The Washington Nationals, hot off an 8-2 road trip, return to the Nation's Capital this week to face the New York Mets [Aug. 17-19] and the Atlanta Braves [Aug. 20-22], two longtime rivals who are eager to gain ground on the NL East frontrunner. "In a pennant race, every single game has added importance and we want to gain every advantage we can," said Nationals Manager Davey Johnson. "Let me tell you, the roar of supportive fans gives our players a huge boost." Next week's series...

The Orioles today announced that they have recalled INF Joe Mahoney from Triple-A Norfolk and placed INF Wilson Betemit on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to August 12, with a right wrist injury. This will be Mahoney's second stint with the Orioles. He went 0-for-3 in his major league debut on July 7 at Los Angeles, his only game played with Baltimore. Mahoney has batted .263/.317/.390 with nine home runs and 53 RBI in 117 games for the Tides. Betemit is batting .264/.327/.429 with...

With a win tonight, the Orioles would move 12 games above .500 for the first time since June 17. They also would gain another game on the New York Yankees, closing to within five in the American League East. Over the last 12 games, the Orioles' bullpen has posted a 0.45 ERA by allowing two earned runs in 39 2/3 innings. During that span, the relievers have permitted 25 hits, walked eight, struck out 32 and held opponents to a .175 average. Four of the top 22 qualifiers in ERA among American...

Orioles manager Buck Showalter is usually more than willing to give you a thoughtful answer to just about any question a reporter might ask during his pregame media session every day. But I found a question that didn't thrill him today. It was when I blurted out, "Hey Buck, what is the key to the Orioles success in the close games?" "I'm not going to jinx that," he said. But after winning 5-3 over Boston last night, the Orioles now lead the AL in winning percentage in both one- and...

As a thank you to all fans taking advantage of MASN's digital and social platforms, MASN's Social Media Weekend returns to Nationals Park from Friday through Sunday. Fans will have the opportunity to win exclusive MASN prizes, such as autographed gear, seat upgrades, MASN Nationals T-shirts and gift cards to this weekend's sponsor, Hair Cuttery, including free haircuts for a year. The only way you can win these prizes is by following us on Facebook and on Twitter, and by signing up for...

Orioles pitcher Steve Johnson is now listed as the O's starter for Saturday night's game at Detroit. If he is not needed in relief tonight, the Baltimore native will make that start and be back on the mound for, at that point, what would be the first time in 10 days. The last several days have been a whirlwind for the 24-year-old right-hander. He made his first Orioles start here on August 8 and got the win against Seattle, giving up two runs and five hits over six innings. The next day he...

The MRI taken on Wilson Betemit's right wrist this morning revealed a small cartilage tear and a bone bruise. Betemit will receive a cortisone injection later today and fly down to Sarasota tomorrow morning. The Orioles will shut him down for a week before he's cleared to begin baseball activities. Betemit hasn't played since Saturday, making him eligible to come off the disabled list on Aug. 27 - a realistic target date, according to manager Buck Showalter. Joe Mahoney flew into...

Mark Reynolds continues to start at first base, as the Orioles try to complete a three-game sweep of the Red Sox at Camden Yards. The reserves aren't listed on the magnetic board outside the clubhouse, leaving us to guess whether Wilson Betemit is headed to the disabled list. For the Orioles: Nick Markakis RF J.J. Hardy SS Nate McLouth LF Adam Jones CF Matt Wieters C Chris Davis DH Mark Reynolds 1B Manny Machado 3B Omar Quintanilla 2B Chris Tillman RHP Update: Joe Mahoney is now listed...

Nationals infielders Danny Espinosa and Steve Lombardozzi have become quite a pair on defense the last two weeks. They have also delivered at the plate, combining for 34 hits. Espinosa said he doesn't even think twice about Lombardozzi at second base. That is the best compliment he could give to his gifted teammate. "Good, it is comfortable," Espinosa said on "Nats Xtra" recently. "I don't even think about it, actually. You just go out there and you know what he can do. I feel 100...

Joe Mahoney started at first base today for Triple-A Norfolk, but he was removed for a pinch hitter before his first at-bat. Jamie Hoffman batted for Mahoney and moved to right field, with Ryan Flaherty going to first base. Wilson Betemit underwent an MRI on his right wrist at 11 a.m., so it's possible that Mahoney is headed to Camden Yards in case the Orioles again need to use the disabled list. Mahoney plays first base, bats from the left side and is on the 40-man roster, which makes him...