Giants manager Bruce Bochy had nothing but compliments for the Nationals in his Thursday afternoon media session. But that's what you'd expect from a wise veteran manager who is more interested in preparing his club for the National League Division Series than lighting a fire under the opposition. "They have the best record in the National League," Bochy said of the Nats. "You know, they have such a balanced club, starting pitching, bullpen, their lineup. You know, they have been tough on...

The Orioles' long wait for the playoffs is finally over. They are hosting the Detroit Tigers today in Game 1 of the American League Division Series. These clubs have never met in the postseason. The Orioles won the AL East, going 96-66, including a mark of 50-31 at home. The Tigers won the AL Central, going 90-72, including a mark of 45-36 on the road. The O's pitchers have the task of trying to contain a Detroit offense that led the AL in batting average (.277), OBP (.331) and slugging...

The Orioles have finished batting practice and the Tigers are taking their turn in the cage. Ubaldo Jimenez stopped to sign a few autographs before ducking inside the clubhouse. A brutal season has taken a turn upward for him, capped by his inclusion on the Division Series roster. "I was wondering because I didn't know what was going to happen," he said. "I finished strong, but I didn't know. I realize that all of the guys have been doing their jobs, so it was a tough call, but I was...

Some notes and quotes from the Tigers' press conference earlier today with manager Brad Ausmus and Game 2 starter Justin Verlander. Ausmus talked about outfielder Rajai Davis, who has a sprained pelvic ligament that forced him out of Saturday's game against the Twins. He is starting today and batting ninth in center field. "We got here this morning at 8:30 and he got some treatment done," Ausmus said. "We took him outside and he did some agility drills. He looked fine and he said he felt...

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...