kyle lohse

The chances of getting "The Freak" to Baltimore are slim.

Another Orioles starting rotation target came off the board today when free-agent right-hander Doug Fister agreed to terms with the Houston Astros on a one-year contract.

Chris Tillman's league-high walk rate, career-low strand rate, and poor execution in all counts are some of many factors behind his struggles in 2015.

The Orioles optioned catcher Steve Clevenger to Triple-A Norfolk and reinstated first baseman Chris Davis from the paternity list before Tuesday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park.

The Orioles clawed their way back from the hole dug by Chris Tillman -- thanks in part to rookie Jonathan Schoop's first multihomer game -- and catcher Nick Hundley, in his first game with the club, quickly went from goat to hero in a 7-6 victory in 10 innings.

In his two years with the Orioles, infielder Mark Reynolds was a clubhouse favorite for his self-deprecating humor and his key role in the 2012 playoff run with his powerful bat and solid defense at first base.

The Orioles haven't given up on signing Ervin Santana, but there hasn't been much dialogue in the past couple days.

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.

Right-handed pitcher Edwin Jackson, the best free agent remaining on the market, is much more likely to accept a one-year deal and test free agency again after the 2012 season than to ink a multi-year contract, according to an industry source.