The last time the Phillies were in D.C., the story was all Bryce Harper all the time. Harper's first series at Nationals Park as a visiting player was a major event, and the negative reception he got from Nats fans made for quite a scene. Now as Harper returns for the second of three trips to Washington this season, the focus seemingly has shifted away from the slugger and toward these two teams as a whole. This is a big series, no matter Harper's presence. Fans may continue to boo him, but...

Trey Mancini has held firm in the 17th spot among American League outfielders after the latest round of voting for the All-Star Game. Mancini is the only Orioles player appearing among the leaders at any position. First baseman Chris Davis has disappeared after ranking 10th last week. As the Orioles begin a three-game series in Oakland tonight, Mancini is batting .310/.365/.571 with 18 doubles, two triples, 16 home runs, 35 RBIs and 23 walks in 296 plate appearances. He's 10-for-24 during a...

This is the most important week of the Nationals' season to date. It's impossible not to acknowledge that, even within a clubhouse on South Capitol Street that typically tries to avoid looking at the big picture. "We've got to win those games," right fielder Adam Eaton said of the seven upcoming games against the Phillies and Braves. "It's important. We're trying to chase at this point. Not to put too much emphasis on it, but we need to play some really competitive baseball." The...

OAKLAND - Losing a nearly five-hour game in extra innings after they lost a lead in the ninth and then flying across the country, doesn't sound like the best plan. But what choice did the Orioles have after letting one get away Sunday afternoon in Baltimore. The schedule says they begin a seven-game road trip in Oakland tonight. At least the weather should feature cool temperatures. The A's have not been great at home lately, losing seven of eight, and the O's will try to ride that and play...

The friendship that developed between pitchers Andrew Cashner and Josh Rogers in spring training shifted a bit toward mentorship last week as the veteran decided to contact the rookie. A phone call that accomplished two purposes. Check on Rogers' life outside of baseball and pass along some professional advice. Rogers was struggling and unable to gain a promotion until the Orioles had little choice. They needed a starter for Friday night, coincidentally with Cashner scratched due to a blister...

The final game of the homestand was turning into a day of atonement for the Orioles. An improved level of play had to satisfy their manager, who fumed after yesterday's defeat. And then Brandon Hyde boiled over and got tossed on Father's Day. Scolded by Hyde for their shoddy play the previous afternoon, mental and physical errors pushing him to the breaking point, the Orioles were offering a crisper version of themselves. But they couldn't avoid another series of missteps and had another win...

It's been an uphill grind since opening day for the Nationals, who perpetually seem to dig themselves into a hole, then attempt to climb their way out of it simply to salvage the situation and keep themselves within striking distance in the standings. It's happened countless times already this season, and it happened again this weekend. The Nats took the field this afternoon needing to beat the Diamondbacks just to emerge with a four-game split. As has so often been the case, they pulled it...

Offensively, Nationals infielders Anthony Rendon and Howie Kendrick look to have the best chance of being selected to play for the National League in the All-Star Game in Cleveland on July 9. On June 21, players moving on to the starters election will be announced during the MLB Network broadcast of the Yankees vs. Astros game. On June 26 at 12 p.m., the 28-hour window for the starters election begins. It concludes at 4 p.m. on June 27. Starters for the All-Star Game will be announced at 7 p.m....

The Nationals, recognizing they couldn't afford to keep Kyle Barraclough on their active roster much longer, decided to place the struggling reliever on the injured list today with what the team is calling radial nerve irritation. Barraclough had not previously reported any issues with his arm, according to manager Davey Martinez, and he offered up no injury-related explanation for his performance Saturday when he gave up three runs and retired only one of the five batters he faced. But...

The Orioles may decide to use an opener Wednesday afternoon in Oakland instead of giving the start to left-hander Josh Rogers. The spot behind Andrew Cashner and Gabriel Ynoa again is to be determined. Manager Brandon Hyde announced yesterday that Rogers would get the assignment, but he's now considering alternatives. Rogers likely would follow the opener if he's put back in the bullpen. "We let the A's know it's still a little bit unsure," Hyde said. "It's kind of how things go the...