Relievers

Orioles closer Jim Johnson has been exceptionally predictable this season: He almost always shuts the door on the opposition, and he always shuts down the questioning after a game when the attention drifts toward him. On Sunday, the Orioles' regular-season home finale, featured both as Johnson picked up his league- and personal-best 50th save in Baltimore's 6-3 win against Boston. What does Johnson think about becoming just the 10th pitcher since saves became an official statistic in 1969 to log 50 in one season?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers about topical pain relievers such as Bengay, Icy Hot and Flexall. The over-the-counter creams, gels and patches used by athletes and other pain sufferers on sore muscles and joints for warmness and coolness can experience burning pain or blistering. The injuries are rare, but the FDA advises those who experience them to seek medical care. There have been 43 cases reported to the FDA's adverse events database after use of the products containing higher amounts of active ingredients menthol (3 percent)

Kevin Gregg, the hulking, bespectacled reliever who endeared himself to teammates for his brotherly advice and refusal to back down to the opposition - but drew the ire of fans for his ineffectiveness as a well-paid closer - was designated for assignment on Tuesday. The Orioles have 10 days to trade, release or ask waivers on the 34-year-old right-hander, who was 3-2 with a 4.74 ERA in 40 games this season. "We're trying to see if we can put him in a place where he can get the ball on a consistent basis and present himself as a good option," Orioles manager Buck Showalter said.

When the Orioles and Tampa Bay Rays begin a three-game series Tuesday at Camden Yards, the two most effective relievers in the American League will be in uniform. It's fair to speculate that without Orioles closer Jim Johnson and Rays closer Fernando Rodney, their teams probably wouldn't be in playoff contention. Orioles manager Buck Showalter has said all season that Johnson's steadying presence in the back of the bullpen and in the clubhouse has been one of, if not the most important element, in the club's surprising success.

Following Pedro Strop's forgettable eighth-inning performance in the Orioles' 10-6 win over the New York Yankees on Friday night, the right-handed setup man immediately retreated to the clubhouse film room to review his performance. Nobody needs to tell the 27-year-old reliever that he isn't pitching well. Despite some unsettling wildness, Strop's 23 holds are tied for fifth-most in the American League. But he has blown leads in two of his last three outings, both against the Yankees.

TORONTO -- The Orioles have purchased the contract of left-handed reliever Zach Phillips from Triple-A Norfolk before this afternoon's series opener in Toronto. Phillips was told before Sunday's Tides game that he was being recalled and arrived in Toronto on Sunday night. Phillips will give the Orioles a third left-handed reliever for the September playoff push, joining Brian Matusz and Randy Wolf, both of whom have spent most of their careers as starters. Phillips has actually been better against right-handed hitters this season, holding them to a .237 mark, but his numbers against lefties have improved in the second half of the season.

Orioles manager Buck Showalter said the club could use veteran left-hander Randy Wolf as either a starter or a reliever to help the O's through the stretch run. Wolf, who was released by the Brewers on Aug. 22, was en route to Baltimore before Tuesday's game to sign a free-agent deal with the Orioles, a source confirmed. "We're going to take a look at it," Showalter said. "We all know what September brings, it's very hard to acquire players after Sept. [1].  And we are going to continue to try and be proactive.

The Orioles had their focus on Joe Saunders since he was on the free-agent market this offseason, and the club had been discussing the possibility of acquiring the left-hander in a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the past few weeks. Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette - always eager to add pitching depth - coveted Saunders' experience and the prospect of him helping the Orioles against some of the American League's lefty-laden lineups. On Sunday, the Orioles acquired the 31-year-old Saunders, along with cash considerations, for right-handed reliever Matt Lindstrom and a player to be named after the season.

Orioles left-handed reliever Troy Patton is heading to the 15-day disabled listed after spraining his right ankle as he was walking in the parking garage of his hotel Sunday night. Patton said X-rays on the ankle were negative, but he has been wearing a large boot since the injury and has had to use crutches for going long distances. He expected to be ready to return once he's eligible to come of the DL on Aug. 28. “I just kind of caught the edge wrong and rolled my ankle,” Patton said.

The Orioles brass had discussed the possibility of moving left-hander Brian Matusz to the bullpen for several days, but after left-handed reliever Troy Patton went on the disabled list with a sprined right ankle , the organization is in need of a left-handed reliever who has the capability of throwing multiple innings. Orioles manager Buck Showater said before Tuesday's series opener against the Red Sox that the Orioles are moving toward experimenting with making the 25-year-old Matusz a reliever.