The high Single-A Potomac Nationals announced that three of their players have been selected to play in the 2013 California-Carolina League All-Star game on June 18 in San Jose, Calif. Left-hander Robbie Ray, right-hander Blake Schwartz and outfielder Billy Burns will represent the P-Nats in California. The 21-year old Ray leads the Carolina League with 81 strikeouts over 12 starts. He is 4-2 with a 2.32 ERA. The 6-foot-2, 170-lb., southpaw struck out a career-high 10 hitters on April 21...

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Manny Machado bounced an RBI single into center field with two outs in the top of the third inning to give the Orioles a 1-0 lead and continue his assault on road pitching. Machado has hit safely in 22 of the last 24 road games, batting .394 with 14 doubles, three homers, 13 RBIs and 18 runs scored. He's hit in 14 of his last 15 road games, batting .406 with eight doubles, two homers, nine RBIs and 11 runs scored. Machado has hit in five straight games, but he didn't...

The Washington Nationals today selected eight players on the second day of Major League Baseball's 2013 First-Year Player Draft. Nationals Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo, Nationals Assistant General Manager & Vice President of Player Personnel Roy Clark and Nationals Director of Scouting Kris Kline made the joint announcement. The Nationals kicked off today's action selecting prep third baseman Drew Ward with their third-round pick (105th...

Just about 15 minutes after the Nationals announced that they had signed right-hander Jake Johansen, their top overall pick in the 2013 First-Year Player Draft, Johansen hopped on a conference call with reporters to discuss officially being added to the Nats' system, his future plans and his performance at Dallas Baptist University in his three years there. The 22-year-old right-hander, who the Nats took with the No. 68 overall pick in the draft, said that he got a really good feel from the...

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...