Hope everybody enjoyed the Home Run Derby and All-Star Game the last two nights. One proved to be quite an exciting event. The other proved to be kind of a boring event. But it was nonetheless something to see four Nationals starting for the National League, especially when the camera would pan to the right side of the field and the screen would be awash with curly Ws. Now that the festivities are over, though, it's time for the actual break part of the All-Star break. There are no games on...

The 88th All-Star Game was a showcase for the top notch pitching in the major leagues this season. Nationals right-hander Max Scherzer started the game in impressive fashion. He held the American League to one hit with two strikeouts in the first inning. The other highlight was the live on-air interview between FOX broadcasters and Bryce Harper during the game. The American League defeated the National League 2-1 in 10 innings. Robinson Canó was named the MVP. His home run in the 10th off of...

Jonathan Schoop proved tonight that he also can double in games that don't count. Schoop entered tonight's All-Star Game at second base in the bottom of the fourth inning and batted in the top of the fifth against Dodgers left-hander Alex Wood. Schoop grounded a double down the left field line with two outs and two strikes, and he scored on a bloop single inside the right field line by Twins third baseman Miguel Sanó. Schoop fell behind 0-2 by taking a strike and swinging through a...

As the season resumes, the Milwaukee Brewers are baseball's biggest surprise team with the Minnesota Twins a close second, 2 1/2 games behind Cleveland in the American League Central. The Dodgers were the first team to win 60 games and have the best record in baseball at 61-29. The Astros were the second team with 60 wins and have the best record in the American League at 60-29. The Phillies are the worst team (22 wins). The Mets, Mariners and Giants are the three biggest disappointments, each...

The Orioles announced today that infielder Paul Janish and first baseman David Washington are staying in the organization. Janish and Washington cleared waivers and were assigned to Triple-A Norfolk, leading to more roster moves for the Tides after play resumes. The International League All-Star Game is scheduled for Wednesday in Tacoma. Janish has been outrighted multiple times again this season and could have refused the assignment and elected free agency. But he's back at Norfolk and likely...

The Orioles remain in buyers mode as they wait for the season to resume on Friday, when they begin a 10-game homestand. However, it's subject to change depending on what happens over the next three weeks. Here's what won't change: The Orioles continue to hold onto hope that the pitchers and position players currently on the 25-man roster and in the organization will provide the biggest lifts as they attempt to make the playoffs again. "I keep waiting for our team to perform at the level...

Nationals right-handed Max Scherzer gets his second All-Star Game start tonight in Miami. The Nats' top starter has had another outstanding first half as he leads the club in their pursuit of a second straight division title. But his effect on the Nationals in a philanthropic role in our nation's capital region is also very strong and dates back to his first season with the club. Back in 2015 around Christmas time, Erica Scherzer, Max's wife, heard about an unfortunate break-in at a local...

It wasn't exactly a joyous occasion for Ryan Zimmerman. Sure, he was excited to be an All-Star for the first time in his career, but his trip to St. Louis for the 2009 Midsummer Classic coincided with several developments that were not to be celebrated. Only five days earlier, Zimmerman's grandmother Ilene had died, forcing him to leave the Nationals and head to North Carolina for her funeral. He rejoined the club in Houston in time for the club's first-half finale - a 5-0 loss, the lone...

While the majority of the pitching focus rightly falls upon the Orioles rotation and an ERA that's approaching 6.00, the bullpen is rounding into shape. Manager Buck Showalter finally may have the unit in place that he's desired, beginning with closer Zach Britton, twice removed from the active roster with a strained left forearm. Britton's third appearance Sunday since his return easily was his most dominant with ground balls to first baseman Trey Mancini and third baseman Manny Machado and...

Orioles first baseman Chris Davis completed his first injury rehab game today after eight innings at Single-A Frederick. Davis batted second and had five plate appearances against Myrtle Beach. He went 1-for-4 with a walk and run scored. Keys manager Keith Bodie removed Davis for a pinch-runner after a double in the eighth inning. Davis walked in the first inning against Pelicans starter Scott Effross and scored on Ryan Mountcastle's two-run double. He struck out looking in the second and...