SARASOTA, Fla. - Following up on Hunter Harvey, I'm told he has a "slight strain" to his groin and was removed from yesterday's start at minor league camp as a precaution. Harvey was working his third inning. If Hyun Soo Kim agrees to an assignment at Triple-A Norfolk, which he's expected to do, he's going to get lots of at-bats as the designated hitter. Christian Walker is supposed to play left field every day. Dariel Alvarez is playing right field. Kim can't roam center and I'm fairly...

Yesterday, the Nationals invited the media to take a tour of Nationals Park for a sneak peek at the new giveaways, events, food and more coming to the ballpark in the 2016 season. If what I'm about to show you doesn't get you excited for the start of a new baseball season, I don't know what will. Bear with me - this list ranges from dumplings to birthday parties to bobbleheads to Racing Presidents dressed as Wookies. But first, let's talk about some logistical new additions. If you'll...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Orioles manager Buck Showalter said he spoke to outfielder Hyun Soo Kim about accepting an assignment to Triple-A Norfolk, and they met again today with executive vice president Dan Duquette. The first meeting took place before Kim sat out three straight games, including tonight's 4-4 tie with the Braves. Kim must give his consent before playing in the minors, per a stipulation in his two-year contract. The Orioles are still learning about Kim despite the scouting reports and...

SARASOTA, Fla. - An Orioles official confirmed tonight that pitcher Hunter Harvey left his start at Twin Lakes Park with a groin injury. Harvey was working his third inning when he apparently strained a muscle. The club will know more on Wednesday. Harvey hasn't pitched since 2014 due to a strained right flexor mass. He also suffered a fractured right fibula last spring after being hit by a comebacker in Fort Myers. MLB.com first reported Harvey's injury. The Orioles made a minor league trade...

JUPITER, Fla. - The Nationals essentially have two more roster decisions to make by Sunday's major league deadline. One involves the bullpen. The other involves the bench. We've gone through the various bullpen options (which are complicated some by the possibility of the Nats carrying eight relievers until they need a fifth starter on April 13), but we haven't spent as much time running discussing the final bench options. There are all sorts of factors to consider here. It's not nearly as...

ORIOLES QUICK WRAP Score: Orioles 4, Braves 4 (in 10 innings) Recap: Needing a good start to improve his chances of making the club, Miguel Gonzalez allowed one run and seven hits over five innings - his longest stint of the spring. He walked none, struck out four and hit a batter. Manny Machado led off the bottom of the first inning with his fifth home run. Matt Wieters hit his first home run in the third inning to break a 1-1 tie. It also was his first RBI. Zach Phillips was charged with...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette confirmed tonight that Korean outfielder Hyun Soo Kim won't be part of the 25-man roster on opening day. Kim is out of the lineup again tonight and hasn't played since Saturday. He's in the dugout as the Orioles lead the Braves 2-1 in the top of the fifth inning. "Yes, it looks like he's not going to be on the 25-man roster to start the season," Duquette said, as members of the beat crew gathered outside the MASN booth where...

SARASOTA, Fla. - The camp roster is down to 40 players. The Orioles optioned outfielder Dariel Alvarez to Triple-A Norfolk before tonight's game against the Braves, a move that had been anticipated with Mark Trumbo penciled into right field and Rule 5 pick Joey Rickard assured of breaking camp with the team. Alvarez, an intriguing prospect with a plus arm, collected only eight hits in 44 at-bats this spring. He had one double, one triple, two RBIs, three walks and seven strikeouts. Alvarez...

The Orioles today announced that they have optioned outfielder Dariel Alvarez to Triple-A Norfolk. With this move, the Orioles now have 40 players at major league spring training, including seven non-roster invitees.

Orioles right-hander Miguel Gonzalez pitched well. Matt Wieters was back behind the plate. And we found out officially that outfielder Hyun Soo Kim will not be on the Orioles' opening day roster. Some clarity emerged last night as the Orioles spent one of their last days in Florida. Gonzalez is far from alone here, but he has given some fans reasons to be concerned about him when the season starts. But my guess is he will be in the season-opening rotation. Last night, he allowed one run in...