ricky romero

One day after they were eliminated from the playoff picture, the Orioles fielded a starting lineup Wednesday night more fit for late-February than late-September.

The industry was watching what the Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays would do this winter because they are viewed as the potential new guard in the AL East with the New York Yankees aging, the Boston Red Sox rebuilding and the Tampa Bay Rays hampered by payroll.

Orioles left-hander Randy Wolf is dealing with elbow discomfort and could be lost for the remainder of the regular season and postseason, though he has not made a final decision on his immediate future.

The Orioles' regular season is whittled down to 8 games following Monday¿s single-admission doubleheader against the Toronto Blue Jays at Camden Yards. And the O's chances of catching the division-leading New York Yankees are steadily dwindling.

Down the stretch is a 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 continues.

Jake Arrieta is now 0-4 with a 8.00 ERA since throwing a gem against the Yankees, and his Orioles are reeling.

No, tonight's game against the Toronto Blue Jays isn't a must-win situation for the Orioles, but it's something of a must-find-himself game for Jake Arrieta, who has been either really good or pretty bad through the first two month of the season. Seldom in between.

The Ravens missed out on Malcom Floyd then saw Derrick Mason sign with the Jets on Saturday night, so the team might rely on a pair of rookie receivers to take on big roles. Mason said he was "blind-sided" when the Ravens released him two weeks ago. ... Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo feels healthy this summer despite undergoing surgery in the offseason. ... The Orioles got two home runs from Mark Reynolds, but lost to the Blue Jays, 7-2, on Sunday. ... Speaking of Reynolds, he is faring well at first base. ... The Orioles got some good injury news.

The Ravens missed out on Malcom Floyd then saw Derrick Mason sign with the Jets on Saturday night, so the team might rely on a pair of rookie receivers to take on big roles. Mason said he was "blind-sided" when the Ravens released him two weeks ago. ... Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo feels healthy this summer despite undergoing surgery in the offseason. ... The Orioles got two home runs from Mark Reynolds, but lost to the Blue Jays, 7-2, on Sunday. ... Speaking of Reynolds, he is faring well at first base. ... The Orioles got some good injury news.

Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco defiantly fired back at his critics Wednesday, saying, "I'm pretty damn good." ... Sergio Kindle, who missed all of last season with a severe head injury, will not start training camp on the PUP list. ... The Ravens will hold an open training camp practice for fans at M&T Bank Stadium next weekend. ... Ravens free-agent cornerback Josh Wilson agreed to a deal with the Redskins. ... One night after their best offensive output of the season, the Orioles were held to just four hits in a 3-0 loss to the Blue Jays. ... Brian Matusz acknowledged Wednesday that he wasn't "mentally prepared" for the start of the season. ... Senior linebacker Kenny Tate was Maryland's lone selection to the All-Atlantic Coast Conference first team.

The Orioles have now dropped 16 straight games in Toronto after Wednesday's 4-1 loss, and you can give credit to Blue Jays starter Ricky Romero and a big-swing offense for this latest humbling. ... Brian Roberts woke up with headaches Wednesday and was told to hold off from "exertional and vestibular exercises" for the day. ... The Orioles placed Alfredo Simon on the 15-day disabled list and recalled Jason Berken. ... Former Maryland guard Greivis Vasquez, now a member of the Memphis Grizzlies, is in his native Venezuela this week as part of a U.S. State Department "sports diplomacy" program. ... Boston won its first Stanley Cup in 39 years and Vancouver showed its hospitality by sending the Bruins off with a celebratory bonfire.