Mason Denaburg, the Nationals' 2018 first-round draft pick and eighth-ranked prospect, will miss the season after recently undergoing Tommy John surgery, a club official confirmed. It's another tough blow for the oft-injured Denaburg, who since he was selected 27th in the country out of Merritt Island (Fla.) High School three years ago has thrown only 20 1/3 professional innings due to arm troubles. The 21-year-old right-hander, who received a $3 million signing bonus, appeared in seven games...

The Orioles have used strong pitching and some clutch hitting to produce two wins over the Boston Red Sox. They've batted .313 (5-for-16) with runners in scoring position in the series, while O's pitchers have allowed just two runs in two games. Wins by 3-0 and 4-2 have them set up to sweep this three-game series if they win this afternoon. The Red Sox last scored just two runs over their first two games in 1976. That was also against the Orioles in games started by Jim Palmer and Ken...

Reliever Shawn Armstrong has been reinstated from the paternity list today. However, he can't rejoin the team until going through the intake process, which has placed him on the injured list. This is a procedural move, which happened a few times last summer. Another similarity between 2020 and 2021. The bullpen remains intact while he's on the IL. A corresponding roster move will be made after he's activated. Manager Brandon Hyde said he was hopeful that Armstrong would be available Monday...

The Orioles go for the sweep this afternoon in Boston with left-hander Bruce Zimmermann making his second career start and Chance Sisco setting the target for him. Sisco replaces Pedro Severino, who's 4-for-8 with two runs scored while batting ninth. Austin Hays stays in left field but moves down to eighth. Maikel Franco is batting sixth, followed by Freddy Galvis. The rest of the lineup remains intact. Cedric Mullins is leading off and Ryan Mountcastle is the designated hitter. Rio Ruiz gets...

As they waited for approval to resume full workouts in preparation for the delayed start to their season, the Nationals added the first player from outside the organization who could find himself on an opening day roster that will be stacked with unexpected reinforcements. Veteran catcher Jonathan Lucroy agreed to terms on a minor league contract Saturday night, a source familiar with the deal confirmed, and presumably will be available should the Nats need to replace one or both of their major...

A couple of strategies have worked for the Orioles in the season's first two games. Get a deep start from ace John Means, hand the ball to a setup man and the closer of the day, and head back to the team hotel. Call upon a bulk reliever working behind a starter who gets into the fourth or fifth inning, hand the ball to a setup man and the closer of the day, and head back to the team hotel. That's how the Orioles have gone 2-0 and can try to complete the sweep later today at Fenway Park....

If it's a long reliever you seek, check out the Orioles bullpen. They have several there, waiting their chance. They include newcomer Adam Plutko and former starter Wade LeBlanc, along with the club's two Rule 5 draft picks - right-handers Tyler Wells and Mac Sceroler. Plutko made his O's debut on Saturday and pitched very well in his long relief outing. He threw 2 1/3 scoreless innings and got the win against Boston. Wells, drafted out of the Minnesota Twins organization, has not pitched in...

The Dark Knight caught his last glimpse of sunlight on the mound this afternoon after failing to grab a ball hit back to him that produced a run and a visit from his manager. Matt Harvey's first game with the Orioles, his first experience at Fenway Park, lasted 4 2/3 innings and was neither a rousing success nor a dud. A middle-of-the-order result from the No. 2 starter. A couple of clutch hits and lockdown relief assured the Orioles of a series win after they defeated the Red Sox...

They will want him to get deeper into the games, but besides that, right-hander Matt Harvey did a lot right in his Orioles debut today. He kept his team in the game, even though he didn't get a decision. Harvey gave up two runs over 4 2/3 innings in his official club debut this afternoon at Fenway Park. The Orioles pulled out a 4-2 win over the Red Sox to win this series and produce a 2-0 start. New Birds pitcher Adam Plutko had a strong relief outing. He kept Boston off the board over 2 1/3...

After posting the sixth opening day shutout - and first since 2005 - in club history yesterday, the Orioles play the second game of their series in Boston this afternoon. Lefty John Means allowed just one hit over seven innings and two relievers joined him to team on a two-hitter in Friday's 3-0 win at Fenway Park. Means threw 97 pitches, 65 for strikes. He retired the last 18 batters he faced as Boston batters went 2-for-29 on the day against Means, Tanner Scott and César Valdez. Over his...