The deeper the Nationals are able to go into the playoffs, the more Ryan Zimmerman's right hamstring will have a chance to get back to full strength. For now, Zimmerman will have to continue plugging away, hoping he can get healthy as soon as possible and willing to contribute as much as he can prior to that. Zimmerman took part in yesterday's intrasquad scrimmage at Nationals Park, playing left field and getting some at-bats to continue to try and hone his timing. He then took BP and shagged...

Orioles manager Buck Showalter confirmed today that left-hander Wei-Yin Chen will start Friday afternoon in Game 2 of the American League Division Series at Camden Yards. Chen has allowed six earned runs in 11 innings over two career starts against the Tigers. Left-handers Brian Matusz and T.J. McFarland, omitted from the Division Series roster, will be introduced tonight and sit in the bullpen. They will stay with the club throughout the series. "It was tough," Showalter said while...

The Orioles have posted their lineup for Game 1 of the American League Division Series, and it has Ryan Flaherty at third base tonight with Jimmy Paredes and Kelly Johnson coming off the bench. Flaherty played third more than any other position this year, appearing there in 43 of his 102 games. As expected, Nick Hundley is catching Chris Tillman. The two have formed a battery in 18 of Tillman's 34 starts, and the right-hander pitched to a 2.78 ERA when throwing to Hundley. For the...

*We'll be updating this entry all day, so keep scrolling and check back often! 2 p.m. - The calm before the storm It's finally here. In only a few short hours, Game 1 of the Division Series will be under way from Camden Yards. Here's a behind-the-scenes look of what's going on around the ballpark leading up to first pitch. Today is the day. #IBackTheBirds pic.twitter.com/hvkoTRTAib— Orioles on MASN (@masnOrioles) October 2, 2014 RETWEET if you're digging the newest stadium...

Nationals manager Matt Williams named right-hander Stephen Strasburg his Game 1 starter for Friday's National League Division Series opener against the San Francisco Giants. Strasburg was proud to get the call because he knew the Nats have several outstanding starters to chose from for such an crucial game. "I was excited. I think it wasn't an easy decision by any means," Strasburg said. "I think that's a testament to the guys we have in the rotation. I think every single one of them is...

With Kevin Gausman and Ubaldo Jimenez placed in the Orioles bullpen in the American League Division Series, a couple of relievers had to be removed in order to create space on an 11-man pitching staff. Brian Matusz and T.J. McFarland were the logical choices based on the Tigers' roster, which includes only three left-handed hitters. But Matusz has been with the club all season and McFarland was quickly recalled after starting out with Triple-A Norfolk. Also, manager Buck Showalter always...

Wilson Ramos may play in his first postseason game tomorrow, and could catch right-hander Stephen Strasburg, who will be making his playoff debut in the opening game of the best-of-five National League Division Series. October inexperience aside, Ramos had an interesting response when he was asked this afternoon whether Strasburg was mature enough the the marquee assignment. "That's a good question, because it's not easy starting the first game of the playoffs," said Ramos, who missed the...

When the Nationals made the postseason in 2012, right-hander Stephen Strasburg had been shut down for the season after reaching an innings limit in the season following Tommy John surgery. This time around, Strasburg will get the ball for the first postseason game the Nats play. Manager Matt Williams announced this afternoon that Strasburg will start Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the Giants. Strasburg will be followed by right-handers Jordan Zimmermann, who will start...

The Orioles have a couple of players that ended the 2014 regular season slumping. They will look to get their bats going in the American League Division Series against Detroit. Catcher Caleb Joseph ended the year going 0-for-30 over his last 10 games as his average dropped from .236 to .207. Joseph hit just .080 (4-for-50) in September with 18 strikeouts. He said he felt he did not wear down physically, but this is the longest he's ever played in a season. "The best part about the...

Looking for ways to impress your friends with tidbits about the San Francisco Giants? You've come to the right place. Here are 10 things to know about the Giants, who play the Nationals in the National League Division Series starting Friday. * Lefty Madison Bumgarner, who pitched an 8-0 shutout to beat Pittsburgh in the wild card game Wednesday night, is their best pitcher. He's to the Giants what Stephen Strasburg is to the Nationals. Bumgarner is 18-10 with a 2.98 ERA. He's got a 2.22 ERA...