I had a feeling the Nationals might put up a big number today, given the momentum they gained last night and the fact they're facing Braves starter Jair Jurrjens this afternoon - a guy they have crushed in recent years. I just didn't know that big number would come in the first inning. The Nationals put up a four-spot in the first, with Ryan Zimmerman's two-run homer to right-center serving as the big blow. Danny Espinosa also added a two-out RBI double, and Roger Bernadina plated...

The Nationals will continue to take things day-to-day with Ian Desmond, who is out of the lineup today because of a strained oblique. Manager Davey Johnson said the disabled list is not currently an option for Desmond, despite the fact that the shortstop has been battling the oblique injury for over a month. "Don't really wanna go there," Johnson said. Desmond was out of the starting lineup for five straight days coming into this series, but he started Friday as well as both games of...

Ryan Flaherty is getting another start at second base today, as manager Buck Showalter plays the hot hand. Flaherty has homered in back-to-back games. Also, Taylor Teagarden is behind the plate today, with Matt Wieters joining the reserves. For the Orioles: Nick Markakis RF J.J. Hardy SS Jim Thome DH Adam Jones CF Wilson Betemit 3B Chris Davis LF Mark Reynolds 1B Ryan Flaherty 2B Taylor Teagarden C Zach Britton LHP Over his last six games, Thome is 9-for-26 (.346) with three...

Ian Desmond (oblique) and Jesus Flores (back) will get to rest what ails them, as both at least start today's series finale against the Braves on the bench. Bryce Harper (left ankle), on the other hand, is in the Nationals' lineup, starting in right field. Danny Espinosa starts at short in Desmond's place while Sandy Leon will catch for Ross Detwiler. For the Nationals: 2B Steve Lombardozzi RF Bryce Harper 3B Ryan Zimmerman LF Michael Morse 1B Adam LaRoche SS Danny Espinosa CF Roger...

If you were among the group which felt that the Nationals should trade for a starting pitcher to fill out their rotation once Stephen Strasburg is shut down, did last night's performance by John Lannan do anything to change your mind? Lannan delivered a statement outing against the Braves, reminding Nats fans, and possibly GM Mike Rizzo, that despite the lefty's somewhat inflated numbers at Triple-A Syracuse this season, he's still a major league pitcher. This is a guy who was the...

For a road trip that began with the Orioles allowing 25 runs in two games as their starters gave up 11 runs over a combined 4 2/3 innings, things have improved. And in a hurry. The Orioles four-game win streak has energized the team and probably encouraged a fan base that was sensing some doom and gloom. Now the Orioles are tied with Chicago and Oakland for the second wild-card berth in the AL. The win streak once again emphasizes how important it is for this club to get strong pitching to...

Shortstop Ian Desmond is "iffy" for Sunday, but manager Davey Johnson believes Bryce Harper will be able to play in Sunday's crucial finale against the Braves. Harper left the first game Saturday with a swollen ankle and he showed how bad it was to reporters after Game 2. "It feels all right," Harper said. "Once I get going, it feels good. When I sit down, it feels bad. Once I get warmed up to things, I am fine and that is all that matters." Harper was called upon to pinch hit in the...

On the same night that Ryan Flaherty homered for the second consecutive game as the Orioles' starting second baseman, Brian Roberts watched from his Sarasota home and wondered if he would get the chance to reclaim his job. Roberts remains on the 15-day disabled list after being diagnosed with a labral tear in his right hip. He hit some soft tosses again yesterday at the Ed Smith Stadium complex. He fielded ground balls, played catch, ran a little, did some lateral movements. "I'm trying...

Less than an hour after his most meaningful win in a Nationals uniform, John Lannan was optioned back to Triple-A Syracuse. If he pitches like he did Saturday night - seven solid innings allowing just two runs in what felt like a must-win situation - he will be back very soon. Lannan's story was the major headline as opening day approached in early April, when he was first optioned to Syracuse and Ross Detwiler was given the fifth starter spot on the big club. He admitted it hasn't been...

Following tonight's game, the Washington Nationals optioned left-handed pitcher John Lannan to Syracuse of the Triple-A International League. Nationals Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Lannan, 27, earned the win in the second game of today's day-night doubleheader against the Atlanta Braves, allowing just two earned runs on five hits and two walks with three strikeouts in 7.0 innings pitched.