Showalter on his relievers: "They've been a rock for us"

While wondering if I'd really get upset if someone sent me an ice cream sandwich while I was working ...

I won't attempt to predict the result of Steve Pearce's MRI this morning, but as long as we don't hear "oblique" or "intercostal," it should be fine.

It's been that kind of season for the Orioles. Pearce unexpectedly has emerged as one of the more valuable players on the roster and a guy who needs to stay in the lineup.

I'd have to check, but I'm pretty sure the Orioles cut him loose back in April.

Chris Tillman and his 2.54 home ERA are on the mound tonight at Camden Yards. Hope there's room for both of them.

Overall, Tillman has allowed three earned runs or fewer in 15 consecutive outings since July 10, the longest streak by an Oriole starter since Tom Phoebus posted 16 in a row from Sept. 23, 1969 to July 19, 1970.

Are the Twins capable of disrupting his flow?

Let me rephrase that. Are the Twins capable of ending his streak?

Tillman is 0-3 with a 6.06 ERA in four career starts against Minnesota, with 11 earned runs allowed over 16 1/3 innings.

Tillman has a fresh bullpen behind him after Miguel Gonzalez worked seven innings last night.

Fresh and formidable, with the scoreless streak reaching 18 innings. Brian Matusz is responsible for the last two, and in case you haven't noticed, he's posted a 1.13 ERA with three walks and 22 strikeouts over his last 19 appearances since July 3.

Matusz hasn't surrendered a run at Camden Yards since June 29, a span of eight outings and 8 1/3 innings.

Does this bullpen stack up against any in the majors? Where does it rank among 'pens managed by Buck Showalter?

"I know they're pitching well enough to ask that question," he replied. "I don't get into rating this and that and how they compare. Everything is different, everything's kind of relative.

"We're facing one of the top offenses in the league. These guys are rattling the bats and we'll be challenged, starting pitching and relief pitching. But I think because (the relievers) don't ever take something for granted. They pass the baton, they shoulder the load. Multiple guys. And there's a real cohesiveness there and they don't want to let the other part of that down. They all know what they are asked to do and need to do in order for us to stay consistent. And they've been a rock for us."

A rock that's remained on an impressive roll, led by Darren O'Day and his 0.92 ERA.

I'll post the quote from bullpen coach Dom Chiti that I used during the previous road trip. It still applies today.

"A big part of our bullpen is Darren O'Day," Chiti said. "He's a tremendous person and a tremendous leader. Everybody we have out there has tremendous character and we all want to be greater than the sum of the parts, and I think that's a big part of it.

"We all want the same thing. We all want to do our little part to help the team win. And I think all the guys in the bullpen have embraced that. But if you want to give somebody some credit, it's Darren. Darren's like the unofficial leader. The official leader. Whatever you want to call it. And I think that's huge."

Twins right-hander Kyle Gibson is making his first career start against the Orioles.

Trevor May needs to warn him.