Freddy Garcia was packing his bag. Kevin Gausman was unpacking his. That was the scene a few moments ago in the O's clubhouse. The Orioles just announced that Gausman has been recalled from Triple-A and that Garcia has been optioned to Norfolk. Gausman said he expected to be available out of the bullpen for now. It is possible he could move into Garcia's spot in the rotation which next comes up on Friday. "They told me probably (work) out of the pen," Gausman said. "You know, relieving...

The Orioles today announced that they have recalled RHP Kevin Gausman from Triple-A Norfolk and optioned RHP Freddy Garcia to the Tides. Gausman, 22, has made five starts for the Orioles this season, going 0-3 with a 7.66 ERA (24.2IP, 21ER), 20 strikeouts and six walks. Garcia, 36, is 3-5 with a 5.77 ERA (53.0IP, 34ER) in 11 games (10 starts) with the Orioles this season.

Kevin Gausman is listed among the Orioles' relievers for tonight's game against the Indians. Freddy Garcia is no longer listed among the starters and said he has been put on waivers. More accurately, he has been optioned to Triple-A Norfolk. However, Garcia apparently can decline the assignment and become a free agent, which appears to be his choice. The Orioles haven't made an announcement, but one is pending. Gausman has been recalled from Triple-A Norfolk and could make Friday...

The Washington Nationals today announced the addition of Third Day and legendary rocker Sammy Hagar to the 2013 NatsLive Free Postgame Concert Series. These concerts highlight an enhanced promotional schedule that features new giveaways and activities for fans to enjoy throughout the remainder of the season. THIRD DAY: Sunday, July 7 Faith, passion and rock 'n roll swagger combine on Third Day's 12th album, Miracle, a simmering brew of rock anthems infused with the life-affirming lyrics...

Before the season some predicted that all five American League East teams could finish at .500 or better this year. As we approach the season's halfway point, all five are now at least two games above .500. The East has five teams playing winning baseball while the rest of the league has four teams combined. It seems like a year where no East club will win 100 games, but maybe they all will win between 85 and 95. If that does happen the race in August and September will be amazing to...

Double-A Harrisburg right-hander Aaron Barrett continues to have success as their closer, racking up six consecutive save opportunities. Barrett has 14 saves in 31 games spanning 30 1/3 innings, with 41 strikeouts and just nine walks. He is 1-1 with a 2.08 ERA and has not allowed an earned run in nine straight appearances. That works out to a 0.93 ERA in the last 10 games. Harrisburg pitching coach Paul Menhart said Barrett has established the attitude necessary on the mound to deliver in the...

If you look at the standings as of this morning, you'll get a clear picture of how the Washington Nationals' 2013 season is going. The team considered by many around the game to be the World Series favorites coming into the season has a 37-38 record after yesterday's loss to the Rockies. The Nats are six games back of the Braves in the National League East, and they're seven games out of a Wild Card spot. Eight of the other 14 teams in the National League have superior winning...

The Orioles need to make a roster move this afternoon or they need left-hander Zach Britton to give them innings tonight. T.J. McFarland worked 4 1/3 innings yesterday in Toronto. An early exit by Britton would require some baton passing and really tax the bullpen. The Orioles must make a decision on Freddy Garcia. They're willing to put him in the bullpen, though they would have to create a spot for him. Is he a better option in the rotation than Kevin Gausman or Jair Jurrjens? Steve...

He is a 19-year-old left-hander who at this time last year was a brand new Orioles draft pick and a recent high school graduate. Now Josh Hader is on his way potentially toward top 10 prospect status. Whether he'll make those top 10 lists at the end of this year or not, the results have been pretty stunning for this young man from Millersville, Md. In 11 starts this season for Single-A Delmarva, Hader is 3-2 with a 1.94 ERA and opponents are batting .186 batting against him. In 60 1/3...

The last time Jayson Werth had to leave a game due to an injury, he said that he didn't think it was too serious and hoped he wouldn't need to land on the disabled list. The tightness that had popped up in Werth's right hamstring hung around for a while, and he eventually needed to miss 28 games while rehabbing the hamstring on the DL. The hope is that this time, the pulled left groin that Werth suffered in today's 7-6 loss to the Rockies doesn't pose nearly as much of a problem. Werth...