PHILADELPHIA - As he is before his first at-bat of every game here at Citizens Bank Park, Jayson Werth was booed heavily when he stepped into the batter's box in the top of the second inning tonight. Werth responded to the jeers from his former fanbase by reaching out and crushing a Cole Hamels changeup into the bleachers in left-center, giving the Nationals an early lead. It wasn't a bad pitch from Hamels; the changeup was down in the zone and away from Werth. He stayed on the pitch,...

Orioles third baseman Manny Machado has 122 hits this season, tying him with Baltimore native Al Kaline (1955) for the most hits before the All-Star break by a player under 22 years old, according to STATS. Machado's 47 extra-base hits through July 5 already were the most in major league history before the break by a player under 21. Machado may be facing his biggest challenge with manager Buck Showalter. "He's trying to get me to learn how to download some stuff, apps," Showalter told...

Buck Showalter is not one to dwell on negative stats, but he certainly is aware of trends and stats that involve his team. Like the Orioles' recent performance batting with runners in scoring position. The Orioles went 0-for-7 with RISP in the first three innings last night and 1-for-12 in the game. There are many games when the team doesn't get seven such at-bats, but they came in bunches early in Monday's game. Last night's game continues a trend where the O's have gone 6-for-47...

PHILADELPHIA - Scott Hairston's stocky, solid, 6-foot, 205-lb. frame doesn't really scream "leadoff hitter." Yet, that's what Hairston will be tonight for the 100th time in his career. Hairston is listed atop the Nationals' lineup tonight, as manager Davey Johnson has opted to give Denard Span the night off and put Hairston in there against Phillies lefty Cole Hamels. Hairston hits lefties well, and he hits Hamels very well, so that made the decision easy for Johnson. "I expect him to...

With just 1 1/2 years of big league experience under his belt, Bryce Harper has accomplished quite a bit in a short amount of time. In his first season alone, Harper was named to the National League All-Star team and was named NL Rookie of the Year. He's followed that up this season by winning a starting outfield spot in the All-Star Game, despite missing 31 contests with left knee bursitis. Well, we can add another accomplishment to his promising career: Home Run Derby participant. Mets...

Down the road, no one expects to see Kevin Gausman pitching out of the Orioles bullpen, but he is working in that role right now. He said he has adapted well to a relief role and is enjoying it. "You are a little bit more aggressive," Gausman said. "That is one thing I noticed. When you come out of the 'pen, you go right at hitters a lot more. That is one thing I wish I had done more when I started - not try to be too fine and go right at guys. "The biggest thing is getting ready. You...

Steve Johnson, on the disabled list with a strained left oblique, will throw live batting practice Thursday in Sarasota. Johnson made 35 throws off a mound yesterday and reported that he's feeling much better, with improved command of his pitches. The next step may be a simulated game, followed by a rehab assignment with a minor league affiliate. Manager Buck Showalter told reporters that outfielder Steve Pearce is down to "one sore wrist." Pearce could swing a bat within the next few...

Chris Davis came clean today. He said Robinson Cano had asked him a while back to be in the All-Star Game Home Run Derby. It didn't become official until early last night. So what will Davis' strategy be next Tuesday at Citi Field? "Swing hard and hit it far," he said. He sounds almost more excited to be in the Home Run Derby event than the game itself. "I think so. As a kid, the game is fun to watch, but the Home Run Derby is the excitement the night before the game and something I...

Hearing that Chris Davis was selected for the 2013 Home Run Derby was about as surprising as hearing that he hit another home run. Davis happily obliged when he was asked to participate by American League Home Run Derby captain Robinson Cano. Going into tonight's games, Davis is leading the majors with 33 home runs, five more than No. 2 on the list, Miguel Cabrera. If those 33 home runs aren't enough to convince you that he belongs, consider this: He broke the Orioles' record for most...

PHILADELPHIA - Not only is Scott Hairston making his Nationals debut tonight in just his second day with the team since coming over in a trade with the Cubs, he's also in the leadoff spot. I did expect to see Hairston in the lineup tonight. I did not expect him to lead off. Anyone that says they did is probably lying. Hairston will play left field tonight, bumping Bryce Harper over to center. Denard Span will get the night off. This is the first start for Harper in center field this...