Well, this didn't take long. The Nationals have announced that they've agreed to terms with their top pick in the 2013 MLB First-Year Player Draft, right-hander Jake Johansen out of Dallas Baptist University. Johansen was selected in the second round, with the No. 68 overall pick, just before midnight last night. About 18 hours later, Johansen is under contract with the Nationals. This comes in direct contrast to the post-draft schedule that the Nats have gotten used to in past years,...

The Washington Nationals today agreed to terms with 22-year-old right-handed pitcher Jake Johansen, their top selection (68th overall) in the 2013 First-Year Player Draft out of Dallas Baptist (TX) University. Nationals Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo, Nationals Assistant General Manager and Vice President of Player Personnel Roy Clark and Nationals Director of Scouting Kris Kline made the joint announcement. The 6-foot-6, 235 lbs. Johansen...

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Orioles manager Buck Showalter said reliever Pedro Strop is "a consideration" to be activated from the 15-day disabled list before Saturday afternoon's game against the Rays at Tropicana Field. Strop threw an indoor bullpen session yesterday in Sarasota - heavy rains washed away his outdoor plans - and said his back feels good. He's eager to rejoin the bullpen. Wei-Yin Chen, who hasn't pitched since May 12 because of a strained oblique, threw from 90 feet today...

The Orioles today announced that they have recalled LHP MIKE BELFIORE from Triple-A Norfolk. Belfiore, 24, is 1-0 with a 4.20 ERA (30.0IP, 14ER) and 31 strikeouts in 17 games with the Tides. He has held left-handed hitters to a .224 average, recording more strikeouts (15) than hits allowed (11) in 49 at-bats against. Belfiore, who will wear #65, was with the Orioles earlier this season, May 12-13, but did not appear in a game. His first appearance will be his major league debut. With this...

After the selection of pitcher Jake Johansen Thursday night at pick No. 68, here are thumbnails on the Nationals' next four selections - a pair of right-handers and two third basemen. One of the infielders can also pitch. With pick No. 105, the Nationals selected third baseman Drew Ward from Leedey High School in Oklahoma. The 18-year-old is graduating high school early so he could be eligible for the 2013 draft. Ward is 6-foot-4 and 200 lbs., and played shortstop, but his range would profile...

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The Orioles have recalled left-hander Mike Belfiore from Triple-A Norfolk to take the roster spot vacated yesterday by outfielder Xavier Avery. Belfiore is in the visiting clubhouse at Tropicana Field and listed among the relievers on the Orioles' lineup card. Belfiore could be optioned on Saturday if the Orioles activate reliever Pedro Strop from the 15-day disabled list. Today's move leaves the Orioles with four left-handers in the bullpen. For the Orioles Nate...

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The Orioles are taking early batting practice today. Roll call includes Ryan Flaherty, Alexi Casilla, Danny Valencia, Steve Pearce and Taylor Teagarden. Manager Buck Showalter has stepped out of the dugout at Tropicana Field to watch the session. Earlier today, the Orioles optioned backup catcher Chris Snyder to Triple-A Norfolk. Snyder was designated for assignment on Tuesday to make room for Taylor Teagarden on the 25-man roster. Snyder had the right to refuse an...

The Nationals today acquired left-hander Tyler Robertson off waivers from the Twins. The 25-year-old is 2-2 with 6 holds and a 5.54 ERA in 42 career relief apps ('12-13). Robertson has posted a .200 BAA vs. lefthanded batters during his career. He is the son of Nationals Special Assistant to the GM Jay Robertson. Robertson will be optioned to Triple-A Syracuse.

The Nationals have claimed left-handed reliever Tyler Robertson off waivers from the Twins and optioned him to Triple-A Syracuse, the team announced this afternoon. Robertson, 25, is 2-2 with a 5.54 ERA in 42 career big league relief appearances. Drafted by the Twins in the third round of the 2006 draft, Robertson made his big league debut last season and appeared in just two games this year before being designated for assignment earlier this week. Robertson has held left-handed batters to...

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Jason Hammel takes the mound tonight at Tropicana Field for the first time since being ejected Saturday afternoon following back-to-back-to-back home runs by the Tigers and a slider that hit Matt Tuiasosopo on the left shoulder. Hammel insisted that he wasn't aiming at Tuiasosopo, and he presented a strong argument just a few inches from the face of plate umpire Hunter Wendelstedt. You know who won that argument. In 32 games at The Trop, Hammel is 1-5 with a 5.78 ERA....