BOSTON - In the latest installment of "As the Rotation Turns," Orioles manager Buck Showalter suggested today that Miguel Gonzalez could start Saturday afternoon against the Rays at Tropicana Field. Gonzalez left Sunday's start in Toronto in the sixth inning with a strained right groin, and he experienced some mild discomfort while playing catch yesterday at Fenway Park. However, he's feeling much better today and is scheduled to throw a light bullpen session on Thursday. Showalter will...

It was about three weeks ago and it was at Fenway Park. Wei-Yin Chen had the worst start of the 52 he has made in his two seasons with the Orioles. To say the least, he needs to avoid a repeat tonight. On Aug. 27 in a 13-2 loss to the Red Sox, Chen went just 3 2/3 innings, allowing eight hits, eight runs and two homers. A fair question to ask is why Chen has struggled recently. At the end of July, he was 6-3 with a 2.87 ERA. In eight starts since, he is 1-4 with a 5.83 ERA. I don't think it...

Manager Davey Johnson has been asked many times the last few weeks if he has checked the scoreboard. Today, Johnson was asked if he thought the Reds and Pirates were checking to see how the Nationals are doing. "They are watching it," Johnson said. 'There is no doubt about it. But it always goes down to what you do today. You only worry about things you can control. I am assuming the Reds are going to beat the Astros. Unless our boy (Brad) Peacock has a great game and tries to hand...

Denard Span's hitting streak has reached 28 games, and is now the longest streak in the big leagues since Dan Uggla had a hit in 33 consecutive games in 2011. Over this stretch, Span is hitting a ridiculous .378/.414/.504. He's continued his strong defensive play and even seen his production improve on the basepaths, where he's 7-for-8 in stolen base attempts. Since the start of his hitting streak, Span's season average has improved 25 points. His on-base percentage has jumped 23 points....

BOSTON - Darren O'Day is listed among the relievers on tonight's lineup card, so he'll be in uniform for the Orioles against the Red Sox. Danny Valencia's hot streak has earned him another start as the designated hitter. For the Orioles Nate McLouth LF Manny Machado 3B Chris Davis 1B Adam Jones CF Nick Markakis RF Danny Valencia DH Matt Wieters C J.J. Hardy SS Brian Roberts 2B Wei-Yin Chen LHP For the Red Sox Dustin Pedroia 2B Shane Victorino CF David Ortiz DH Mike Napoli 1B Jonny Gomes...

It seems like only yesterday that we were celebrating the Chris Davis grand slam that capped off an opening day victory for the Orioles at Camden Yards against the Twins. How quickly almost six months can pass when you're busy charting victories and significant milestones. But the end of the 2013 regular season is near, and the six-game homestand that begins Sept. 24 against the Blue Jays will be the Orioles' final one of the season. Which means it's a perfect time to celebrate what's...

If the Nationals somehow find a way to make October's postseason, they could be the favorite to go to the World Series. They are the hottest team in the National League. The question is whether they will have enough time to complete their comeback. The best-case scenario is that the Nationals win their final 11 games and finish with 92 victories. Pittsburgh has 87 wins and the Reds 86. The Nationals winning their final 11 games isn't out of the question, but 9-2 is more realistic, especially...

The Orioles today announced that the club is accepting deposits on 2014 season ticket plans and that fans placing a deposit will receive access to 2013 Postseason tickets. Fans who place a non-refundable $250 (for 13-game plans), $500 (for 29-game plans) or $1,000 (for full season plans) per seat deposit on a 2014 Season Ticket Plan will be guaranteed the opportunity to purchase 2013 Orioles Postseason tickets before the general public. The deposit must be placed by tomorrow, Thursday,...

According to the modern baseball catalog of knowledge, Baseball Reference, the official major league history of Washington baseball began in 1884 with the Washington Nationals and the Washington Statesmen playing that season. The Nationals finished with a record of 47-65 and the Statesmen were 12-51. That would turn out to be a fitting beginning to Washington baseball history. There would be two more defunct franchises and neither of them would have a winning season, and then in 1901 Ban...

The Orioles beat the Red Sox last night and it's worth noting. The win raises the 2013 record against their hated rivals to 8-6, meaning they've got a good shot at winning the season series. Given that the Sox are running away with the division, that counts for something. The win also leaves the O's just two games back of both Tampa Bay and Cleveland for a wild card berth. That, I suppose, also counts for something. Nothing's decided yet. I remain, despite this, mostly (and...