Sometime around 6:55 p.m. tonight, just before the announcement of the Phillies' starting lineup, the Nationals will play a brief video tribute to Bryce Harper. Roughly 13-15 minutes after that, Harper will step to the plate to face Max Scherzer for the first time. And what does the former National expect the ovation to be like for all this? "I hope I get a great one," he said. "Of course, I think there'll be some boos and things like that. It's part of the game. I think there'll be some...

The Nationals got some good news on the injury front with the return of utility man Howie Kendrick to the clubhouse from extended spring training in West Palm Beach. Kendrick has been on the injured list with a left hamstring strain since March 25. "We wanted to bring him back, get some eyes on him, see where he's at," said manager Davey Martinez. "He's going to work out with us a couple of days. He's actually doing well. We just want to get him here and watch him work out with us and see...

We all know what Orioles head groundskeeper Nicole Sherry does with the field at Camden Yards is downright masterful. Now the whole nation knows - and is well-armed with some tips to make their own yards a little greener. Sherry was a guest on "Rachael Ray" earlier today and used her appearance on the syndicated program to dispense some helpful tips on lawn care. Think about it: a major league groundskeeper telling you how to better care for your lawn? Who doesn't need that kind of free...

The Orioles loosened the catching logjam at Triple-A Norfolk. Andrew Susac has been traded to the Royals for cash considerations, with the announcement coming from both clubs. Chance Sisco and Carlos Pérez remain with the Tides and Austin Wynns is at extended spring training while recovering from a strained oblique. Norfolk didn't need a third catcher on the active roster. Martin Cervenka and Cael Brockmeyer were assigned to Double-A Bowie. The Orioles have been seeking a trade partner for...

The Orioles will attempt tonight to match their longest winning streak of 2018 at four games. They went 0-10 at Rogers Centre last year, but they already notched their first victory this season after 6 1/3 hitless innings last night from David Hess and the bullpen's tightrope walk. Hanser Alberto gets his first start tonight, replacing Jonathan Villar at second base. Villar has moved to shortstop, with Rule 5 pick Richie Martin getting his first rest. Trey Mancini is 8-for-16 with five infield...

We've known this day was coming, officially for a month now, unofficially for longer than that. Bryce Harper is playing tonight at Nationals Park, and he's not playing for the home team. How will the new Phillies slugger be greeted by the crowd? Check back shortly after 7 p.m. More importantly, how will Harper fare at the plate against Max Scherzer? The two have only faced each other in live batting practice during spring training. That doesn't come close to counting. Rest assured, Scherzer...

TORONTO - The Orioles bullpen has sure been interesting to watch over the season's first four games. They were called on often in New York, stumbled late in the game last night and three pitchers already have recorded saves - but Mychal Givens is not among them. Manager Brandon Hyde has been ready and willing to use various pitchers in various roles during a 3-1 start. Mike Wright recorded his first career save Saturday and Richard Bleier did the same last night. Lefty Paul Fry, who got the...

Here are the 2019 rosters for the minor league affiliates in the Nationals system. Shortstop Carter Kieboom will be at Triple-A Fresno. Left-hander Tim Cate begins in low Single-A Hagerstown. Infielder Luis Garcia and pitcher Wil Crowe are at Double-A Harrisburg. Pitcher Mason Denaburg remains at extended spring training. Triple-A Fresno Grizzlies Pitchers Kyle McGowin Joe Ross Austin Voth Scott Copeland Paolo Espino Tanner Rainey Austin Adams Jimmy Cordero Austen Williams Brady Dragmire...

TORONTO - With three wins in their first four games and with a record topped by just two American League teams thus far, the Orioles play here tonight in the second game of a three-game series. David Hess threw 6 1/3 no-hit innings Monday night, Jonathan Villar hit a two-run homer, and Trey Mancini homered and drove in two in a 6-5 win. The Orioles, who went 0-10 and were outscored 63-28 last season at Rogers Centre, are 1-0 in Toronto in 2019. After hitting no homers the first two games,...

Of course, new second baseman Brian Dozier would love to be getting better results at the plate in the first three games of the season, but the Nationals can already see the difference he brings defensively to that side of the infield. Dozier has gone 0-for-10 with three strikeouts in three games, so he is working toward that first hit as a National. But his defense has been above average and is an upgrade to the spot where the Nationals got average, and sometimes below-average, defense from...