Fifth-inning rally stakes Nats to 3-0 advantage (Fister, Nats win 4-2)

Fifth-inning rally stakes Nats to 3-0 advantage (Fister, Nats win 4-2)
So much for the notion that yesterday's baserunning follies were a one-game aberration. The Nationals ran themselves out of a possible rally in the first inning of today's game against the Reds, after Anthony Rendon had walked and stolen second. Jayson Werth shot a ground ball deep into the hole at short and Rendon, perhaps thinking it would sneak through, took off for third. Shortstop Ramon Santiago gloved the ball and easily caught Rendon at third base. Yesterday, a couple of baserunning...

Scoreless draw heads to fourth inning (Nats fall 1-0)

Scoreless draw heads to fourth inning (Nats fall 1-0)
Lots of zeroes on the scoreboard so far, as the Reds' gloves have done a nice job of blunting a couple of potential scoring opportunities for the Nationals. In the first, the Nats had runners on first and second with one out when Adam LaRoche struck a ball that appeared destined to sail over the head of center fielder Billy Hamilton. But Hamilton caught up to the drive and hauled it in for an out. An inning later, after Bryce Harper drew a leadoff walk, Wilson Ramos crushed a ball to...

Zimmerman's latest injury will create playing time for reserves

Zimmerman's latest injury will create playing time for reserves
Remember early in the season when Ryan Zimmerman's fractured thumb led to some interesting lineup combinations as first-year Nationals manager Matt Williams juggled the batting order to get keep his bench players fresh? Get ready for more of the same, which should make the guys riding the pine happier. With Zimmerman landing on the 15-day disabled list because of a right hamstring strain, and the Nationals not releasing any definitive information on the severity of the injury or the timetable...

OriolesREACH, Nick and Christina Markakis partner with Casey Cares Foundation for 5K run/walk at Oriole Park on Aug. 2

OriolesREACH, Nick and Christina Markakis partner with Casey Cares Foundation for 5K run/walk at Oriole Park on Aug. 2
The Orioles and OriolesREACH have partnered with the Casey Cares Foundation to host the fifth annual Casey Cares 5K run/walk at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Saturday, August 2. Orioles right fielder Nick Markakis, and his wife, Christina, will serve as race ambassadors. Keith Mills, Sports Director of 98 Rock and WBAL Radio, will be the event's emcee. "The Orioles have been an amazing supporter of the Casey Cares mission and our 5K," said Casey Baynes, Founder and Executive Director of...

Desmond is Nationals' nominee for Heart & Hustle Award

Desmond is Nationals' nominee for Heart & Hustle Award
When you think of Ian Desmond, you think of intensity. Whether he's manning shortstop, swinging in the batter's box or reaching out into the community, Desmond knows only one way to do things: giving 100 precent. Is it any wonder Nationals manager Matt Williams has trouble getting Desmond to consider taking a day off? The guy defines workaholic, in the best possible sense. Others are taking notice, too. This morning, Desmond was announced as the Nats' nominee for the Heart & Hustle...

Williams explains lineup logic, says Fister's stuff will play at Coors (updated)

Williams explains lineup logic, says Fister's stuff will play at Coors (updated)
In his last six games, Bryce Harper has raised his average from .246 to .263 and hit a pair of home runs. Ever since taking a more upright approach at the plate, he's been raking. So why is Harper on the bench tonight as the Nationals open a three-game series at Coors Field against the Rockies? Manager Matt Williams told reporters in Denver that the reason is two-fold: He wants to give Harper the occasional day off, especially since he seems to be struggling lately against left-handed...

Orioles to celebrate 60th anniversary with series of events Aug. 8

Orioles to celebrate 60th anniversary with series of events Aug. 8
The Orioles today announced plans to celebrate their 60th Anniversary season in Baltimore with a series of events before, during and after their August 8 game against the St. Louis Cardinals. The Orioles are welcoming back 23 Orioles Hall of Famers, who will take part in a spectacular post-game celebration. Expected to attend are Orioles Legends Eddie Murray, Cal Ripken Jr., Brooks Robinson and Frank Robinson, as well as the following Orioles Hall of Famers: Brady Anderson, Mike Bordick, Don...

Orioles recall Gausman from Triple-A Norfolk, place Jimenez on 15-day DL

Orioles recall Gausman from Triple-A Norfolk, place Jimenez on 15-day DL
The Orioles today announced that they have recalled right-hander Kevin Gausman from Triple-A Norfolk and placed right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to July 8, with a sprained right ankle. Gausman is expected to start tonight's game against New York. Gausman, 23, has posted a 3.18 ERA (45.1IP, 16ER) and 45 strikeouts in 12 minor league starts (11 with Norfolk, one with Class-A Aberdeen). He has gone 3-2 with a 3.51 ERA (33.1IP, 13ER) in six starts for the...

Orioles recall Guilmet from Triple-A Norfolk, send Norris to Double-A Bowie

Orioles recall Guilmet from Triple-A Norfolk, send Norris to Double-A Bowie
The Orioles today announced that they have recalled right-hander Preston Guilmet from Triple-A Norfolk and optioned right-hander Bud Norris to Double-A Bowie. Guilmet, 26, has posted a 5.79 ERA (9.1IP, 6ER) in nine games with the Orioles this season, striking out 11 and walking two. Norris, 29, has gone 7-6 with a 3.96 ERA (91.0IP, 40ER) in 15 starts for the Orioles this season.

Nationals add Faith Day and bonus promotions to 2014 calendar

Nationals add Faith Day and bonus promotions to 2014 calendar
As the Washington Nationals gear up for the second half of the 2014 baseball season, the team today announced the addition of Faith Day to the promotional schedule, which features a free postgame concert with contemporary Christian musician Lincoln Brewster on Saturday, September 6. Lincoln Brewster's career - which includes collaborations with Steve Perry (Journey) and Michael W. Smith (Grammy Award-winning Christian music artist) - has brought national acclaim to the California native....

Harper's star turn in new ESPN spot

Harper's star turn in new ESPN spot
Do you cry at the end of "Field of Dreams"? Yeah, me, too. When Ray Kinsella, played by Kevin Costner, and his dad have a catch in that Iowa cornfield, it gets to me. Every. Damn. Time. That film and that reaction are the focuses of a new "This is SportsCenter" spot on ESPN, starring Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper - as you've never seen him before. No spoiler here, no description of his interaction with ESPN anchors Hannah Storm, John Anderson and Bram Weinstein. The spot is entitled...

Inclement weather postpones Orioles-Nationals game until Aug. 4

Inclement weather postpones Orioles-Nationals game until Aug. 4
Tonight's Nationals-Orioles game scheduled to begin at 7:05 p.m. at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., has been rescheduled for Monday, August 4 (time TBD) due to inclement weather. Fans with game tickets to tonight's postponed contest may use their original tickets for the rescheduled game on August 4. Those unable to attend the game on August 4 can exchange their tickets for any game during the 2014 regular season. Exchanged tickets will be issued from available inventory in the closest...

Jordan Zimmermann named NL All-Star, Rendon eligible for The Final Vote

Jordan Zimmermann named NL All-Star, Rendon eligible for The Final Vote
Washington Nationals right-handed starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann today was named a National League All-Star by Cardinals field manager Mike Matheny and Major League Baseball. The 85th Major League Baseball All-Star Game will be held at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minn. on Tuesday, July 15. The All-Star invitation is the second of Zimmermann's career. He represented the Nationals at the 2013 All-Star Game at Citi Field, but did not pitch in the American League's 3-0 victory. After...

Orioles add Guilmet as 26th player in nightcap of doubleheader

Orioles add Guilmet as 26th player in nightcap of doubleheader
The Orioles today announced that they have recalled right-hander Preston Guilmet from Triple-A Norfolk as the 26th player on the roster for the second game of today's doubleheader. Guilmet, 26, is 4-1 with a 4.60 ERA (31.1IP, 16ER) and 34 strikeouts in 27 games for the Tides. He has pitched to a 5.79 ERA (9.1IP, 6ER) and 11 strikeouts in nine appearances for the Orioles this season.

Orioles encourage fans to Vote Orange online and help send O's players to 2014 All-Star Game

Orioles encourage fans to Vote Orange online and help send O's players to 2014 All-Star Game
After successfully recording and returning nearly one million ballots from in-park voting at Oriole Park, the Orioles are encouraging fans to continue voting to send their favorite Orioles to the 2014 MLB All-Star Game in Minnesota by voting online. DH Nelson Cruz and catcher Matt Wieters currently lead the voting at their respective positions, and a late push for outfielder Adam Jones, in addition to first baseman Chris Davis, shortstop J.J. Hardy, third baseman Manny Machado and outfielder...

Nationals activate Harper from DL, option Cedeno to Triple-A

Nationals activate Harper from DL, option Cedeno to Triple-A
The Washington Nationals today returned from rehab and reinstated outfielder Bryce Harper from the 15-Day Disabled List, and optioned left-handed reliever Xavier Cedeno to Syracuse of the Triple-A International League. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Harper, 21, rejoins the Nationals after missing 59 games with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb. During a rehab assignment with Single-A Potomac and Double-A...

Almanzar activated from 60-day disabled list, designated for assignment

Almanzar activated from 60-day disabled list, designated for assignment
The Orioles today announced that they have reinstated infielder Michael Almanzar from the 60-day disabled list and designated him for assignment. Almanzar, 23, was selected by the Orioles in the Rule 5 draft from Boston on December 12, 2013. He was placed on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 23, with left patellar tendinitis and transferred to the 60-day DL on June 6.

Cake competition on July 13 will honor Yankees-Orioles rivalry

Cake competition on July 13 will honor Yankees-Orioles rivalry
You already know what the rivalry between the Yankees and Orioles looks like on the baseball diamond. But what shape will this heated battle take in the kitchen? Mary Smith from Charm City Cakes and TV's "Ace of Cakes" will host a cake class and competition on Sunday, July 13 at 11 a.m. at its Baltimore headquarters, 2936 Remington Ave. After Smith demonstrates how to properly fondant a cake and shows the different decorating methods she utilizes, student competitiors will use those tips to...

Shedding some daylight on "Moonlight" Graham's Baltimore connections

Shedding some daylight on "Moonlight" Graham's Baltimore connections
Yesterday marked the anniversary of Archibald "Moonlight" Graham's one-game major league career. Back in 1905, he played a half-inning in the outfield for the New York Giants, faded into the obscurity of pre-Internet agate and didn't reappear to a wide audience again until 1989, when "Field of Dreams" introduced him as a baseball-playing spectre who helped save Ray Kinsella's daughter from choking on a hot dog only to lose his ability to take part in the ghostly games on an converted...

Rendon joins Taylor Hooton Foundation's Advisory Board

Rendon joins Taylor Hooton Foundation's Advisory Board
The Taylor Hooton Foundation announced today that Anthony Rendon of the Washington Nationals has joined its new Advisory Board made up exclusively of active players from throughout Major League Baseball. The Hooton Foundation is widely acknowledged as the leader in the advocacy against appearance and performance enhancing drug use by the youth of America. The Nationals second baseman joins 12 other charter members of the "Advisory Board," which also includes Jay Bruce (Cincinnati Reds), John...