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BAL@CLE: Gonzalez hurls 6 2/3 innings of two-run ball

Pitcher Jeremy Hellickson pulled the Rays closer to a Wild Card spot Tuesday.

Tampa Bay is hoping David Price, the team's most consistent pitcher, can do the same Wednesday.

The lefty takes the mound against Baltimore in the second game of the mid-week series between the two clubs. The Rays won Monday's matchup 3-1 and are hoping to tighten up the standings.

"It's always a good time for that," Price said about trying to build momentum. "We all are very aware of what's going on around the league at this time. We need to step up and play better baseball right now to try and catch those teams."

Price is coming off one of his best outings of the season, one that saw him throw seven scoreless innings with seven strikeouts, allowing just two hits and three walks.

"That's what I'm trying to do right now, stay in the form that I'm at right now," Price said. "My body feels good, my arm feels good, so I'm trying to come out tomorrow and give us a chance to win."

Baltimore sends Miguel Gonzalez to the mound opposite Price. Though he's started just three games this the season, he's pitched well, giving up three or fewer runs in each.

In his most recent start, Gonzalez allowed two runs in 6 2/3 innings on seven hits and a pair of walks to go with five strikeouts in a win over Cleveland.

Gonzalez struggled early in that appearance, allowing a solo homer to Asdrubal Cabrera in the first inning before loading the bases. The 28-year-old worked out of it, and cruised through the rest of his start.

Rays: Fuld returns to lineup
• Tampa Bay outfielder Sam Fuld made his season debut Tuesday in the opening game of the series against Baltimore.

Fuld was on the disabled list all season due to wrist surgery and is coming off a 10-game rehab assignment at Triple-A Durham and Class A Charlotte that saw him hit .161 at the plate.

He was 1-for-3 on Tuesday with a walk and a run in his first game back.

"He was a big part of the beginning of last year," Rays manager Joe Maddon said. "When everything had gone awry, Sam came on and the legend was born. I'd like to see the sequel with that, actually, this year. Sam could make a huge impact on us."

The Rays had a spot open on the active roster when the club optioned reliever Brandon Gomes down to Durham after Sunday's game against the Mariners. To make room on the 40-man roster, Evan Longoria was transferred to the 60-day disabled list.

Orioles: Club expects to be buyers at Deadline
• With less than a week before the Trade Deadline and a game and a half behind in the Wild Card standings, Baltimore vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette said he expects his team to be buying instead of selling.

The Orioles are reportedly looking to add a starting pitcher to their rotation, but will be unwilling to trade two of their top prospects, Dylan Bundy and Manny Machado.

Two players who have drawn interest are starters Jake Arrieta and Brian Matusz, but they are still unlikely to be moved.

Baltimore is reportedly ready to deal some of the arms in its bullpen, including Kevin Gregg.

The Orioles have already been active players in the trade market this season, previously acquiring slugger Jim Thome and infielder Omar Quintanilla.

Worth noting:
• Desmond Jennings returned to the leadoff spot in Tuesday's game, going 1-for-5 on a single and a strikeout.

• The Orioles fell to 23-23 on the season at Camden Yards. They've had more luck on the road, compiling a 28-23 record.

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