5K," Christina said in a statement. "It is inspiring to see the brave critically ill children and families that are helped through all of the Casey Cares Programs and awesome to see all the spirit come out of all the runners every year! We are thrilled to be a part of this special day, and help make every day count for critically ill kids." The 3.1-mile run/walk starts at 8 a.m. and begins and ends at Camden Yards. Refreshments and a "Home Plate Finish" photo will be provided to each participant. Race winners in each age group will be announced in a pre-game ceremony at the Orioles 7:05 p.m. game that night versus the Seattle Mariners. Registration for the race is open now through Aug. 3, and both teams and individuals are encouraged to register. Entry fees are $35 per person through Aug. 2 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 six states.