Josh Land

Matt of Matt's Bats: Has Desmond put rocky start in rear-view mirror?

May 26, 2015, 6:12am

Ian Desmond started the season off rocky. By rocky, I mean nine errors and 23 strikeouts in April. But Desmond, who some could argue is the best shortstop in baseball, has started to turn it on and is playing more like the Desmond we knew in past years. As showcased in the Nationals' series against the Yankees and Phillies last week, Desmond still has some pop in his bat. He hit two home runs, just missed a third and is on a 10-game hit streak. While he wasn't as productive to start the...

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Matt Kremnitzer: Joseph has been a pleasant surprise in 2015

May 26, 2015, 5:57am

Orioles

Matt Kremnitzer: Joseph has been a pleasant surprise in 2015

Heading into the 2014 season, Caleb Joseph was a few months from turning 28, yet he'd never played in a single major league game. But early in the season, Matt Wieters was placed on the disabled list with an elbow injury, and soon was lost for the season. Steve Clevenger made the club out of spring training as the team's backup catcher, but it quickly became evident that the Orioles didn't think he was suitable for even part-time catching duty. Joseph was promoted to the majors on May 7, and...

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Taylor, Harper showcase Nats' defensive abilities

May 26, 2015, 4:33am

Nationals

Taylor, Harper showcase Nats' defensive abilities

When the Nationals limped out of the gates in April, it was largely due to poor defense and untimely errors. Several close games were lost because of fielding gaffes. But the Nats have not only cleaned up their problems, they are actually taking advantage of the pure athleticism their dynamic outfielders possess. Michael A. Taylor and Bryce Harper made run-saving catches yesterday in back-to-back innings. Taylor, who struggled early this year in center, is now playing left while Jayson Werth is...

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bryce harper chris johnson denard span joe maddon matt williams michael a. taylor nationals nationals pastime featured_sidebar frontstory_nationals2

Roark impressive in Nats' 2-1 win

May 25, 2015, 2:09pm

Nationals

Tanner Roark was in a familiar spot on Monday afternoon. The right-hander returned to the mound as a starter for the first time this season and delivered five stellar innings in the Nationals' 2-1 victory over the Cubs. Roark, who grew up about 60 miles from Wrigley Field, gave up just one run on three hits, with one walk and three strikeouts. His only blemish was a first inning homer by Cubs rookie phenom Kris Bryant. Otherwise, Roark was outstanding as he worked quickly and efficiently in...

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Span, Ramos homer in Nats' 2-1 win

May 25, 2015, 10:43am

Nationals

Denard Span didn't waste any time lighting up the scoreboard this Memorial Day. The Nats' center fielder crushed a 2-2 fastball from Cubs starter Tsuyoshi Wada deep to right field to give the Nationals a quick 1-0 lead. Two of Span's four homers this season have led off games. The Cubs answered in the bottom of the inning with a blast of their own. Rookie sensation, 23-year old Kris Bryant nailed a Tanner Roark slider just over the fence in the left-center alley. The solo shot is Bryant's...

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bryce harper chris johnson denard span kris bryant nationals nationals pastime ryan zimmerman tanner roark frontstory_nationals2

Tanner Roark returns to the mound as a starter (with lineups)

May 25, 2015, 8:13am

Nationals

Tanner Roark returns to the mound as a starter (with lineups)

Tanner Roark makes his first start in 2015 after compiling a 15-10 record with an impressive 2.85 ERA as a member of the rotation last season. The blockbuster signing of Max Scherzer bumped Roark to the bullpen this year where the right-hander is 0-2 with a 2.66 ERA and one save in 13 appearances. Doug Fister's trip to the 15-day disabled list with right forearm tightness is the reason for Roark making the spot start for the Nationals. He'll be tasked with facing highly hyped rookie Kris...

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chris johnson matt williams nationals nationals pastime tanner roark frontstory_nationals2

Marty Niland: Fans need to show patience with Strasburg

May 25, 2015, 7:05am

Nationals

Marty Niland: Fans need to show patience with Strasburg

The Nationals are flying high, winners of eight straight series, all alone in first place, 2 1/2 games up on the New York Mets in the National League East. But it seems all the fans want to talk about is Stephen Strasburg's pitching troubles. On talk shows, Internet message boards and Facebook groups, there's no shortage of opinions about why Strasburg (3-5, 6.50 ERA) is struggling and what the team should do about it. The main complaint about the first overall pick in the 2009 draft is that...

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guest blogger guestblogger marty niland nationals nationals buzz stephen strasburg

Andrew Stetka: A look at the O's secondary pitching prospects

May 25, 2015, 6:50am

Orioles

Andrew Stetka: A look at the O's secondary pitching prospects

As the Orioles offense continues to plod along through May, the organization's pitching depth is also being tested. The young arms are passing the exam so far. Over the last week or so, we've seen Mike Wright, Tyler Wilson and Oliver Drake make their major league debuts with the Birds. These are three O's draft picks that aren't nearly as highly touted as the three No. 1 choices that have been ranked at the top of the team's farm system. We're talking, of course, about 2011 pick Dylan...

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andrew stetka guest blogger guestblogger mike wright oliver drake orioles orioles buzz tyler wilson

No doubting Drew Storen

May 24, 2015, 4:00pm

Nationals

The Nationals have been sizzling, with a 19-5 record over their last 24 games. Drew Storen has collected saves in nine of those 19 victories and recorded a win in another. He picked up his National League-leading 14th save in yesterday's 4-1 win over the Phillies. Storen has only allowed two earned runs in 19 1/3 innings (0.98 ERA) this season. Jose Lobaton has been behind the plate for five of Storen's 14 saves. He gave the obvious answer when asked about his thoughts when Storen enters the...

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chris johnson drew storen jose lobaton matt williams nationals nationals pastime featured_sidebar frontstory_nationals2

Nats roll through "epic" homestand with eighth straight series win

May 24, 2015, 2:45pm

Nationals

Nats roll through "epic" homestand with eighth straight series win

A sold-out Nationals Park watched the home team notch its eighth straight series win with today's 4-1 win over the Phillies. The Nationals are on a 19-5 clip over their last 24 games, vaulting them to first place in the National League East, and the fans are responding. 41,044 filled the ball park to see their young, budding superstar Bryce Harper drive in the go-ahead run in the fifth and another in the seventh to reclaim the major league lead with 41 RBIs. "I thrive on big crowds," Harper...

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Gonzalez, Harper lead Nats to 4-1 win

May 24, 2015, 11:02am

Nationals

After three scoreless innings, the Nationals and Phillies both lit up the scoreboard in the fourth. With one out, Phillies shortstop Freddy Galvis reached on an infield single. Ian Desmond made a lunging stop on Galvis' sharp grounder and then twirled to throw but it was too high for Ryan Zimmerman. Nats starter Gio Gonzalez then walked first baseman Darin Ruf to move Galvis into scoring position. Right fielder Jeff Francoeur took advantage with a line drive single to left, plating Galvis for...

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bryce harper chris johnson clint robinson gio gonzalez jose lobaton nationals nationals pastime frontstory_nationals3

Nats recall Taylor Jordan for long relief support

May 24, 2015, 8:44am

Nationals

Nats recall Taylor Jordan for long relief support

The Nationals recalled right-hander Taylor Jordan from Triple-A Syracuse on Sunday morning. The 26-year-old Jordan is 1-2 with a 2.14 ERA (10 earned runs in 42 innings) in seven starts for Syracuse this season. Jordan has held opposing hitters to a lowly .208 batting average while striking out 26 and walking only eight. Jordan was recalled briefly on April 15 but returned to Syracuse the following day without making an appearance with the Nats. The Nationals selected Jordan in the ninth-round...

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Nationals recall right-hander Taylor Jordan

May 24, 2015, 7:46am

Nationals

The Washington Nationals recalled right-handed pitcher Taylor Jordan on Sunday and optioned right-handed pitcher A.J. Cole to Triple-A Syracuse. President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Jordan, 26, is 1-2 with a 2.14 ERA (10 ER/42 IP) in seven starts for Triple-A Syracuse. Opposing batters have hit just .208 against him and he has fanned 26 while walking just eight. Jordan ranks among International League pitchers in walks and hits per innings...

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Nationals Nationals News Release

Orioles option left-hander T.J. McFarland to Triple-A Norfolk, select the contract of right-hander Chaz Roe from Triple-A Norfolk

May 24, 2015, 7:42am

Orioles

The Orioles today announced that they have optioned left-hander T.J. McFarland to Triple-A Norfolk. In a corresponding move, the Orioles have selected the contract of right-hander Chaz Roe from Triple-A Norfolk. Additionally, left-hander Wesley Wright has been transferred to the 60-day disabled list. McFarland, 25, was recalled on May 8 and has made five relief appearances while fanning eight over 5 innings. Roe, 28, has gone 3-1 with a 2.19 ERA (6 ER/24 2/3 IP) with 22 strikeouts over 17...

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Orioles Orioles News Release

Nats chasing eighth straight series win (with lineups)

May 24, 2015, 7:03am

Nationals

Nats chasing eighth straight series win (with lineups)

The Nationals go for an eighth consecutive series win today against the Phillies. It figures to be a tall test though as Philadelphia starts 6-foot-7 righty Aaron Harang. Harang owns the majors' fifth-best ERA at 1.82, allowing just 12 runs in 59 1/3 innings this season. Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg has left stars Chase Utley and Ryan Howard off his lineup card with left-hander Gio Gonzalez throwing for the Nats today. Gonzalez has been inconsistent throughout his first nine starts. In his...

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Streaky Desmond heating up again

May 24, 2015, 4:44am

Nationals

There weren't many bright spots for the Nationals yesterday in the 8-1 drubbing by the Phillies. But if you're stretching for positives, look toward Ian Desmond's eighth-inning RBI double that not only prevented a shutout but also extended the shortstop's hitting streak to eight games. On Friday, Desmond drove in the eventual game-winning run with another double high off the center field wall. The two games prior to that, Desmond hit solo homers to center in the first inning to answer early...

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Not the same Stephen Strasburg so far

May 23, 2015, 4:30pm

Nationals

Stephen Strasburg is at a point in his six-year career that he has never experienced before. The tall righty didn't make it through the fourth inning for the third time in his last four starts as the Phillies pounded him early and often in today's 8-1 victory over the Nationals. The loss snaps the Nats' six-game winning streak, but they can still capture their eighth straight series with a win in the finale tomorrow. More importantly though, are the issues with Strasburg, who's ERA balloons...

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Phillies rough up Strasburg, Nats lose 8-1

May 23, 2015, 1:04pm

Nationals

Phillies rough up Strasburg, Nats lose 8-1

Stephen Strasburg ran into difficulty in the third when he surrendered a one-out walk to Phillies left fielder Ben Revere. Shortstop Cesar Hernandez followed by slapping a double down the left field line that left the Phillies with runners at second and third. A groundout from second baseman Chase Utley scored Revere unchallenged. Then, first baseman Ryan Howard ripped an RBI double into the right field corner. Strasburg looked to be in position to finally get out of the inning as he had the...

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Anthony Rendon nearing game action in rehab process

May 23, 2015, 11:34am

Nationals

Anthony Rendon nearing game action in rehab process

Anthony Rendon was on the field for more pregame work with the Nationals this afternoon. Stationed at second base, Rendon took several grounders while working on double plays. "He feels good," Nationals manager Matt Williams said. "A little bit more intensity today on the ground balls ... turning the pivot at second. He feels good about where he's at right now. After yesterday, he reported today feeling great." After infield practice, Rendon jumped in the batter's box for a full round of...

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Marquee pitching matchup between Strasburg and Hamels (with lineups)

May 23, 2015, 10:05am

Nationals

Marquee pitching matchup between Strasburg and Hamels (with lineups)

The Nationals enter this afternoon's contest against the Phillies as winners of 18 of their past 22 games dating back to April 28. Over the torrid stretch, the Nats are leading the majors in runs (138), runs per game (6.27), batting average (.299), on-base percentage (.366) and slugging percentage (.485). The 18-4 marks also ties the best 22-game record in Nationals' history (2005-present). Phillies left-hander Cole Hamels and Nationals righty Stephen Strasburg are featured in a marquee...