PHOENIX - The Nationals played 17 series over a two-month stretch from late May until late July. They lost only one of those series, dropping two of three to the Braves in June on South Capitol Street. Now all of a sudden, they've lost three series in a row, dropping two of three apiece to the Dodgers, Braves and Diamondbacks in their worst stretch of games since this whole in-season turnaround began. Suffice it to say the Nationals really need to get themselves back on track. And who better...

So the Orioles won the last two games of their series with Toronto, and that represented a nice comeback after losing on Thursday and Friday night. It looked like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and company might just mash their way to a four-game sweep in Baltimore, but then the Orioles posted 6-4 and 6-5 wins. Not bad. They do keep coming back, these 2019 Orioles. They have a winning record for over a month, going 16-15 since June 30. In that span they are 4-3-3 in 10 series, winning series against...

The Orioles are starting Gabriel Ynoa tonight and faced with a decision on how to fill the opening on their 25-man roster after optioning reliever Dillon Tate to Triple-A Norfolk. They must have it figured out, but we're left to wonder if they want a fresh arm - especially with Miguel Castro sick - or a third bench player. If it's a bench player, do they bring up an outfielder? The Tides were rained out yesterday. Their lineup included DJ Stewart, Austin Hays and Rio Ruiz. Castro hasn't...

PHOENIX - On a day like this, with loud contact from both sides every few minutes and a pair of pitching staffs that have had trouble limiting damage this weekend, neither the Nationals nor the Diamondbacks should ever have felt comfortable, not until the final out of this series finale was secured. The two clubs, only hours after Saturday night's slugfest at Chase Field, engaged in another one that ultimately came down to a pair of bullpens that boast plenty of question marks. Which unit...

If the Toronto Blue Jays were going to help the Orioles get some runs today, the Orioles would be accepting of that. They did and they were. The Orioles got a gift run in the first, three unearned runs in the second and drew two bases-loaded walks in the fifth today. It helped them build a 6-2 lead and they held off Toronto 6-5 in the series finale at Camden Yards. The clubs split the four games. The O's went to the seventh leading 6-2, but Toronto got three to pull close. Right-hander Tom...

Jimmy Yacabonis lasted one inning today as the opener, loading the bases with no outs and somehow escaping without a run scoring. Sean Reid-Foley walked three of the first four batters he faced, allowed a run and was spared the possibility of more damage when the final out was made on an RBI single. A combined five walks in the first. One double play. One apparent sacrifice fly that turned into an inning-ending out. And a gift run-scoring single that turned into an inning-ending out after Jace...

PHOENIX - For two days, the Nationals hoped Howie Kendrick and Roenis Elías had suffered mere leg cramps and not hamstring strains. On the third day, they conceded the ailments were severe enough to land both players on the injured list. Kendrick and Elías were formally placed on the 10-day IL before today's series finale against the Diamondbacks, and though club officials still believe neither injury is serious, both will miss at least another week, leaving the roster depleted. Javy...

The Washington Nationals made the following roster moves on Sunday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcements. Selected the contract of right-handed pitcher Javy Guerra from Triple-A Fresno Recalled outfielder Andrew Stevenson from Double-A Harrisburg Placed left-handed pitcher Roenis Elías on the 10-day Injured List with a right hamstring strain Placed infielder Howie Kendrick on the 10-day Injured List with a left hamstring strain...

PHOENIX - Hello one more time from Chase Field, where the Nationals and Diamondbacks wrap up their series this afternoon, each seeking to walk away having won two of three. And each sends a guy to the mound with a connection to the opposing team. Patrick Corbin makes his return to the desert, facing the organization that developed him into an All-Star, then watched him leave for Washington and $140 million. Corbin has enjoyed catching up with friends the last few days, but he's now all...

The Orioles are starting Gabriel Ynoa for Monday night's series opener against the Yankees at Camden Yards, with manager Brandon Hyde able to avoid using him last night while sorting through bullpen options. Miguel Castro is still sick and unavailable for today's series finale against the Blue Jays. An expanded pitching staff still feels a little short. Hyde isn't sure how long the Orioles will carry 14 pitchers and two bench players. "We'll see how today goes and then we'll make a...