Showalter on Jimenez’s potential next start, on Bourn’s contract situation and on turning 61

Orioles manager Buck Showalter did not commit to having Ubaldo Jimenez make his next scheduled start Sunday – but he didn’t shoot down the idea, either. “We’ll see what happens when we get there,” Showalter said. “That’s when he’s scheduled to start again.” The one thing Showalter stressed Tuesday is that he...

Myriad Orioles Thoughts: Machado’s importance; another low-risk deal; Bourn dilemma; Jackson’s status; Janish up

I was talking to an Oriole on Saturday afternoon about the club’s start and how its record was pretty good, yet the team certainly hasn’t hit its stride. At one point, the player pointed to Manny Machado’s locker and said, and I’m paraphrasing, “Once that guy gets going offensively, watch out. And...

Myriad Orioles Thoughts: Castillo’s scalding bat; Tillman’s progression; dumb bunts

Welington Castillo was good for the Orioles before he went on the disabled list. He’s been unconscious since he returned Tuesday in Detroit. Case in point: The Orioles beat the Toronto Blue Jays 5-3 in 10, rain-soaked innings Friday, primarily on the strength of their starting catcher’s bat. Castillo hit a pair...

Smith not starting; Machado back in lineup; Schoop leads off for first time in 2017

Orioles manager Buck Showalter didn’t announce his starting lineup Friday against the Toronto Blue Jays until less than two hours before first pitch because he was waiting on the health of a few of his players. One, third baseman Manny Machado, was back in the starting lineup after being out Thursday, when...

VIDEO: Dan Connolly and Steve Cockey discuss the Orioles’ rough road trip

When an injury to a key player works out

It seems a bit insensitive to say an injury to a major leaguer can be a good thing. Starting catcher Welington Castillo was an essential part of the Orioles’ quick beginning to this season. Heading into Tuesday night in Detroit, the Orioles were 12-5 when Castillo started and 10-9 when he didn’t....

Myriad Orioles Thoughts: Faceless pitching numbers; old-school stats; radio musings

Indulge me for a moment. Here are three pitching lines heading into late Monday night: Pitcher A: 7 Gs (6 starts), 1-1, 6.15 ERA, 33 2/3 IP, 31H, 8 HR, 20BB, 24K, Op avg., .244 Pitcher B: 9 Gs (9 starts), 2-3, 7.19 ERA, 41 1/3 P, 56H, 7 HR, 21BB, 31K,...

O’s-Nats rained out Thursday; will make up game Thursday, June 8 in Washington

WASHINGTON — The Orioles and Nationals won’t play the fourth and final game of their home-and home series until June. Thursday’s game was postponed due to rain and has been rescheduled for 7:05 p.m., Thursday, June 8 at Nationals Park. That is one of just two mutual off days that the two...

Myriad Orioles Thoughts: Brach’s shaky stretch; a battle of Werth; Rule 5 updates

Orioles manager Buck Showalter said he’s not worried about de facto closer Brad Brach. Brach simply was a victim of an excellent hitting club on Wednesday night, his manager believes. “Brad will be all right. He’s good at this,” Showalter said. “Tonight, a very good club just got him.” Brach is good...

Wieters picks up his ninth game-winning hit — and first against the Orioles

WASHINGTON — So, ever seen that before? Catcher Matt Wieters with a clutch hit to end a game and send the opposition home unhappy? You saw it eight times as an Oriole. Eight separate times Wieters had ended a big league game by driving in the winning run. Now, it’s nine. Eight...