Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette and scouting director Gary Rajsich joined first-round pick Kevin Gausman at today's press conference in the auxiliary clubhouse at Camden Yards. Gausman tried on his new Orioles jersey and cap, bending the brim to "break it in." He also wore a smile that lasted from the second he walked into the room until it was time to leave. "We're happy to sign Kevin, and I just want to congratulate Kevin on joining the Orioles and welcome him to the...

At the press conference to announce his signing, O's first-round pick Kevin Gausman was asked what today was like for him as he waited to see if he would get signed by the Orioles. "Kind of stressful," Gausman said after agreeing to a reported $4.32 million bonus with the club. "Didn't sleep very much last night and wasn't allowed to eat until about 1:30 today because I got my physical done. I was a little bit grumpy today, trying to get some food in my belly. I was confident we were...

Nick Markakis is batting leadoff tonight for the first time in his major league career. Why did manager Buck Showalter choose Markakis? "The answer is a question," Showalter replied. "As opposed to who? "I don't know if Nicky's more excited about coming back and playing or leading off," Showalter continued. "We talked about it a little bit yesterday. It was something I thought about, seeing how we were going to be constructed in the post-break. "One thing, it gives him, hopefully,...

The Washington Nationals today agreed to terms with 17-year-old right-handed pitcher Lucas Giolito, their first-round selection (16th overall) in the 2012 First-Year Player Draft out of Harvard-Westlake School in California. 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, 230 lbs....

The Orioles have announced that they have agreed to terms with their 2012 first round draft pick, right-hander Kevin Gausman. The Louisiana State University product was the fourth overall pick of the draft. Gausman, 21, is a 6-foot-4, 185-pound draft-eligible sophomore from Centennial, Co. He went 11-1 with a 2.72 ERA (115.2IP, 35ER), 128 strikeouts, 27 walks and two complete games in 16 starts for LSU this season. Gausman was 5-6 with a 3.51 ERA and 86 strikeouts in 89.2 innings in his...

Nick Johnson had a cortisone injection in his sore right wrist. He remains in Sarasota and isn't close to coming off the 15-day disabled list. Johnson eventually could be moved to the 60-day DL to create room on the 40-man roster if the Orioles determine that he's going to be sidelined for an extended period. Asked whether Johnson and Jim Thome, a full-time designated hitter, can co-exist on this team, manager Buck Showalter replied, "Let's get Nick healthy first. We can always figure out...

The Orioles have come to terms with pitcher Kevin Gausman, their first-round draft pick, taken fourth overall, out of LSU. Moments ago, Gausman said this on his Twitter account: Happy to be the newest member of the Baltimore Orioles organization!!! Living my dream!! #GoBirds!— Kevin Gausman (@KevinGausman) July 13, 2012 The Orioles did not sign fifth-round pick, Texas high school pitcher Colin Poche, who is expected to attend the University of Arkansas. He was the only top-10 round...

Jordan Zimmermann (5-6, 2.61 ERA) will take the mound in Miami, looking to lead the Nats to a win in the second-half opener. The Nationals will be facing Josh Johnson (5-5, 4.06 ERA). For the Nationals: LF Steve Lombardozzi CF Bryce Harper 3B Ryan Zimmerman RF Michael Morse 1B Adam LaRoche SS Ian Desmond 2B Danny Espinosa C Jesus Flores P Jordan Zimmermann For the Marlins: SS Jose Reyes 2B Omar Infante 1B Carlos Lee LF Logan Morrison 3B Hanley Ramirez RF Justin Ruggiano CF Emilio Bonifacio C...

The Orioles today announced that they have activated OF Endy Chavez from the 15-day disabled list. Chavez had been on the DL since June 13 with a strained right hamstring. He has batted .171/.202/.219 in 32 games for the Orioles this season.

Not only will Nick Markakis play for the Orioles tonight for the first time since May 29, but he'll be the first to bat tonight. Markakis is in the leadoff spot in the order for the first time in his career. "I had a little heads up about it," Markakis said a few moments ago in the O's clubhouse. "I'm up for whatever. I think it's my first time. I won't change my approach, try to do what I can to get on base and help us win the game." Markakis said he doesn't feel any pressure to...