Orioles closer Jim Johnson has converted seven consecutive save opportunities since the meltdown in Toronto on May 26, when he fumbled a three-run lead on the artificial surface at Rogers Centre. He hasn't permitted a run during the current stretch.
So, what's the difference now?
"Results," said manager Buck Showalter. "Jimmy lives in results. Not nearly as much difference as people may think. It's that job. I can rattle off four or five other guys who are having... Jered Weaver threw a high changeup to (Adam) Jones and gave up a home run. It happens. It's hard.
"It doesn't get much tougher than the ones Jimmy's had lately. He's been a real changer of the game in a positive way. We had some challenges going on in Tampa that last game there and he came in and calmed everything down. I know how hard the job is and how good he is at it. There are a lot of people lining up for Jim Johnson. Trust me. We're lucky to have him, like I've said all along.
"It's a hard job. Try doing it without him. I don't like that thought because he makes everything work for us.
"Jim's a strike-thrower, keeps the ball in the ballpark for the most part and holds runners and fields his position. That usually gives you a chance to be successful."
Chris Davis will play in his 500th major league game tonight. He has 99 career doubles and 97 home runs.
Davis is hitless in hist last 16 at-bats and four games. He hasn't driven in a run since June 2 against the Tigers, a span of seven games.
J.J. Hardy is 10 RBIs short of 500 for his career. His single in the eighth inning on Sunday was the 1,000th hit of his career.
Freddy Garcia is five strikeouts shy of becoming the 155th pitcher to record 1,600.
The Orioles have hit 86 home runs, the second-most in the majors, but they've allowed 90, which leads the majors.
Adam Jones has recorded 106 extra-base hits since the start of the 2012 season, which ranks third in the majors behind Miguel Cabrera (118) and Robinson Cano (108), according to STATS. Albert Pujols (103) and Mike Trout (102) trail Jones.
The Orioles are listing Kevin Gausman, Chris Tillman, Garcia and Miguel Gonzalez as their four starters for the Red Sox series that begins Thursday night at Camden Yards.
Triple-A Norfolk first baseman Travis Ishikawa has been named the TOPPS Minor League Triple-A Player of Month for May after batting .413 with seven homers, 24 RBIs, a .489 on-base percentage and .787 slugging percentage. He had hits in 18 of 21 games.
Ishikawa extended the opt-out date in his contract, but the new one is approaching. The Orioles don't appear to have a spot for him on their 25-man roster. Should be interesting.
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