The Orioles and Pirates aren't allowed to call up a 26th player today because this isn't a split doubleheader. Also, the doubleheader wasn't scheduled before yesterday. Those are the rules. The Orioles had consecutive games postponed due to rain for the first time since April 13-14, 2004 in Boston. Here are the pitching matchups for the series in Minnesota: Friday: Ubaldo Jimenez versus Ricky Nolasco Saturday: Wei-Yin Chen versus Kevin Correia Sunday: Miguel Gonzalez versus Phil...

So Manny Machado has made his way back to the Orioles' active roster, but not the starting lineup quite yet. The Orioles decided it would not be the best move for him to play 18 innings today, so he'll start the second game of today's doubleheader against Pittsburgh. It's a move Machado had input into and agrees with. "I don't think it's a great idea if I go out and play two games on my first day," he said. "It's all right. Everything happens for a reason. I'm here and I'll be...

The Orioles announced that they optioned infielder Steve Lombardozzi to Triple-A Norfolk today to make room for third baseman Manny Machado on the 25-man roster. Lombardozzi, 25, batted .292/.301/.333 (21-for-72) in 19 games at second base for the Orioles this season. Ryan Flaherty remains on the roster and could start at first base tonight in Game 2. The Orioles like him defensively in the infield and he also can play the outfield. He's basically the backup first baseman with Chris Davis on...

The Orioles today announced that they have reinstated infielder Manny Machado from the 15-day disabled list and optioned infielder Steve Lombardozzi to Triple-A Norfolk. Machado, 21, appeared in three rehab games for Class-A Frederick, batting .667/.692/1.167 (8-12) with four doubles, a triple, five runs, two RBI and a stolen base. He was placed on the disabled list after having an arthroscopy and open reconstruction of the medial patellar femoral ligament on October 14, 2013, the result of a...

Orioles third baseman Manny Machado isn't starting Game 1 of today's doubleheader against the Pirates at Camden Yards. He's listed among the reserves, with Ryan Flaherty starting at third. Infielder Steve Lombardozzi isn't listed among the Orioles reserves. He's apparently been optioned to Triple-A Norfolk to make room for Machado on the 25-man roster. Lombardozzi said he's not injured and wouldn't comment further. Jemile Weeks is leading off again today. Steve Pearce is playing first...

The Washington Nationals announced today that Plain White T's (June 5), Austin Mahone (July 19) and Martina McBride (August 16) will comprise the lineup for the 2014 NatsLive FREE Postgame Concert Series following select Nationals home games throughout this summer. "I'm so excited for the opportunity to play for Nats fans at beautiful Nationals Park!" said 14-time Grammy Award nominee Martina McBride, whose performance will wrap up the series in mid-August. "To be able to sing after a...

J.J. Hardy clearly knows how much Manny Machado means to the Orioles and what it means to have him back on the team. He is very aware he led the American League with 51 doubles last year and that he won both Gold and Platinum Gloves. He has a great view to watch Machado's amazing glove and arm at work at third base. But despite all that, Hardy said we should not expect Machado to play like the budding superstar that he is the minute he plays his first O's game in 2014 today against...

While it is a pleasant surprise that the Nationals have scored 126 runs and are tied with the Marlins for second in the National League in that category, it is a little alarming that they've allowed 108 and are tied for fourth-most with the Cubs. The Nationals are a team built around run prevention and the season totals show a team that hasn't done a good job of preventing many runs. The team ERA reached its zenith of 4.10 on April 17 after an 8-0 loss to the Cardinals. In those first 16...

Talk about April showers. The Orioles will kick off May with a doubleheader against the Pirates beginning at 4:05 p.m. after their Tuesday and Wednesday matchups were postponed. We haven't seen the O's play since Sunday, April 27. I'm almost beginning to forget what this team looks like. And oh yeah, Manny Machado makes his long-awaited 2014 debut this afternoon/evening in Charm City. As we say goodbye to April and welcome in May, it's time to look ahead to the Orioles' schedule for the...

Once the Nationals offense got going, right-hander Jordan Zimmermann had no trouble becoming the winningest pitcher in team history. Anthony Rendon had four hits, including a home run, and three RBIs, and Zimmermann combined with three relievers on a shutout as the Nats completed a two-game sweep with a 7-0 victory over the Astros on Wednesday night. Zimmermann posted his 45th victory for the Nats, breaking a tie with Livan Hernandez atop the team's all-time wins register. He scattered seven...