After a season when he led all Orioles minor league pitchers in ERA and strikeouts, left-hander Zac Lowther has a strong resume to contend for the Jim Palmer Award, which goes to the Orioles' minor league Pitcher of the Year. Lowther had success at two levels, and did so without a blazing fastball. But his velocity didn't keep him from pounding the zone with a high percentage of fastballs this year. It didn't keep him from soaking up knowledge and adding to his education in learning to read...

Nationals manager Davey Martinez confirmed that right-hander Joe Ross will finally return from Tommy John rehab and make his first start of the season Friday night against the Cubs. His last major league start was July 9, 2017, at home against the Braves. Ross has made six minor league rehab starts since August 6. The first three starts maxed out at three innings apiece. The last three starts with Double-A Harrisburg and Triple-A Syracuse have gone at least five innings each. The move coincides...

SEATTLE - Chris Davis is back in the Orioles lineup tonight after being scratched last night with an illness. He's serving as the designated hitter. Tim Beckham is on the bench, with Jonathan Villar moving to shortstop and Breyvic Valera playing second base. Rookie Cedric Mullins also is on the bench against Mariners left-hander Wade LeBlanc. Joey Rickard is in center and John Andreoli is in left. Luis Ortiz, whose contract was selected today from Triple-A Norfolk, said he expected to go home...

SEATTLE - The Orioles expanded their roster to 29 players today by selecting the contract of right-hander Luis Ortiz from Triple-A Norfolk. The 40-man roster still has one open spot. Ortiz, 22, was acquired from the Brewers with infielder Jonathan Villar and shortstop Jean Carmona in exchange for second baseman Jonathan Schoop. He went 2-1 with a 3.69 ERA in six starts with Norfolk, and his 31 2/3 innings raised his season total to 99 2/3. Ortiz will become the 54th player used by the Orioles...

When Victor Robles arrived in Washington one year ago, he was touted as the Nationals' future star outfielder, the man who would perhaps make Bryce Harper's potential departure less difficult to swallow. When Robles arrived in Washington today, he found himself with a locker right next to Juan Soto, who over the last 3 1/2 months has taken over the title of Harper's potential replacement and already a star for the Nationals at 19. Not that Robles has suddenly turned into chump change. His...

The Nationals announced the right-handed starter Kyle McGowin has had his contract selected as part of September roster expansion. McGowin was actually in the midst of his most recent start with Triple-A Syracuse when the wheels were set in motion for him to join the Nats in D.C. "Well, I was pitching yesterday, started for Syracuse," McGowin said. "It was the fifth inning - they took me out and I was pretty upset. A couple of guys came up to me and were like, 'You're going to the show!'...

It's a disgustingly hot and muggy day here in Miami - wait, this is Washington? Could've fooled me. Step outside, close your eyes and you won't be able to tell the difference. Promise. So much for a September cool down. Anyway, the Nationals and Cardinals return to action tonight after Monday's 10-inning thriller, the Nats looking to win two straight and get over the .500 mark. They'll do so with Erick Fedde on the mound for the first time in two months. Fedde, who last pitched July 4...

The Nationals added six players to their September roster today, promoting outfielder Victor Robles, infielder Adrian Sanchez, and right-handers Austin Voth and Kyle McGowin from Triple-A Syracuse, while also activating Erick Fedde and Joe Ross off the 60-day disabled list. With the minor league regular season wrapping up Monday, the Nationals had no more reason to wait to expand their roster. They now have 32 active players, including catcher Pedro Severino and reliever Austen Williams, who...

The Washington Nationals made the following roster moves Tuesday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcements. * Recalled outfielder Victor Robles, infielder Adrian Sanchez and right-handed pitcher Austin Voth from Triple-A Syracuse * Returned from rehab and reinstated right-handed pitcher Erick Fedde and right-handed pitcher Joe Ross from the 60-day disabled list * Selected the contract of right-handed pitcher Kyle McGowin from Triple-A...

Major League Baseball today announced that Chris Davis was named the Orioles' 2018 nominee for the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award, the most prominent individual player award bestowed by MLB. The Roberto Clemente Award is the annual recognition of a player from each MLB club who best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field. Each club nominates one current player to be...