Last Thursday, Jim Thome received an epidural for the herniated disc in his neck. He said the doctors told him he cannot take part in baseball activities for 30 days after that, but he still is hopeful he can return to play for the Orioles in September. "We got the MRI and it basically showed a herniated disc," Thome said this afternoon. "It looks like I'm going to be out about 30 days of rest. Obviously I can continue to do my exercises in the sense of my low back. But baseball...

Orioles designated hitter Jim Thome is at Camden Yards today, but he's no closer to getting back into the lineup. Manager Buck Showalter told reporters that Thome is expected to miss three to four weeks because of a herniated disc in his neck. The epidural injection from last week apparently has improved Thome's condition, but not enough that he'll make an early return. Thome received the epidural in California. Two specialists will examine him in Baltimore, and Thome will decide whether...

The Nationals begin a four-game series with the worst team in the majors, the Astros, tonight from Minute Maid Park. Obviously, nothing is guaranteed in this game, but this would seem to be a nice chance for the Nats to rattle off a few wins and put a little more distance between themselves and their National League competition. The Astros have gone just 2-17 in their last 19 games, a stretch which included a 12-game losing streak. They did take one of their three games against the Braves...

With another left-hander facing them tonight, the Orioles are going with their right-handed lineup for the series opener against the Mariners at Camden Yards. Robert Andino starts at third base and Lew Ford starts in left field. However, Chris Davis will serve as the designated hitter. For the Orioles: Nick Markakis RF Robert Andino 3B J.J. Hardy SS Adam Jones CF Matt Wieters C Chris Davis DH Lew Ford LF Mark Reynolds 1B Omar Quintanilla 2B Chris Tillman RHP For the Mariners: Dustin Ackley...

In addition to the news that the Nationals picked up veteran middle infielder Cesar Izturis today, the team also announced the signing of four international free agents: right-handed pitcher Ramses Rosario and outfielders Aldrem Corredor, Darryl Florentino and Luis Guzman. Rosario, Corredor and Florentino are all listed as 16 years old. No age was announced for Guzman. Rosario checks in at 6-foot-3, 175 lbs. and is a native of Venezuela. The Nats feel he has "advanced pitching instincts and...

The Washington Nationals today claimed shortstop Cesar Izturis off waivers from the Milwaukee Brewers. The club also placed infielder/outfielder Mark DeRosa on the 15-Day Disabled List, retroactive to August 5, with a left abdominal strain and designated left-handed pitcher Atahualpa Severino for assignment. Nationals Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcements. The 32 year-old Izturis is a career .255 (1074-for-4217) hitter with 168...

With Ian Desmond likely out a couple more weeks with an oblique tear and Mark DeRosa battling a left abdominal injury, the Nationals bolstered their middle infield depth today by acquiring Cesar Izturis from the Brewers. The Izturis acquisition was on a straight waiver claim, meaning the Nationals won't be giving up any players in return for the 32-year-old middle infielder. They will be responsible for the remainder of Izturis' $875,000 salary for this season. DeRosa lands on the 15-day...

The Washington Nationals have agreed to terms on professional contracts with four international free agents: right-handed pitcher Ramses Rosario and outfielders Aldrem Corredor, Darryl Florentino and Luis Guzman. Nationals Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo and Nationals Director of International Scouting Johnny DiPuglia made the joint announcement. Rosario, a 16-year-old righthander from Venezuela, stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 175 pounds. He has...

In case you missed my tweet earlier, the Orioles placed Single-A Delmarva infielder Nicky Delmonico on the disabled list with a knee injury. Delmonico initially hurt the knee on June 26 - the diagnosis was a medial meniscus injury - and he re-injured it on Wednesday. He's batting .248 with 22 doubles, 11 homers, 54 RBIs and a .763 OPS in 93 games. Delmonico eventually could undergo surgery on the knee. He's trying to get through the final weeks of the season. First-round pick Kevin Gausman...

A couple of notes from the Orioles minors today: * Dylan Bundy's next start is being moved from tomorrow to Wednesday night at Frederick when the Keys host Lynchburg. There is no hidden reason for doing this, it is simply that all the Keys starters are being pushed back a day due to today's off day. Bundy went past five innings as a pro for the first time in his last start allowing just two hits and one unearned run over 6 2/3 frames against the same Lynchburg club he will face Wednesday...