March 29, 2013

The Orioles have signed veteran pitcher Freddy Garcia to a minor-league contract, according to a team release. The Padres released Garcia earlier this week.
Garcia, 36, pitched 107 1/3 innings for the Yankees in 2012, posting a 5.20 ERA with 7.5 K/9 …

The Orioles moved one step closer to their Opening Day roster Friday, officially naming Jake Arrieta for the final rotation spot, solidifying their bullpen and leaving one more decision for the last bench spot in either Steve Pearce or Conor Jackson.

Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts met with manager Buck Showalter prior to Thursday night’s game to discuss batting ninth. The assignment, which will happen on Opening Day, could very well be a familiar sight this season.

In the journey from being a tall, skinny kid from Washington to the Orioles’ Opening Day starter against the Rays on Tuesday at 3:10 p.m. ET, Jason Hammel has had plenty of other skeptics along the way.

Last year, the Orioles snapped a streak of 14 consecutive losing seasons by earning a playoff spot. This year, they’re ready to prove that 2012’s success was no fluke.

The Orioles used eight pitchers to relieve Jesse Beal, who allowed three runs in the first inning in the 4-4 tie to the Rays on Thursday. J.J. Hardy went 2-for-3 with a double, and Kyle Hudson singled home Taylor Teagarden to cap the comeback in the ni…

Orioles manager Buck Showalter announced Thursday that Chris Tillman will be his No. 5 starter, but the right-hander will begin the season on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 22.