PHILADELPHIA - Adam LaRoche is back in the lineup in his normal spots at first base and clean-up for the Nationals in the finale of a three-game against the Phillies. LaRoche was out of last night's starting lineup, getting a rest while he nursed a tight back. Otherwise, the lineup looks very familiar in support of right-hander Doug Fister (12-4, 2.38 ERA) against Philadelphia's Kyle Kendrick (6-11, 4.93 ERA), who owns the National League's worst ERA (6.10) since June 22. A programming...

The Orioles made their roster move today, officially recalling catcher Steve Clevenger from Triple-A Norfolk and optioning last night's starter, left-hander Wei-Yin Chen, to the Gulf Coast League team. The Orioles currently list their starters for the Twins series as follows: Friday - Miguel Gonzalez vs. Trevor May Saturday - Chris Tillman vs. Kyle Gibson Sunday - Wei-Yin Chen vs. Ricky Nolasco Monday - Kevin Gausman vs. Phil Hughes The GCL team's season ends by Aug. 31, which makes Chen...

The Orioles today announced that they have recalled catcher Steve Clevenger from Triple-A Norfolk and optioned lef-hander Wei-Yin Chen to the GCL Orioles. Clevenger, 28, has batted .305/.366/.389 with two home runs and 30 RBI in 64 games for the Tides this season. He hit .240/.296/.373 in 26 games for the Orioles earlier this season. Chen, 29, is 13-4 with a 3.76 ERA (148.1IP, 62ER) in 25 starts for the Orioles this season.

The Orioles added catcher Steve Clevenger to their taxi squad this afternoon. A player can stay on it for 24 hours before being added to the 25-man roster or returned to the minors. The Norfolk Tides announced the move, which has been confirmed, while activating right-hander Robert Coello from the temporarily inactive list. Manager Buck Showalter indicated yesterday that the Orioles could send down a starting pitcher and call up a position player because the minor league season ends Sept. 1...

Here is a rundown of the Arizona Fall League invitees from the Nationals. Included on the team is one coach and one trainer. They will play for the Mesa Solar Sox and the first game is Oct. 7. The list includes two catchers, two left-handers, two right-handers and one second baseman. 2B Tony Renda, high Single-A Potomac - Renda has fought through injury this season. If not, he likely would have garnered Carolina League MVP honors. He has all the tools and is a solid leader. He really knows...

PHILADELPHIA - Being a bench player is never easy. The inconsistent playing time, the tough late-game match-ups against hard-throwing relievers, the lack of live pitching to build timing before at-bats - it's all part of the gig, and it all makes the gig difficult. Add in the frustration that can build (and sometimes fester) when you don't succeed in your very limited opportunities, and it becomes mentally taxing as well. Imagine only having maybe three chances to come through for your...

It's safe to say at this point that this year's Nationals are pretty good at baseball. They've been a thrill to watch, especially the last couple of weeks. Close games turned nail-biters turned walk-off wins - that's a few of the ways the 2014 Nats will be remembered. And the good news is there's several ways to commemorate a good season of well-played baseball. Today, I'll share one of my favorite ways to commemorate a season with you - keeping score. I didn't actively keep score on a...

As the end of August approaches and the Orioles continue to hold onto a seven-game division lead, the September call-ups this year will be of increased importance. When September arrives, the Orioles' roster can expand from the current 25-man group to the entire 40-man roster, with additions providing reinforcements down the stretch. Some of these key additions are having strong seasons with the Triple-A Norfolk Tides, who are currently sitting in second place in the International League...

The 2013 Boston Red Sox won the World Series and new Orioles pitcher Andrew Miller helped them get there. He just couldn't pitch when they did make the postseason. On July 6, 2013, Miller went down in a game against the Los Angeles Angels, injuring his left foot on a comebacker to the mound. Surgery was needed to repair ligament damage. His season was over after he went 1-2 with a 2.64 ERA over 30 2/3 innings. Now he is with another team that has designs of going deep into the playoffs. This...

Unless there's been a late change, Orioles third baseman Manny Machado will undergo surgery this morning in Los Angeles to repair a torn ligament in his right knee. I wonder whether Dr. Neal ElAttrache can zip his own lip. I'm going to eliminate the drama and promise that the surgery will be deemed a success. Machado won't lose the leg, so don't lose any sleep over it. The update also will include mention of how Machado should be ready for spring training, which is why he's having the...