The Orioles today announced that they have acquired right-hander Evan Phillips, infielder Jean Carlos Encarnación, catcher Brett Cumberland and left-hander Bruce Zimmermann, and International Signing Bonus Slot Money from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for right-handers Kevin Gausman and Darren O'Day. Phillips has been optioned to Triple-A Norfolk, while Encarnación has been assigned to Class-A Delmarva, and Cumberland and Zimmerman have been assigned to Double-A Bowie. Phillips, 23,...

If the Nationals were going to sell before today's trade deadline, they certainly had no shortage of veteran relievers on short-term contracts to offer up to other clubs. In the end, the guy they chose to move was a bit of a surprising one: Brandon Kintzler, who was dealt to the Cubs for Single-A right-handed reliever Jhon Romero. That was the club's only move before the 4 p.m. deadline. Kintzler, who turns 34 on Wednesday, had become a key late-inning reliever for the Nationals since his...

The Washington Nationals acquired right-handed pitcher Jhon Romero from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for right-handed pitcher Brandon Kintzler on Tuesday. Additionally, Washington activated third baseman Anthony Rendon from the family medical leave list. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcements. Romero, 23, is 1-2 with nine saves and a 3.27 ERA (16 ER/44.0 IP) in 32 games for Single-A Myrtle Beach. He has recorded 57 strikeouts, 17 walks,...

NEW YORK - The Orioles are digging much deeper into their rebuild. Starter Kevin Gausman is on the verge of being traded to the Braves, a source has confirmed. The non-waiver trade deadline arrives at 4 p.m. No word yet on the return, but an agreement is in place the medicals are being reviewed. The Orioles made Gausman the fourth overall pick in the 2012 draft out of LSU and he compiled a 39-51 record with a 4.22 ERA and 1.350 WHIP in 150 games (127 starts). He's 5-8 this season with a 4.43...

With all the attention placed on the trade deadline, the Nationals want to make sure they do not divert from their most important mission this week: accumulate wins and find a way to earn series victories against the Mets and the Reds at home. The two-game series against New York features a night game tonight and a 12:05 p.m. game Wednesday. The Nats also need to end a two-game losing streak. Right-hander Tanner Roark (4-12, 4.55 ERA), is looking to build off his best start of the season, eight...

Four months of ups and downs, encouraging moments and discouraging moments, reasons for hope and reasons for despair come to a head today. It's July 31, and the time has come for the Nationals front office to make some big decisions. And the biggest decision may well involve the biggest name in their organization: Bryce Harper. What would have sounded like a hoax in early April - or, shoot, even in early July - is at least within the realm of possibility today. The Nationals could deal Harper...

The only thing we know for certain about Orioles outfielder Adam Jones and the possibility he could be traded is that he has the right to turn down any trade. That comes with being a 10-5 player, one that has been in the majors for 10 years and played five seasons with his current team. These rights are earned through service time, just like players earn the right to become arbitration eligible or a free agent. Similar to how some players have full or partial no-trade clauses written into their...

The Orioles concluded their homestand by winning three straight games over the Rays by scores of 15-5, 11-2 and 11-5. No save situations with Zach Britton off the roster. Showalter won't name a replacement closer, his hesitancy before Sunday based in part on the expected departure of right-hander Brad Brach, who eventually was traded to the Braves. Mychal Givens and Tanner Scott profile as potential ninth-inning specialists. Givens has one career save and it came to him in a 6-3 victory over...

Attention all Nationals fans: The CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Fan Challenge is back, and we want you to challenge rookie sensation Juan Soto to anything! You know that Soto is confident. The 19-year-old is probably better than you at hitting homers and chasing down balls in the outfield, but can you beat him in a cook-off, cornhole or a round of putt-putt? Whatever your challenge it is, tweet it to @masnNationals using #GoJuan. He'll pick a winner to face off in a head-to-head...

Calling all Orioles fans: The CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Fan Challenge is back! Do you want to battle Adam Jones in a cook-off? Do you think you have what it takes to take down the undefeated champ? Tweet a picture of your signature dish @masnOrioles with #IChallengeAJ, and you could face Jones in a cooking battle! So scour through your cookbooks, choose your best recipe wisely and let your inner foodie come out for your shot at the Fan Challenge! Find more details on our Twitter. Live...