What's next for Pearce and Young?

The Marlins released reliever Carlos Marmol today and signed veteran infielder Miguel Tejada to a minor league contract.

That sound you hear is the balance of power shifting in the National League East. Or it's my sarcasm.

Earlier today, I mentioned how Steve Pearce has practically disappeared since Chris Davis came off the disabled list. The same is true of Delmon Young, another right-handed hitter on the roster.

Pearce is batting .271/.327/.521 with three doubles, three homers and six RBIs in 15 games. He was 11-for-35 with two doubles, three homers and six RBIs after re-signing with the Orioles, but he's made one start since May 10.

Young is batting .290/.323/.387 with three doubles, a homer and five RBIs in 19 games. He's been in the starting lineup twice since May 7.

The Orioles will face two left-handers in Pittsburgh, Francisco Liriano and Wandy Rodriguez, but they lose their designated hitter at PNC Park. Nelson Cruz figures to start in left field and Davis will handle first first. Nick Markakis should remain in right field and atop the order.

Too bad for Pearce, who's 10-for-24 with three doubles, a home run and eight RBIs lifetime against the Pirates, one of his former teams.

Too bad for Young, who's 18-for-47 with three doubles, a homer and seven RBIs against the Pirates. He's 9-for-23 at PNC Park.

The Indians will send four right-handers to the mound for the series at Camden Yards that begins Thursday night. If David Lough doesn't start all four games in left field, manager Buck Showalter can insert Cruz and decide on a DH.

Can they make the Pearce/Young arrangement work for the rest of the season? Stay tuned.

Down on the farm, Double-A Bowie first baseman Christian Walker was named the Eastern League's Player of the Week for the second time this season. Walker batted hit .458 (11-for-24) with three doubles, two home runs, six RBIs and five runs scored.

Single-A Frederick's Parker Bridwell was named the Carolina League's Pitcher of the Week after coming within two outs of a no-hitter on May 13 against the Potomac Nationals.

The Orioles are hosting their annual fundraising event to benefit Shannon's Fund on Saturday, June 14 from 2-3 p.m., before their 4:05 p.m. game against the Blue Jays.

The cost is $50 and enables you to enjoy the following:

• Left Field Lower Box game ticket
• Watch batting practice from the Roof Deck Bar
• Visit by an Orioles player
• Photos with the Oriole Bird
• Two complimentary drink tickets
• Orioles gift bag
• Silent Auction near Gate E to benefit Shannon's Fund
• Every child 14 and under will receive an Oriole Bird Plush Pillow

To purchase tickets, go to www.orioles.com/shannonsfund. The deadline is June 9.

In 2008, the Orioles and OriolesREACH established Shannon's Fund, an endowment at the University of Maryland Medical Center to provide financial assistance to hospital patients and their families. Created in memory of Shannon Obaker - the team's former director of community outreach who bravely fought cancer for over a year before passing away in 2007 at age 29 - Shannon's Fund is administered by the University of Maryland Medical Center. Funds are donated to patients and their family members as need arises to assist with the general expenses associated with the treatment process, including hospital parking, alternate housing, food costs and household bills.

People who knew Shannon, and I was honored to be her friend, knew of her passion for helping others, especially children and animals. In her role as community outreach director, Shannon coordinated charitable donation requests, scheduled player appearances in the community and arranged special visits for sick children who wanted to meet their baseball heroes. The Orioles and the Obaker family believe that the most meaningful way to remember Shannon is to reach out to help others because that is what Shannon cared about most.