Looking back and ahead

BOSTON - The Orioles are leaving Boston after this morning's game, and they'd like to take the transfer rule with them. Maybe dump it in an empty field, grab a few baseball bats and destroy it like the copy machine in "Office Space." Ryan Flaherty held the ball long enough last night to record the out at second base in the seventh inning. Instead, he was charged with an error and the Red Sox went on to score twice and tie the game. Umpires seem just as confused by it. Just get rid of it and pretend it never existed. Sort of like New Coke. Or Chuck Cunningham on "Happy Days." Let the NCAA worry about transfer rules, not Major League Baseball. Jonathan Schoop collects four hits and fans want him to be the everyday second baseman when Manny Machado returns. He's earned the right to stay here. He commits another error and they want him banished to the minors. He's overmatched. I honestly don't know how the Orioles will create room for Machado on the 25-man roster. Schoop could be optioned. Flaherty could be optioned. Steve Pearce could be designated for assignment. Speaking of Pearce, some fans criticized Showalter last night for not sending him up as a pinch-hitter for Chris Davis in the eighth inning against left-hander Andrew Miller. Really? I think Davis, the guy who hit 53 home runs last season, has earned the right to bat in that situation. He's just got to remain patient while pitchers continue to walk him or drill him. Davis has reached base in 16 consecutive games, one shy of his career high set in August 2013. Wei-Yin Chen starts today for the Orioles. He's 2-3 with a 5.24 ERA in eight career starts against the Red Sox, with 66 hits allowed in 44 2/3 innings. He's 1-2 with a 5.86 ERA in five starts at Fenway Park. Chen made three starts at Fenway Park last year and gave up 14 runs and 24 hits in 15 2/3 innings. He served up five home runs. Dustin Pedroia, the proverbial thorn in the Orioles' side, is 11-for-22 with four doubles and a triple against Chen. David Ortiz is 5-for-13 with a home run and five RBIs. Mike Napoli is 3-for-13 with a double and two homers. Clay Buchholz is 9-3 with a 3.40 ERA in 16 games (15 starts) against the Orioles. J.J. Hardy is 7-for-19 with two homers against Buchholz, but he's expected to be on the bench today after straining his right hamstring last night. Davis is 5-for-18 with a double and two home runs. Nick Markakis is 5-for-37 versus Buchholz. Steve Cleveger will start behind the plate today.