CHICAGO - In a short time frame this morning, the media at Wrigley Field conducted interviews with Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette, manager Buck Showalter, head athletic trainer Richie Bancells and third baseman Manny Machado. We're caught up on Machado's pending knee surgery. All we need to know is the exact date of next week's procedure in Los Angeles. I'm passing along a big batch of quotes. Let's start with Duquette, who made it clear that Machado reached this decision...

The Orioles try to get back in the win column today at Wrigley Field in Game 2 of their series against the Chicago Cubs. A win in one of the next two games will give the Orioles a winning road trip with at least a 5-4 record. A win in the next two games will give the Orioles another series victory, which would be their 10th in the last 11 series. On the mound today, Bud Norris (11-7, 3.69 ERA) faces Cubs right-hander Kyle Hendricks (5-1, 1.48 ERA). Hendricks is having a sensational rookie...

CHICAGO - Orioles third baseman Manny Machado will undergo surgery next week in Los Angeles to repair a slightly torn ligament in his right knee. Executive vice president Dan Duquette confirmed the news to reporters this morning at Wrigley Field. The medial patellar is the same ligament that Machado ruptured in his left knee in September at Tropicana Field. Though he suffered only a partial tear in his right knee, the Orioles say the procedure and recovery time will be the same. Dr. Neal...

The Nationals didn't wait long before bringing Nate Schierholtz up to the big leagues. Signed to a minor league contract just five days ago, Schierholtz will be in uniform for the Nats this afternoon. The team has selected the contract of the 30-year-old outfielder, with Michael A. Taylor getting optioned to Triple-A Syracuse to clear a spot for Schierholtz. In order to open up a spot on the 40-man roster, Nate McLouth has been transferred to the 60-day disabled list. McLouth underwent...

The Washington Nationals today selected the contract of outfielder Nate Schierholtz, optioned outfielder Michael A. Taylor to Syracuse of the Triple-A International League and placed outfielder Nate McLouth (right shoulder inflammation) on the 60-Day Disabled List. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Schierholtz, a .254 career hitter (520-for-2050) with 117 doubles, 51 home runs and 224 RBI in 776 career games with the Cubs (2013 -...

CHICAGO - Miguel Gonzalez was sitting at his locker this morning when reporters were allowed inside the visiting clubhouse at Wrigley Field. Gonzalez is on the 24-hour taxi squad. He'll be recalled on Sunday and will start the final game of the series against the Cubs. "Everyone's receiving me like it was my first time being called up," he said. "It was fun. They're all excited to have me back, so I'm excited as well." Gonzalez hasn't pitched for the Orioles since Aug. 7 in...

CHICAGO - Chris Davis remains at third base today for the Orioles and Steve Pearce continues to start at first base. Nelson Cruz is in left field and Nick Hundley is behind the plate. Executive vice president Dan Duquette will meet with reporters at 11:30 a.m. in front of the dugout. Manny Machado is scheduled to follow at 11:40 a.m. Miguel Gonzalez is expected to be in the clubhouse today. The Orioles will officially recall him Sunday and make a corresponding roster move. Bud Norris is 4-4...

Matt Williams has tried to instill an aggressive mentality on his ballclub this season. He's willing to tolerate some miscues on the bases, because he feels like if his players take an aggressive mindset and push the issue, it will pay off more often than not. Williams has needed to answer quite a few questions about Bryce Harper's baserunning style this season, however. Part of that is because he's Bryce Harper, and anytime Bryce Harper makes an error or runs into an out, people are going...

We are getting ahead of ourselves here since we have not heard yet from the Orioles on the latest news about Manny Machado. How long will he be out if he indeed does have right knee surgery? What will the recovery time period be? But this development has potential ramifications beyond just what this means for Machado. For instance, what does this mean for J.J. Hardy's future as an Oriole? All along, Machado has been there to possibly move to shortstop if Hardy were not re-signed and leaves...

The Giants dropped the Nationals 10-3 on Friday night, ending the club's longest win streak in nine years at 10 games. After the game, first baseman Adam LaRoche and center fielder Denard Span reflected on the run. "Yeah, I don't know, we haven't had that feeling in awhile, fortunately," LaRoche said. "Tough loss, no question, just the way we got beat." "Other than that, looking back, an awesome stretch. Frustrating, but we're still in great position here for this time of year. Got...