High Single-A Potomac Nationals right-hander Taylor Hill has performed well in his last two starts, following his two roughest starts of the season. On back-to-back starts, May 24 and 29, Hill allowed a combined 20 hits and 14 runs in nine innings of work. But, on June 3 and 9, Hill rebounded to go 14 2/3 innings and gave up only one earned run. He struck out 12 and walked five in a pair of no decisions. The highlight of the two starts was Hill's 8 2/3 innings on June 3 at Myrtle Beach. The...

In the quiet of the Orioles clubhouse after today's game, I interviewed Pedro Strop for the "O's Xtra" postgame show on MASN. Here are his comments after he allowed four runs and three hits today in just one-third of an inning to take the loss for the Orioles. Q: You could not hold the lead today. What is your take on the outing? Strop: "Not good. Only thing I can say. I couldn't do the job." Q: Do you think it was location or stuff or a combination? Strop: "I would say location....

This one got away. The Orioles took a 4-2 lead to the top of the seventh this afternoon, but Jason Hammel appeared to tire and Pedro Strop struggled yet again. The Angels scored six times that inning to take an 8-4 lead and went on to post a 9-5 win over the Orioles. Hammel issued a single and walk to end his day. Strop got Hank Conger to hit a high chopper toward the mound. Had he fielded it cleanly or even let it go, it might have been a double play, but it hit off his glove for a single...

The first two batters reached against Jason Hammel in the top of the seventh inning, and manager Buck Showalter called for Pedro Strop. It didn't go as planned. Hank Conger reached on an infield hit to load the bases, the ball deflecting off Strop's glove, and Erick Aybar followed with a three-run triple. Aybar scored on Ryan Flaherty's throwing error on the relay to third base. In the blink of an eye, the Angels had four runs and fans were booing Strop, who was making his second...

Orioles left fielder Nate McLouth is 2-for-2 at the plate today and 0-for-1 in arguments. McLouth singled again leading off the bottom of the third inning, and he appeared to get his 23rd stolen base of the season, which would have tied his career high. However, second base umpire Joe West ruled that McLouth's foot came off the bag as he came out of his slide, and shortstop Erick Aybar applied the tag. McLouth and manager Buck Showalter applied pressure to West, both of them disputing the...

The Nationals have announced they've officially selected the contract of right-hander Ross Ohlendorf from Triple-A Syracuse, and they'll hand the ball to the 30-year-old tonight out in Colorado. To make room for Ohlendorf on the 25-man roster, the Nats optioned right-hander Nathan Karns to Double-A Harrisburg. Karns went 0-1 with a 7.50 ERA in three starts with the Nats. To make room for Ohlendorf on the 40-man roster, which is currently full, the Nats have transferred right-hander...

The Washington Nationals selected right-handed pitcher Ross Ohlendorf from Syracuse of the Triple-A International League and optioned right-handed pitcher Nathan Karns to Harrisburg of the Double-A Eastern League. Additionally, the Nationals transferred right-handed pitcher Christian Garcia to the 60-Day Disabled List. Nationals Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcements. Ohlendorf, who is scheduled to make his Nationals debut tonight...

The Orioles, in a continued effort to support Major League Baseball in the PEOPLE Magazine Tribute for Heroes program, are asking fans to vote for one of three finalists to represent the Baltimore Orioles at the 2013 MLB All-Star Game. The three fan-nominated finalists for the Orioles include Melissa Garcia, Rob Jones and Jessie Lopez. Fans are encouraged to visit www.TributeForHeroes.com to vote on their favorite stories through June 30. Melissa Garcia of Baltimore, Maryland, enlisted in...

Wada mess. OK, I couldn't resist. Left-hander Tsuyoshi Wada's injury rehab assignment ends this weekend and he can't be optioned to Triple-A Norfolk without his consent. It's part of his contract. Wada was torched last night for eight runs (seven earned) in 1 1/3 innings. He's totaled only 24 1/3 innings in six starts with the Tides, allowing 33 hits and posting an 8.14 ERA. He's not ready for major league hitters. The Orioles will try to convince Wada to remain with Norfolk past...

Orioles left-hander Wei-Yin Chen will throw off a half mound on Thursday in Sarasota, and off a full mound on Saturday if he doesn't experience any setbacks in his recovery from a strained oblique. Chen could be in Baltimore by the weekend or early next week, as the Orioles monitor his progress and determine when he's ready to go on an injury rehab assignment. He would likely pitch in a simulated game before joining an affiliate. Brian Roberts took batting practice in the indoor cage...