Prior to the All-Star break, Rafael Soriano punched up a 0.97 ERA in 37 games. He recorded 22 saves in 24 chances, had an opponents' batting average of .153 and had a WHIP of 0.81. He was simply one of the best relievers in the majors. Since the All-Star break, Soriano has a 6.98 ERA in 21 games. He's recorded just nine saves in 14 chances, has an opponents' batting average of .325 and a WHIP of 1.76. Things have turned south for Soriano in a hurry. And now Matt Williams has to decide how to...

Nationals manager Matt Williams will make a change at closer after Rafael Soriano blew his second straight save in a 9-8 11-inning setback to the Phillies. Soriano has blown five games in 14 opportunities since the All-Star break, and has a 6.98 ERA in 21 games since the break. Soriano said he understands he has not been pitching well. He has allowed opponents to score at least one run in four of his last five outings. "Whatever situation that (Williams) could make, I will be with him because...

Rafael Soriano has struggled since the All-Star break. And after tonight's blown save, Matt Williams said he's considering a change at closer. Soriano allowed three runs in two-thirds of an inning tonight, blowing his fifth save in 14 chances since the break. He has a 6.98 ERA in 21 games in that span, and this blown save tonight contributed to a 9-8 Nationals loss in 11 innings. Soriano was handed a three-run lead, but allowed a two-run homer to Carlos Ruiz and then a solo shot to Ben...

The Orioles are saying all the right things. They are not taking their big American League East lead for granted. They are not looking too far down the road. Yet in some respects, they likely are looking down the road and I think they should be. The time has come for the club to begin to look at some players on what is now a 33-man roster and it is time to begin the decision-making process for the final spots on what will be a 25-man playoff roster. The O's have some decisions to make in...

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Will the Orioles have most of their relievers available for today's game against the Rays? I doubt that you'll see Ryan Webb or Evan Meek unless there's an emergency. Ubaldo Jimenez wasn't going to be rushed into a scoreless game last night, but we know that he's rested. Andrew Miller is nearing a return after tweaking his left leg Monday, but it's not known whether he could pitch today. The Orioles need him, but only if he's healthy. What's going on with...

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The Orioles lost tonight and still reduced their magic number. It's down to 14. The Yankees and Blue Jays also lost. The Orioles still hold a 9 1/2-game lead in the American League East. Orioles manager Buck Showalter wasn't going to use five relievers tonight, which explains why he turned to Ryan Webb and Evan Meek in a scoreless game. Webb was charged with two runs in a 3-0 loss to the Rays at Tropicana Field. Showalter didn't rattle off the names, but it's safe...

After scoring nine runs last night and 67 during their 9-2 homestand, the Orioles were blanked 3-0 by Tampa Bay to lose tonight's series opener. With a win, the Orioles would have opened a lead of at least 10 games atop the American League East for the first time since Sept. 22, 1979. After starters Wei-Yin Chen and Alex Cobb matched zeroes, Tampa Bay finally broke the scoreless tie in the last of the eighth against the O's bullpen. Evan Longoria and Wil Myers led off with singles off...

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - In five innings tonight, Orioles left-hander Wei-Yin Chen has thrown 14, 36, 14, 16 and nine pitches. I'll save you from the task of removing your shoes to count. This isn't the security line at BWI Airport. That's 89 pitches in five scoreless frames against the Rays, whose offense already has packed up for the winter. The Rays didn't score in 10 innings last night and they can't break through against Chen, who loaded the bases in the second on a single and two...

There was some question prior to Friday's series opener against the Phillies whether or not first baseman Adam LaRoche would be able to play. He admitted during pregame that he has been battling back pain, elbow soreness and flu-like symptoms since early in the week. Facing the Dodgers on Wednesday, LaRoche managed to battle through the pain to put together a two-hit five RBI performance, including his 20th homer of the season, in a 8-5 14-inning victory over Los Angeles. LaRoche told manager...

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Orioles manager Buck Showalter said Delmon Young will return to the lineup for Saturday's game against the Rays at Tropicana Field. Young hasn't started since Monday. Showalter has been using plus-defenders Alejandro De Aza and David Lough in left field. Lough is in left tonight, with Nelson Cruz again serving as the designated hitter. The Rays are starting left-hander Drew Smyly on Saturday. Smyly has held left-handed hitters to a .166 average. Showalter also...