I just spoke with Mark Viviano, who's handling the sideline duties for MASN in this series. Interim manager Juan Samuel confirmed that Saturday's starter will come from the minors. The Orioles considered left-hander Mark Hendrickson before deciding on a call-up. Samuel didn't mention Chris Tillman by name, but he's expected to take the ball for the Orioles. It's also assumed that third baseman Josh Bell will be optioned to make room for Tillman, though that move hasn't been confirmed,...

After today's afternoon game in Frederick, the Orioles promoted Keys first baseman Joe Mahoney and closer Jose Diaz to Double-A Bowie. Mahoney, in 72 games, is batting .299-9-49 with 18 doubles and an OPS of .823. He is batting .341 with runners in scoring position. The 26-year-old Diaz is 3-0, 1.69 and went 12 for 12 in save chances for the Keys. Over 26 2/3 innings he walked nine and fanned 33 and allowed a batting average against of just .216. Even though Robbie Widlansky and Joel...

He may not be an All-Star yet, but rookie phenom Stephen Strasburg is collecting yet another unique honor. The Syracuse Chiefs will be giving away Stephen Strasburg action figurines on August 27th before their game against Buffalo. The first 3,000 fans who purchase a ticket to the game will receive a voucher for the must-have collectible. Strasburg will be depicted mid-windup in his Chiefs white home uniform. The figurines are limited edition and hand numbered. Each mini-Strasburg stands...

For the Orioles: Corey Patterson DH Miguel Tejada 3B Nick Markakis RF Ty Wigginton 1B Adam Jones CF Felix Pie LF Craig Tatum C Scott Moore 2B Julio Lugo SS Jeremy Guthrie RHP For the Rangers: Elvis Andrus SS Michael Young 3B Ian Kinsler 2B Vladimir Guerrero DH Josh Hamilton LF Bengie Molina C Nelson Cruz RF Justin Smoak 1B Julio Borbon CF Tommy Hunter RHP Single-A Frederick right fielder Ronnie Welty extended his hitting streak to 13 games today in a 7-4 loss to Potomac.

There has been some really good relief pitching on the farm this year for the Orioles. Near or at the top of that list would be right-hander Brandon Cooney, who has excelled at Frederick and now is pitching very well at Bowie. Between the two clubs this year, the 24-year-old, a 30th-round draft pick in 2007, is 4-0 with six saves and an ERA of 0.99 in 30 games. Cooney gave up three runs in his first outing with the Baysox on May 19, but has not allowed an earned run since. That is 19 1/3...

Though Brooks Robinson Jersey night isn't scheduled until Saturday, July 17, there's been a change to the previously scheduled promo night at Camden Yards that's worth noting ahead of time. The Orioles PR department has announced that a vendor error will delay the arrival of the replica Brooks Robinson jerseys promised on the promotions schedule on July 17. But rather than simply giving fans a raincheck, the O's will compensate the inconvenience to fans by giving away Brooks Robinson...

I'm making the assumption that Koji Uehara doesn't have warm memories of his last visit to Arlington. The temperature is much higher. The steam's still rising off them. Reach too close and you'll singe the hair on your arms. Uehara wilted in the heat during his May 19 appearance, removing his cap and gasping for air between pitches, and we didn't see him on the mound again until June 29. He went on the disabled list with a sore elbow, but his conditioning and durability again came into...

FREDERICK, Md. -- Nationals right-hander Jordan Zimmermann dominated his second rehab start following recovery from Tommy John surgery. Zimmermann went the scheduled three innings Thursday afternoon against the Frederick Keys in the sweltering heat at Harry Grove Stadium before 3,824. Potomac defeated Frederick 7-4. Jordan allowed just one hit, no runs, no walks and struck out five Keys batters, including the side in the first frame. Zimmermann threw 49 pitches, 34 of those for strikes....

You still have two hours to vote to send Ryan Zimmerman to the All-Star Game. Voting closes at 4 p.m. and last we checked, Votto remains in first place. Go ahead and vote - your boss won't mind! Zimmerman will also be featured tonight on MASN's Covering the Bases. Tune in to hear all about "the face of the franchise" from his teammates and his family. The game is on MASN and MASN HD at 7 p.m. Now, back to voting!

Zimmermann bottom of the 3rd Potomac at Frederick Britton, P. 3U Avery K Hudson 5-3 POT 5, FRED 0. END 3RD Michael Burgess 3-run HR top 3rd for PNats IP 3 R 0 ER 0 H 1 BB 0 K 5 PITCHES 49 STRIKES 34