Since the Toronto Blue Jays had scored 34 runs in their last three games against Orioles pitching, a starter holding them to two runs over five innings today was a step forward. Right-hander Yovani Gallardo returned to the O's rotation this afternoon for the first time since April 22 and held Toronto in check as the Orioles posted a 4-2 win to even the series at a victory each. The Orioles improved to 39-28, winning for the 11th time in their last 17 games. After being outscored 12-2 in the...

The Nationals have been waiting 2 1/2 months to see if their entire lineup is capable of coming together at the same time and producing like one of the best lineups in the majors. That time may finally be arriving. The Nationals have turned into a consistent offensive force over the last couple of weeks. They've scored an average of 6.8 runs over their last 12 games. Not surprisingly, they've gone 10-2 during this stretch. And production isn't just coming from one or two sources. After...

Do the Nationals have another late-night win in them? They've already taken the first two games of this series in San Diego, piling up 15 total runs and launching five homers. Now they'll try to make it three in a row, once again facing the Padres late tonight at Petco Park. Max Scherzer gets this start for the Nationals, looking to duplicate his dominant outing in San Diego last season, when he tossed seven scoreless innings, striking out 11. Right-hander Colin Rea takes the mound for the...

Making his first start today since April 22, Orioles right-hander Yovani Gallardo struck out the first two batters looking, his fastball topping out at 91 mph on the ballpark's radar gun. He issued a walk to Edwin Encarnacion and gave up a single to Michael Saunders before stranding both runners on Justin Smoak's popup. The Blue Jays worked Gallardo for 24 pitches. But at least he kept Saunders in the ballpark. The guy hit three home runs last night. Take the single with a smile. Gallardo...

Orioles manager Buck Showalter has heard the criticism aimed at Manny Machado for failing to run hard out of the batter's box. He's aware of it and he's addressing the situation. Machado irked more fans last night after settling for a long single on a fly ball that hit near the top of the out-of-town scoreboard in right field. A night earlier, he settled for a double on a ball at Fenway Park that rattled around the triangle in center field and could have produced a triple. As the subject...

The Orioles optioned left-hander T.J. McFarland to Triple-A Norfolk today while activating shortstop J.J. Hardy and starter Yovani Gallardo from the disabled list. This completes the roster moves for today. Mike Wright was optioned last night following a 13-3 loss to the Blue Jays. McFarland is 1-2 with a 5.14 ERA in 13 games with the Orioles. Opponents are batting .313 against him. McFarland no longer is a candidate to start Wednesday night against the Padres unless he's replacing an injured...

The Orioles today announced that they have reinstated right-hander Yovani Gallardo and infielder J.J. Hardy from the 15-day disabled list and optioned left-hander T.J. McFarland to Triple-A Norfolk. Gallardo, 30, was placed on the 15-day disabled list on April 23 with right shoulder bicep tendinitis. He made three rehabilitation starts between Class A-Advanced Frederick and Triple-A Norfolk, going 1-0 with a 4.85 ERA (7 ER/13.0 IP) over the three games. In two rehab starts with the Tides,...

The Orioles host the surging Toronto Blue Jays today in the second game of this three-game series. Since beating Toronto 6-5 on June 9 at Rogers Centre, the Orioles have lost four in a row to the Blue Jays. O's pitching has allowed 38 runs in those four games, with 34 runs coming in the last three games against the Blue Jays. Toronto has put together some amazing offensive numbers lately. During their four-game win streak, the Blue Jays have outscored their opponents 44-10 and outhomered them...

The Orioles will announce their corresponding roster move for shortstop J.J. Hardy closer to first pitch. The team currently is taking batting practice. An extra reliever wasn't needed today. Mike Wright will make his next start Wednesday for Triple-A Norfolk. The Orioles want to keep him on turn and they want him to stay in the rotation. "He can't think that level is beneath him, and he doesn't," said manager Buck Showalter. "He has a grip on the reality of what's going on." The...

Hey, O's fans. Welcome to this week's episode of Yard Work. The Orioles returned from a seven-game road trip against the two teams on their heels in the American League East. And after dropping three of four against the Blue Jays and winning two of three against the Red Sox, the Orioles remained atop the division heading into the weekend, though both Boston and Toronto are still close behind. Steve Melewski and I recap the road trip and talk about what the Orioles need to do to stay in...