jake peavy

Mike Mussina, who will be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in July, won 18 games in his first full major league season in 1992 and veteran starter Rick Sutcliffe could see back then that this day would come.

After two returned last week, more AL East teams are back in the power rankings this week. Has the Orioles¿ hot stretch been enough to make them one of the lucky 10? As always, these rankings are completely subjective, and yet objectively correct.

BOSTON -- Orioles right-hander Bud Norris came out of his two-inning simulated game Saturday well and is a candidate to start on Tuesday or Wednesday against the Nationals, but the club is leaning toward starting him Tuesday in Washington.

Catcher Matt Wieters said before Tuesday's game against the Boston Red Sox at Camden Yards that he could have surgery next Tuesday on his right elbow if Dr. James Andrews determines during his appointment Monday that the procedure is necessary.

Right-hander Bud Norris recorded his best start since joining the club last July, tossing eight scoreless innings and holding Boston to just three hits as the Orioles handed the Red Sox their sixth loss in the last seven games with a 4-0 win in front of an announced 19,729 at Camden Yards.

The Orioles saw a five-run lead disappear Sunday night at Fenway Park before a win completely escaped them in the late innings against the defending world champion Boston Red Sox.

The Orioles beat the Red Sox, 5-3, in 12 innings Wednesday night, gaining ground in the wild-card chase before an announced sellout crowd of 38,540 at Fenway Park.

The Orioles are looking for a bat and a pitcher before Wednesday's trade deadline.

With Major League Baseball's trade deadline Wednesday at 4 p.m., Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo does not see the next two days as an opportunity to blow up a struggling team or a chance to spark a late-season push.

Orioles are considering veteran hitters, versatile relievers and possibly a starter before Wednesday's non-waiver trade deadline.

Dan Duquette said the Orioles have the wherewithal in players and money to improve at the trade deadline.

The Orioles main priority heading into July 31¿s non-waiver trade deadline is adding a starting pitcher, and the club has been actively scouting potentially available arms, according to several sources.

Catcher Matt Wieters is up for his second consecutive American League Gold Glove Award, center fielder Adam Jones will be going for the second (2009) of his career and shortstop J.J. Hardy is seeking his first.

Orioles right-hander Jason Hammel finished third in the AL All-Star Game final vote fan balloting, which concluded Thursday afternoon. As expected, Rangers rookie right-hander Yu Darvish won the vote. White Sox right-hander Jake Peavy placed second.

For the first time since 2005, the Orioles will be well-represented at the All-Star Game. Major League Baseball announced the Adam Jones, Matt Wieters and Jim Johnson have been selected by their peers to play for the American League in the Midseason Classic at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City.

Jason Hammel deserves to be an All-Star, but he says he isn't worrying about it.

White Sox beat Orioles 8-1