Josh Land

Williams on Zimmerman's status, Walters at second

July 25, 2014, 2:19pm

The Nationals get back to work after the off-day, starting a brutal stretch where they play 17 straight days and 33 of 34. And they'll have to go through at least a good chunk of that without third baseman Ryan Zimmerman, who went on the disabled list with a hamstring injury on Wednesday. Manager Matt Williams had nothing new about the timetable for Zimmerman's return before Friday's series opener at the Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. "It's really early. His plan right now is...

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Patrick Reddington: Delving deeper into Suarez not signing with Nats

July 25, 2014, 6:56am

Nationals

Patrick Reddington: Delving deeper into Suarez not signing with Nats

Nationals scouting director Kris Kline was genuinely excited about getting left-hander Andrew Suarez with the Nats' second-round pick, 57th overall in this past June's amateur draft. Kline talked the pitcher up when he spoke to reporters about this year's picks after the second day's selections were completed. "We got Suarez from the University of Miami, who we love," Kline said. "Big lefty. Physical kid. Up to 97 with a plus slider and a plus changeup that commands his stuff very...

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Matthew Taylor: Random acts of ballpark kindness

July 25, 2014, 4:56am

Orioles

Matthew Taylor: Random acts of ballpark kindness

Have you experienced a random act of ballpark kindness? Better yet, have you performed one? It seems we've heard much in recent years about boorish ballpark behavior. The most publicized incidents have involved fights between opposing fans that resulted in serious injuries. It's enough to make even the most dedicated fan consider passing up on the peanuts and Cracker Jack and decide to never go back. Less publicized are the simple kindnesses shared between strangers that add to the fun of...

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Gausman battles division rival in donut-eating contest

July 24, 2014, 12:24pm

Orioles

Gausman battles division rival in donut-eating contest

Kevin Gausman is known for more than his skills on the mound. His donut-eating reputation has made its way to the big stage, so MLB Fan Cave decided to put it to the test. Gausman went up against American League East rival Marcus Stroman of the Blue Jays to find out who could eat six powdered donuts the quickest. I won't spoil the ending for you, but let's just say it was a nail-biter. Or should I say donut-biter? Too corny? OK, just watch the battle below. Your browser does not support...

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Orioles acquire INF/OF Jimmy Paredes from Kansas City

July 24, 2014, 9:29am

Orioles

The Orioles today announced that they have acquired infielder/outfielder Jimmy Paredes from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for cash considerations. Paredes has been optioned to Triple-A Norfolk. Paredes, 25, batted .305/.332/.457 (82-269) with five home runs and 36 RBI in 65 games for Triple-A Omaha this season. The switch-hitter was 17-for-18 in stolen bases for the Storm Chasers and has recorded 183 stolen bases in eight minor league seasons. In 127 major league games with Houston...

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Opposite dugout: Winless since the break, Reds look to get back on track

July 24, 2014, 8:51am

Nationals

Opposite dugout: Winless since the break, Reds look to get back on track

Manager: Bryan Price, first year Record: 51-50 Last 10 games: 2-8 Who to watch: 3B Todd Frazier (.283/.344/.488, 17 doubles, 20 HR, 54 RBIs, 15 SB); C Devin Mesoraco (.288/.359/.572, 15 doubles, 16 HR, 46 RBIs); RHP Johnny Cueto (10-6, 2.18 ERA, 0.92 WHIP); RHP Alfredo Simon (12-4, 2.74 ERA, 1.05 WHIP) Season series vs. Nats: 2-1, 10 runs scored, 13 runs allowed Pitching probables July 25: Alfredo Simon vs. Tanner Roark, 7 p.m., MASN HD July 26: Johnny Cueto vs. Gio Gonzalez, 4 p.m., MASN...

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Opposite dugout: Mariners take majors' best pitching staff into series with O's

July 24, 2014, 5:43am

Orioles

Opposite dugout: Mariners take majors' best pitching staff into series with O's

Manager: Lloyd McClendon, first year Record: 53-48 Last 10 games: 4-6 Who to watch: 2B Robinson Cano (.332/.389/.455, 23 doubles, 7 HR, 57 RBIs); 3B Kyle Seager (.277/.346/.486, 23 doubles, 16 HR, 66 RBIs); RHP Felix Hernandez (11-2, 2.02 ERA, 0.90 WHIP); RHP Hisashi Iwakuma (8-4, 2.95 ERA, 0.99 WHIP) Season series vs. O's (2013): 4-2, 35 runs scored, 29 runs allowed Pitching probables July 24: Hisashi Iwakuma vs. Wei-Yin Chen, 10 p.m., MASN HD July 25: Felix Hernandez vs. Kevin Gausman, 10...

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Before game even started, Barrett was victorious in standoff

July 24, 2014, 5:11am

Nationals

Before game even started, Barrett was victorious in standoff

The national anthem had been sung. Most of the players had left the field. Coors Field was ready for baseball to begin. Or was it? After pregame, two players remained on the field: Brandon Barnes of the Rockies and the Nats' Aaron Barrett. Stuck in a standoff, they both refused to move from their places on the field. Before Denard Span stepped in the box, the dueling players were helped out by their teammates and were brought sunscreen, water and more. Hilarity ensued, but more...

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David Huzzard: The Nationals and offense through the years

July 24, 2014, 5:05am

Nationals

If Nationals fans were polled on which area of the team needed to improve during the stretch run, most of them would say the offense. It would come as a surprising fact to those fans that the Nationals are third in the National League in runs per game at 4.24, but their answer isn't the least bit surprising. With the strike in 1994, baseball lost a good many fans, and in 1998, the home run chase between Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire brought in new fans. Those fans that watched baseball in the...

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Zach Wilt: J.J. Hardy's puzzling season

July 24, 2014, 4:53am

Orioles

While Adam Jones, Nelson Cruz and even Steve Pearce have deservedly been credited with leading the Orioles' march to the top of the American League East, it's important to recognize the role that J.J. Hardy has played this season. If you glance quickly at the power numbers, Hardy's season may appear to be a disappointment. The Orioles shortstop has hit four home runs this year and is on pace to finish 2014 with seven. Hardy has averaged 25 homers a season since joining the O's in 2011,...

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Strasburg, Desmond and Williams on Nats' loss to Rockies

July 23, 2014, 4:41pm

Nationals

Strasburg, Desmond and Williams on Nats' loss to Rockies

The Nationals were unable to finish off a season sweep of the Rockies on Wednesday, seeing a ninth-inning rally fall short in a 6-4 loss. Instead, Washington had to settle for finishing 5-1 against Colorado as the club heads to Cincinnati for the second leg of a three-city road trip. "Just we gave ourselves a chance again. That's the nature of this ballpark, but then again, it's some pretty good at-bats put together against their closer in the last inning," manager Matt Williams said....

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Zimmerman: "To be able to deal with things like this is one of our strong suits"

July 23, 2014, 3:57pm

Nationals

Zimmerman: "To be able to deal with things like this is one of our strong suits"

After today's loss to the Rockies, Nationals manager Matt Williams was able to shed some light on Ryan Zimmerman's MRI results. Not much is known regarding a timetable for the third baseman's recovery, but Williams indicated that Zimmerman's hamstring strain isn't a minor one. "It's a pretty substantial strain of the hamstring," Williams said. "So he's going to fly with us to Cincinnati and he'll get back from there in the next day or so and start getting some work done on it with...

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Williams on ramifications of placing Zimmerman on DL

July 23, 2014, 11:29am

Nationals

Williams on ramifications of placing Zimmerman on DL

With the Nationals placing Ryan Zimmerman on the disabled list for the second time this season, the team is all of a sudden no longer at full strength. The Nats lose one of their hottest bats with the third baseman being shelved for at least two weeks with a hamstring injury. Infielder Zach Walters was brought up from Triple-A Syracuse to take the open spot on the 25-man roster. Before today's game at Coors Field, manager Matt Williams addressed the loss of Zimmerman, how it affects the club...

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Rachel Levitin: Will Zimmerman's injury put a strain on Nats?

July 23, 2014, 5:14am

Nationals

Rachel Levitin: Will Zimmerman's injury put a strain on Nats?

The unfortunate bout of luck that befell a hustling Ryan Zimmerman is sure to put a slight strain on the post-All-Star break Nationals. A strained right hamstring is Zimmerman's injury and the Nats will now press onward, hoping that this setback is nothing more than a minor one. There is good news, though: The Nats sit in first place among their National League East brethren and lead Atlanta by two games. Washington has won four straight games, which is a nice tone to set while the final...

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Daniel Clark: Through adversity, Machado shows he's gaining maturity

July 22, 2014, 6:41pm

Orioles

Daniel Clark: Through adversity, Machado shows he's gaining maturity

At times, it's very easy to forget that Manny Machado is just 22. The 2014 season has presented a number of significant challenges for the talented young third baseman, but despite the troubles, it appears that he has come through it for the better. Starting the season on the sidelines after a horrific knee injury last September, Machado's rehab took slightly longer than Orioles fans had originally hoped. When the 2013 Platinum Glove winner wasn't ready for opening day, it gave yet another...

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Orioles recall RHP Miguel Gonzalez from Triple-A Norfolk; RHP Preston Guilmet optioned to Tides

July 22, 2014, 4:34pm

Orioles

The Orioles today announced that they have recalled right-hander Miguel Gonzalez from Triple-A Norfolk and optioned right-hander Preston Guilmet to the Tides. Gonzalez, 30, has gone 4-5 with a 4.04 ERA (89.0IP, 40ER) in 16 games (15 starts) for the Orioles. Guilmet, 26, has posted a 5.23 ERA (10.1IP, 6ER) and 12 strikeouts in 10 appearances for the Orioles this season.

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Williams offers optimistic updates on Zimmermann, Frandsen and Fister

July 22, 2014, 3:56pm

Nationals

Williams offers optimistic updates on Zimmermann, Frandsen and Fister

Jordan Zimmermann is set to make his first start since suffering a right biceps strain on July 11. On paper, he couldn't pick a better opponent to face for his return. In seven career starts against the Rockies, he's 5-0 with a minuscule 1.64 ERA. However, he will be throwing in tough conditions, which will make skipper Matt Williams keep a close eye on his starter. "His flat ground was good, his long toss was good, his bullpen was good. There haven't been any issues," Williams said at...

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Dave Nichols: Will Nationals be active at trade deadline?

July 22, 2014, 5:11am

Nationals

The non-waiver trade deadline is 10 days away, but there has been very little mention of the Nationals in the national media with regard to being a player in the annual talent swap. Perhaps that's a good thing. With Monday night's 7-2 win over the Colorado Rockies, coupled with the Braves' loss to Miami, the Nats took over the lead in the National League East yet again. Their 54-43 record is good for first overall in the NL, percentage points better than Milwaukee (whom the Nats just took...

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Orioles recall right-hander Bud Norris from Double-A Bowie; Catcher Steve Clevenger optioned to Triple-A Norfolk

July 21, 2014, 2:58pm

Orioles

The Orioles today announced that they have recalled right-hander Bud Norris from Double-A Bowie and optioned catcher Steve Clevenger to Triple-A Norfolk. Norris, 29, is 7-6 with a 3.96 ERA (91.0IP, 40ER) in 15 starts for the Orioles this season. Clevenger, 28, appeared in two games for the Orioles after being recalled on July 12. He has batted .328/.378/.458 in 36 games with Norfolk and .240/.296/.373...

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Opposite dugout: Struggling Rockies always dangerous because of potent lineup

July 21, 2014, 6:29am

Nationals

Opposite dugout: Struggling Rockies always dangerous because of potent lineup

Manager: Walt Weiss, second year Record: 40-58 Last 10 games: 3-7 Who to watch: SS Troy Tulowitzki (.340/.432/.603, 18 doubles, 21 HR, 52 RBIs, 71 R); 1B Justin Morneau (.312/.345/.502, 20 doubles, 13 HR, 60 RBIs); RF Charlie Blackmon (.305/.351/.477, 17 doubles, 14 HR, 52 RBIs, 18 SB); LHP Jorge De La Rosa (10-6, 4.39 ERA, 1.30 WHIP) Season series vs. Nats: 0-3, 7 runs scored, 18 runs allowed Pitching probables July 21: Franklin Morales vs. Doug Fister, 8:30 p.m., MASN HD July 22: TBA vs....