Whether it came via a Max Scherzer gem, an offensive explosion, a grind-it-out nailbiter or even a rain-shortened affair, the Nationals knew only one thing when they took the field today: They needed to win this game against the Braves, one way or another. They got their wish, but it didn't come easily to a team that sure could've used a relaxing day at the park. Instead, a combination of clutch hits, a gutsy performance from a less-than-perfect Scherzer, some outstanding defense, two rain...

TORONTO - The Orioles' nightmarish 2018 season continued today - on a day where it looked like they might be headed for a win. The Orioles were 23-4 this year when leading after seven innings. But a three-run advantage in the eighth inning got away, as relievers Brad Brach and Tanner Scott gave up two-run homers in the inning. Toronto stormed back to beat the Orioles 5-4 and sweep this three-game series. They lost twice in the series by one run and have gone 0-7 this season at Rogers Centre....

TORONTO - Seemingly headed to a win to avoid being swept in three straight by Toronto, the Orioles bullpen allowed a pair of two-run homers in the eighth today and a potential win turned into yet another loss. A 4-1 lead was lost and so was another game. Center fielder Randal Grichuk hit a two-run homer off Brad Brach in the eighth. That pulled Toronto within 4-3. Later in the inning Yangervis Solarte blasted a 97 mph Tanner Scott fastball out to left. He hit a 3-1 pitch for his own two-run...

The Nationals knew they couldn't stick with a six-man bullpen for long. They just needed to figure out how to clear a roster spot to address that need. They found a way today, trading outfielder Brian Goodwin to the Royals for minor league pitcher Jacob Condra-Bogan, then recalling left-hander Sammy Solís from Triple-A Syracuse to give themselves a full relief corps again. Goodwin, a member of the Nationals since they used a first-round pick on him in 2011 and a key member of last season's...

The Nationals are going to be without their All-Star closer a while longer than they initially expected. Sean Doolittle, who hoped the injury to his left foot that sidelined him for the first week before the All-Star break and then prevented him from pitching in the Midsummer Classic at Nationals Park, learned this weekend he'll be out several more weeks after a follow-up MRI revealed a "stress reaction" in the bridge of the foot. The injury, which is not as severe as a stress fracture, is...

TORONTO - Orioles center fielder Adam Jones is not starting today. But it has nothing to do with either an injury or a trade. When the Orioles played at Rogers Centre in June, Jones started all four games on the turf playing surface. But manager Buck Showalter didn't want him starting all three games in this series. "Just turf," he said. "He took a ball off his foot (on Friday). I figured he'd be as sore if not (more) sore today. We were contemplating (a day off) yesterday. Same with Chris...

Manager: Craig Counsell (4th year) Record: 56-45 Last 10 games: 2-8 Who to watch: LF Christian Yelich (.303 with 12 HR, 47 RBIs), 1B Jesús Aguilar (.293 with 25 HR, 71 RBIs), CF Lorenzo Cain (.293/.391/.421 with 18 SB), RHP Jhoulys Chacin (8-3, 3.68 ERA), LHP Josh Hader (1.44 ERA, 93 Ks), RHP Corey Knebel (12 saves) Season series vs. Nationals: First meeting (4-3 in 2017) Pitching probables: July 23: LHP Gio Gonzalez (6-6) vs. RHP Jhoulys Chacin (8-3), 8:10 p.m., MASN2 July 24: RHP Jeremy...

The Washington Nationals recalled left-handed pitcher Sammy Solis from Triple-A Syracuse. Additionally, they acquired Minor League right-handed pitcher Jacob Condra-Bogan from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for outfielder Brian Goodwin on Sunday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcements. Solis, 29, returns to the Nationals after appearing in five games with Syracuse where he tossed scoreless relief in three of the five outings. Solis...

The Orioles activated Andrew Cashner from the 10-day disabled list to make today's start in Toronto that wraps up the three-game series. They optioned left-hander Donnie Hart for the eighth time this season to create room on the 25-man roster. The bullpen is down to eight relievers, including left-handers Zach Britton, Tanner Scott and Paul Fry, and the Orioles continue to carry a three-man bench. Adam Jones gets a break today from the Rogers Centre turf. Joey Rickard is in center field, Jace...

The sun is out on South Capitol Street. At least, it is at the moment I'm typing this. It's probably not going to stay that way through the afternoon, with more rain forecast to sweep through the region on the heels of Saturday's deluge. The Nationals aren't calling the series finale against the Braves off just yet, and my hunch is they'll be more willing to wait around a bit today to try to get this one in, given the fact they already have to squeeze one makeup game into Atlanta's next...