Opposite dugout: First-place Astros aim to continue dominance over Orioles

Opposite dugout: First-place Astros aim to continue dominance over Orioles
Manager: A.J. Hinch (3rd season) Record: 32-16 Last 10 games: 6-4 Who to watch: 2B Jose Altuve (.298/.367/.494 with 7 HR, 22 RBIs, 9 SB), RF Josh Reddick (.281 with 6 HR, 20 RBIs), LF Marwin Gonzalez (11 HR, 28 RBIs), LHP Dallas Keuchel (7-0, 1.84 ERA, 0.864 WHIP), RHP Lance McCullers Jr. (5-1, 2.43 ERA), RHP Ken Giles (3.26 ERA, 13 saves) Season series vs. Orioles: First meeting (6-1 in 2016) Pitching probables: May 26: RHP Kevin Gausman vs. RHP Joe Musgrove, 8:10 p.m., MASN2 May 27: LHP Wade...
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Nationals recall right-hander Joe Ross

Nationals recall right-hander Joe Ross
The Washington Nationals recalled right-handed pitcher Joe Ross from Triple-A Syracuse on Tuesday and optioned outfielder Brian Goodwin to Triple-A Syracuse. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Ross, 24, who will start for Washington on Tuesday night vs. Seattle, joins the Nationals for his second Major League assignment of the season. The right-hander returns to the Major Leagues on the heels of two strong outings with Triple-A...
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Opposite dugout: Mariners historically don't fare well in rare interleague series vs. Nats

Opposite dugout: Mariners historically don't fare well in rare interleague series vs. Nats
Manager: Scott Servais (2nd season) Record: 20-25 Last 10 games: 3-7 Who to watch: DH/OF Nelson Cruz (.301/.383/.564 with 11 HR, 37 RBIs), 2B Robinson Canó (.296/.362/.533 with 8 HR, 28 RBIs), SS Jean Segura (.336/.379/.476 with 22 RBIs), RHP Christian Bergman (1-1, 2.25 ERA), LHP Marc Rzepczynski (1.54 ERA, 0.86 WHIP) Season series vs. Nationals: First meeting (1-2 in 2014) Pitching probables: May 23: RHP Christian Bergman vs. RHP Joe Ross, 7:05 p.m., MASN May 24: RHP Sam Gaviglio vs. RHP...
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MASN introduces daily social media show, "MASN All Access"

MASN introduces daily social media show, "MASN All Access"
You've seen our promos on MASN's broadcast of Nationals games. "Maximum Access Sports Network," another form of our acronym promoting MASN's dedication to giving fans the most access to their favorite teams. Well, we're staying true to our word. MASN is proud to introduce an all-new daily Facebook Live show "MASN All Access" with host Sara Perlman. The pregame show will feature sound from Nationals games, lineups, pitching matchups, interviews with your favorite players and coaches,...
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MASN introduces daily social media show, "MASN All Access"

MASN introduces daily social media show, "MASN All Access"
You've seen our promos on MASN's broadcast of Orioles games. "Maximum Access Sports Network," another form of our acronym promoting MASN's dedication to giving fans the most access to their favorite teams. Well, we're staying true to our word. MASN is proud to introduce an all-new daily Facebook Live show "MASN All Access" with host Sara Perlman. The pregame show will feature sound from Orioles games, lineups, pitching matchups, interviews with your favorite players and coaches, live...
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Nationals recall left-hander Matt Grace, place right-hander Joe Blanton on DL

Nationals recall left-hander Matt Grace, place right-hander Joe Blanton on DL
The Washington Nationals recalled left-handed pitcher Matt Grace from Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday and placed right-handed pitcher Joe Blanton on the 10-day disabled list with right shoulder inflammation. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Grace, 28, joins the Nationals for his fourth Major League assignment of the season, working to a 6.23 ERA in three appearances (4.1 IP). The left-hander has a 4.07 ERA in 34 career Major League...
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Chris & Jill Davis to again serve as race ambassadors for Casey Cares Foundation 5K Run/Walk at Oriole Park

Chris & Jill Davis to again serve as race ambassadors for Casey Cares Foundation 5K Run/Walk at Oriole Park
For the second consecutive year, Orioles first baseman Chris Davis and his wife, Jill, will serve as race ambassadors for the eighth annual Casey Cares 5K Run/Walk at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Saturday, August 5, as the Orioles and OriolesREACH once again partner with the Casey Cares Foundation to host the race. "Casey Cares is honored to once again partner with the Baltimore Orioles and their OriolesREACH program," said Casey Baynes, the Executive Director of the Casey Cares...
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District 34 podcast: Bryce Harper's 2018 salary and Nats bullpen solutions

District 34 podcast: Bryce Harper's 2018 salary and Nats bullpen solutions
It's baseball from here on out in Washington, D.C., after the local hockey and basketball teams' respective playoff runs came to bitter ends. That being said, it's always baseball on the District 34 podcast with myself and Byron Kerr, presented by MASNsports.com. And the Nationals, a first-place team with a nine-game lead in the National League East, are always an exciting team to talk about. For this week's episode, let's first discuss the big news from over the weekend of Bryce Harper...
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Opposite dugout: Pirates have gone from contender to sinking ship

Opposite dugout: Pirates have gone from contender to sinking ship
Manager: Clint Hurdle (7th season) Record: 16-22 Last 10 games: 4-6 Who to watch: 3B Josh Harrison (.288/.354/.455 with 5 HR, 12 RBIs), 1B Josh Bell (7 HR, 13 RBIs), CF Andrew McCutchen (6 HR, 17 RBIs), RHP Gerrit Cole (1-4, 3.06 ERA, 47 Ks), LHP Felipe Rivero (0.87 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, 9 holds, 22 Ks), LHP Tony Watson (1.62 ERA, 8 saves) Season series vs. Nationals: First meeting (2-4 in 2016) Pitching probables: May 16: RHP Stephen Strasburg vs. RHP Chad Kuhl, 7:05 p.m., MASN May 17: RHP Jacob...
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District 34 podcast: Crossover episode for Battle of the Beltways

District 34 podcast: Crossover episode for Battle of the Beltways
Come one, come all, baseball fans of the DMV: It's time for our annual District 34-Yard Work crossover episode for the Battle of the Beltways between the Nationals and Orioles! Bobby Blanco and Byron Kerr are joined by Brian Eller of MASNsports.com's Yard Work podcast to discuss this earlier-than-usual Beltway Series and talk all things Nats and O's. The Birds were able to take Game 1 at Camden Yards on Monday Night, thanks to three first-inning home runs off Gio Gonzalez and a baserunning...
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Opposite dugout: Resurgent Zimmerman leads Nats into Battle of Beltways

Opposite dugout: Resurgent Zimmerman leads Nats into Battle of Beltways
Manager: Dusty Baker (2nd season) Record: 21-10 Last 10 games: 6-4 Who to watch: 1B Ryan Zimmerman (.435/.475/.907 with 13 HR, 34 RBIs), RF Bryce Harper (.376/.504/.723 with 9 HR, 27 RBIs), 2B Daniel Murphy (.341/.390/.556 with 5 HR, 28 RBIs), LHP Gio Gonzalez (3-0, 1.64 ERA), RHP Max Scherzer (4-2, 2.66 ERA, 51 Ks), RHP Stephen Strasburg (3-1, 2.66 ERA), RHP Matt Albers (0.77 ERA, 0.51 WHIP) Season series vs. Orioles: First meeting (1-3 in 2016) Pitching probables: May 8: LHP Gio Gonzalez vs....
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Nationals to recognize 2017 Honorary Bat Girl Contest winner on Mother's Day

Nationals to recognize 2017 Honorary Bat Girl Contest winner on Mother's Day
Yesterday, Major League Baseball announced the winners of the 2017 Honorary Bat Girl contest, which recognizes baseball fans who have been affected by breast cancer and have demonstrated a commitment to battling the disease. This year's Honorary Bat Girl for the Washington Nationals is Melissa Green of Arlington, Va. She will be honored during the pregame ceremony before the team plays the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday, May 14 at 1:35 p.m. For a Q&A with our 2017 Honorary Bat Girl, visit...
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Opposite dugout: Sale, tensions headline four-game series in Boston

Opposite dugout: Sale, tensions headline four-game series in Boston
Manager: John Farrell (5th season) Record: 13-11 Last 10 games: 4-6 Who to watch: CF Andrew Benintendi (.333/.392/.478 with 14 RBIs), RF Mookie Betts (.293/.363/.439 with 11 RBIs), 3B Xander Bogaerts (.315/.375/.356), LHP Chris Sale (1-2, 1.17 ERA, 0.77 WHIP), RHP Craig Kimbrel (1.59 ERA with 8 saves) Season series vs. Orioles: 2-3 Pitching probables: May 1: RHP Dylan Bundy vs. RHP Rick Porcello, 7:10 p.m., MASN May 2: RHP Alec Asher vs. LHP Chris Sale, 7:10 p.m., MASN May 3: RHP Kevin Gausman...
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Opposite dugout: Yankees coming around as complete team to challenge O's

Opposite dugout: Yankees coming around as complete team to challenge O's
Manager: Joe Girardi (10th season) Record: 13-7 Last 10 games: 7-3 Who to watch: 2B Starlin Castro (.346/.386/.538 with 4 HR, 14 RBIs), 3B Chase Headley (.329/.420/.543), RF Aaron Judge (.988 OPS with 7 HR, 15 RBIs), LHP CC Sabathia (2-1, 2.70 ERA), LHP Aroldis Chapman (1.23 ERA, 5 saves) Season series vs. Orioles: 1-2 Pitching probables: April 28: RHP Kevin Gausman vs. LHP CC Sabathia, 7:05 p.m., MASN April 29: RHP Ubaldo Jiménez vs. RHP Michael Pineda, 1:05 p.m., MASN April 30: LHP Wade...
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Nationals reinstate right-hander Stephen Strasburg

Nationals reinstate right-hander Stephen Strasburg
The Washington Nationals reinstated right-handed pitcher Stephen Strasburg from the paternity list on Thursday and optioned left-handed pitcher Matt Grace to Triple-A Syracuse. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Strasburg, 28, is 2-0 with a 2.89 ERA in four starts this season. Strasburg has tossed at least 7.0 innings in each of his first four starts of the season for the first time in his career. In his last start, prior to being...
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CareFirst Fan Challenge with Adam Jones returns featuring signature dishes

CareFirst Fan Challenge with Adam Jones returns featuring signature dishes
It's that time of year again: time for Orioles fans to put their cooking skills to the test and go head-to-head with Adam Jones in the CareFirst Fan Challenge. This year, the challenge is simple. We're asking fans and Jones to bring their signature dishes to the table. Your best vs. his best. One on one. Mano a mano. So what's your go-to? Are you a grill master? The sultan of sandwiches? Ace of appetizers? Duke of desserts? Whatever it is, tweet us @masnOrioles with pictures, videos,...
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Opposite dugout: Betts, Red Sox hoping for another offensive outburst at Camden Yards

Opposite dugout: Betts, Red Sox hoping for another offensive outburst at Camden Yards
Manager: John Farrell (5th season) Record: 10-6 Last 10 games: 7-3 Who to watch: 1B Mitch Moreland (.344/.420/.574 with 8 RBIs), RF Mookie Betts (.340/.407/.472 with 8 RBIs), LF Andrew Benintendi (.317/.397/.429 with 10 RBIs), LHP Drew Pomeranz (1-0, 1.16 WHIP), RHP Craig Kimbrel (2.00 ERA with 6 saves) Season series vs. Orioles: 1-1 Pitching probables: April 21: LHP Drew Pomeranz vs. RHP Dylan Bundy, 7:05 p.m., MASN2 April 22: RHP Steven Wright vs. LHP Jayson Aquino, 7:05 p.m., MASN2 April 23:...
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District 34 podcast: Nats rolling to start season

District 34 podcast: Nats rolling to start season
If you're Capitals or Wizards fan like I am, you'll probably join me in being thankful that the Nationals are cruising along through these first couple of weeks of the season. While stressing during the Caps and Wizards' playoff wins last night, it was nice to watch the Nats roll the Braves for an easy 14-4 victory. And with the big win at the new SunTrust Park came a lot of news out of the Nationals clubhouse, giving Byron Kerr and myself a lot to talk about on this week's episode of the...
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Nationals recall right-hander Joe Ross

Nationals recall right-hander Joe Ross
The Washington Nationals recalled right-handed pitcher Joe Ross from Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday and placed left-handed pitcher Sammy Solis on the 10-day disabled list with left elbow inflammation. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Ross, who will start for Washington on Wednesday night vs. Atlanta at SunTrust Park, joins the Nationals for his first Major League assignment of the season. The right-hander has posted a 12-10 record...
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Opposite dugout: Rebuilding Braves welcome Nats to new ballpark

Opposite dugout: Rebuilding Braves welcome Nats to new ballpark
Manager: Brian Snitker (2nd season) Record: 6-6 Last 10 games: 5-5 Who to watch: 1B Freddie Freeman (.400/.481/.867 with 5 HR, 6 RBIs), 2B Bandon Phillips (.326 with 4 SB), CF Ender Inciarte (4 HR, 7 RBIs), RHP Julio Teheran (1-0, 0.95 ERA), RHP Jim Johnson (1.29 ERA, 0.86 WHIP with 3 saves) Season series vs. Nationals: First meeting (4-15 in 2016) Pitching probables: April 18: RHP Max Scherzer vs. RHP Mike Foltynewicz, 7:35 p.m., MASN2 April 19: RHP Joe Ross vs. RHP Julio Teheran, 7:35 p.m.,...
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