Digest: Nationals release pitchers Joe Nathan, Matt Albers

Chris Tillman's homecoming was a memorable one as he turned in one of his most dominating starts of his big league career, allowing just three hits over eight scoreless innings to lead the Orioles to a 5-1 victory over the Los Angeles Angels in the opener of this four-game series.

With all the journeymen the Orioles have employed in recent memory, they don't have any former pitchers who are still active and have had at least 80 wins.

The Orioles head into free agency — which starts in earnest Saturday with free agents permitted to negotiate with all 30 teams for the first time this offseason — in a much different situation than this time last year. Executive vice president Dan Duquette is not only in place as club's decision-maker, but he seems to be established as a man with a plan.

Down the stretch is a new daily Orioles Insider blog that will set up the coming night for the O's and their American League competition as the push for the postseason intensifies.

Orioles manager Buck Showalter expressed faith in slumping first baseman Mark Reynolds, saying he will continue to put Reynolds in the lineup despite his struggles.

Orioles manager Buck Showalter said he doesn't pay attention to the standings until August. For the past 14 years, Orioles fans haven't had the need to, their team usually already long out of contention by this time of the year.

A few recognizable names have been designated for assignment in the past few days, including outfielder Bobby Abreu and first baseman Lyle Overbay. But the one that can most easily be connected to the Orioles is right-hander Derek Lowe, whom the Cleveland Indians designated Wednesday after he allowed seven runs in 2 2/3 innings against the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night.

So another non-waiver trade deadline has passed and the Orioles, who had been sellers for years and were considered buyers in 2012, ended up being window shoppers.

With roughly two hours to go to until the non-waiver trade deadline, the on-again, off-again talks with the Philadelphia Phillies about right-hander Joe Blanton seem on again.

As we reported last night, the salary of Joe Blanton is a sticking point in a deal to bring the husky right-hander to Baltimore. The Orioles just aren¿t paying $3 million or anything close to it for a two-month rental, No. 4-type starter

The Orioles and Phillies have been talking about a deal that would send right-handed starter Joe Blanton to the Orioles for a minor leaguer -- and not one of major circumstance.

Orioles could be interested in Phillies players Joe Blanton, Juan Pierre, Shane Victorino and Hunter Pence.

When Jake Arrieta was named the Orioles' Opening Day starter this season, he talked about the magnitude of the honor and the leadership responsibility it carried. But the 26-year-old right-hander has looked lost for much of the season.