Remember when the American League East standings were so tightly bunched? Not anymore as New York has separated itself from the pack. Tonight, two teams that have fallen back meet in St. Petersburg. The Tampa Bay Rays (48-49) host the Orioles (46-48) to start a three-game series. The Rays are in third place, 6 1/2 games out, and the Orioles are in fourth, seven games back. Both have been on extended losing stretches. The Rays were 42-34 on June 27 and have gone 6-15 since. They are 6-12 this...

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Steve Pearce's MRI on his left oblique revealed a Grade 1 strain, which is considered good news for the Orioles. Manager Buck Showalter doesn't know whether Pearce will be ready in 15 days, saying it's "iffy." Pearce is eligible to return from the disabled list on Aug. 3. "It showed some inflammation in there. Not severe as it could have been, but he's obviously got something in there," Showalter said. "I know the normal time those things take. What's tough is...

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Coming off a sweep in New York, the Orioles shook up their lineup for tonight's opener vs. the Rays. And it starts at the top, with designated hitter Jimmy Paredes leading off for the first time this season. Paredes has batted leadoff in nine games (six starts) over his career and is 5-for-30 (.167). Manny Machado has been moved down to third in the order for the first time in his career. He's batted in every other position except cleanup. Ryan Flaherty will hit second...

PITTSBURGH - Max Scherzer makes his first start against the Pirates since he tossed his first career no-hitter against them on June 20 at Nationals Park. Scherzer was one strike away from throwing the 24th perfect game in major league baseball history when his slider clipped Pittsburgh's Jose Tabata on the left elbow. Eight days later, the Pirates designated Tabata for assignment. The Nationals have scored only four total runs in Scherzer's four starts in July, leading to a 1-3 record in the...

What a treat to have a dear broadcast friend join in this week's Hitting the Books. Suzyn Waldman is a New York baseball institution, currently covering the Yankees on radio. Her rich history runs deep into musical performances as an actress and singer. She is highly educated in the arts, which are a major part of her life. Her book choice: "The Great Gatsby". Consistently rated as one of the great literary works of all time, this book by F. Scott Fitzgerald has generated as much comment,...

The Orioles will open a seven-game homestand on Monday, July 27, at 7:05 p.m. against the Atlanta Braves. The homestand will feature many special events including the Casey Cares Foundation 5K Run/Walk at Oriole Park, a "Play Baseball" clinic with Manny Machado, and Social Media Night at the ballpark. The homestand will also feature exclusive giveaways including a Maryland-themed Oriole Bird bobblehead and a J.J. Hardy player-designed t-shirt. The Orioles and OriolesREACH will again partner...

If you're looking for bright spots in a disappointing season, look no further than the hot corner where Orioles third baseman Manny Machado continues to take on the look of a superstar in the making. After some unexpected early season defensive struggles, Machado has reclaimed his form in the field and taken on a new form in the batter's box. It's fair to say that Machado is having one of the best offensive seasons a young Orioles player has ever had. To make that kind of statement, we need...

There have been plenty of rumors involving the Washington Nationals as the July 31st non-waiver trade deadline approaches, and Nats GM Mike Rizzo has heard the chatter. One report after another says the Nationals are in the market for relief help. So are they looking for a set-up man? An eighth-inning option? "That seems to be the popular opinion," Rizzo joked in an MLB Network Radio interview this week, "that our bullpen needs more depth, although, going into last night's game, I think we...

The Nationals bullpen has been knocked around a couple of times in the last week. Fortifying this concern is the ongoing issue of not having a fireballer eighth inning setup man following the departure of Tyler Clippard to the Athletics last season. Casey Janssen is a veteran reliever that certainly works fast, but is more of a finesse pitcher. He has done a good job as the eighth inning guy recently. Manager Matt Williams has mentioned him in that spot a few times in the last week. Janssen has...

PITTSBURGH - With the non-waiver trade deadline exactly one week away, rumors are floating and action and is heating up. In the middle of the Nationals' 7-3 loss to the Pirates last night, MLB Network insider and FoxSports.com's Ken Rosenthal reported that two Reds scouts were in Vermont to put eyes on right-hander Erik Fedde, Washington's first-round selection in the 2014 First-Year Player Draft. Two #Reds officials are watching #Nationals Class A RHP Erick Fedde tonight in Vermont. -- Ken...