Zach Davies on playing in today's Futures Game, plus O's notes

In recent years the Orioles have sent players like Manny Machado, Dylan Bundy, Hunter Harvey, Christian Walker, Henry Urrutia and Dariel Alvarez to the All-Star Futures Game, a showcase for the sport's best prospects.

Today, 22-year-old right-hander Zach Davies is on the U.S. team that will take on the World team at 3 p.m. in Cincinnati. He is scheduled to be the eighth pitcher used by the U.S squad.

Davies is the Orioles' No. 6 prospect, according to Baseball America. In 16 Triple-A Norfolk games this season, the right-hander is 3-5 with a 2.70 ERA and .233 average against. He has an ERA of 1.57 his past four starts and 2.34 since June 1. In 83 1/3 innings he has walked 31, fanned 71 and allowed just two home runs.

When I interviewed Davies a few days ago, I asked him what he was most looking forward to about going to the Futures Game.

"Just the whole experience," Davies said. "Meeting everyone there. I have some family and my girlfriend coming to town. Just look forward to soaking in the whole experience."

In Urrutia and Walker, Davies has Norfolk teammates that have told him about playing in the game.

"I talked to Henry a little bit, and I am roommates with Walker, and he told me it was awesome experience and that I'll really enjoy it," Davies said.

Davies has pitched on a Norfolk staff this year that has been among the best in all of Triple-A baseball.

"It is an awesome staff," he said. "You don't see guys pushing each other in a vocal way, but we see guys pitching well each night and you look to match that. It's been a lot of fun.

"Guys have been real helpful. Any time I have a question, everyone has been open to help. Not just pitchers either. The hitters help tell us things and it's been a great team."

Last year in the Futures Game, there was a moment when Orioles players directly competed against each other. Harvey pitched a scoreless fourth inning in the game for Team USA. With two on and two outs, he faced Alvarez in an all-Orioles matchup and got him to ground out on a 3-1 pitch.

O's recent players in the Futures Game:

2008 - Jake Arrieta (U.S.)
2009 - Brian Matusz (U.S.), Chris Tillman (U.S.)
2010 - Zach Britton (U.S.)
2011 - Manny Machado (U.S.), Jonathan Schoop (World)
2012 - Manny Machado (U.S.), Dylan Bundy (U.S.)
2013 - Eduardo Rodriguez (World), Henry Urrutia (World), Christian Walker (U.S.)
2014 - Hunter Harvey (U.S.), Dariel Alvarez (World)

On Thursday, I wrote a longer profile of Davies and his progress over the years on the O's farm. Click here to read that story.

O's end first half today: No doubt about it, the Orioles are limping home as the first half comes to an end today. Friday's comeback win over the Nationals was followed by last night's loss where the Orioles could not hold a 4-2 lead in the sixth inning and lost 7-4.

Last year at the All-Star break, the Orioles were 52-42, had won 10 of 13 games and led the AL East by four games. This year they are 44-43 heading into today's game, have lost nine of 12 and are three games out in the East.

To match last year's team, which finished the regular season at 96-66, the 2015 Orioles would need to go 52-23 in the remaining 75 games. That is a .693 winning percentage.