Random thoughts and musings

*With a seventh-inning double in tonight’s game, Nolan Reimold has reached base safely in 20 consecutive games for Triple-A Norfolk. Reimold is batting .286 (20-for-70) with three home runs, 15 walks and 11 RBIs over that stretch.

*Jim Johnson started today’s Gulf Coast League game and tossed a scoreless inning with a walk. He’s expected to report to Double-A Bowie on Tuesday. Lou Montanez (oblique) also played in the game, going 2-for-4 with a walk.

*The Orioles have a 13-man pitching staff right now, which leaves them with a short bench of (usually) Julio Lugo and backup catcher Jake Fox. While new manager Buck Showalter said he understands the move and why the O’s need it, given their recent rotation surge, you wonder how long they’ll keep it that way. Troy Patton hasn’t pitched in five games, Armando Gabino (taking the place of David Hernadez) also hasn’t pitched and Mark Hendrickson has been used sparingly on this homestand. September callups aren’t far away, but my guess is they’d give the rotation another go-around before making a move. It’s hard with a young pitching staff to really determine if they’re out of the woods in that regard.