FORT MYERS, Fla. - James Teague notched his fifth save today, earning his role as Grapefruit League ninth-inning specialist, and the Orioles defeated the Twins 7-5. Teague, a 37th-round pick in 2016 out of the University of Arkansas, hasn't allowed a run in 5 1/3 innings. He gave up a one-out double today and struck out the next batter on a 96 mph fastball. Chris Tillman's first Grapefruit League start produced six walks in two-plus innings and he was charged with four runs - three scoring...

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - The Nationals have experienced plenty of change over the years, nowhere more so than in the manager's office. Davey Martinez is now the club's seventh full-time manager in 14 seasons in Washington, with none of his predecessors having survived longer than 2 1/2 seasons. Only one player has been around for every one of the seven skippers: Ryan Zimmerman, the organization's first draft pick in 2005. Zimmerman's career has included its own share of changes, but he has...

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - And we're back. Caught a flight back down to Florida this morning, just in time to see the Nationals take on a Mets split-squad this evening at FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. Thanks as always to Pete Kerzel for filling in during my break; I'll be with you the rest of the way, which actually isn't that much longer. There are only 12 Grapefruit League games left on the schedule before the club packs up and heads north. We still aren't seeing anything close to...

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Jorge Polanco had just let go of his bat after drawing the Twins' latest walk, this one with the bases loaded, and Orioles manager Buck Showalter was out of the dugout and signaling to his bullpen. Chris Tillman's first Grapefruit League start after a couple of simulated games ended with no outs in the third inning and the bases still full. Tillman never could find the plate with any consistency and was done following his sixth walk among 14 batters faced. Left-hander...

SARASOTA, Fla. - If you are a young lefty reliever with the Orioles at spring training, one hoping to have a nice big league career, you can do worse when looking for a mentor then closer Zach Britton. Britton might be one of the best relievers in the sport. But right now, he's out injured, giving him more time to pass on some pointers and provide some guidance to hard-throwing left-hander Tanner Scott. They are both southpaws with big fastballs and Britton resides where Scott looks to go - as...

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Orioles first baseman Chris Davis expects to be in the lineup this weekend as he recovers from tightness in his right elbow/forearm. The cortisone injection is bringing the desired result. Davis took top-hand swings yesterday and two-handed swings today without any discomfort. He hasn't been in the lineup since leading off in a March 2 game against the Pirates. Mark Trumbo remains scheduled to serve as designated hitter on Wednesday against the Yankees in Sarasota. He...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Tim Beckham, Trey Mancini and Manny Machado are wearing the gray pants today as the Orioles travel to Fort Myers to play the Twins. Beckham is leading off. Austin Hays is back in the outfield, starting in right field. Danny Valencia is starting at first base. Relievers listed behind Chris Tillman, making his first Grapefruit League start, include Donnie Hart, Josh Edgin, Jimmy Yacabonis, José Mesa Jr., Branden Kline and James Teague. The reserves include Alex Presley, Chance...

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - There's no question Victor Robles is a special player. If anyone misunderstood this indisputable fact, spring training has driven home the point. The top Nationals prospect is just 20, has already made his major league debut and appeared in a playoff series. What's next on his to-do list? Many think he should be on the Nationals' 25-man opening day roster, even though there seems to be no clear opening for him to play. And every time Robles steps onto the field in a...

SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles' spring training strikeout leader heading into yesterday's game was left-hander Donnie Hart, a reliever with five innings under his belt. He was scored upon in just his first outing. Surface stuff that presents an argument for his inclusion in the opening day bullpen. However, Hart still can be optioned to the minors and the Orioles continue to sort through their choices for left-handed relief beyond Richard Bleier. Rule 5 Nestor Cortes Jr. could be a bullpen...

The question looms in the National League East: Who has the best chance to challenge the favored Nationals, who won the title in 2017 by 20 games over the second-place Miami Marlins? The Marlins have no chance. The Mets are banking on the health of pitchers Matt Harvey and Noah Syndergaard to help Jacob de Grom in the rotation. The Braves' and the Phillies' hope is development of young pitching. But, the Phillies, who finished last with 66 wins last season, strengthened their case to at least...