In one of the worst-kept secrets ever, Max Scherzer will join Bryce Harper at next Tuesday's All-Star Game in Cincinnati. Despite leading the National League East by 4 1/2 games, only Harper and Scherzer have been chosen to represent the Nationals at the Midsummer Classic. Scherzer has been arguably the game's most dominating pitcher through the first half of the season. He was named the NL Pitcher of the Month in May and June. The high point game when Scherzer tossed his first career...

On Sunday night, Nationals manager Matt Williams placed first baseman Clint Robinson in the cleanup spot behind right fielder Bryce Harper. In Monday's opener against the Reds, Williams placed catcher Wilson Ramos in the cleanup role. It didn't hurt that Ramos was coming off a game in which he went 2-for-3 with a single, a home run and a walk, plus two RBIs. But Williams said during his pregame meeting with the media there are a few different strategic reasons why they adjust the cleanup...

The Orioles and Twins begin a three-game series tonight in Minnesota; the teams begin the series with identical 43-39 records, and both are in second place. The Orioles and Twins are tied for the second American League wild card spot right now, one game behind the Angels and one game ahead of the Rays and Blue Jays. Minnesota, which just split a four-game series against Kansas City, has the best record in its league against American League East opponents at 9-4. The Twins are 5-2 against Boston...

There wasn't any doubt on whether Bryce Harper would make the All-Star Game, not after smashing 25 homers, driving in 60 runs and batting .347/.474/.722 through the Nationals' first 82 games of the season. The question was if Harper planned to showcase his muscles in the Home Run Derby at Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati next Monday. Harper addressed the issue today at Nationals Park before the start of a three-game series against the Reds. "I'm not doing the Derby," Harper said....

The Orioles today announced that they have recalled infielder Ryan Flaherty from Triple-A Norfolk and placed outfielder Nolan Reimold on the paternity list. Flaherty, 28, has hit .248/.328/.386 with six doubles, three triples, three home runs, and 20 RBI over 51 games, including 45 starts at second base, with the Orioles this season. Reimold, 31, batted .244/.340/.463 with two home runs and five RBI in 17 games with the Orioles this season.

The Orioles still haven't announced their roster move for tonight's series opener in Minnesota. Outfielder Nolan Reimold is on paternity leave until Thursday and infielder Ryan Flaherty is expected to be recalled from Triple-A Norfolk. Assuming that's the move, Flaherty is expected to remain with the Orioles after Reimold returns to the club. He isn't required to spend 10 days in the minors. Add it to the rest of baseball's confusing rules. Flaherty is batting .248/.328/.386 with six...

The Reds slammed the brakes on a scorching May for the Nationals with a three-game sweep in Cincinnati over the final three days of the month. It was a rough series for the Nationals bullpen, with relievers Taylor Jordan, Aaron Barrett and Casey Janssen taking a loss each. Reds right-hander Anthony DeSclafani will get his second crack at the Nationals tonight. The rookie allowed two runs on eight hits over six innings to claim the win over Washington on May 29. The Nationals recalled lefty...

The Washington Nationals recalled left-handed pitcher Sammy Solis from Double-A Harrisburg and placed right-handed pitcher David Carpenter on the paternity list. President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Solis, 26, returns to the Nationals for his second stint of the season. In five games out of the Nationals' bullpen earlier this season, Solis was 1-0 with a 5.00 ERA in 9.0 innings of work. Solis began his Major League career with six consecutive...

Orioles third baseman Manny Machado is celebrating his 23rd birthday today. One gift should arrive tonight when he's chosen as a reserve on the American League All-Star team. Can he possibly be denied? Machado is batting .299/.356/.522 with 18 doubles, one triple, 17 home runs, 46 RBIs and 13 stolen bases in 15 attempts heading into tonight's series opener in Minnesota. Since moving into the leadoff spot, Machado is batting .308/.364/.538 with 14 doubles, a triple, 13 home runs, 34 RBIs, 40...

Taking a look at a few notes around the Orioles minor leagues: * The Orioles' top two farm clubs are in first place with identical 47-34 records. Triple-A Norfolk is leading its division by 1 1/2 games and Double-A Bowie leads its division by 3 1/2 games. Here are notes on those clubs plus a few from Single-A Frederick, Single-A Delmarva, short-season Single-A Aberdeen and the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League. Norfolk notes: The Tides are now a season-high 13 games over .500 after winning 10 of...