Rob Carr / Getty Images
The Orioles' Colby Rasmus has sunflower seeds thrown on him after hitting a solo home run against the Nationals in the second inning at Nationals Park on June 21, 2018, in Washington.
Carolyn Kaster / AP
Nationals shortstop Trea Turner, right, tags out the Orioles' Jonathan Schoop during the sixth inning at Nationals Park on Tuesday, June 19, 2018, in Washington. The Nationals won, 9-7.
Karl Merton Ferron / Baltimore Sun
Baltimore Orioles' Mark Trumbo (45) slides safely at second base with a double as Miami Marlins shortstop JT Riddle covers the bag at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
Patrick Semansky / AP
Baltimore Orioles' Trey Mancini (16) walks off the field after striking out swinging in the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Friday, June 15, 2018, in Baltimore.
Karl Merton Ferron / Baltimore Sun
Adam Jones watches a home run ball clear the fence against the Marlins at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
Gail Burton / AP
The Orioles' Mark Trumbo follows through on a solo home run against the Miami Marlins in the seventh inning Sunday, June 17, 2018, at Camden Yards. The Orioles won, 10-4.
Patrick Semansky / AP
The Mariners' Ryon Healy rounds the bases past Orioles second baseman Jonathan Schoop after hitting a solo home run during the second inning Wednesday, June 27, 2018.
Carolyn Kaster / AP
The Nationals' Kelvin Herrera pitches during the eighth inning against the Orioles at Nationals Park on Tuesday, June 19, 2018, in Washington. The Nationals won, 9-7.
Carolyn Kaster / AP
Members of the grounds crew adjust the tarp on the field before baseball game between the Nationals and the Orioles at Nationals Park on Wednesday, June 20, 2018, in Washington.
Daniel Shirey / Getty Images
Mark Trumbo #45 of the Baltimore Orioles celebrates a grand slam with Danny Valencia #2 during the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at SunTrust Park on June 23, 2018 in Atlanta.
Mitchell Layton / Getty Images
The Orioles' Danny Valencia watches his sixth-inning sacrifice fly, which scored Adam Jones with the Orioles' third run in a game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on June 20, 2018, in Washington.
Todd Kirkland / AP
Orioles starting pitcher David Hess delivers in the first inning against the Braves on Sunday, June 24, 2018, in Atlanta.
Daniel Shirey / Getty Images
Chris Davis of the Baltimore Orioles hits a solo home run during the fifth inning against the Atlanta Braves at SunTrust Park on June 22, 2018 in Atlanta.
Carolyn Kaster / AP
The Orioles' Danny Valencia, right, speaks with plate umpire Chris Segal after striking out during the seventh inning against the Nationals at Nationals Park on Thursday, June 21, 2018, in Washington. The Nationals won, 4-2.
Gail Burton / AP
The Orioles' Adam Jones reacts after getting hit by a ground ball hit by Manny Machado in the fifth inning against the Angels, Saturday, June 30, 2018. Jones was called out on the play.
Carolyn Kaster / AP
The Nationals' Juan Soto (22) gestures as he stands on second base after hitting a two-run double against the Orioles during the eighth inning at Nationals Park on Thursday, June 21, 2018, in Washington. Standing at left is Orioles second baseman Jonathan Schoop, and at right is second base umpire Ed Hickox. The Nationals won 4-2.
Gail Burton / AP
Orioles manager Buck Showalter walks to the dugout after making a pitching change against the Mariners on Tuesday, June 26, 2018.
Carolyn Kaster / AP
The Orioles' Colby Rasmus celebrates his solo home run with Caleb Joseph (36) during the second inning against the Nationals at Nationals Park on Thursday, June 21, 2018, in Washington.
Carolyn Kaster / AP
Members of the grounds crew remove water from the tarp covering the field during a rain delay between the Orioles and the Nationals at Nationals Park, Wednesday, June 20, 2018, in Washington.
Kenneth K. Lam, Baltimore Sun
Red Sox left-fielder Andrew Benintendi makes a diving catch to rob Orioles' Jace Peterson of a hit in the fifth inning. The Red Sox defeated the Orioles by score of 5 to 1 at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
Carolyn Kaster / AP
The Nationals' Bryce Harper pauses on second base after hitting an RBI double to left during the fifth inning against Orioles at Nationals Park on Tuesday, June 19, 2018, in Washington. The Nationals won, 9-7.
Carolyn Kaster / AP
The Orioles' Adam Jones tosses his bat as he reacts to a strike during the sixth inning against the Nationals at Nationals Park on Thursday, June 21, 2018, in Washington. Jones would pop out to second. The Nationals won, 4-2.
Gail Burton / AP
The Orioles' Mark Trumbo is congratulated after hitting a solo home run against the Miami Marlins in the seventh inning Sunday, June 17, 2018, at Camden Yards.
Mitchell Layton / Getty Images
The Orioles' Adam Jones celebrates a win against the Miami Marlins with Danny Valencia at Camden Yards on June 17, 2018.
Carolyn Kaster / AP
The Nationals' Adam Eaton, right, reacts after striking out swinging for the third out of the third inning as Orioles catcher Caleb Joseph (36) walks off the field during a game at Nationals Park on Wednesday, June 20, 2018, in Washington.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore Sun
The Orioles' Yefry Ramirez points to the sky after finishing the second inning.
Rob Carr / Getty Images
The Orioles' Colby Rasmus follows his second-inning solo home run against the Nationals at Nationals Park on June 21, 2018, in Washington.
Patrick Semansky / AP
Orioles relief pitcher Darren O'Day, left, argues with home plate umpire Stu Scheurwater after Scheurwater said O'Day balked in the ninth inning Monday.
Daniel Shirey / Getty Images
Dylan Bundy #37 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches during the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at SunTrust Park on June 23, 2018 in Atlanta.
Patrick McDermott / Getty Images
Orioles starter David Hess pitches in the second inning against the Nationals at Nationals Park on June 19, 2018, in Washington.
Rob Carr / Getty Images
The Orioles' Colby Rasmus celebrates with Caleb Joseph after hitting a solo home run in the second inning against the Nationals at Nationals Park on June 21, 2018, in Washington.
Mitchell Layton / Getty Images
The Orioles' Dylan Bundy pitches in the second inning against the Miami Marlins at Camden Yards on June 17, 2018.
Gail Burton / AP
The Orioles' Dylan Bundy pitches against the Miami Marlins in the first inning Sunday, June 17, 2018, at Camden Yards.
Mitchell Layton / Getty Images
The Orioles' Mark Trumbo, left, celebrates his two-run home run with Caleb Joseph during a game against the Nationals at Nationals Park on June 20, 2018, in Washington.
Scott Cunningham / Getty Images
The Braves' Nick Markakis, a former Oriole, drives in a run with a third-inning double against the Orioles at SunTrust Park on June 24, 2018, in Atlanta.
Karl Merton Ferron / Baltimore Sun
Baltimore Orioles shortstop Manny Machado throws to first on a grounder by Miami Marlins batter Lewis Brinson at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
Carolyn Kaster / AP
Orioles catcher Caleb Joseph and relief pitcher Brad Brach celebrate after the Orioles defeated the Nationals, 3-0, at Nationals Park early Thursday, June 21, 2018, in Washington.
Daniel Shirey / Getty Images
Chris Davis of the Baltimore Orioles celebrates a solo home run during the fifth inning against the Atlanta Braves at SunTrust Park on June 22, 2018 in Atlanta.
Scott Cunningham / Getty Images
Orioles starter David Hess pitches in the second inning against the Braves at SunTrust Park on June 24, 2018, in Atlanta.
Mitchell Layton / Getty Images
The Orioles' Danny Valencia celebrates after hitting a solo home run in the second inning during a game against the Mariners at Camden Yards on June 26, 2018.
Mitchell Layton / Getty Images
Orioles shortstop Manny Machado forces out the Nationals' Anthony Rendon in the first inning during a game at Nationals Park on June 20, 2018, in Washington.
Greg Fiume / Getty Images
The Orioles' Chris Davis hits a three-run home run in the eighth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 27, 2018.
John Bazemore / AP
Baltimore Orioles shortstop Manny Machado (13) celebrates in the dugout after hitting a two-run home run during the 15th inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves early Saturday, June 23, 2018, in Atlanta. Baltimore won 10-7 in 15 innings.
Gail Burton / AP
The Orioles' Danny Valencia, right, is tagged out on a steal attempt as Mariners second baseman Dee Gordan applies the tag in the fourth inning of a game, Tuesday, June 26, 2018.
Gail Burton / AP
Hall of Fame third baseman Brooks Robinson, center, laughs with the Oriole Bird before the Orioles-Miami Marlins game, Sunday, June 17, 2018, at Camden Yards. The Brooks Robinson High School All-Star Game followed.
Patrick Semansky / AP
Orioles starting pitcher Andrew Cashner, center, speaks with teammates on the mound after the Mariners' Dee Gordon batted in two runs on a single in the second inning.
Carolyn Kaster / AP
Orioles reliever Mike Wright Jr. throws the ball as the Nationals' Trea Turner is caught in a rundown during the seventh inning at Nationals Park on Tuesday, June 19, 2018, in Washington. The Nationals won, 9-7.
Daniel Shirey / Getty Images
Colby Rasmus #28 of the Baltimore Orioles celebrates scoring a run during the fifth inning against the Atlanta Braves at SunTrust Park on June 23, 2018 in Atlanta.
Daniel Shirey / Getty Images
Jonathan Schoop of the Baltimore Orioles celebrates scoring during the ninth inning against the Atlanta Braves at SunTrust Park on June 22, 2018 in Atlanta.
Greg Fiume / Getty Images
The Orioles' Andrew Cashner pitches in the first inning against the Angels at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 30, 2018.
Daniel Shirey / Getty Images
Dansby Swanson of the Atlanta Braves rounds second for a triple during the seventh inning against the Baltimore Orioles at SunTrust Park on June 22, 2018 in Atlanta.
Patrick McDermott / Getty Images
Tim Beckham #1, Manny Machado #13, Jonathan Schoop #6, and Chris Davis #19 of the Baltimore Orioles stand during a moment of silence for the five victims of the shooting at the Capital Gazette before a game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 29, 2018 in Baltimore
Patrick McDermott / Getty Images
Orioles starter David Hess pitches in the first inning against the Nationals at Nationals Park on June 19, 2018, in Washington.
Patrick Semansky / AP
Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Miguel Castro walks off the field after being relieved in the 10th inning of a baseball game against the Seattle Mariners, Thursday, June 28, 2018, in Baltimore. Seattle won 4-2 in 10 innings. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Carolyn Kaster / AP
The Nationals' Juan Soto slides home past Orioles catcher Caleb Joseph to score off a double hit by Anthony Rendon during the seventh inning at Nationals Park on Tuesday, June 19, 2018, in Washington. The Nationals won, 9-7.
Patrick Semansky / AP
Orioles starting pitcher Andrew Cashner winds up against the Mariners in the second inning Monday.
Gail Burton / AP
Baltimore Orioles pitcher David Hess throws to a Los Angeles Angels batter during the first inning of baseball game Friday, June 29, 2018, in Baltimore.
Patrick Semansky / AP
Orioles reliever Miguel Castro, right, is relieved by manager Buck Showalter in the 10th inning against the Mariners, Thursday, June 28, 2018, in Baltimore. Seattle won 4-2 in 10 innings.
John McDonnell / The Washington Post
The Orioles' Trey Mancini is tagged out at home during the sixth inning by Washington catcher Spencer Kieboom at Nationals Park in Washington on Tuesday night.
Carolyn Kaster / AP
Nationals starter Max Scherzer pitches during the fourth inning against the Orioles at Nationals Park on Thursday, June 21, 2018, in Washington.
Gail Burton / AP
Orioles third baseman Tim Beckham throws to first on a ground ball hit by the Angels' Albert Pujols in the fourth inning Saturday, June 30, 2018, in Baltimore. Pujols was out on the play.
Mitchell Layton / Getty Images
The Orioles' Miguel Castro pitches in the fifth inning against the Nationals at Nationals Park on June 20, 2018, in Washington.
Gail Burton / AP
The Orioles' Trey Mancini, right, and Jace Peterson celebrate the team's 20th win of the season, 10-4 over the Miami Marlins on Sunday, June 17, 2018.
Gail Burton / AP
The Orioles' Austin Wynns slides safely across the plate on a double by Adam Jones against the Miami Marlins in the fourth inning Sunday, June 17, 2018, at Camden Yards.
Gail Burton / AP
The Orioles' Manny Machado pauses between innings against the Angels, Saturday, June 30, 2018.
Karl Merton Ferron / Baltimore Sun
Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Alex Cobb delivers against the Miami Marlins at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
Mitchell Layton / Getty Images
The Orioles' Danny Valencia (2) celebrates a solo home run in the second inning with Jonathan Schoop against the Mariners at Camden Yards on June 26, 2018.
Greg Fiume / Getty Images
The Orioles' Alex Cobb pitches in the first inning against the Mariners at Camden Yards on June 27, 2018.
Carolyn Kaster / AP
Nationals starter Max Scherzer pitches during the fourth inning against the Orioles at Nationals Park on Thursday, June 21, 2018, in Washington.
Carolyn Kaster / AP
Orioles starter Kevin Gausman pitches during the fourth inning against the Nationals at Nationals Park on Thursday, June 21, 2018, in Washington.
Todd Kirkland / AP
Baltimore Orioles Chris Davis (19) slides into second base avoiding the tag of Atlanta Braves third baseman Ryan Flaherty (27) for a double which brought in three runs in the fifth inning of a baseball game, Saturday, June 23, 2018, in Atlanta.
Daniel Shirey / Getty Images
Mark Trumbo #45 of the Baltimore Orioles hits a grand slam during the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at SunTrust Park on June 23, 2018 in Atlanta.
Gail Burton / AP
Hall of Fame third baseman Brooks Robinson greets high school players before the Orioles-Miami Marlins game Sunday, June 17, 2018, at Camden Yards. The Brooks Robinson High School All-Star Game followed.
Patrick Semansky / AP
Miami Marlins starting pitcher Jose Urena throws to the Baltimore Orioles in the second inning of a baseball game, Friday, June 15, 2018, in Baltimore.
Todd Kirkland / AP
The Orioles' Trey Mancini hits a solo home run in the third inning against the Braves on Sunday, June 24, 2018, in Atlanta.
Mitchell Layton / Getty Images
Orioles reliever Zach Britton celebrates a win against the Miami Marlins with catcher Austin Wynns at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 17, 2018.
Mitchell Layton / Getty Images
The Orioles' Mark Trumbo celebrates a two-run home run in the second inning against the Nationals at Nationals Park on June 20, 2018, in Washington.
Patrick Semansky / AP
The Orioles' Tim Beckham reacts as umpire Stu Scheurwater calls him out on a tag by Mariners shortstop Jean Segura after trying to stretch a single to second base in the eighth inning Wednesday, June 27, 2018. Seattle won 8-7 in 11 innings.
John Bazemore / AP
Baltimore Orioles' Chris Davis (19) celebrates with Manny Machado (13) after hitting a solo-home run in the fifth Inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Friday, June 22, 2018, in Atlanta.
Scott Cunningham / Getty Images
Former Oriole Nick Markakis is interviewed after the Braves beat the Orioles, 7-3, at SunTrust Park on June 24, 2018, in Atlanta.
Patrick Semansky / AP
Orioles relief pitcher Miguel Castro, right, walks off the field as he is relieved by manager Buck Showalter, left, in the seventh inning Monday.
Nick Wass / AP
Miami Marlins' Derek Dietrich runs towards second with a double during the first inning of a baseball game, Saturday, June 16, 2018, in Baltimore.
Rob Carr / Getty Images
The Nationals' Wilmer Difo is tagged out trying to score by catcher Caleb Joseph in the seventh inning at Nationals Park on June 21, 2018, in Washington.
Mitchell Layton / Getty Images
The Orioles' Kevin Gausman throws in the first inning against the Mariners at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 26, 2018.
Mitchell Layton / Getty Images
Orioles Jimmy Yacabonis throws in the third inning against the Mariners at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 28, 2018.
Patrick Semansky / AP
Orioles center fielder Adam Jones watches a a solo home run Seattle Mariners' Ryon Healy during the second inning Wednesday, June 27, 2018.
Carolyn Kaster / AP
Orioles starter Andrew Cashner pitches during the first inning against the Nationals at Nationals Park on Wednesday, June 20, 2018, in Washington.
Patrick Semansky / AP
The Orioles' Chris Davis watches his three-run home run during the eighth inning against the Mariners, Wednesday, June 27, 2018.
Gail Burton / AP
The Orioles' Manny Machado pauses between innings against the Angels, Saturday, June 30, 2018.
Gail Burton / AP
The Orioles' Tim Beckham, right, slides safely into third base as Angels third baseman David Fletcher applies the late tag on a single by Adam Jones in the first inning Saturday, June 30, 2018.
Carolyn Kaster / AP
Orioles starter Kevin Gausman pitches during the fourth inning against the Nationals at Nationals Park on Thursday, June 21, 2018, in Washington.
Mitchell Layton / Getty Images
The Orioles' Mark Trumbo, right, celebrates hitting a solo home run in seventh inning with Jonathan Schoop in a 10-4 victory over the Miami Marlins at Camden Yards on June 17, 2018.
Karl Merton Ferron / Baltimore Sun
Baltimore Orioles catcher Austin Wynns (61) at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
Karl Merton Ferron / Baltimore Sun
Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Alex Cobb (17) delivers against the Miami Marlins at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore Sun
The Orioles' Manny Machado reacts after committing a fielding error that allowed the Red Sox's Xander Bogaerts to reach first base in the third inning.
Patrick McDermott / Getty Images
The photos of the five victims of the shooting at the Capital Gazette are shown on the scoreboard during a moment of silence before the start of a game between the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 29, 2018 in Baltimore.
Gail Burton / AP
The Orioles' Trey Mancini reacts after striking out against the Mariners during the first inning of a game, Tuesday, June 26, 2018.
Daniel Shirey / Getty Images
Freddie Freeman #5 of the Atlanta Braves is tagged out at home by Caleb Joseph #36 of the Baltimore Orioles during the ninth inning at SunTrust Park on June 22, 2018 in Atlanta.
Mitchell Layton / Getty Images
The Orioles' Zach Britton pitches in the eighth inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on June 20, 2018, in Washington.
Gail Burton / AP
The Orioles' Mark Trumbo winces as he's congratulated for hitting a solo home run against the Miami Marlins in the seventh inning Sunday, June 17, 2018, at Camden Yards.
Patrick Semansky / AP
Orioles manager Buck Showalter stands in the dugout in the seventh inning Monday.
Nick Wass / AP
Miami Marlins starting pitcher Wei-Yin Chen, of Taiwan, delivers a pitch during the first inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Saturday, June 16, 2018, in Baltimore.
Gail Burton / AP
The Orioles' Jace Peterson connects for a two-run double against the Miami Marlins in the second inning Sunday, June 17, 2018, at Camden Yards.
Greg Fiume / Getty Images
The Orioles' Zach Britton pitches in the ninth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 27, 2018.
Gail Burton / AP
Baltimore Orioles pitcher David Hess walks to the dugout during a pitching change, as the Orioles trailed the Los Angeles Angels 6-0 in the sixth inning of baseball game Friday, June 29, 2018, in Baltimore.
Daniel Shirey / Getty Images
Danny Santana #23 of the Atlanta Braves is caught stealing at second by Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles during the tenth inning at SunTrust Park on June 22, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Daniel Shirey / Getty Images
Freddie Freeman #5 of the Atlanta Braves is tagged out at home by Caleb Joseph #36 of the Baltimore Orioles during the ninth inning at SunTrust Park on June 22, 2018 in Atlanta.
Daniel Shirey / Getty Images
Manny Machado #13 celebrates a two run home run with Jonathan Schoop #6 of the Baltimore Orioles during the fifteenth inning against the Atlanta Braves at SunTrust Park on June 22, 2018 in Atlanta.
Daniel Shirey / Getty Images
Alex Cobb of the Baltimore Orioles pitches during the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at SunTrust Park on June 22, 2018 in Atlanta.
Greg Fiume / Getty Images
The Orioles' Steve Wilkerson reacts after being called out on strikes to end the game against the Seattle Mariners at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 27, 2018.
Gail Burton / AP
The Orioles' Adam Jones hits a two-run double against the Miami Marlins in the fourth inning Sunday, June 17, 2018, at Camden Yards.
Gail Burton / AP
The Orioles' Adam Jones, right, looks down at Angels catcher Martin Maldonado after he was hit by a foul tip in the seventh inning Saturday, June 30, 2018.
Patrick Semansky / AP
Orioles manager Buck Showalter, left, argues with home plate umpire Stu Scheurwater after Scheurwater said Orioles relief pitcher Darren O'Day balked in the ninth inning Monday.
Carolyn Kaster / AP
The Nationals' Anthony Rendon celebrates in the dugout after hitting a solo home run during the sixth inning against the Orioles at Nationals Park on Thursday, June 21, 2018, in Washington. The Nationals won, 4-2.
Patrick Semansky / AP
Baltimore Orioles manager Buck Showalter, left, walks in the dugout before a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Friday, June 15, 2018, in Baltimore.
Carolyn Kaster / AP
Orioles starting pitcher Kevin Gausman throws during the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on Thursday, June 21, 2018, in Washington.
Patrick McDermott / Getty Images
Trea Turner of the Washington Nationals celebrates with his teammates after hitting a solo home run in the second inning against the Orioles at Nationals Park on June 19, 2018, in Washington.
Rob Carr / Getty Images
The Orioles' Adam Jones bats as Manny Machado waits on deck in the first inning against the Nationals at Nationals Park on June 21, 2018, in Washington.
Todd Kirkland / AP
Braves center fielder Ender Inciarte leaps but is unable to catch a home hit by the Orioles' Mark Trumbo in the fifth inning Sunday, June 24, 2018, in Atlanta.
Gail Burton / AP
The Orioles' Tanner Scott wipes his face during the eighth inning against the Angels, Saturday, June 30, 2018.
Gail Burton / AP
The Orioles' Chris Davis removes his batting helmet after grounding out against the Angels in the sixth inning Saturday, June 30, 2018, in Baltimore. The Angels won 6-2.
Gail Burton / AP
The Orioles' Andrew Cashner delivers a pitch against the Angels in the first inning Saturday, June 30, 2018.
Carolyn Kaster / AP
Nationals shortstop Trea Turner, right, runs down the Orioles' Jonathan Schoop before making the tag during the sixth inning at Nationals Park on Tuesday, June 19, 2018, in Washington. The Nationals won, 9-7.
Patrick Semansky / AP
The Orioles' Danny Valencia, left, watches his two-run home run in front of Mariners catcher Mike Zunino and home plate umpire Gary Cederstrom during the first inning of a a game Wednesday, June 27, 2018.
Kenneth K. Lam, Baltimore Sun
Orioles' Manny Machado, left, tags out Red Sox's Eduardo Nunez on a stolen base attempt in the fourth inning. The Red Sox defeated the Orioles by score of 5 to 1 at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
Mitchell Layton / Getty Images
Orioles Jimmy Yacabonis throws in the first inning against the Mariners at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 28, 2018.
Scott Cunningham / Getty Images
The Orioles' Adam Jones points at the Braves dugout while hitting in the second inning at SunTrust Park on June 24, 2018, in Atlanta.
Carolyn Kaster / AP
A Nationals fan in a rain poncho walks from the stands during a rain delay before the start of the fifth inning of a game against the Orioles at Nationals Park on Wednesday, June 20, 2018, in Washington.
Todd Kirkland / AP
Baltimore Orioles designated hitter Mark Trumbo celebrates after hitting a grand slam in the first inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Saturday, June 23, 2018, in Atlanta.
Greg Fiume / Getty Images
Retired umpire Dale Scott throws out the first pitch before a game between the Orioles and Mariners on June 27, 2018. Scott, the first openly gay umpire in MLB, helped celebrate Pride Night at Camden Yards.
Mitchell Layton / Getty Images
The Orioles' Andrew Cashner pitches in the first inning against the Nationals at Nationals Park on June 20, 2018, in Washington.
Karl Merton Ferron / Baltimore Sun
Now with the Miami Marlins, former Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Wei-Yin Chen delivers at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
Todd Kirkland / AP
Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Dylan Bundy (37) delivers in the first inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Saturday, June 23, 2018, in Atlanta.
Carolyn Kaster / AP
The Orioles' Trey Mancini is tagged out by Nationals catcher Spencer Kieboom during the sixth inning at Nationals Park on Tuesday, June 19, 2018, in Washington. The Nationals won, 9-7.
John Bazemore / AP
Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Alex Cobb (17) works against the Atlanta Braves in the first Inning of a baseball game Friday, June 22, 2018, in Atlanta.
Gail Burton / AP
Hall of Fame third baseman Brooks Robinson sits in the dugout before the Orioles-Miami Marlins game Sunday, June 17, 2018, at Camden Yards. The Brooks Robinson High School All-Star Game followed.
Mitchell Layton / Getty Images
Orioles manager Buck Showalter looks on during a game against the Miami Marlins at Camden Yards on June 17, 2018.
Daniel Shirey / Getty Images
Jonathan Schoop of the Baltimore Orioles hits a two RBI double during the ninth inning against the Atlanta Braves at SunTrust Park on June 22, 2018 in Atlanta.
Gail Burton / AP
The Orioles' Andrew Cashner walks to the dugout after pitching to the Angels in the sixth inning Saturday, June 30, 2018.
Patrick Semansky / AP
The Orioles' Chris Davis, left, celebrates with teammates Manny Machado (13) and Jonathan Schoop after driving them in with a home run during the eighth inning against the Mariners, Wednesday, June 27, 2018.
Gail Burton / AP
Orioles pitcher Tanner Scott wipes his face after giving up a single to the Mariners during the eighth inning of a game Tuesday, June 26, 2018.
Carolyn Kaster / AP
Orioles third baseman Danny Valencia, manager Buck Showalter and pitching coach Roger McDowell, from left, wait in the dugout during a rain delay in a game against the Nationals at Nationals Park on Wednesday, June 20, 2018, in Washington.
Carolyn Kaster / AP
The Orioles' Danny Valencia runs to first after hitting a double during the fourth inning of a game against the Nationals at Nationals Park on Wednesday, June 20, 2018.
Carolyn Kaster / AP
The Orioles' Colby Rasmus hits a solo home run during the second inning against the Nationals at Nationals Park on Thursday, June 21, 2018, in Washington.
Patrick McDermott / Getty Images
The Orioles' Joey Rickard runs the bases after hitting a solo home run in the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on June 19, 2018, in Washington.
Mitchell Layton / Getty Images
Dee Gordon of the Mariners forces out Orioles Chris Davis at second base in the second inning at Oriole Park at Camden yards on June 28, 2018.
Mitchell Layton / Getty Images
Orioles reliever Brad Brach celebrates a 3-0 win over the Nationals at Nationals Park on June 20, 2018, in Washington.
Carolyn Kaster / AP
The Orioles' Adam Jones (10) is out at second as Nationals shortstop Wilmer Difo (1) watches his throw to first for the double play off a ball hit by the Orioles' Manny Machado during the third inning at Nationals Park on Wednesday, June 20, 2018, in Washington.
Gail Burton / AP
The Orioles' Adam Jones follows through on a check swing for a single against the Angels in the first inning Saturday, June 30, 2018.
Rob Carr / Getty Images
The Nationals' Juan Soto follows his two-run double against the Orioles in the eighth inning at Nationals Park on June 21, 2018, in Washington.
Carolyn Kaster / AP
Orioles starting pitcher Kevin Gausman pauses after walking the Nationals' Bryce Harper during the first inning at Nationals Park on Thursday, June 21, 2018, in Washington.
Rob Carr / Getty Images
The Orioles' Adam Jones, left, Danny Valencia, center, and Manny Machado look on in the ninth inning of their 4-2 loss to the Nationals at Nationals Park on June 21, 2018, in Washington.
Daniel Shirey / Getty Images
Mike Wright Jr. #43 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches during the fifteenth inning against the Atlanta Braves at SunTrust Park on June 22, 2018 in Atlanta.
Mitchell Layton / Getty Images
The Mariners' Denard Span celebrates scoring on Dee Gordon's single in the third inning against the Orioles.
Daniel Shirey / Getty Images
Chris Davis of the Baltimore Orioles hits a solo home run during the fifth inning against the Atlanta Braves at SunTrust Park on June 22, 2018 in Atlanta.
Carolyn Kaster / AP
Members of the grounds crew roll the tarp onto the field as it rains before the start of the fifth inning between the Nationals and the Orioles at Nationals Park on Wednesday, June 20, 2018, in Washington.
Patrick Semansky / AP
Orioles' Steve Wilkerson, right, safely steals second in front of Mariners Dee Gordon in the eighth inning. Seattle won 4-2 in 10 innings.
Todd Kirkland / AP
Orioles pinch hitter Mark Trumbo (45) hits a two- run home run in the fifth inning against the Braves on Sunday, June 24, 2018, in Atlanta.
Patrick Semansky / AP
The Orioles' Jonathan Schoop, left, rounds the bases past Mariners second baseman Dee Gordon and umpire Gary Cederstrom after hitting a solo home run in the fifth inning Monday.
Gail Burton / AP
Los Angeles Angels' Mike Trout, center, is congratulated after hitting a solo home run against the Baltimore Orioles in the first inning of baseball game Friday, June 29, 2018, in Baltimore.
Mitchell Layton / Getty Images
The Orioles' Jonathan Schoop doubles in the second inning against the Miami Marlins at Camden Yards on June 17, 2018.
Scott Cunningham / Getty Images
The Orioles' Mark Trumbo hits a pinch-hit two-run home run in the fifth inning against the Braves at SunTrust Park on June 24, 2018, in Atlanta.
Patrick Semansky / AP
The Orioles' Jonathan Schoop, left, hits a sacrifice groundout in front of Mariners catcher Chris Herrmann and home plate umpire Stu Scheurwater in the sixth inning Monday.
Greg Fiume / Getty Images
The Angels' Luis Valbuena tackles the Oriole Bird before a game at Camden Yards on June 30, 2018.
Nick Wass / AP
Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Alex Cobb delivers a pitch during the first inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Saturday, June 16, 2018, in Baltimore.
Mitchell Layton / Getty Images
The Orioles' Jonathan Schoop (6) is tagged out by Mariners catcher Mike Zunino in the second inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 26, 2018. Schoop was called safe, but the play was overturned after a replay review.
Rob Carr / Getty Images
The Orioles' Adam Jones walks back to the dugout after striking out in the first inning against the Nationals at Nationals Park on June 21, 2018, in Washington.
Kenneth K. Lam, Baltimore Sun
Orioles pitcher Richard Bleier, right, walks off the field with assistant trainer Mark Spires after a muscle strain in the 8th inning. The Red Sox defeated the Orioles by score of 5 to 1 at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
Carolyn Kaster / AP
Orioles catcher Caleb Joseph and relief pitcher Brad Brach congratulate each other after the Orioles defeated the Washington Nationals, 3-0, at Nationals Park early Thursday, June 21, 2018, in Washington.
Mitchell Layton / Getty Images
The Orioles' Kevin Gausman throws in the first inning against the Mariners at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 26, 2018.
Gail Burton / AP
The Orioles' Mark Trumbo, right, is congratulated by Jonathan Schoop after hitting a solo home run against the Miami Marlins in the seventh inning Sunday, June 17, 2018, at Camden Yards.
Karl Merton Ferron / Baltimore Sun
Baltimore Orioles batter Manny Machado slaps a two-run double off Miami Marlins starting pitcher Wei-Yin Chen during the third inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
Daniel Shirey / Getty Images
Adam Jones of the Baltimore Orioles celebrates scoring a run during the ninth inning against the Atlanta Braves at SunTrust Park on June 22, 2018 in Atlanta.
Patrick McDermott / Getty Images
The Orioles' Trey Mancini catches a fly ball hit by Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals (not pictured) in the second inning at Nationals Park on June 19, 2018 in Washington.
Carolyn Kaster / AP
The Nationals' Wilmer Difo is tagged out at home plate by Orioles catcher Caleb Joseph during the seventh inning at Nationals Park on Thursday, June 21, 2018, in Washington. The Nationals won, 4-2.
Patrick Semansky / AP
Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Kevin Gausman follows through to the Miami Marlins in the first inning of a baseball game, Friday, June 15, 2018, in Baltimore.
Daniel Shirey / Getty Images
Manny Machado of the Baltimore Orioles celebrates scoring during the ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at SunTrust Park on June 22, 2018 in Atlanta.
Daniel Shirey / Getty Images
Chris Davis of the Baltimore Orioles celebrates a solo home run during the fifth inning against the Atlanta Braves at SunTrust Park on June 22, 2018 in Atlanta.
Gail Burton / AP
The Orioles' Adam Jones reacts after popping out against the Mariners during the third inning of a game Tuesday, June 26, 2018, in Baltimore. The Mariners won 3-2.
Gail Burton / AP
The Orioles' Mark Trumbo follows through on an RBI double against the Miami Marlins in the third inning Sunday, June 17, 2018, at Camden Yards.
Todd Kirkland / AP
The Orioles' Mark Trumbo celebrates his two-run home run with Austin Wynns in the fifth inning against the Braves on Sunday, June 24, 2018, in Atlanta.
Mitchell Layton / Getty Images
Orioles manager Buck Showalter takes out starting pitcher Jimmy Yacabonis (31) in the fifth inning against the Mariners at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 28, 2018.
Patrick Semansky / AP
The Mariners' Kyle Seager follows through on a two-run home run in front of Orioles catcher Caleb Joseph and home plate umpire Gary Cederstrom during the ninth inning Wednesday, June 27, 2018.
Mitchell Layton / Getty Images
Orioles Danny Valencia (2) celebrates a solo home run in the second inning with Jonathan Schoop (6) against the Mariners at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 26, 2018.
Daniel Shirey / Getty Images
Chris Davis #19 of the Baltimore Orioles hits a three RBI double during the fifth inning against the Atlanta Braves at SunTrust Park on June 23, 2018 in Atlanta.
Karl Merton Ferron / Baltimore Sun
A drive from Baltimore Orioles batter Adam Jones eludes Miami Marlins right fielder Brian Anderson (15) for a double at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
Patrick Semansky / AP
A groundskeeper waters the infield before a baseball game between the Miami Marlins and the Baltimore Orioles, Friday, June 15, 2018, in Baltimore.
Mitchell Layton / Getty Images
The Orioles' Manny Machado celebrates with Jonathan Schoop after scoring on a hit by Mark Trumbo in the third inning against the Miami Marlins at Camden Yards on June 17, 2018.
Mitchell Layton / Getty Images
Orioles Jimmy Yacabonis throws in the first inning against the Mariners at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 28, 2018.
Greg Fiume / Getty Images
The Orioles' Manny Machado tosses his bat after striking out to end the third inning against the Angels at Camden Yards on June 30, 2018.
Patrick Semansky / AP
The Orioles' Danny Valencia, left, high-fives teammates Trey Mancini (16) and Mark Trumbo after driving in Mancini with a two-run home run during the first inning of a game against the Seattle Mariners, Wednesday, June 27, 2018.
Patrick Semansky / AP
Miami Marlins' Lewis Brinson triples in front of Baltimore Orioles third baseman Danny Valencia (2) and Marlins third base coach Fredi Gonzalez in the second inning of a baseball game, Friday, June 15, 2018, in Baltimore.
Gail Burton / AP
Orioles manager Buck Showalter walks to the dugout after making a pitching change against Miami Marlins Sunday, June 17, 2018, at Camden Yards.
John Bazemore / AP
Baltimore Orioles first baseman Chris Davis (19) makes a catch in foul territory to retire Atlanta Braves' Tyler Flowers in the fourth Inning of a baseball game Friday, June 22, 2018, in Atlanta.
Greg Fiume / Getty Images
The Orioles' Chris Davis reacts after striking out in the 11th inning against the Seattle Mariners at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 27, 2018.
Patrick Semansky / AP
Mariners' Jean Segura, right, jogs past Orioles catcher Chance Sisco for a run on Nelson Cruz's single in the 10th inning. Seattle won 4-2 in 10 innings.
Carolyn Kaster / AP
Orioles starter Andrew Cashner pitches during the first inning against the Nationals at Nationals Park on Wednesday, June 20, 2018, in Washington.
Gail Burton / AP
Orioles pitcher Darren O'Day, right, reacts after hobbling off the mound as he fielded a bunt by the Mariners' Jean Segura during the eighth inning of a game Tuesday, June 26, 2018. At left is home plate umpire Eric Cooper.
Mitchell Layton / Getty Images
The Orioles' Jace Peterson singles, driving in Jonathan Schoop in the second inning against the Miami Marlins at Camden Yards on June 17, 2018.
Mitchell Layton / Getty Images
The Orioles' Mark Trumbo hits a two-run home run in the second inning during a game against the Nationals at Nationals Park on June 20, 2018, in Washington.
The Orioles' Colby Rasmus has sunflower seeds thrown on him after hitting a solo home run against the Nationals in the second inning at Nationals Park on June 21, 2018, in Washington.
ExpandIt was only a matter of time before somebody threw out the ceremonial first rumor.
The Orioles are in the funk of all funks, now pushing past the pace of the 1988 team that set a franchise record with 107 defeats after opening that season with a major league record 21-game losing streak.
So, the other day Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic tweeted that the Orioles had interviewed former Los Angeles Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti for an unspecified job in the organization.
That report remains unconfirmed and has been cast into doubt by some club officials, but it’s not hard to believe and Colletti’s name will not be the last one floated as both Dan Duquette and manager Buck Showalter serve out the final season of their long-term contracts.
Duquette didn’t waste any time addressing it, since the unspecified job discussed in a contact such as that would almost certainly be his. He came down to the press box during Saturday’s game to tell the club’s beat reporters that he was told the report was not true.
Who knows what to make of that, since he likely would be the last to know if the Orioles were secretly interviewing GM candidates.
The last time they hired a baseball operations chief during the season was in 2007, when owner Peter Angelos asked Andy MacPhail to take over the O’s front office. The announcement was made with no advance warning, something that won’t happen very often in this age of instant tweets and ubiquitous text messaging.
Now, it’s fair to predict you’ll be hearing a lot of names over the upcoming weeks and months, unless Orioles ownership has suddenly reached the end of its patience with a team that has fallen so hard it can’t possible get up.
The wisdom of a quick fix, however, is debatable. Dumping Duquette might mollify some discouraged fans over the short run, but the Orioles are expected to deal away a bunch of veteran players over the next couple of months and will need all the expertise they can muster to make sure they get adequate value in return.
It might seem counterintuitive to keep him in place to help rebuild the club under the cloud of possible termination, but — even if Duquette is not going to return next year — it’s very much in his interest to help set up the Orioles for a quick recovery.
Keep in mind that one of the reasons Duquette was attractive to the Orioles when he was hired after the 2011 season was that he was perceived to have helped put the Red Sox in position to end “The Curse of the Bambino” before he was replaced in Boston by interim GM Mike Port and then Theo Epstein.
Showalter won’t be spared the same kind of speculation about his job security, and he knows it. He’s been hired and fired several times, though this is — by far — his longest tenure with any of the major league clubs he has managed.
He is believed to be safe at the moment, but no one below the ownership level can take anything for granted as long as the Orioles remain in free fall. They finally bounced back and ended a nine-game losing streak Sunday with a lopsided victory over the Miami Marlins, but face a tough road series against the rival Washington Nationals starting Tuesday.
While Showalter has been a favorite of Peter Angelos’, the apparent transfer of power taking place at the top of the organization calls his status more into question. Still, it seems unlikely the team would replace him just for the sake of making a change at a difficult time.
Team executives recognize that Showalter is one of the most respected managers in the sport and might be the right guy to manage the younger team they hope to assemble when they clear out their pending free agents and some other high-priced veterans. If a change were made, it probably wouldn’t be to install an in-house interim for the remainder of the season. It would only make sense to bring in a dynamic new manager who could change the subject.
So, don’t believe everything you hear. Some names will surface that might be of real interest to the club, and others might find their way into the conversation through skillful self-promotion. Only a few jobs of this magnitude come open each year, so you can bet there will be plenty of chatter until the Orioles figure out which way they want to go.