Elias updates Davis, Martin, Harvey and Kjerstad
Elias updates Davis, Martin, Harvey and Kjerstad
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
A knee injury limited Chris Davis to 16 games last summer. Today's hip surgery prevents him from joining the active roster and playing in 2021. The countdown to the end of Davis' franchise-record $161 million contract is accelerating, though the deal includes deferred payments through 2037. Executive vice president/general manager Mike Elias provided the update this afternoon in a Zoom call, the first of any substance since Davis was shut down following the exhibition opener. Two at-bats and...
Chris Davis undergoes hip surgery (plus Orioles and Rays lineups)
Chris Davis undergoes hip surgery (plus Orioles and Rays lineups)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Orioles first baseman Chris Davis won't play in 2021 after undergoing arthroscopic surgery today in Dallas to repair the labrum in his left hip. Davis received two at-bats in the first exhibition game and didn't play again. The Orioles anticipate that he's going to be full-go for 2022 spring training, the final year of his franchise-record seven-year, $161 million contract. Davis tried to rehab the injury back home and finally decided on the surgery, according to Orioles executive vice...
O's notes on Harvey's struggles, one-run games and more
O's notes on Harvey's struggles, one-run games and more
Steve Melewski
Orioles
Before he made a start last week at Citi Field against the New York Mets, Orioles right-hander Matt Harvey was solid during his most recent three-start stretch. In those games - against the Yankees, Athletics and Red Sox - he went 2-1 with a 1.72 ERA, .193 batting average against and .608 opponent OPS. I think Birdland would happily take that and run with it. But Harvey had another early exit last night when he allowed a pair of three-run homers in the second inning in a 13-6 loss against Tampa...
After weekend outburst, Robles settling back in at plate
After weekend outburst, Robles settling back in at plate
Bobby Blanco
Nationals
The storylines surrounding this Nationals lineup haven't really changed since spring training. They still need consistent production from big offseason acquisitions Josh Bell and Kyle Schwarber. Trea Turner is showing his sneaky pop is no longer sneaky. Juan Soto is still waiting to break out of his funk to reach the incredibly high standards he's set for himself. And Ryan Zimmerman's return is proving that a year off may have done the veteran first baseman some good as he provides a lethal...
Late homer off Harris lifts Cubs over Nats (updated)
Late homer off Harris lifts Cubs over Nats (updated)
Bobby Blanco
Nationals
There was still some love in the air between the Cubs and their former teammates who now wear the curly W on their caps Tuesday night. After Kyle Schwarber enjoyed a tribute video before Monday night's game, it was Jon Lester's turn to have his moment after starting last night's game on the mound. He was treated with a tribute video on the big scoreboard at Wrigley Field and was given the famed W flag that flies after Cubs victories covered with signatures and notes from his former...
Orioles pitching surrenders five homers in 13-6 loss (updated)
Orioles pitching surrenders five homers in 13-6 loss (updated)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Matt Harvey stood with his back turned to home plate and his right hand on his hip tonight as Austin Meadows' ball sailed over the center field fence for the second three-run homer of the second inning. The second-shortest start of his major league career was happening before his eyes. He had to look. Though perhaps in disbelief. A bloop single by Brandon Lowe with two outs brought manager Brandon Hyde out of the dugout. The Rays were dinking Harvey to death, too, but it didn't hurt as much...
More on decision to DFA Rio Ruiz
More on decision to DFA Rio Ruiz
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The latest Orioles transaction this month unfolded yesterday with Rio Ruiz taken off the 40-man roster and Stevie Wilkerson returning to the majors, again transforming a minor league contract into an opportunity. The May movement began on the third with reliever Isaac Mattson recalled from the alternate camp site in Bowie and left-hander Bruce Zimmermann optioned in an exchange of rookies. Mattson was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk five days later, with left-hander Zac Lowther recalled from the...
Notes on Strasburg's bullpen, tonight's game and more
Notes on Strasburg's bullpen, tonight's game and more
Bobby Blanco
Nationals
If you've been anxiously waiting for news on when Stephen Strasburg will make his next start, you're unfortunately going to have to wait at least another day. Having been peppered with questions about the right-hander's status over the last couple of days, Nationals manager Davey Martinez isn't ready to say whether or not his recovering starter will be ready to be activated and make a start this weekend against the Orioles, even after Strasburg threw an "extended" bullpen session today...
O's game blog: The Tampa Bay series opener
O's game blog: The Tampa Bay series opener
Steve Melewski
Orioles
After playing half of their 40 games against Boston and the New York Yankees - and going 8-12 - the Orioles will see a different American League East foe tonight. They host Tampa Bay to start a three-game series. The Orioles beat the Yankees 10-6 on Sunday as Ryan Mountcastle drove in a career-high four runs and Maikel Franco hit a two-run homer as part of a three-RBI day. Lefty Bruce Zimmermann got the win in relief, allowing two hits and one run over 5 2/3 innings on 84 pitches. The O's run...
Game 38 lineups: Nats at Cubs (Corbin activated)
Game 38 lineups: Nats at Cubs (Corbin activated)
Bobby Blanco
Nationals
Now that the fanfare, hoopla and ovations for Jon Lester and Kyle Schwarber's returns to Wrigley Field were taken care of Monday night, it's time to get back to just focusing on baseball. Of course, I'm not saying that it wasn't an emotional game, as it was great to see the reception the former Cubs received from their previous club and fans. But that 7-3 loss definitely didn't feel warm and fuzzy as the Nationals left the friendly confines late last night. The Nats now find themselves in...