A few thoughts on the Gausman decision

After talking to manager Buck Showalter about the two candidates for Thursday's start that he passed along earlier today, I wondered whether he had just talked himself out of both of them. Jake Arrieta's career numbers in Toronto were a concern. T.J. McFarland's lack of experience and the possible repercussions of a failed start were a concern. Showalter always adds "among others" when listing candidates. ... read more

Showalter speaks after 3-2, 10-inning win

With tonight's game heading to the bottom of the 10th inning and the Yankees bringing in left-hander Vidal Nuno, did Orioles manager Buck Showalter consider pinch-hitting for Nate Mclouth, who was leading off? "I thought he would hit a home run," Showalter said, grinning. McLouth did exactly that, of course, delivering the second walk-off home run of his career in a 3-2 victory over the ... read more

Starters getting deeper in games (McLouth with the walk-off)

Center fielder Chris Dickerson isn't the only Oriole going deep tonight. Miguel Gonzalez has become the third consecutive Orioles starter to complete six innings. He's held the Yankees to two runs and four hits, with no walks and five strikeouts. Gonzalez has thrown 80 pitches, 54 for strikes. No one is warming in the Orioles' bullpen, so he'll return for the seventh with the score ... read more

Orioles fall behind early (Dickerson homers twice)

The Yankees are 19-0 when they score first, the only team in the majors that remains undefeated. A win tonight would tie them with the 1990 Cincinnati Reds for the longest streak since 1900, according to Elias. Orioles starter Miguel Gonzalez allowed a run in the first inning tonight, but he deserved a better fate. Nate McLouth ran down Brett Gardner's fly ball toward the ... read more

More pregame notes and quotes

Adam Jones is serving as the Orioles' designated hitter tonight, with Chris Dickerson starting in center field for the second time this season. Jones' right leg was sore last night, but he could have played center tonight. That's his preference, but manager Buck Showalter took the more cautious route. "He felt some soreness last night late in the game," Showalter said. "He feels good today. ... read more

Arrieta and McFarland are candidates to start Thursday

Orioles manager Buck Showalter named Jake Arrieta and T.J. McFarland as the primary candidates to start Thursday night against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. It's an interesting and complicated decision. Arrieta hasn't pitched since May 7 at Triple-A Norfolk, and he missed his last scheduled start because of a strained right shoulder. He's been throwing in the bullpen and is fine physically. Arrieta ... read more

Gonzalez reinstated from disabled list, Jurrjens optioned

Miguel Gonzalez is back from the disabled list, and Jair Jurrjens is one and done - for now. The Orioles announced this afternoon that they have reinstated Gonzalez, who had been dealing with a blister on his right thumb, from the 15-day DL. To clear a spot on the 25-man roster, Jurrjens was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk. Gonzalez will start tonight against the Yankees, against ... read more

Orioles lineup against Yankees

Yamaico Navarro is back at second base as the Orioles face the Yankees in the middle game of their three-game set. Chris Dickerson will play center field tonight, with Adam Jones serving as the designated hitter. For the Yankees Brett Gardner CF Robinson Cano 2B Vernon Wells LF Travis Hafner DH Lyle Overbay 1B Curtis Granderson RF David Adams 3B Jayson Nix SS Austin Romine ... read more