Sorting through the pitching mess

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

April 08, 2011, 4:32pm

Comments

Zach Britton will oppose the Rangers' Colby Lewis in Game 1 of tomorrow's doubleheader. Jake Arrieta will oppose Matt Harrison in Game 2. That's about all we know. The Orioles would like to add a reliever, but the process is complicated by a rule that prohibits teams from calling up players on the 40-man roster until 10 days have passed in the season, unless another player goes on the disabled list. Jeremy Guthrie and J.J. Hardy don't appear to be DL candidates at the moment. Manager Buck Showalter said no move would be made before Game 1, but he left open the possibility that the Orioles could purchase the contract of a non-roster pitcher before the nightcap. Chris Jakubauskas remains a leading candidate. Troy Patton couldn't join the club until Sunday because he's on the 40-man roster. It's still possible that the Orioles option one of their starters on Sunday. Life will be much simpler for the Orioles if Britton and Arrieta don't tax the bullpen and Guthrie can make Sunday's start. Since I know many fans have questions regarding tickets for tomorrow, I'll cut-and-paste the Orioles' press release: Tonight's game between the Orioles and Texas Rangers has been postponed due to rain. The teams will play a single-admission doubleheader tomorrow beginning at 4:35 p.m. Tickets for tonight's game may be exchanged for seats of equal value for tomorrow's doubleheader or any remaining non-prime home game during the 2011 season, subject to availability. Ticket exchanges must be made by May 31. Student Night tickets may be exchanged for tomorrow's game or any other non-prime Friday home game during the 2011 season. Tickets for tomorrow's game will be valid for both games of the doubleheader. Original ticket purchasers residing outside a 75-mile radius of Camden Yards may request a refund because of the postponement. Refund requests must be submitted in writing along with the original tickets and mailed via certified mail by May 31 to: Baltimore Orioles Attention: April 8 Rainout 333 West Camden Street Baltimore, MD 21201