The Nationals are off to a 2-0 start with some important solo homers and quality pitching. But manager Davey Johnson also gives a lot of the credit for the first two wins to improved defense. Johnson said he notices a big difference because Ryan Zimmerman's surgically repaired shoulder has responded well. "No question about it," Johnson said. "It is kind of hard to improve on the infield. But the infield is improved because Zimm is healthier over there. You guys probably haven't noticed...

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.- The Orioles aren't done adding to their minor league pitching depth. Earlier today, the Orioles claimed right-hander Josh Stinson, 25, off waivers from the Oakland Athletics and assigned him to Triple-A Norfolk. Stinson is 0-2 with a 4.43 ERA in 20 major league games, including one start, over parts of the last two seasons with the New York Mets and Milwaukee Brewers. He's allowed 21 hits, walked 12 and struck out 11 in 22 1/3 innings. Stinson permitted one run and...

Chris Young is back with the Nationals. After opting out of his initial minor league deal with the Nats on March 25, Young has returned to the organization, agreeing to terms on a new minor league deal this afternoon. Young, 33, will throw a couple bullpen sessions down at the Nationals' minor league complex in Viera, Fla., and then will report to Triple-A Syracuse to join the rotation there. His new deal does not contain an opt-out clause, according to a source. Young posted a 2.25 ERA in...

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Infielder Wilson Betemit underwent an exploratory arthroscopic procedure on his right knee yesterday in Baltimore, and the Orioles were encouraged by the reports. Team orthopedist Dr. John Wilckens "cleaned up a few things," said manager Buck Showalter, and didn't find any further damage to the knee. Betemit suffered a Grade 2/3 tear of the PCL while running to second base during an exhibition game at Ed Smith Stadium. The procedure won't extend the timetable for...

The Washington Nationals today agreed to terms with right-handed pitcher Chris Young on a minor-league contract. Nationals Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Young rejoins the Nationals organization, the club he signed a minor-league contract with on February 21, 2013. On March 26, after going 1-0 with a 2.25 ERA in four Grapefruit League starts for Washington, the Nationals unconditionally released Young at his...

It has been quite a journey for Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts for the past several seasons. Roberts is the longest-tenured member of the Orioles, having played his entire 12-year career with the team. However, he has spent more time as a bystander than on the field in recent years. Now the question for Orioles fans is this: Can Roberts still be a productive player, or is he no longer viable for the organization? So far, in a two-game sample, it looks like he can still play in the...

The 2012 National League Eastern Division Champion Washington Nationals and Bloomberg Sports, the world's leaders in sports analytic technology, today announced a new partnership to design a state of the art player evaluation system for the Nationals Baseball Operations Department. This new partnership is the latest step in analytic technology for Bloomberg Sports, which has been a leader in creating solutions for MLB teams, players and fans for the past four years. The Nationals new system...

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Orioles catcher Matt Wieters can block out contract talks and distractions as easily as home plate. Wieters basically is ignoring a published report that the Orioles reached out to agent Scott Boras with an offer of a contract extension for the two-time Gold Glove winner. The offer, according to CBSSports.com, covers at least five years. "Once the season has started, I'm not worried about it anymore this year," Wieters said. "I'm focused on this year, and anything...

The Nationals will look for a sweep of the Marlins this afternoon at Nationals Park, with Jordan Zimmermann attempting to match the stellar efforts of Stephen Strasburg and Gio Gonzalez over the Nats' first two games. Zimmermann is 1-3 with a 4.43 ERA in eight career starts against the Marlins and is without a win against them at home. Left-hander Wade LeBlanc will take the mound for Miami. LeBlanc went 2-5 with a 3.67 ERA last season in 25 games (nine starts) with the Marlins. Over four...

Here are the opening night rosters for the Orioles' Triple-A Norfolk team, along with Double-A Bowie and Single-A Delmarva. You'll notice Dylan Bundy has officially been placed on Bowie's disabled list with mild elbow tightness, but remember the minor league DL stay can be a minimum of seven days. Each roster can have 25 active players. Players are listed alphabetically. Frederick opens tomorrow night and that official opening day roster has not been released yet. NORFOLK P Jairo...