CINCINNATI - So much for the notion that Bryce Harper could benefit from a day off because he was tired from all of the festivities surrounding the All-Star Game in Miami. Harper passed when offered the chance to take a breather in the opener of a four-game series against the Reds and the Nationals are glad he did. Harper supplied the bulk of the offense - homering twice and driving in three runs at hitter-friendly Great American Ball Park, where he had previously only hit one longball, a...

The Washington Nationals recalled right-handed pitchers Austin Adams and Trevor Gott from Triple-A Syracuse on Friday, optioned left-handed pitcher Sammy Solis to Syracuse, and placed right-handed pitcher Joe Ross on the 10-day disabled list (retroactive to July 11) with a right elbow sprain. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcements. Adams, 26, joins the Nationals for the first Major League assignment of his career. In his first season in...

The tarp is on the field at Camden Yards as a light rain began to fall during batting practice, and the start of tonight's game will be delayed. This will be the 12th game delayed for the Orioles this season due to inclement weather or the threat of it. The Orioles took BP without interruption. They made a roster move earlier today by activating first baseman Chris Davis from the disabled list and outrighting outfielder Craig Gentry to Triple-A Norfolk after he again cleared waivers. They...

CINCINNATI - Second baseman Daniel Murphy's absence from the Nationals lineup for tonight's opener of a four-game series against the Reds is nothing more than a day off, manager Dusty Baker's way of making sure a guy who was busy during the All-Star break gets some much-needed rest. "I've just learned over the years that whoever goes to the All-Star Game - I've had Barry Bonds, Jeff Kent, I've had some of the best come back and start slow because they don't' get that mental and...

CINCINNATI - Right-hander Joe Ross, who was placed on the 10-day disabled list with a right elbow sprain on Friday afternoon, has undergone an enhanced diagnostic procedure called an MRI arthrogram, where dye is injected into the joint to determine the severity of an injury. News that Ross, who left Sunday's start after 3 1/3 innings with what was termed triceps tenderness, has a sprained elbow ligament could be a signal that the Nationals are preparing to be without him in the rotation for an...

Orioles infielder Ryan Flaherty remains with the club and could go on an injury rehab assignment next week. Flaherty, on the disabled list with a strained right shoulder, did some early hitting this afternoon and he continues to take ground balls and throw. Manager Buck Showalter said he's hopeful that Flaherty will be able to join an affiliate within the next five to seven days. Team orthopedist Dr. Michael Jacobs examined Flaherty's shoulder yesterday in Baltimore. "He got as good a...

There are two ways to add players from outside the organization. That is by spending money or spending talent. Most trades are completed by spending talent, but there is a way to spend money and make a trade that might present the Nationals with the best option for improvement this deadline. The rumors have begun swirling, and according to one writer's source the Tigers have no interest in moving right-hander Justin Verlander and according to another writer's source they aren't shopping him...

The Orioles' first lineup following the All-Star break includes Adam Jones in the leadoff spot, where he spent the majority of the 2016 season. Jones is batting first against Cubs left-hander Mike Montgomery. Manny Machado is hitting second, following by Jonathan Schoop, Mark Trumbo and Chris Davis, who's off the disabled list. The Orioles haven't announced a corresponding roster move for Davis, but outfielder Craig Gentry was in manager Buck Showalter's office. For the Orioles Adam Jones...

The Orioles begin the second half tonight, looking to produce a strong homestand to get them closer to a playoff berth in the American League. The start of tonight's game is being delayed with inclement weather in the area. At 42-46, they begin play tonight in fourth place in the AL East at 7 ½ games behind division-leading Boston and just one game up on last place Toronto. They are four games back of Tampa Bay for the second AL wild card spot but four teams reside between them and the...

CINCINNATI - The Nationals' search for a dependable ninth-inning arm continues. It won't be veteran closer Francisco Rodríguez, who was released this afternoon by the Nationals after five minor league outings. Rodríguez was signed June 27 to a minor league contract, but allowed five runs (one earned) in five innings over five appearances (one start) for low Single-A Hagerstown, high Single-A Potomac and Double-A Harrisburg. He walked three and struck out two, posting a 1.40 WHIP and a...