A few pregame notes
A few pregame notes
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
MINNEAPOLIS - The Orioles scored nine unanswered runs last night to overcome a 6-0 deficit. According to STATS, it marked the first time that the Orioles won a game by three runs or more after being down by six or more in the sixth inning or later since June 15, 1983 against the Milwaukee Brewers. The Orioles were behind 7-0 in the top of the seventh before rallying to win 11-8 in 10 innings. Steve Johnson held opponents hitless in 20 at-bats with runners in scoring position as a rookie last...
It all falls apart in the fifth (Nats lose 8-2)
It all falls apart in the fifth (Nats lose 8-2)
Dan Kolko
Nationals
Boy, did things turn in a hurry. Stephen Strasburg was working on an absolute gem this afternoon, having held the Cubs to just one hit over his first four innings of work, striking out seven and needing just 53 pitches to get through those four dominant frames. Then in the fifth, after a Ryan Zimmerman throwing error prolonged the inning, it all fell apart for Strasburg. He had been nearly halfway to the dugout when Zimmerman's throw sailed wide of the first base bag, then needed to walk...
In Bowie, Zach Clark talks about his first start tomorrow using the knuckleball
In Bowie, Zach Clark talks about his first start tomorrow using the knuckleball
Steve Melewski
Orioles
BOWIE, Md. - If you want to talk about a player with perseverance, you could start with pitcher Zach Clark. In his eighth season in the Orioles' organization, he finally made the big leagues recently. But just a few days later, he was designated for assignment and now he is back here with Double-A Bowie, learning to throw a knuckleball. It's been a wild few days for the 29-year-old Clark, but the player I spoke to this afternoon is embracing this chance to show the Orioles what he can do...
Nine up, nine down for a locked-in Strasburg (no no-no today)
Nine up, nine down for a locked-in Strasburg (no no-no today)
Dan Kolko
Nationals
It's only been three innings, but this has already far and away been the most locked in Stephen Strasburg has looked all season. Strasburg is through three innings, having retired all nine Cubs hitters he's faced. He's struck out five (four of which have been swinging) and allowed just one ball to be hit out of the infield. After starting the game with three straight balls to Cubs leadoff hitter David DeJesus, 30 of Strasburg's 35 pitches have been for strikes. He's been pounding the...
Johnson: Bullpen gaining momentum with roles more defined
Johnson: Bullpen gaining momentum with roles more defined
Byron Kerr
Nationals
Manager Davey Johnson believes the Nationals bullpen is starting to feel more comfortable with its roles and that has contributed to its success the past few weeks. The bullpen has been pretty consistent since April 15, going 2-1 with seven saves and a 1.93 ERA in 23 games, allowing just 12 earned runs in that span. Johnson said rearranging the responsibilities took some time to jell. But that wasn't because the pitchers had lost the belief they could get the job done to start the...
Orioles option Burnett, Flaherty back at second base
Orioles option Burnett, Flaherty back at second base
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
MINNEAPOLIS - The Orioles made today's roster move official by optioning reliever Alex Burnett to Triple-A Norfolk and recalling Steve Johnson, who will make tonight's start against the Minnesota Twins. Burnett appeared in one game in his second stint with the club, striking out one in a scoreless inning. Ryan Flaherty is back at second base tonight after Alexi Casilla started last night. Casilla will start Sunday afternoon. For the Orioles Nate McLouth LF Manny Machado 3B Nick Markakis...
O's recall right-hander Steve Johnson from Triple-A Norfolk, option right-hander Alex Burnett to Norfolk
O's recall right-hander Steve Johnson from Triple-A Norfolk, option right-hander Alex Burnett to Norfolk
Josh Land
Orioles
The Orioles today announced that they have recalled right-hander Steve Johnson from Triple-A Norfolk and optioned right-hander Alex Burnett to Norfolk. Johnson is scheduled to start tonight's game at Minnesota. Johnson, 25, began the season on the disabled list with a strained right lat. He made three starts for Norfolk and was 1-1 with a 4.41 ERA (16.1IP, 8ER). In four starts for Baltimore in 2012, Johnson was 3-0 with a 2.86 ERA (22.0IP, 7ER) and the Orioles won all four games he...
Harper out of Nats lineup for second straight day
Harper out of Nats lineup for second straight day
Dan Kolko
Nationals
The Nationals had hoped that Bryce Harper would be able to return to the lineup today after having minor surgery on Thursday night to remove an ingrown toenail. Instead, Harper is out of the Nats' lineup for the second straight game. Manager Davey Johnson said this afternoon that Harper's big toe is still sore after having an ingrown portion of the nail removed two days ago. "Harp's still a little tender," Johnson said. "He wanted to wait until he hit on the field, and if it's that...
Nats recall Eury Perez, place Jayson Werth on DL
Nats recall Eury Perez, place Jayson Werth on DL
Josh Land
Nationals
The Washington Nationals today recalled outfielder Eury Perez from Syracuse of the Triple-A International League and placed right fielder Jayson Werth on the 15-Day Disabled List, retroactive to May 3, with a right hamstring strain. Nationals Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Perez joins the Nationals after hitting .346 (37-for-107) with five doubles, a triple, a home run, six RBI, seven stolen bases and 17 runs scored in 23...
Nats place Werth on DL, call up Perez (updated with quotes)
Nats place Werth on DL, call up Perez (updated with quotes)
Dan Kolko
Nationals
Jayson Werth hasn't played since May 2 because of a right hamstring strain, and the Nationals finally needed to make use of his roster spot. The Nats officially placed Werth on the 15-day disabled list today, retroactive to May 3, and called outfielder Eury Perez up from Triple-A Syracuse. Werth is batting .260 with four homers, 10 RBIs and 17 runs in 27 games this season. He'll be eligible to return on May 18. This will be the second stint in the big leagues for the 22-year-old Perez, who...