Opposite dugout: In wake of tragedy, Marlins try to finish season on high note

Opposite dugout: In wake of tragedy, Marlins try to finish season on high note
Manager: Don Mattingly (1st season) Record: 78-80 Last 10 games: 5-5 Who to watch: LF Christian Yelich (.292 with 20 HR, 95 RBIs), CF Marcell Ozuna (.264 with 23 HR, 75 RBIs), RF Giancarlo Stanton (27 HR, 74 RBIs), RHP Tom Koehler (4-13, 4.15 ERA), RHP A.J. Ramos (2.86 ERA with 39 saves) Season series vs. Nationals: 8-8 Pitching probables: Sept. 30: RHP Andrew Cashner vs. RHP A.J. Cole, 7:05 p.m., MASN2 Oct. 1: LHP Wei-Yin Chen vs. RHP Tanner Roark, 4:05 p.m., MASN2 Oct. 2: RHP Tom Koehler vs....
Continue reading

District 34 podcast: Injury updates heading into the postseason

District 34 podcast: Injury updates heading into the postseason
Playoff baseball is back in D.C.! The Nationals are back in the postseason after clinching their third National League East division title in five years last weekend, and will face the Dodgers in the National League Division Series. That series starts next Friday, but where it will begin remains to be seen. The Nationals hold a two-game lead over the Dodgers heading into today's series finale against the Diamondbacks at Nats Park. Their magic number to clinch home field advantage for the NLDS...
Continue reading

Pair of "Postseason Push" rallies announced for this weekend

Pair of "Postseason Push" rallies announced for this weekend
October is three days away, which means playoff baseball isn't far behind. As the Orioles continue an important series in Toronto, where they trail the Blue Jays by two games for the first American Leauge wild card spot and hold a one-game lead for the second wild card, the club today announced a pair of rallies to generate excitement back home in Baltimore for the team's playoff push. The first "Postseaon Push" rally will be held at Mother's North Grille in Timonium on Friday, Sept. 30,...
Continue reading

Opposite dugout: With nothing to lose, D-backs looking for payback against Nats

Opposite dugout: With nothing to lose, D-backs looking for payback against Nats
Manager: Chip Hale (2nd season) Record: 64-91 Last 10 games: 3-7 Who to watch: 2B Jean Segura (.314/.362/.482 with 17 HR, 60 RBIs), 1B Paul Goldschmidt (.301/.414/.495 with 23 HR, 91 RBIs), RF Yasmany Tomas (29 HR, 75 RBIs), LHP Robbie Ray (8-13, 4.66 ERA), RHP Jake Barrett (3.49 ERA) Season series vs. Nationals: 0-3 Pitching probables: Sept. 26: RHP Archie Bradley vs. RHP Tanner Roark, 7:05 p.m., MASN Sept. 27: RHP Zack Godley vs. RHP Max Scherzer, 7:05 p.m., MASN2 Sept. 28: RHP Shelby Miller...
Continue reading

Opposite dugout: Pirates need series vs. Nats to keep wild card hopes alive

Opposite dugout: Pirates need series vs. Nats to keep wild card hopes alive
Manager: Clint Hurdle (6th season) Record: 76-76 Last 10 games: 7-3 Who to watch: CF Andrew McCutchen (24 HR, 75 RBIs), RF Gregory Polanco (22 HR, 85 RBIs), LF Starling Marte (.311/.362/.457), RHP Ivan Nova (5-1, 2.93 ERA), LHP Tony Watson (3.15 ERA with 15 saves) Season series vs. Nationals: 1-2 Pitching probables: Sept. 23: LHP Gio Gonzalez vs. RHP Jameson Taillon, 7:05 p.m., MASN Sept. 24: RHP Joe Ross vs. RHP Ivan Nova, 7:05 p.m., MASN Sept. 25: RHP A.J. Cole vs. LHP Steven Brault, 1:35...
Continue reading

Local U.S. Paralympic gold medalists to throw out ceremonial first pitches this weekend

Local U.S. Paralympic gold medalists to throw out ceremonial first pitches this weekend
The Orioles today announced that four Paralympians with local ties, including three gold medalists, will throw out ceremonial first pitches this weekend when the Orioles host the Arizona Diamondbacks for the final three-game series at Oriole Park during the 2016 regular season. On Saturday, Sept. 24, sisters Hannah and Tatyana McFadden, from Clarksville, Md., will throw out simultaneous first pitches. Hannah was born with a bone deformity in her left leg, which had to be amputated and replaced...
Continue reading

Orioles reinstate right-hander Chris Tillman from the 15-day disabled list

Orioles reinstate right-hander Chris Tillman from the 15-day disabled list
The Orioles today announced that they have reinstated right-hander Chris Tillman from the 15-day disabled list. Tillman, 28, was placed on the disabled list with right shoulder bursitis on Aug. 24 (retroactive to Aug. 21). He is 15-5 with a 3.76 ERA (64 ER/153.0 IP), 126 strikeouts and 15 quality starts over 26 outings this season. The Orioles have gone 20-6 in games in which he has pitched this season. Tillman's 15 wins are tied for the third-most in the American League in 2016. In 175 career...
Continue reading

District 34 podcast: Stephen Strasburg suffers elbow injury in return from DL

District 34 podcast: Stephen Strasburg suffers elbow injury in return from DL
First of all, we have some breaking news: District 34 is now on iTunes! You can subscribe through the iTunes store to have immediate access to new episodes as soon as they're available! Thanks to all our listeners, and we hope you continue to follow us for all your latest Nationals news and talk. So please subscribe, rate and review District 34 on iTunes and spread the word! Now back to baseball ... Wednesday's series finale saw the return of Stephen Strasburg to the mound at Nats Park after...
Continue reading

Opposite dugout: Phillies still have part to play in playoff push

Opposite dugout: Phillies still have part to play in playoff push
Manager: Pete Mackanin (2nd season) Record: 62-77 Last 10 games: 3-7 Who to watch: CF Odubel Herrera (.278 with 13 HR, 42 RBIs, 20 SB), 3B Maikel Franco (22 HR, 73 RBIs), SS Freddy Galvis (16 HR, 58 RBIs), RHP Jerad Eickhoff (10-13, 3.86 ERA), RHP Jeanmar Gomez (3.39 ERA with 35 saves) Season series vs. Nationals: 4-11 Pitching probables: Sept. 8: RHP Alec Asher vs. RHP A.J. Cole, 7:05 p.m., MASN Sept. 9: RHP Jake Thompson vs. RHP Tanner Roark, 7:05 p.m., MASN Sept. 10: RHP Jerad Eickhoff vs....
Continue reading

Orioles reinstate left-hander Brian Duensing, designate right-hander Odrisamer Despaigne for assignment

Orioles reinstate left-hander Brian Duensing, designate right-hander Odrisamer Despaigne for assignment
The Orioles today announced that they have reinstated left-hander Brian Duensing from the 60-day disabled list and designated right-hander Odrisamer Despaigne for assignment. Duensing, 33, was placed on the 15-day disabled list on June 22 (retroactive to June 20) with left elbow inflammation. He was transferred to the 60-day disabled list on July 3. Duensing pitched in five rehabilitation games between Double-A Bowie (three games) and the Gulf Coast League Orioles (two games), posting a 1.00...
Continue reading

Nationals recall right-hander Reynaldo Lopez

Nationals recall right-hander Reynaldo Lopez
The Washington Nationals recalled right-handed pitcher Reynaldo Lopez from Triple-A Syracuse on Sunday. He will start Sunday night at Citi Field against the New York Mets. Nationals president of baseball operations and general manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Lopez will make the sixth start of his major league career on Sunday. He enters this start 2-2 with a 5.33 ERA in the big leagues this season with starts against Los Angeles (NL), San Francisco, Atlanta (2) and Baltimore on his...
Continue reading

Opposite dugout: Baby Boomers keeping Yankees in contention

Opposite dugout: Baby Boomers keeping Yankees in contention
Manager: Joe Girardi (9th season) Record: 69-63 Last 10 games: 6-4 Who to watch: C Gary Sanchez (.374/.441/.798 with 11 HR, 21 RBIs), SS Didi Gregorius (.286 with 19 HR, 64 RBIs), 2B Starlin Castro (.269 with 19 HR, 64 RBIs), RHP Chad Green (2-3, 4.09 ERA), RHP Dellin Betances (2.12 ERA, 0.97 WHIP) Season series vs. Orioles: 7-6 Pitching probables: Sept. 2: RHP Chad Green vs. RHP Dylan Bundy, 7:05 p.m., MASN Sept. 3: LHP CC Sabathia vs. RHP Kevin Gausman, 7:05 p.m., MASN Sept. 4: RHP Michael...
Continue reading

Opposite dugout: Blue Jays can create some space atop AL East with trip to Baltimore

Opposite dugout: Blue Jays can create some space atop AL East with trip to Baltimore
Manager: John Gibbons (9th season) Record: 74-56 Last 10 games: 6-4 Who to watch: 3B Josh Donaldson (.294/.407/.578 with 33 HR, 91 RBIs), DH Edwin Encarnacion (.270 /.360/.554 with 36 HR, 106 RBIs), SS Troy Tulowitzki (.253/.324/.465 with 22 HR, 65 RBIs), LHP J.A. Happ (17-4, 3.19 ERA), RHP Roberto Osuna (2.21 ERA with 29 saves) Season series vs. Orioles: 7-6 Pitching probables: Aug. 29: RHP Marco Estrada vs. LHP Wade Miley, 7:05 p.m., MASN Aug. 30: LHP J.A. Happ vs. RHP Ubaldo Jimenez, 7:05...
Continue reading

Opposite dugout: Rockies offense trying to carry club to first .500 finish since 2010

Opposite dugout: Rockies offense trying to carry club to first .500 finish since 2010
Manager: Walt Weiss (4th season) Record: 60-67 Last 10 games: 4-6 Who to watch: 3B Nolan Arenado (.286/.356/.567 with 34 HR, 108 RBIs), 2B DJ LeMahieu (.344 /.416/.501 with 10 HR, 50 RBIs), CF Charlie Blackmon (.318/.378/.531 with 21 HR, 60 RBIs), RF Carlos Gonzalez (.313/.361/.544 with 23 HR, 80 RBIs), LHP Jorge De La Rosa (8-7, 5.07 ERA), LHP Boone Logan (3.11 ERA with 22 holds) Season series vs. Nationals: 2-1 Pitching probables: Aug. 26: RHP Jeff Hoffman vs. LHP Gio Gonzalez, 7:05 p.m.,...
Continue reading

Orioles recall Logan Ondrusek, option Parker Bridwell to Triple-A Norfolk

Orioles recall Logan Ondrusek, option Parker Bridwell to Triple-A Norfolk
The Orioles today announced that they have recalled right-hander Logan Ondrusek from Double-A Bowie and optioned right-hander Parker Bridwell to Triple-A Norfolk. Ondrusek, 31, pitched in three games with the Baysox this season, surrendering three earned runs over four innings, while striking out five. He posted a 6.75 ERA (4 ER/5.1 IP) over six games with the Orioles after being signed to a major league contract on July 29. In 287 career major league games, Ondrusek has gone 21-11 with a...
Continue reading

Nationals acquire left-hander Marc Rzepczynski

Nationals acquire left-hander Marc Rzepczynski
The Washington Nationals acquired left-handed pitcher Marc Rzepczynski and cash considerations from the Oakland Athletics on Thursday in exchange for Minor League infielder Max Schrock. Nationals president of baseball operations and general manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Rzepczynski, 30, comes to the Nationals with a 1-0 record and a 3.00 ERA in 56 appearances out of Oakland's bullpen this season. An eight-year major league veteran, Rzepczynski has also enjoyed big league time with...
Continue reading

District 34 podcast: Crossover episode with Yard Work

District 34 podcast: Crossover episode with Yard Work
The Beltway Series is a special time of the baseball season for the DMV area. No other area in all of sports has as unique a situation as we do with the Nationals and Orioles in terms of the history (or lack thereof) and the fan bases. So with a special series comes a special podcast as Byron Kerr and I welcome Brian Eller, co-host of the Yard Work podcast with MASNsports.com's Orioles writer Steve Melewski, to a crossover episode of District 34. To begin, we look back at the O's 4-3 win over...
Continue reading

Orioles reinstate Matt Wieters from paternity list; option Caleb Joseph to Triple-A Norfolk

Orioles reinstate Matt Wieters from paternity list; option Caleb Joseph to Triple-A Norfolk
The Orioles today announced that they have reinstated catcher Matt Wieters from the paternity leave list and optioned catcher Caleb Joseph to Triple-A Norfolk. Wieters, 30, has hit .240/.294/.381 (75-for-312) with 12 doubles, one triple, 10 home runs and 45 RBIs over 91 games with the Orioles this season. The four-time All-Star ranks third in the American League with 43 RBIs as a catcher this season. Over 849 career major league games, Wieters has hit .256/.317/.419 with 110 home runs and 416...
Continue reading

Opposite dugout: Baker has Nationals back on track for postseason

Opposite dugout: Baker has Nationals back on track for postseason
Manager: Dusty Baker (1st season) Record: 73-50 Last 10 games: 6-4 Who to watch: 2B Daniel Murphy (.345/.389/.607 with 23 HR, 89 RBIs), C Wilson Ramos (.322/.369/.526 with 19 HR, 67 RBIs), RF Bryce Harper (22 HR, 68 RBIs), RHP Tanner Roark (13-6, 2.87 ERA), RHP Stephen Strasburg (15-4, 3.59 ERA), RHP Mark Melancon (1.41 ERA with 36 saves) Season series vs. Orioles: First meeting (2-4 in 2015) Pitching probables: Aug. 22: RHP Stephen Strasburg vs. RHP Dylan Bundy, 7:05 p.m., MASN Aug. 23: RHP...
Continue reading

Orioles option right-hander Odrisamer Despaigne to Triple-A Norfolk

Orioles option right-hander Odrisamer Despaigne to Triple-A Norfolk
Following tonight's game, the Orioles announced that they have optioned right-hander Odrisamer Despaigne to Triple-A Norfolk. Despaigne, 29, surrendered four runs over three innings of relief in tonight's game against Houston. He went 0-2 with a 5.60 ERA (17 ER/27.1 IP) in 16 games with the Orioles this season.
Continue reading