SARASOTA, Fla. - The decision came easily for manager Buck Showalter. He just needed confirmation that Jason Hammel was healthy. If Hammel's knee cooperated, he would take the ball on opening day at Tropicana Field for the Orioles. "Just a health thing," Showalter said today after confirming Hammel's assignment. "We look at it as one of the five starters. He will be the first guy of the season. We don't look at it like socially or whatever. It's just our team. It's, 'You're gong...

SARASOTA, Fla. - So how's that for a flurry of activity today? Just wait until the Orioles actually play a game tonight. Jason Hammel finally had the freedom to talk about his opening day assignment on April 2. Manager Buck Showalter was impressed that the right-hander waited until reporters already had been notified before discussing it. It's also the little things that get noticed around here. "It's an honor," Hammel said. "I'm very excited. Basically, what it means is I get to be...

The Washington Nationals today re-assigned left-handed pitcher Fernando Abad and catcher Carlos Maldonado to minor league camp. Nationals Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. The Nationals currently have 28 players in their big league camp.

SARASOTA, Fla. - Jason Hammel was officially named the Orioles' opening day starter today by manager Buck Showalter. He will take the ball April 2 against the Tampa Bay Rays. Wei-Yi Chen will pitch the second game against the Rays and Miguel Gonzalez will be the third starter in the series at Tropicana Field. Chris Tillman will pitch the home opener April 5 if he is not placed on the disabled list. Otherwise, he will pitch the fifth day because the assignment would be backdated. Showalter...

VIERA, Fla. - Following this afternoon's 11-2 split-squad win over the Braves, the Nationals made two cuts, sending left-hander Fernando Abad and catcher Carlos Maldonado over to minor league camp. Abad, who came into camp competing for a spot in the bullpen, impressed this spring. He went 2-0 with a 2.57 ERA in eight appearances spanning seven innings. Maldonado was 3-for-13 (.231) with a double in 15 games played. The cuts leave the Nats with 28 players remaining in big league...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Jason Hammel has been told about his next start and where he fits in the Orioles rotation, but he asked reporters to get the information from manager Buck Showalter. Hammel clearly has been chosen as the opening day starter on April 2 against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Official word is pending. Wei-Yin Chen is lined up to pitch the second game, followed by Miguel Gonzalez. The starter for the home opener on April 5 against the Minnesota Twins could depend on Chris...

The Orioles today announced details for their exhibition game against the State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) Manatees, this Friday, March 29 at 2 p.m. at Ed Smith Stadium. Entry to the game is free. Reserved tickets for seating near the SCF dugout are $5. Proceeds will benefit SCF Manatees Athletics to support scholarships and athletic department operations. Free parking will be available in the East Lot. For more information and to reserve tickets, contact the SCF athletics...

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VIERA, Fla. - Wilson Ramos is having himself a ballgame. And with opening day now just five days away, you have to wonder whether it will influence manager Davey Johnson's decision on who will be his opening day catcher. Ramos has crushed two home runs today - one to right field in the third inning and one way out to left field in the fourth - both on the first pitch of the at-bat. The first home run was of the solo variety, the second was a three-run shot. Coming into today, Ramos was...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Nick Markakis is leading off and playing right field for tonight's game against the New York Yankees at Ed Smith Stadium. Brian Roberts is at second base and Alexi Casilla is at shortstop. J.J. Hardy will serve as the designated hitter. For the Orioles: Nick Markakis RF Brian Roberts 2B Adam Jones CF Matt Wieters C Chris Davis 1B J.J. Hardy DH Nate McLouth LF Manny Machado 3B Alexi Casilla SS Jair Jurrjens RHP Troy Patton, Tommy Hunter, Daniel Schlereth, Adam Russell,...