Pete Kerzel

Williams updates progress of Ramos, Hairston, Fister, Zimmerman

May 02, 2014, 2:28pm

Wilson Ramos caught three innings in an extended spring training game today in Viera, Fla., hitting two homers and a double. But the strong showing may not sway the Nationals from taking the more patient and conservative course in his rehabilitation from surgery to remove the hamate bone from his left hand. "We'll see how he does tomorrow," manager Matt Williams said before the Nationals opened a three-game weekend series at Citizens Bank Park against the Phillies. "He's scheduled to catch...

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Zimmermann becomes winningest pitcher in Nats history

May 01, 2014, 4:50am

Nationals

Zimmermann becomes winningest pitcher in Nats history

Once the Nationals offense got going, right-hander Jordan Zimmermann had no trouble becoming the winningest pitcher in team history. Anthony Rendon had four hits, including a home run, and three RBIs, and Zimmermann combined with three relievers on a shutout as the Nats completed a two-game sweep with a 7-0 victory over the Astros on Wednesday night. Zimmermann posted his 45th victory for the Nats, breaking a tie with Livan Hernandez atop the team's all-time wins register. He scattered seven...

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Williams on Harper's injury and what's next

April 27, 2014, 8:24am

Nationals

Williams on Harper's injury and what's next

The decision to place outfielder Bryce Harper on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained left thumb was two-fold, said Nationals manager Matt Williams: It gives the team time to get a full evaluation of what's wrong with the digit, and allows Harper some additional time to let the swelling in the thumb dissipate. Williams said there's some concern in the organization because Harper has previously injured the thumb. So he's going to Cleveland on Monday to get a second opinion from Dr. Thomas...

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Fans encouraged to "Vote Orange" and send O's to All-Star Game

April 26, 2014, 11:59am

Orioles

Fans encouraged to "Vote Orange" and send O's to All-Star Game

The Orioles want you to vote early, vote often and - perhaps most importantly - "Vote Orange" to send deserving O's to the All-Star Game in Minnesota on July 15. Online voting has begun here, and in-stadium voting begins Sunday at Camden Yards. Who's on the ballot? First baseman Chris Davis, second baseman Ryan Flaherty, shortstop J.J. Hardy, third baseman Manny Machado, catcher Matt Wieters, designated hitter Nelson Cruz, and outfielders David Lough, Adam Jones and Nick Markakis. Fans can...

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Roark blanks Padres on three hits in 4-0 win

April 26, 2014, 9:25am

Nationals

Roark blanks Padres on three hits in 4-0 win

If you liked last night's offensive explosion from the Nationals, you'll like the start to this afternoon's game. After one inning, the Nats have a 3-0 lead on the Padres. So much for any worries that a day game after a rain-delayed night game would lead to some sort of hangover. The bats are alive, all right. After Tanner Roark dispatched the Friars on nine pitches in a 1-2-3 top of the first, the Nats quickly went to work. With one out, Anthony Rendon singled, Jayson Werth reached on an...

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Williams says Harper is available, Gonzalez is feeling fine (updated)

April 26, 2014, 7:51am

Nationals

Williams says Harper is available, Gonzalez is feeling fine (updated)

Bryce Harper is scheduled to be seen by a hand specialist today at Nationals Park, and the Nationals will wait until that examination is complete to determine if any further diagnostic measures, such as an MRI, are necessary. Harper jammed his left thumb on a headfirst slide into third base on a triple in Friday night's game against the Padres, and manager Matt Williams said early returns on the injury are promising. "The early tests, anyway, are pretty good," Williams said in his pregame...

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Nats activate Span from DL, option Souza to Triple-A

April 19, 2014, 7:20am

Nationals

Nats activate Span from DL, option Souza to Triple-A

The Washington Nationals today recalled from rehab and reinstated outfielder Denard Span from the 7-Day Disabled List and optioned outfielder Steven Souza Jr. to Syracuse of the Triple-A International League. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Span, 30, rejoins the Nationals after going 2-for-4 with two RBI, three runs, three walks and a stolen base in two rehab contests with Hagerstown of the Single-A South Atlantic League. Before...

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Orioles unveil additional 60th anniversary interactive elements for fans

April 17, 2014, 8:02am

Orioles

In celebration of their 60th Anniversary season, the Orioles are offering fans several opportunities to share their memories of six decades of Orioles baseball and participate in year-long contests for a chance to win a variety of prizes. * #OsInstaMemories Project: A season-long endeavor, the #OsInstaMemories Project will compile Orioles-related photographs in a variety of categories, including this month's theme, "Ballpark Experience." Fans are encouraged to submit their best photo in each...

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Walters homers, but Nats fall 11-2

April 15, 2014, 3:36pm

Nationals

If the Nationals are going to continue their mastery of the 2014 Marlins, they're going to have to come from behind. Three batters into tonight's game, Stephen Strasburg was down 3-0. Christian Yelich singled off Strasburg's second pitch and Marcell Ozuna followed by whackin a first-pitch fastball into left field. That brought Giancarlo Stanton to the plate and Stanton mashed a 2-1 changeup over the fence in straightaway center for a three-run homer. The Marlins are being aggressive early in...

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Span and Williams on Jackie Robinson Day

April 15, 2014, 2:43pm

Nationals

Span and Williams on Jackie Robinson Day

Today marks baseball's annual remembrance of the groundbreaking day when Jackie Robinson of the Brooklyn Dodgers broke baseball's color barrier in 1947. No matter where he's played, Nationals center fielder Denard Span has always made a special plea to his manager to make sure he's in the starting lineup for Jackie Robinson Day. "You can't sit me on Jackie Robinson Day," Span said he's told his skippers. A concussion that landed him on the seven-day disabled list, however, will keep...

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Rounding up the Nationals' injury udpates

April 15, 2014, 2:29pm

Nationals

I wonder which part of the "How to Be a Major League Manager" handbook covers addressing your team's injuries with the assembled media before every game. Nationals skipper Matt Williams has been spending an inordinate amount of time each day recapping the various ailments that have befallen the Nats and how players are progressing, and Tuesday in Miami was no different. So without any further ado ... Outfielder Bryce Harper's quad is fine, as is outfielder Nate McLouth's sore left knee....

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Nats' bats break out against Marlins (Nats win 9-2)

April 14, 2014, 3:58pm

Nationals

Nats' bats break out against Marlins (Nats win 9-2)

Apparently, there's nothing like the Miami Marlins to bring a team out of its offensive woes. Going to the bottom of the third in Little Havana, the Nationals have a 5-1 lead, with right-hander Jordan Zimmermann on the mound. Zimmermann has given up a run on three hits and struck out three over two frames. In the first inning, it was Washington's extra-base power on display. Jayson Werth doubled off the top of the wall in left-center and then scored easily when Bryce Harper tripled. Tyler...

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Williams provides updates on Fister, Span, McLouth

April 14, 2014, 2:18pm

Nationals

Williams provides updates on Fister, Span, McLouth

Injured right-hander Doug Fister, who is on the 15-day disabled list with a right lat strain, threw a 50-pitch bullpen in Miami this afternoon. If he feels good tomorrow, the Nationals will work a simulated game into his upcoming rehabilitation schedule. "Fifty pitches, and he was a little winded, he told me afterward, but physically he was good," manager Matt Williams said. "Everything felt good. He's progressing. It's a very good sign for him to go through that today and have no...

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In utility role, Frandsen has to be ready for anything

April 14, 2014, 12:54pm

Nationals

In utility role, Frandsen has to be ready for anything

Before this season, Kevin Frandsen had trotted to the outfield only 14 times in 398 career games. Now, with the Nationals thin in the outfield because of injuries that sent Denard Span (concussion) and Scott Hairston (oblique strain) to the DL, and with Nate McLouth nursing a sore left knee, Frandsen is quickly becoming reacquainted with warning tracks, walls and tricky bounces in opposing ballparks. Tonight marks the veteran's third straight start in left field, but to hear Frandsen tell it,...

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Hearing from Harper, Desmond and McLouth

April 13, 2014, 1:33pm

Nationals

Hearing from Harper, Desmond and McLouth

Bryce Harper can't explain why the Nationals struggle against the Braves, nor is the slugging outfielder really concerned with Atlanta's early-season dominance. Going 1-5 against one club during the first two weeks of the regular season isn't any reason to panic, Harper said after the Nats were shellacked 10-2 at Turner Field on Sunday, with the Braves finishing off a weekend sweep. "It sucks coming here to lose," Harper said. "Nobody wants to lose. But like I said, it's part of the...

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After weekend sweep in Atlanta, Williams' focus is firmly on the future

April 13, 2014, 1:28pm

Nationals

After weekend sweep in Atlanta, Williams' focus is firmly on the future

Through a quirk in the schedule, the Nationals won't play the Braves again until June 19, when Atlanta comes to D.C. for a four-game series. Washington doesn't return to Turner Field until Aug. 8. After being swept this weekend by the homestanding Braves, it's a good bet manager Matt Williams won't be critical of the schedule-maker. Maybe by the time they next face one another, the Nationals will be healthier, playing better defense and will have figured out a way to beat the Braves. By...

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Braves rake Gonzalez early, lead 6-0 (Nats lose 10-2)

April 13, 2014, 10:21am

Nationals

Braves rake Gonzalez early, lead 6-0 (Nats lose 10-2)

It didn't take long for the Braves to get to Gio Gonzalez. Atlanta took a 3-0 lead over the Nationals in the first inning. Gonzalez issued a leadoff walk to Jason Heyward, and then threw away a bunt attempt by B.J. Upton, placing runners at second and third with no outs. Freddie Freeman followed with a sac fly and Justin Upton homered to center for a 3-0 lead. Andrelton Simmons then tripled, but was stranded at third. In the second, Tyler Pastornicky tripled into the right field corner and...

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Rizzo on injuries, Fister's progress, struggles against Braves

April 13, 2014, 9:23am

Nationals

Rizzo on injuries, Fister's progress, struggles against Braves

While fans may lament the Nationals' early-season injury problems, general manager Mike Rizzo thinks having multiple key players on the disabled list gives his team a chance to show the depth it added in the offseason. Third baseman Ryan Zimmerman (broken right thumb) today joined outfielders Denard Span (concussion) and Scott Hairston (left oblique strain), pitcher Doug Fister (lat strain) and catcher Wilson Ramos (broken hamate bone) on the DL. "We feel as good as we can be with the glut of...

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Zimmerman, Span talk about their injuries

April 13, 2014, 8:47am

Nationals

Zimmerman, Span talk about their injuries

So much for Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman's sizzling April at the plate. Zimmerman, who was hitting .364 with two home runs and six RBIs in his first 10 games, will be lost for four to six weeks with a fractured right thumb. He suffered the injury Saturday night, diving back to second base on a pickoff throw where he was tagged out by Atlanta shortstop Andrelton Simmons. "I probably have more hits this April than I've had my whole career," Zimmerman said Sunday morning after being...

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Nats place Zimmerman on DL, recall Walters from Triple-A Syracuse

April 13, 2014, 6:27am

Nationals

Nats place Zimmerman on DL, recall Walters from Triple-A Syracuse

The Washington Nationals today recalled infielder Zach Walters from Triple-A Syracuse and placed third baseman Ryan Zimmerman on the 15-day Disabled List with a right thumb fracture. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Walters has worked to a .290 batting average in nine games for Triple-A Syracuse this season, with a .303 on-base percentage and .452 slugging percentage. He's clubbed three doubles and a triple, and driven in three...