Left-hander Tony Sipp continues to build strength in his shoulder even as the season heads into its fourth week. Sipp said working to strengthen his shoulder has been the focus for him since spring training. But Sipp signed late with the Nationals this offseason, so this first month with the team has felt like an extended spring training as he works the shoulder back to where he can throw every pitch and full velocity and torque. There have been some rough appearances to begin the season for...

Both the Nationals and Anthony Rendon have insisted they're willing to hold contract negotiations in-season, and they're staying true to their word. Rendon and general manager Mike Rizzo met this afternoon prior to batting practice before the Nationals' series opener against the Giants, according to multiple sources familiar with the meeting, which took place in the team's family room just outside the home clubhouse at Nationals Park. Managing principal owner Mark Lerner participated in the...

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Alex Cobb threw approximately 50 pitches today between his simulated game and a bullpen session, and is expected to come off the injured list to start Friday night's game against the Twins at Camden Yards. Cobb went on the injured list retroactive to April 6 with a lumbar strain, but he no longer is experiencing back spasms and should be cleared to rejoin the rotation for the weekend series. "Alex feels really good, so he should be ready to go starting in the Minnesota...

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The Orioles are holding an injury reunion prior to tonight's series opener against the Rays. Pitchers Richard Bleier and Nate Karns and designated hitter Mark Trumbo have joined the team from the spring training facility in Sarasota to provide updates on their health and allow the athletic training staff to check their progress. Bleier received an injection that reduced the inflammation in his left shoulder and is on a throwing program that will lead to a bullpen session...

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The Orioles will try to build on their 6-4 road record tonight while beginning at three-game series against the Rays at Tropicana Field. Trey Mancini remains in right field while Chris Davis plays first base. Mancini is 16-for-40 (.400) in 10 road games and he's 7-for-12 (.583) with two home runs in the first inning this season. Dwight Smith Jr., in left field again tonight, has homered in three of his last five games. He has eight RBIs in that span. Renato Núñez,...

We've got a pretty cool pitching matchup here in tonight's series opener between the Nationals and Giants. It's Stephen Strasburg versus Dereck Rodríguez, son of Iván, who of course was behind the plate for Strasburg's major league debut nine years ago. Yep, it's OK to start feeling old after reading that tidbit. After a great rookie season, Rodríguez has pitched OK through his first three starts this year. But the way things are going, the Giants don't need great work out of...

The Orioles invite fans to enjoy Game of Thrones® Night at Oriole Park on Tuesday, May 21, as they take on the New York Yankees at 7:05 p.m. ET. A limited number of ticket packages are available, featuring an exclusive pregame party in the bullpen picnic area located in center field from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., a game ticket in the left field lower box, a limited-edition Oriole Bird Game of Thrones bobblehead, and the opportunity to take a photo on the Iron Throne. The pregame party menu...

Yes the Red Sox have some rotation issues and some injury issues. But they won 108 games and the World Series last year while the Orioles lost 115 games. And the Orioles went 3-16 against Boston last season. So for them to split a four-game series at Fenway Park is, at the very least, surprising and not bad for this team. There were some things to like about the last four days. The rotation was solid: The Orioles' four starters in the series - David Hess, Andrew Cashner, John Means and Dan...

The latest road trip for the Orioles removes them from the cold and dampness in Boston and transports them to climate-controlled Tropicana Field, where it's always 72 degrees and usually an adventure. The Rays are the darlings of the American League East, a low-budget team holding the highest spot in the standings. They're the only division club above .500. But right behind them are the 7-10 Orioles, winners of two road series this year to leave them one short of the 2018 total. It's nice to...

You know what the dominant storyline of the Nationals' season has been to date. It's been the overriding narrative in nearly all of their 14 games so far. Which sometimes pushes other players and facets of this team out of the spotlight, through no fault of their own. So as a new week begins and the Nationals prepare to host the Giants for three games, let's talk about some players and some performances without resorting to using the "B word" ... * Though individually they haven't all hit...