Notes and updates

The Orioles are 20-14 against left-handed starters this season. They were 19-28 last year and 18-33 in 2010. Their last winning record vs. left-handed starters was 33-19 in 2007. The Orioles will try to improve to 22-19 in series finales. They've won five of their last six finales at home. Randy Wolf played catch today, but he wasn't scheduled to throw in the bullpen because he had a side session two days ago. The Orioles will sign him and add him to the roster on Friday, which will require 25- and 40-man moves. The Orioles could choose to option left-hander Zach Britton after today's game. Triple-A Norfolk isn't expected to make the International League playoffs, which would allow Britton to return on Sept. 4. The 10-day rule doesn't apply once a minor league season is completed. Chris Tillman will start Sunday against the Yankees on normal rest. He's 2-3 with an 8.42 ERA in six career starts against New York, with 45 hits, 13 walks and 21 strikeouts in 25 2/3 innings. He's got a 10.69 ERA in four starts in the Bronx. Nick Johnson's right wrist isn't improving, and he isn't going to play again this year. Tommy Hunter will throw one inning Saturday at Double-A Bowie, making him available to the Orioles when he's eligible to return on Sept. 3. He will be part of the expanded roster. Left-hander Troy Patton is still scheduled to throw today in Sarasota to test his right ankle. Wilson Betemit's right wrist felt fine after his four at-bats last night at Bowie. He'll start again tonight. Minor league infield coordinator Bobby Dickerson and catching instructor Don Werner will meet the Orioles in Toronto next week before instructional league starts on Sept. 12. Norfolk manager Ron Johnson and pitching coach Mike Griffin will join the Orioles after the Sept. 10 off day. The Orioles' coaches will welcome the extra batting practice pitchers. It's been a grind for them, too. Scott McGregor, the Orioles' pitching rehab coordinator, will start traveling with the team. The Orioles can "activate" one extra coach per night.