Josh Land

Matthew Taylor: Revolving rotation usually doesn't end well

September 09, 2016, 5:57am

Orioles

Matthew Taylor: Revolving rotation usually doesn't end well

How many starting pitchers did the Baltimore Orioles use during the 2012 season? That's the question that came to mind for me this week when I learned that the Los Angeles Dodgers are on course to make the playoffs for a second consecutive season while using 15 or more starters. This year's Dodgers would join last year's Dodgers and the 1989 San Francisco Giants as the only teams ever to use that many different starters and still qualify for the postseason. The Orioles have come to know a...

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Patrick Reddington: Strasburg's latest injury not the worst-case scenario

September 09, 2016, 5:48am

Nationals

Patrick Reddington: Strasburg's latest injury not the worst-case scenario

Considering what the worst-case scenarios could have been, the diagnosis of a strained flexor mass for Stephen Strasburg was relatively "good" bad news. It's still a significant blow for the Washington Nationals and their 28-year-old starter, of course. "It's very good to know," Dusty Baker told reporters after the official announcement of the results of the MRI on Strasburg's elbow. "I met with our trainer Paul Lessard and we discussed it extensively and everybody was pretty satisfied...

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Zach Wilt: Bundy's been solid, but it's time for a breather

September 08, 2016, 5:10am

Orioles

Zach Wilt: Bundy's been solid, but it's time for a breather

Despite his recent struggles, Dylan Bundy is telling Orioles fans everything they want to hear. He feels fine, his arm isn't an issue and he's comfortable pitching every fifth day. Unfortunately, the results just haven't been there for Bundy of late. He's pitched to a 6.46 ERA over his last five starts and his fastball velocity has dipped from 95-96 miles per hour to 92-93. Whatever numbers Bundy finishes with in 2016, he's been a terrific story this season for the Orioles. The guy hadn't...

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David Huzzard: With Strasburg in doubt, young arms must step up

September 08, 2016, 4:55am

Nationals

David Huzzard: With Strasburg in doubt, young arms must step up

Some time last season, the Washington Nationals became just another D.C. sports team to me. This doesn't mean I'm no longer a huge Nationals fan or that I'm not going to buy a 2016 division champs t-shirt, because I am and I will. It means that I watch Nationals games in much the same way as I do Wizards or Capitals games; with mild disinterest and a bonus when the team wins. Most of the time I just fall asleep before the game is over. For most of their existence the Nationals were the one...

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Nationals reinstate RHP Stephen Strasburg and INF Stephen Drew

September 07, 2016, 11:23am

Nationals

The Washington Nationals reinstated right-handed pitcher Stephen Strasburg and returned from rehab and reinstated infielder Stephen Drew from the 15-day disabled list on Wednesday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcements. Strasburg, who will start on Wednesday night vs. the Atlanta Braves, missed 16 games with right elbow soreness in his most recent disabled list stint. The right-hander, who missed 17 games in June with an upper back...

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Dillon Atkinson: O's power bats are surging at the right time

September 07, 2016, 7:00am

Orioles

Dillon Atkinson: O's power bats are surging at the right time

In the month of June, the Orioles had one of the hottest, if not the hottest, offense in the big leagues. However, when the calendar flipped to July, the bats went cold and the club's top three sluggers weren't anywhere to be found. For a team that is so reliant on its offense since it has a thin pitching staff, many rightfully assumed success wouldn't be likely. And it wasn't. In July and August combined, the O's had a 25-30 record. With an inconsistent rotation and a slumping offense,...

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Charlie Fliegel: Is this the most talented Nationals team ever?

September 07, 2016, 6:51am

Nationals

As the Nationals sit atop the National League East with the second best record in all of baseball, I got to thinking about how this team might compare to other Nats teams. So, I took a look at the best seasons (by WAR, averaging the Fangraphs and Baseball Reference numbers) to see where the guys on this team stack up. Now, there isn't a ton of history here, so being the best at a position ever for the Nats really means being the best in a decade, but that's still something. Let's start with...

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MASN booth returning to Fairgrounds

September 06, 2016, 8:19am

Nationals

September baseball is here! As we head down the stretch, we want to hook you up with the latest MASN Nats swag! If you're heading to the Nats game Sunday, make sure to swing by the Fairgrounds first and find the MASN tent. We're be slinging FREE Nats giveaway items out before the game! Text "NATSPARK" to 29292 when you get to the booth, and you'll be automatically entered to win! No matter what, you'll walk away with a free prize courtesy of MASN! (You have to be at the park in order to...

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Steve Mears: Lack of pitching depth has put Nats in a tough spot

September 06, 2016, 6:04am

Nationals

Steve Mears: Lack of pitching depth has put Nats in a tough spot

The Nationals' formula to success begins with great starting pitching. "You can never have enough starting pitching," general manager Mike Rizzo said in spring training. The Nationals had signed Bronson Arroyo in the offseason, and it was looking like Arroyo could make the 2016 team, allowing Rizzo to stash Joe Ross in Triple-A. The best-laid plans don't always work out, as Arroyo was injured in spring, and the Nationals' depth looked like a pick 'em from Taylor Jordan, Taylor Hill and...

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Ryan Romano: Digging into Kevin Gausman's clutch season

September 06, 2016, 5:36am

Orioles

Ryan Romano: Digging into Kevin Gausman's clutch season

For a few years now, Chris Tillman has carried the title of Orioles ace, but someone else might have taken his throne. After his third straight shutout start, Kevin Gausman has lowered his season ERA to 3.58, the best mark among Baltimore starters. He has the peripherals to back that up, too - his FIP and xFIP both lead the team, as well. Although it took him some time to arrive at this point, the 25-year-old righty has finally broken out, and his ability to perform under pressure has...

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Marty Niland: Looking back on a classic Nats extra-inning win

September 04, 2016, 8:15pm

Nationals

Marty Niland: Looking back on a classic Nats extra-inning win

The Nationals are headed for the National League East championship with a possible division series matchup against the Los Angeles Dodgers, who are currently three games up on the San Francisco Giants in the NL West. It a little more than two years ago, as the Nats were rolling toward their most recent division title, that they clashed with the Dodgers in perhaps the two teams' most memorable regular season contest, an 8-5 Nationals victory in 14 innings. The five-hour, 31-minute marathon at...

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Andrew Stetka: Orioles' call-ups leave much to be desired

September 04, 2016, 8:02pm

Orioles

As I've watched a number of players get the call-up across baseball over the last few days, one thing continues to weigh heavily on my mind. The Orioles don't have anyone in the farm system that really excites you. Sure, there are a few players who may end up being contributors one day. But none of these players really get you excited in the way that we've seen across the league. The Orioles could use a spark from the minors right now as they push to make the playoffs, but they aren't...

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Opposite dugout: Rays hoping to spoil hopes of division rival

September 04, 2016, 6:38pm

Orioles

Opposite dugout: Rays hoping to spoil hopes of division rival

Manager: Kevin Cash (2nd season) Record: 58-77 Last 10 games: 5-5 Who to watch: 2B Logan Forsythe (.283 with 17 HR, 46 RBIs), 3B Evan Longoria (.282 with 31 HR, 85 RBIs), SS Brad Miller (118 hits, 26 HR), RHP Jake Odorizzi (9-5, 3.56 ERA), RHP Matt Andriese (6-6, 4.19 ERA). Season series vs. Orioles: 3-9 Pitching probables: Sept. 5: RHP Ubaldo Jimenez vs. RHP Matt Andriese, 1:10 p.m., MASNSept. 6: RHP Yovani Gallardo vs. RHP Jake Odorizzi, 7:10 p.m., MASNSept. 7: RHP Dylan Bundy vs. LHP...

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Hitting the Books with Gary Thorne: "Crime Novels: American Noir of the 1930s and 40s"

September 02, 2016, 12:08pm

Orioles

Hitting the Books with Gary Thorne: "Crime Novels: American Noir of the 1930s and 40s"

"Crime Novels: American Noir of the 1930s and 40s," a collection of six classic, hard-to-pigeonhole masterpieces, is writing that again brings to "Hitting the Books" the noir works of this time period. The collection is part of the Library of American series from Literary Classics of the U.S., a publisher out of New York City. This volume's editor, Robert Polito, describes the six selections: "Evolving out of the terse and violent style of the pulp magazines, American Noir fiction...

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Dollars for doughnuts: Gausman family doing its part to assist flood victims

September 02, 2016, 11:15am

Orioles

Dollars for doughnuts: Gausman family doing its part to assist flood victims

Louisiana isn't home to any Major League Baseball teams. In fact, the closest big league ballpark to the state's capital of Baton Rouge is a nearly 4 1/2-hour drive to Houston, where the Astros call home. Yet in Baltimore, one pitcher and former Louisiana resident is doing his part do help those affected by the horrific flooding that arrived unannounced on Aug. 12, and left a state and countless parishes with broken homes and businesses. Orioles pitcher Kevin Gausman and his fiancÃ©e have...

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Orioles recall three players from Triple-A Norfolk

September 02, 2016, 10:47am

Orioles

The Orioles today announced that they have recalled LHP Jayson Aquino, C Caleb Joseph, and RHP Tyler Wilson from Triple-A Norfolk. Additionally, OF Michael Bourn and OF Drew Stubbs have reported to the club. Aquino, 23, pitched to a 3.72 ERA (53 ER/128.1 IP) between Double-A Bowie (20 games, 19 starts) and Triple-A Norfolk (five games) this season. He was named the Eastern League Pitcher of the Week from May 30-June 5, going 2-0 over 15.0 scoreless innings in two starts. Over 124 career minor...

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Nationals add seven players to active roster

September 02, 2016, 10:44am

Nationals

The Washington Nationals added seven players to the active roster on Friday as September's roster expansion period began. The Nationals recalled catcher Pedro Severino, outfielder Brian Goodwin, right-handed pitchers Trevor Gott and Rafael Martin, and left-handed pitcher Matt Grace from Triple-A Syracuse. Additionally, Washington selected the contracts of left-handed pitcher Sean Burnett and right-handed pitcher Mat Latos from Triple-A Syracuse. Outfielder Matt den Dekker was designated for...

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Nationals News Release nationals

Patrick Reddington: Rizzo on the Schrock-Rzepczynski deal

September 02, 2016, 4:43am

Nationals

Patrick Reddington: Rizzo on the Schrock-Rzepczynski deal

After drafting Max Schrock out of the University of South Carolina in the 13th round of the 2015 First-Year Player Draft, the Washington Nationals signed the infielder to a $500,000 bonus, which MLB.com's Jim Callis noted was the highest bonus after the 10th round to that point. In a 46-game stint with the New York/Penn League's Auburn Doubledays in 2015, the 20-going-on-21-year-old put up a .308/.355/.448 slash line with 10 doubles, four triples and two home runs in 186 plate appearances. At...

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Matthew Taylor: A trip with my son to remind me what baseball is all about

September 02, 2016, 4:25am

Orioles

Matthew Taylor: A trip with my son to remind me what baseball is all about

It's been a tough week in Birdland. It's times like these when I think irrational thoughts, like wondering if being a baseball fan is worth the aggravation. The ballpark trip I took with my son last weekend reminds me that it's about more than the outcome of games. Here's the story of the first of what I hope will be many annual summer baseball trips together: With the final out of an early half-inning having been recorded, the Chattanooga Lookouts' promotions announcer sprung into action,...

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Opposite dugout: Mets in search of wild card berth

September 01, 2016, 5:06pm

Nationals

Opposite dugout: Mets in search of wild card berth

Manager: Terry Collins (6th season) Record: 69-65 Last 10 games: 7-3 Who to watch: CF Yoenis Cespedes (.297 with 27 HR, 68 RBIs), SS Asdrubal Cabrera (.272 with 113 hits), RHP Bartolo Colon (12-7, 3.35 ERA), RHP Noah Syndergaard (12-7, 2.55 ERA), RHP Jeurys Familia (2.60 ERA with 44 saves) Season series vs. Nationals: 4-9 Pitching probables: Sept. 2: RHP A.J. Cole vs. RHP Noah Syndergaard, 7:10 p.m., MASN2Sept. 3: RHP Tanner Roark vs. RHP Robert Gsellman, 7:10 p.m., MASN2Sept. 4: RHP Max...