Manager: Torey Lovullo (2nd season) Record: 24-12 Last 10 games: 5-5 Who to watch: CF A.J. Pollock (.308 with 11 HR, 32 RBIs), RF David Peralta (6 HR, 19 RBIs), SS Nick Ahmed (6 HR, 18 RBIs), RHP Matt Koch (2-0, 2.13 ERA), RHP Zack Greinke (3-2, 4.10 ERA), RHP Brad Boxberger (2.25 ERA, 11 saves) Season series vs. Nationals: 2-1 Pitching probables: May 10: RHP Tanner Roark (2-2) vs. RHP Zack Greinke (3-2), 9:40 p.m., MASN2 May 11: RHP Max Scherzer (6-1) vs. Matt Koch (2-0), 9:40 p.m., MASN2 May...

Manny Machado has been the best player on the Orioles this year. There is little debate over that one. But left-hander Richard Bleier has been the best Orioles pitcher, and there probably isn't much debate there, either. He pitched two scoreless last night when called on during the seventh inning of a 3-3 tie. He got two double plays and all six outs on grounders. He got the win against the Royals and is now 3-0 with a 0.40 ERA. Bleier has allowed one run in 22 2/3 innings for the season, and...

SAN DIEGO - Some more thoughts, observations and reactions from Wednesday night's 2-1 loss to the Padres before heading to Arizona for a four-game weekend series ... * The Achilles' heel of the Nationals' roster is no secret. It's been on display throughout the season's first month-plus, and it's a carryover from the 2017 season: the middle portion of their bullpen. And it reared its ugly head again during Wednesday's loss. In a 1-1 game, and with Ryan Madson and Brandon Kintzler having...

SAN DIEGO - On a night when Bryce Harper was held out of the lineup for the first time this season, when Gio Gonzalez needed 59 pitches just to get through his first two innings and the Nationals managed only one run off a rookie starter, the mere fact they were in prime position to beat the Padres late was telling. The fact they couldn't take advantage of that position and wound up losing 2-1 also was telling. Unable to get a clutch hit from those who did start and unable to get clean innings...

It was a night when a few struggling or oft-criticized Orioles came through in a 5-3 win over the Kansas City Royals. First baseman Chris Davis hit a three-run homer. Mark Trumbo's two-run single in the eighth broke a 3-3 tie and Brad Brach closed out the win, pitching around a leadoff walk and error in the ninth. Brach's ERA was up to 5.40 when he took the mound with that two-run lead. He walked Whit Merrifield, and Jonathan Schoop dropped a throw at second base that could have led to a...

SAN DIEGO - At this point, there's no sense agonizing when Gio Gonzalez gets himself into early jams and racks up a high pitch count. It may frustrate everyone wearing a Nationals uniform, or rooting for them, but Gonzalez has shown time and again he'll find a way to get out of the trouble with minimal, if any, damage. Gonzalez is up to his old tricks again tonight against the Padres. Despite allowing five batters to reach base in his first two innings, the left-hander posted zeros on the...

Is it too early to wonder which player would represent the Orioles at the All-Star Game if Manny Machado is traded before July 17? Kevin Gausman could make it if he stays on his roll. Otherwise, left-hander Richard Bleier has earned consideration by anyone's standards. There are still plenty of games left before the break, but look at Bleier today. He's 3-0 with a 0.40 ERA in 17 appearances. One run allowed in 22 2/3 innings, and it happened on April 2 in Houston. Only three walks, and one...

Getting back some of their injured players was deemed as a possible solution to what's been ailing the Orioles. Maybe inject some life into the offense. Maybe tighten up the defense. Maybe create some late-inning excitement and a much-coveted win. The defense part, though improved, remains a work in progress, but the Orioles won't quibble on this night. They'll just give thanks. Sweat profusely and offer their gratitude. Mark Trumbo, in his eighth game since coming off the disabled list,...

With a team batting average of just .220 with runners in scoring position, the Orioles have come up short in a few clutch spots this year. But tonight Mark Trumbo delivered a key two-run single in the eighth as the Orioles beat Kansas City. In his eighth game since coming off the disabled list, Trumbo's two-out, two-run single to center broke a 3-3 tie as the Orioles beat the Royals 5-3 to snap a seven-game losing streak. With the win the Orioles are 9-27 and won for just the second time in 10...

SAN DIEGO - Bryce Harper joked a few times recently about wanting to be an "Iron Man" and play in all 162 of the Nationals' games this season. Deep down, the star slugger knew that wasn't going to happen. It was only a matter of time before he got a day off. And that day is today. With a left-hander on the mound for the Padres and Harper mired in an 0-for-19 slump, manager Davey Martinez decided to sit him down for tonight's series finale at Petco Park. That decision came only after a pair...