When the Orioles (8-3) open a series against the Toronto Blue Jays (7-7) tonight at Camden Yards, right-hander Mike Wright will once again be pitching on extra rest. Wright's first scheduled start was pushed back twice - once by a rainout - and he didn't make his first start until April 12 in the Orioles' seventh game of the year. Then, after Sunday's rainout at Texas and yesterday's off-day, Wright had another start pushed back. He will start on six days' rest tonight against the Blue...

MIAMI - Trea Turner's red-hot start to the season has ignited one of the biggest hot-button topics facing the Nationals early in 2016: When will the organization promote the young infielder to the majors? The answer to that question, though, is more complicated than it might appear at first glance. And it involves matters beyond his actual playing performance at Triple-A Syracuse. Turner was named Monday as the International League's first Player of the Week after hitting .433 with a homer,...

The Orioles rotation could include Kevin Gausman as early as Monday, or he could remain out of it next week. It's anybody's guess at this point. Gausman is starting Wednesday night for Triple-A Norfolk, putting him in line to pitch Monday unless manager Buck Showalter wants to keep Ubaldo Jimenez on his normal turn. And unless the Orioles decide Gausman would benefit from another start in the minors. We know now that Jimenez starts Wednesday and Chris Tillman starts Thursday, with Yovani...

For those uncomfortable with small sample size stats, skip to another paragraph. For the rest, the Orioles' Mark Trumbo and Manny Machado are ranked Nos. 1 and 2 in the American League in both batting average and slugging percentage. Trumbo is batting .386 and slugging .750, with Machado at .383 and .723. Trumbo's best months have usually been April and May. Why is he a fast starter? "I hit a lot in the offseason," Trumbo said this afternoon. "I start fairly early. I never slack off and I...

The Orioles are keeping Kevin Gausman on his injury rehab assignment. Gausman will report to Triple-A Norfolk and start Wednesday night in Charlotte. He could be activated and start for the Orioles when his turn comes up again, but the decision is pending. Gausman, on the disabled list with right shoulder tendinitis, has allowed three runs (one earned) and eight hits in 5 1/3 innings at Double-A Bowie and Single-A Frederick. The Orioles want to get him up to 90 pitches with Norfolk, preferably...

You have questions and we have answers: Q: How does Daniel Murphy like playing for the Nationals, given he was with the rival Mets last season? A: Murphy has fit in perfectly, and how could any one argue with his production? Another contribution from Murphy: He's met with each of the Nationals pitchers to give them scouting reports on how the Mets viewed them last season. He's told them when the Mets were comfortable at the plate, when they weren't and when they were expecting certain...

Center fielder Andrew Stevenson went 2-for-5 with a three-run triple in high Single-A Potomac's 9-6 loss to Lynchburg Monday night. The LSU product is leading off the P-Nats and doing a nice job of starting the offense. His on-base percentage is .381 through the first two weeks of the season. Stevenson told me before the season began that they haven't made any major changes to his swing or approach, just trying to get him to feel relaxed at the plate. "Right now just trying to see the ball...

MIAMI - The Nationals tonight find themselves in a position they have not yet faced this season: Trying to halt a losing streak. OK, so it's only a two-game losing streak, but this is new ground for them in 2016. The good news: They've got Stephen Strasburg on the mound and they'll get a rare opportunity to bat against a left-hander. Strasburg is seeking his third victory in as many starts this season, his 11th victory in his last 15 starts dating back to last June. Marlins Park, however,...

Manny Machado will try to extend his hitting streak to 12 games as the Orioles open their brief homestand with tonight's game against the Blue Jays. Machado and the Angels' Andrelton Simmons are tied for the longest active hitting streak in the majors. No surprises in tonight's lineup. Joey Rickard is leading off and playing left field. Mark Trumbo is in right. Pedro Alvarez is the designated hitter. For the Orioles Joey Rickard LF Manny Machado 3B Adam Jones CF Chris Davis 1B Mark Trumbo RF...

Lace up those running shoes to get ready for a great annual event at Oriole Park! That's right! The KidsPeace Trick-or-Trot, hosted by Buck and Angela Showalter, is returning for its seventh edition. While the race is still a baseball season away, it's time to start thinking about sponsoring the event, training, registering or gathering a team! On Friday, April 29, KidsPeace will host a sponsor engagement luncheon and you're invited. If you're interested in learning how you can help support...