Komatsu returns, Tracy won't for a while
Komatsu returns, Tracy won't for a while
Dan Kolko
Nationals
The Nationals are getting back outfielder Erik Komatsu, the 2011 Rule 5 pick who had stints with the Cardinals and Twins this season.
Will O's need to be patient against Romero? (Update)
Will O's need to be patient against Romero? (Update)
Steve Melewski
Orioles
Here is the Orioles' quicky scouting report tonight in facing Toronto lefty Ricky Romero, who is 5-1 with an ERA of 3.86 over 10 starts. He has never given up fewer hits but more walks. Patience and taking some pitches, not too often an O's team trait on offense, could be important in this game. First off, Romero is tough to hit with very good stuff. The American League is batting just .208 against him, and he is allowing a career-low 6.6 hits per nine innings. But he has walked 37 in 65...
Nationals' Morse batting third as designated hitter tonight in Potomac rehab tilt
Nationals' Morse batting third as designated hitter tonight in Potomac rehab tilt
Byron Kerr
Nationals
The Potomac Nationals have announced their lineup for tonight's 7::05 p.m. matchup with Myrtle Beach. Michael Morse bats third: Blake Kelso 3B Adrian Sanchez 2B Michael Morse DH David Freitas C Ricky Hague SS Justin Bloxom 1B Michael Taylor CF JP Ramirez RF Kevin Keyes LF LHP Matt Grace (2-6, 6.70) His future rehab schedule is predicated on how batting practice and the game goes tonight. I will have updates throughout (twitter: @bkerr32) and postgame beast-blog.
Solano activated, Espinosa gets a day off
Solano activated, Espinosa gets a day off
Dan Kolko
Nationals
The Nationals have officially called up catcher Jhonatan Solano from Triple-A Syracuse, giving them a third catcher on the 25-man roster and providing some insurance in case Jesus Flores isn't able to return from a hamstring injury as quickly as hoped. Solano, who batted .250 with two doubles, two RBIs and eight runs scored in 13 games with Syracuse this season, will wear No. 23. The 26-year-old threw out 40 percent of runners trying to steal (4-of-10) for the Chiefs this season Carlos...
Betemit in left field tonight, Reynolds at first base (Reimold note)
Betemit in left field tonight, Reynolds at first base (Reimold note)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The Orioles activated Endy Chavez from the disabled list today, but he won't be in their lineup against Blue Jays left-hander Ricky Romero. Wilson Betemit is starting in left field. Mark Reynolds, who came off the DL yesterday and went 2-for-3 with a walk and RBI, is starting at first base. Steve Tolleson, whose roster spot appeared to be in jeopardy, is starting at third base. For the Orioles: Robert Andino 2B J.J. Hardy SS Nick Markakis RF Adam Jones CF Matt Wieters C Mark Reynolds...
Hunter and Avery optioned; Chavez and Gonzalez join team
Hunter and Avery optioned; Chavez and Gonzalez join team
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The Orioles made two more roster moves today, optioning pitcher Tommy Hunter and rookie outfielder Xavier Avery to Triple-A Norfolk, reinstating outfielder Endy Chavez from the disabled list and purchasing pitcher Miguel Gonzalez's contract from Norfolk. Hunter didn't record an out in the fourth inning last night against the Blue Jays, allowing six runs (five earned) and nine hits in a 6-2 loss. He's 2-3 with a 5.59 ERA in 10 starts. This is the second time that Hunter has been optioned...
Nationals recall C Jhonatan Solano from Syracuse
Nationals recall C Jhonatan Solano from Syracuse
Josh Land
Nationals
The Washington Nationals today recalled catcher Jhonatan Solano from Syracuse of the Triple-A International League. Nationals Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Solano, who will wear No. 23 when he joins the Nationals for tonight's game at Miami, batted .250 with two doubles, two RBIs and eight runs scored in 13 games this season with Syracuse. The 26-year-old gunned down 40 percent (4 of 10) of would-be basestealers for the...
O's activate Chavez, purchase Gonzalez's contract; Hunter, Avery optioned
O's activate Chavez, purchase Gonzalez's contract; Hunter, Avery optioned
Pete Kerzel
Orioles
The Orioles today announced that they have reinstated outfielder Endy Chavez from the disabled list, selected the contract of right-hander Miguel Gonzalez and optioned right-hander Tommy Hunter and outfielder Xavier Avery to Triple-A Norfolk. Chavez was placed on the disabled list retroactive to May 9 with a strained left oblique. He is batting .133/.175/.167 in 20 games for the Orioles this season. Chavez appeared in three rehab games with Double-A Bowie, going 3-for-10 with two walks and...
A decision is looming for Steve Johnson and the Orioles
A decision is looming for Steve Johnson and the Orioles
Steve Melewski
Orioles
Orioles minor league pitcher Steve Johnson is having a good year at Triple-A Norfolk. He is 1-3 with an ERA of 2.62 over eight games and has a batting average against of just .191. Johnson has been on the disabled list since May 19 with a groin strain, but he has thrown two bullpen sessions recently and should be ready to rejoin the Tides rotation later this week, possibly on Friday. That is, if he is still part of the Orioles organization then. While no one is saying much publicly right...
Will Yoder: Nobody's second-guessing Gonzalez deal now
Will Yoder: Nobody's second-guessing Gonzalez deal now
Josh Land
Nationals
When the Nationals traded four major prospects for Gio Gonzalez this winter, many fans in D.C. were hesitant about the potential reward such a risky move could bring. Gonzalez, 26, had two All-Star caliber seasons under his belt, and was one of the best left-handed strikeout pitchers in baseball, but some wondered about his potential to be an elite pitcher moving into the future. While he had succeeded in 2010 and 2011 with Oakland, he had also allowed more walks than any other pitcher during...