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Ravens waive FB Berryhill, add WR Payne

Luke Jones

On the morning of their first full-squad workout, the Ravens have signed wide receiver Logan Payne to add more depth for training camp. Payne started two games for the Seattle Seahawks in 2008, making three catches for 39 yards. He hasn’t played in an NFL game since then. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound wideout has spent time with Detroit, Kansas City, Minnesota, and the New York Jets, landing on practice squads and offseason rosters but never being able to stick in one place. To clear room on the 90-man preseason roster, fullback Jamison Berryhill was waived. The undrafted free agent from Texas was released by the Ravens in May before being re-signed a few days later.

Ravens add former Bills guard Howard

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The roster additions kept coming Wednesday afternoon as the Ravens added former Buffalo guard Cord Howard to build depth along the offensive line at the start of training camp. An undrafted free agent from Georgia Tech in 2010, Howard spent his rookie season in Buffalo before spending last season on injured reserve with a shoulder injury. He played in 10 games and started four for the Bills during his rookie season. The 6-foor-4, 314-pound guard is likely a depth move for training camp as the Ravens now have the maximum 90 players on their preseason roster. Howard joins linebackers Ricky Brown and Darryl Blackstock as roster additions on the eve of the first full-squad workout scheduled to take place on Thursday afternoon.

Veteran linebacker Blackstock joins Ravens

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Adding their second 2011 member of the Oakland Raiders on Wednesday, the Ravens signed veteran linebacker Darryl Blackstock to add more depth to the position for training camp. Reported by Scout.com, the 29-year-old is entering his sixth season and has collected 84 tackles and four sacks in his career playing with Oakland, Cincinnati, and Arizona. He was a third-round selection of the Cardinals in the 2005 draft. Blackstock spent 2010 in the UFL before playing in Oakland last season. He appeared in 16 games and made one start, making 20 tackles for the Raiders. Earlier on Wednesday, the Ravens signed linebacker Ricky Brown, who played the last five seasons in Oakland.

No changes to PUP list as veterans report to Owings Mills facility

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — As notable veterans such as Ed Reed, Ray Rice, and Anquan Boldin reported to the Ravens’ training facility on Wednesday morning, Baltimore conducted its final practice consisting only of quarterbacks, rookies, and select veterans coming off injuries. Players didn’t wear helmets in what amounted to little more than a walk-through that lasted less than two hours. Only two linebackers — rookies Courtney Upshaw and Nigel Carr — were required to report early, meaning other players such as defensive tackle Bryan Hall had to fill in at linebacker during the 11-on-11 team portion. There were no changes in attendance to what media saw on Tuesday as defensive end Pernell McPhee (knee surgery), offensive linemen Kelechi Osemele (back spasms) and Jah Reid (calf strain), and wide receiver David Reed (ACL surgery) did not participate in practice. All four players remain on the active physically unable to perform list. Linebacker Terrell Suggs (Achilles tendon surgery) remains on the non-football injury list as he continues to rehab his injury. Reid watched practice while searing a sleeve on his right calf, as coach John Harbaugh revealed Tuesday that the second-year lineman suffered a setback in rehabbing the calf after he was

Ravens add veteran linebacker Ricky Brown

Luke Jones

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — As veterans trickled into the Owings Mills training facility to begin training camp, the Ravens have added an experienced linebacker by signing Ricky Brown. The 28-year-old spent the last six seasons with the Oakland Raiders, playing in 58 games and making 13 starts. Brown is expected to contribute on special teams while adding depth at the linebacker position. An undrafted free agent from Boston College in 2006, Brown spent a brief time with the New England Patriots last preseason before he was released in early September. He then re-signed with Oakland and spent most of last season on injured reserve while dealing with a concussion, playing in only three games. Brown has made 102 tackles and forced three fumbles in his six-year career.

Ravens adding another veteran to left guard mix?

Luke Jones

With the Ravens set to hold their first training camp practice for rookies, quarterbacks, and injured veterans on Tuesday, they may be adding another veteran to their highly-contested left guard competition. Former Bengals and Browns guard Eric Steinbach will work out for the Ravens on Tuesday as first reported by CBS Sports. The Ravens opened a spot on their training camp roster Monday by releasing guard Howard Barbieri. The 32-year-old Steinbach missed the entire 2011 season after undergoing back surgery and was due to make $6 million this season before he was released by Cleveland in March. While questions remain about his health at this stage in his career, Steinbach played in all but three games over his first eight years in the NFL with Cincinnati and Cleveland before last season’s back injury. “Eric’s a great player,” said Ravens right guard Marshal Yanda about his fellow Iowa alum. “If he’s healthy, you never know. We’ll see what happens.” If Steinbach’s workout goes well, he could join veteran Bobbie Williams and younger offensive linemen Kelechi Osemele and Jah Reid in a competition for the left guard position. The Ravens lost Pro Bowl guard Ben Grubbs in free agency and were unable

Arizona claims Orioles pitcher Bergesen off waivers

Luke Jones

After being designated for assignment for the second time this season earlier this week, Orioles pitcher Brad Bergesen has found a new baseball home in Arizona. As first reported by Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus, the Diamondbacks claimed the right-handed pitcher on waivers after Bergesen was removed from Baltimore’s roster on Wednesday to make room for starting pitcher Tommy Hunter. The Orioles hoped Bergesen would clear waivers like he did back in May, but the Diamondbacks will place him on their 40-man roster. Pitching for Triple-A Norfolk this season, Bergesen was 4-3 with a 4.03 earned run average and one save in 22 games that included 10 starts. He allowed 90 hits, struck out 41, and walked 23 in 80 1/3 innings. The 26-year-old did not appear in a game for the Orioles this season. Bergesen’s best season for the Orioles came in 2009 when he went 7-5 with a 3.43 ERA in 19 starts as a rookie. However, a line drive off the bat of Kansas City’s Billy Butler struck the pitcher’s shin on July 30 of that season, ending his rookie campaign. That incident coupled with an offseason shoulder injury led to little success the next two seasons

Orioles officially recall Britton, add Bergesen for bullpen help

Luke Jones

The revolving roster door swung open again Tuesday as the Orioles officially recalled left-handed pitcher Zach Britton and purchased the contract of right-hander Brad Bergesen to add a fresh arm to a weary bullpen prior to the second of a four-game set with the Minnesota Twins. Right-hander reliever Miguel Socolovich was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk and second baseman Robert Andino was placed on the 15-day disabled list after Monday’s MRI revealed the infielder would miss at least three weeks with a left shoulder injury. To clear room for Bergesen on the 40-man roster, designated hitter Nick Johnson (right wrist) was moved to the 60-day disabled list. Britton’s 2012 debut came much later than anyone expected after the 24-year-old opened the season on the disabled list with a nerve impingement in his left shoulder. Upon being activated on June 6, the left-hander was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk where the Orioles wanted to see him continue to build arm strength as well as work on commanding his breaking pitches better. In eight starts with the Tides, Britton was 4-1 with a 4.15 earned run average over 47 2/3 innings. In his final tuneup in Triple A on July 12, he pitched seven

Andino latest to join growing Orioles’ infirmary report

Luke Jones

After announcing pitcher Jason Hammel would undergo right knee surgery, the Orioles added another to their ever-increasing MASH unit when second baseman Robert Andino left Sunday’s game with a left shoulder injury. Andino injured himself diving for a grounder to his left in the sixth inning and will remain in Baltimore to undergo an MRI on Monday while the Orioles begin a four-game series in Minnesota. X-rays taken on Sunday were negative, and the Orioles will keep their fingers crossed that Andino’s injury is not serious. “The trainers are telling me what [the doctors] said and what initially they think, but it’s just pure speculation until they get the pictures back,” manager Buck Showalter said. “I think we’ll be able to make a decision on it by Tuesday and where it could affect some roster things we have to do.” The Orioles are already without second baseman Brian Roberts, who is on the 15-day disabled list and weighing having surgery on his injured hip that would likely end his season. Andino remained optimistic following the 4-0 loss to the Tigers that he would only miss a short time and avoid the 15-day disabled list. “For me, I don’t think I’ll

Teagarden, Socolovich up for Orioles; Eveland, Paulino sent out

Luke Jones

BALTIMORE — Only one game into the second half of the season, the Orioles have made more roster changes as catcher Taylor Teagarden was activated from the 60-day disabled list and Triple-A Norfolk reliever Miguel Socolovich had his contract selected prior to Saturday’s game. To clear room for both players on the 40-man roster, the Orioles have outrighted catcher Ronny Paulino to Norfolk and designated pitcher Dana Eveland for assignment. Paulino has three days to accept the assignment to Triple A or he can become a free agent. Eveland must pass through waivers and would be outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk on Monday if he clears. Teagarden was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a back injury on April 4 and transferred to the 60-day DL on May 9. He batted .250 in nine rehab games with Gulf Coast, Single-A Delmarva, and Double-A Bowie — playing three games for each affiliate. He was acquired by the Orioles from Texas on December 1, 2011. Socolovich has been one of Norfolk’s best pitchers this season, going 3-0 with a 1.77 earned run average in 45 2/3 innings of work. He walked only 11 and struck out 50 in 24 games with the

Hammel leaves Friday’s start early with knee injury

Luke Jones

BALTIMORE — Making the first start of the second half for the Orioles on Friday, Jason Hammel left the game in the top of the fourth inning with a right knee injury. Hammel appeared to land awkwardly after delivering a 1-2 pitch to Brennan Boesch. After throwing a couple practice pitches and being examined by the training staff and manager Buck Showalter, Hammel walked gingerly to the dugout and was replaced by reliever Luis Ayala. He will be evaluated further on Saturday, the club announced. The right-hander has dealt with right knee soreness for most of the season despite being the Orioles’ best starting pitcher. He entered the night with an 8-5 record and a 3.47 earned run average. According to Hammel’s brother Bill, the 29-year-old felt as though something popped in his right knee but was not experiencing much swelling in the later innings of the game. The pitcher will undergo an MRI tomorrow. Hammel and Saturday’s starter Wei-Yin Chen are the only current members of the starting rotation left from the beginning of the season after Jake Arrieta, Brian Matusz, and Tommy Hunter were optioned to Triple-A Norfolk before the All-Star break. Given the Orioles’ starting pitching woes

Britton primed for Tuesday call-up after strong Norfolk start

Luke Jones

Opportunity has been ringing like an alarm clock pitcher Zach Britton has slept through for the better part of the last five weeks. With three-fifths of the Opening Day rotation now working in Triple-A Norfolk and the Orioles needing a starter on Tuesday in Minnesota, it appears the left-hander is finally ready to answer the bell after struggling with consistency upon being activated from the disabled list. Britton pitched seven shutout innings for Triple-A Norfolk against Lehigh Valley on Thursday, putting himself in position to be recalled for the first time this season. The southpaw allowed four hits, struck out six, and walked none over his 93 pitches of work in the 7-0 victory for the Tides. He also induced 10 groundball outs compared to three fly outs and reportedly showed excellent fastball command in the lower half of the strike zone. The stellar outing improved Britton’s record to 4-1 and lowered his earned run average to 4.15. Over his last five starts, the 24-year-old has allowed 10 earned runs and 24 hits in 32 innings while striking out 23 and walking 12. The organization has wanted to see Britton improve his command while continuing to build strength in his

Orioles “poking around” at Seattle pitcher Vargas?

Luke Jones

As fans dreamed about the possibility of acquiring Milwaukee’s Zack Greinke or Cubs pitcher Matt Garza over the All-Star break, the Orioles are apparently kicking the tires on a far less intriguing and cheaper option. ESPN’s Jayson Stark reported Thursday the Orioles have cooled on the possibility of trading for Garza and are “poking around” at the possibility of trading for Seattle pitcher Jason Vargas. The first-blush numbers suggest it wouldn’t be a bad move as the left-hander has an 8-7 record with a 4.09 earned run average in 19 starts for the lowly Mariners this season. Vargas has a 1.15 WHIP (walks and hits per inning pitcher) and has struck out 86 while walking 32 in 126 innings this season. However, a deeper look at the stats suggest the soft-tossing 29-year-old is far from an ideal target to compete in the American League East. Vargas has thrived at cavernous Safeco Field this season, posting a 2-3 record with a 2.84 ERA in eight starts (57 innings), but his road numbers paint a different picture entirely. The southpaw has a 6-4 record with a 5.09 ERA and has allowed 17 home runs in 11 starts (69 innings) outside Seattle. Those

Orioles ink Cuban outfielder Henry Urrutia to minor-league contract

Luke Jones

The Orioles have signed Cuban outfielder Henry Urrutia to a minor-league deal, according to a Baseball America report. The 25-year-old reportedly received a bonus of $778,500 for signing with Baltimore. The 6-foot-3, 180-pound corner outfielder played in Cuba’s top league at least three seasons before defecting to the United States. Urrutia is a switch hitter with a line-drive stroke that’s more polished from the left side, according to several scouting reports. In his final season in Cuba, he batted .397 with a .461 on-base percentage and .597 slugging percentage in 305 at-bats with 12 home runs. The outfielder also had more walks (32) than strikeouts (23) and tied for ninth in the league in on-base percentage. Urrutia lacks the upside of recent Cuban defectors Yoenis Cespedes and Jorge Soler, but he is considered to have reasonable major-league potential. Given his age, he will likely report to one of the Orioles’ higher-level affiliates in the near future.  

Left-handed reliever Romero granted release from contract with Orioles

Luke Jones

Left-handed pitcher J.C. Romero became the latest retread to leave the Orioles’ organization when he was granted his release from Triple-A Norfolk on Tuesday. Signed to a minor-league deal on May 23 after he was let go by the St. Louis Cardinals earlier in the month, the 36-year-old pitched to a 2.51 earned run average in 17 appearances for the Tides. Romero held an opt-out clause that could be triggered at the All-Star break, which the veteran elected to exercise after seeing no imminent opportunity with the Orioles. He owned a 1-0 record and struck out 13 batters while walking five in 14 1/3 innings. Romero took a brief leave of absence from the Tides recently to deal with personal matters and had struggled leading up to the break. Left-hander Zach Phillips is currently at Triple-A Norfolk, giving the Orioles another option should they choose to add a southpaw to their bullpen that already includes left-handers Troy Patton and Dana Eveland. Romero has pitched for six different clubs over his 14-year career and is now a free agent.

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