ATLANTA - It'd be pretty tough to argue that Tyler Moore didn't earn his promotion back to the big leagues. After getting optioned to Triple-A Syracuse on July 8 following another tough stretch with the Nationals, Moore caught fire. He hit .367/.442/.664 over 33 games, with eight home runs, 12 doubles and 38 RBIs. During that stretch, Moore walked 18 times compared to 24 walks, a very impressive ratio for a power hitter. This comes after Moore struggled mightily with the Nats this season,...

ATLANTA - Bryce Harper was originally written into the Nationals lineup as their leadoff hitter and center fielder. That has since changed. Harper has been scratched from today's lineup due to a bruised left triceps, suffered last night when he was hit by a 91 mph fastball from Braves left-hander Luis Avilan. Harper had a bandage on the triceps after last night's game, and while he intended to start today, that won't end up happening. Manager Davey Johnson went to Harper at around 2:30...

Steve Pearce has entered the Orioles' lineup as the designated hitter, batting seventh, after shortstop J.J. Hardy was scratched because of back spasms. Ryan Flaherty will play shortstop and bat eighth. Hardy's 11-game hitting streak came to an end last night. For the Orioles Nate McLouth LF Manny Machado 3B Chris Davis 1B Adam Jones CF Nick Markakis RF Matt Wieters C Steve Pearce DH Ryan Flaherty SS Brian Roberts 2B Bud Norris RHP

Josh Stinson returned to the Orioles today from Triple-A Norfolk for the third time. His first stay lasted just one day and the second stay lasted only two days. He joked he is shooting to be here three days this time. Stinson first came up to start against Toronto on April 24 and gave up five runs and four homers over 5 2/3 innings. He returned for two games, but did not pitch July 10 and 11. "Anytime you get called up, you're excited. Just come up here and do whatever job they need," he...

ATLANTA - The final outing of Taylor Jordan's 2013 season will be the six innings he threw against the Braves last night, in which he allowed just two unearned runs. Nationals manager Davey Johnson said before tonight's game against the Braves that Jordan, who was put on the disabled list today with a right lower back strain, will not pitch again this season. The combination of Jordan's injury and the fact that he's near his team-imposed innings limit set for this season led Johnson and...

Orioles shortstop J.J. Hardy has been scratched from tonight's lineup. No reason was given, so stay tuned for updates. Ryan Flaherty will start at shortstop and Steve Pearce will serve as the designated hitter. I'll post the new lineup once it becomes available. The Orioles already had a short bench tonight. Now it's really short, with Alexi Casilla and Taylor Teagarden perhaps the only players available. Hardy has played in 120 of 121 games this season. Hardy seemed fine earlier today,...

For the second game in a row, Chris Davis will bat third for the Orioles and Nick Markakis will hit fifth. It's no secret that Markakis is struggling to drive the ball recently. He has gone 24 games without an extra-base hit and 44 games without a homer since June 24. He's getting his hits, not just any for extra bases recently. Markakis has just two extra-base hits (both doubles) in 38 games since July 1. Davis is obviously a threat anywhere you put him in the order. For tonight, that is...

Orioles reliever Francisco Rodriguez won't be available for tonight's game against the Rockies, but he's avoided the disabled list. Rodriguez left last night's game in the eighth inning with a strained right groin. He's feeling better and will attempt to play catch today. Jason Hammel will do some long-tossing again today and take off Sunday. Hammel could throw from a mound on Monday or Tuesday. Wilson Betemit's injury-rehab assignment runs through Aug. 25, with the last four games...

ATLANTA - In his first game back from the minors, Tyler Moore is starting at first base against Braves left-hander Mike Minor. Also, Bryce Harper is playing center field with righty Scott Hairston in left for the Nationals. Update: After meeting with a trainer and manager Davey Johnson, Harper has been scratched from tonight's game. Denard Span will now hit leadoff and play center. Harper was hit by two pitches last night and left the Nationals' clubhouse after the game with a pad on his...

Chris Davis is batting third again tonight for the Orioles, with Nick Markakis lowered to fifth. Manager Buck Showalter used the same alignment last night. Ryan Flaherty is serving as the designated hitter. For the Orioles Nate McLouth LF Manny Machado 3B Chris Davis 1B Adam Jones CF Nick Markakis RF Matt Wieters C J.J. Hardy SS Ryan Flaherty DH Brian Roberts 2B Bud Norris RHP