Since returning to the Nationals after suffering a right hamstring tear on July 22, Ryan Zimmerman has been a much-valued presence in the lineup and off the bench. The veteran offers versatility as he can play third base and left field, where he has made all three of his starts since his return. In his six games since his return, Zimmerman has posted a slash line of .286/.333/.429 over 14 at-bats. "The challenges are his leg and I think that's presenting itself nicely," Matt Williams...

With postseason baseball on the horizon, diehard Orioles fans are gearing up to watch the Birds host the first two games of the American League Division Series. Oriole Park at Camden Yards will be flooded with orange and black, and among the many fans will be nearly 1,400 at-risk children watching the games from Sections 96 and 98! The Orioles are inviting the children to experience the magic of postseason baseball through a program called the OriolesREACH Knothole Gang. Groups participating...

The Orioles have designated reliever Preston Guilmet for assignment to make room for infielder Alexi Casilla on the 40-man roster. Casilla's contract was purchased today from Triple-A Norfolk and he's starting at third base today. Casilla, who's wearing No. 1, played 34 games at second base and 21 at shortstop with the Tides. He didn't appear at third base this year. Guilmet, 27, posted a 5.23 ERA in 10 games for the Orioles this season, allowing six earned runs in 10 1/3 innings. He...

The Orioles today announced that they have selected the contract of infielder Alexi Casilla from Triple-A Norfolk. Casilla, 30, batted .264/.315/.320 in 56 games for Triple-A Norfolk this season, stealing nine bases in 11 attempts while primarily playing second base (34 games) and shortstop (21 games). Casilla will wear #1. To make room for Casilla on the 40-man roster, right-hander Preston Guilmet has been designated for assignment. Guilmet, 27, pitched to a 5.23 ERA (10.1IP, 6ER) in 10...

Alexi Casilla is leading off and playing third base today in his return to the Orioles. He didn't play third at Triple-A Norfolk this season and is making just his third start at third in the majors. Christian Walker is playing first base. Jonathan Schoop is starting at second base. Steve Pearce is in right field. Nick Markakis is on the bench. Wei-Yin Chen could become the first Orioles left-hander to win 17 or more games in a season since Jeff Ballard won 18 games in 1989. Chen has lost...

The Orioles lead the American League East by 12 games with two to play, so they are going to become the first team to win the division by double digits since the 2006 Yankees won by 10 games. The Orioles have the best record in baseball since June 30 (53-26, .671) and are the 20th club in team history to win 90 games games. Orioles lefty Wei-Yin Chen (16-5, 3.56 ERA) is having a good September and he'd like to wrap it up with a good outing today at Toronto. In four starts this month, Chen...

Ryan Zimmerman is the only Nationals regular not in the lineup for this afternoon's game against the Marlins. Zimmerman played in each of the club's four games over the last two days, starting the first game of each doubleheader. With Zimmerman opening the day on the bench, Asdrubal Cabrera is at second with Anthony Rendon at third and Bryce Harper in left field. Williams is starting close to his full lineup as the Nats hope to get the regulars ready for the National League Division...

If you forgot that Alexi Casilla remained in the Orioles organization, he's providing a reminder today and it's anything but subtle. The Orioles are summoning Casilla from Arizona - he had permission to work out there instead of Sarasota - and he's expected to be in uniform for today's game against the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Manager Buck Showalter is clearly upset with his infield defense - third base has become a troublesome spot - and Casilla is the ultimate utility guy. The...

It cannot be easy playing four games in two days. Heck, all I did was sit around and watch four games in two days and talk about it on TV a bit, and I'm exhausted right now. I can't imagine how the players or coaches feel after going through that physical and mental wringer. It cannot be easy, especially at this point in the season, when bodies are tired and pitchers' arms have logged dozens upon dozens of innings. Especially when there are bigger goals that still lie ahead, and the last...

The Orioles lost another game last night. Are they also losing their edge? That's the question posed to me every couple of hours, and I have no idea. I understand the logic behind resting the veterans and letting guys heal and staying away from certain relievers on certain nights to freshen up the bullpen before the Division Series. However, we can't measure how much edge is left until the playoffs start on Thursday. I do know that the defense has to improve. Maybe it happens with a more...