The Nationals have scored in all four innings thus far tonight, have hit two home runs and lead the Reds 7-1 as we go to the top of the fifth. It's fun to hit in the Great American Ballpark, all right. Washington got on top 3-0 in the top of the first inning on Roger Bernadina's two-run home run and Adam LaRoche's RBI double. Bernadina has now homered in two straight games, and he added another RBI when his single to left plated Wilson Ramos in the second. Think Bernadina wants to grab...

Dana Eveland is littering the bases and running up his pitch count, so he's not likely to stick around for the late innings of tonight's game. Eveland has allowed three runs and four hits, walked five (one intentional), struck out two and hit two batters in four innings. He's thrown 71 pitches, only 37 for strikes. Eveland retired the side in order in the first, but it's been a massive struggle otherwise. The Rays loaded the bases with no outs in the second and settled for one run on...

Dana Eveland is making his Orioles debut tonight in the series opener between the O's and Tampa Bay. The Orioles are Eveland's seventh major league team since he was drafted in the 16th round of the 2002 draft by Milwaukee. Last September, Eveland went 3-2 with an ERA of 3.03 with the Los Angeles Dodgers after spending most of the 2011 season at Triple-A. Tonight, he will making his 60th career major league start but his first ever on three days' rest. He last started on Monday for...

The Orioles created room on the 25-man roster for tonight's starter, left-hander Dana Eveland, by placing reliever Matt Lindstrom on the 15-day disabled list with a right middle finger injury. Lindstrom, 32, has posted a 1.29 ERA in 13 games, allowing two earned runs in 14 innings. Both runs scored last night. Three unearned runs also have scored while he's pitched. Lindstrom, acquired from the Rockies along with Jason Hammel in the Jeremy Guthrie trade, has walked four and struck out 14....

While we wait for the Orioles to announce their 25-man and 40-man roster moves, here's a statement from pitcher Tsuyoshi Wada regarding today's ligament-reconstructive surgery on his left elbow, which was performed by Dr. Lewis Yocum in Los Angeles: "The procedure went as planned and Dr. Yocum felt good about how it went. He predicts a full recovery. I'm glad to have this over with and look forward to beginning my rehabilitation so I can get back to pitching for the Orioles as soon as...

After four seasons playing for the Baltimore Orioles, Luke Scott returns tonight to play against the Orioles at Camden Yards. He will bat fourth as the Tampa Bay Rays designated hitter. He was a fan favorite when he played here and often heard the "Luke" chant when he came to bat. Maybe he will hear some of that here tonight. "I have just tremendous memories from here that I cherish. I am very thankful for them. Just appreciation and gratitude for the opportunity to play here. "I had a...

If the Orioles are thinking about putting pitcher Jason Hammel on the disabled list as a way to open a roster spot for tonight's starter Dana Eveland, it sounds like Hammel doesn't think that move would be necessary. Hammel did not make his scheduled start last night because of a sore right knee, but said today he is optimistic that he can start either Monday or Tuesday against New York. "Definitely. I am. Unfortunately it's not always up to me, but I feel pretty good about it. I got some...

The Orioles will wait to announce how they created room for starter Dana Eveland on the 25-man roster until team orthopedist Dr. John Wilckens arrives at the ballpark around 5 p.m. The feeling here is Tommy Hunter could be optioned to Triple-A Norfolk if Jason Hammel is cleared to start on Monday. Otherwise, manager Buck Showalter will have to tweak his rotation again. On the other hand, the Orioles could option Hunter if Hammel unexpectedly can't make the start, knowing Hunter can be...

How does Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips welcome the Nationals to town? By taking a dig at Bryce Harper on Twitter. Here's what Phillips tweeted earlier today: "GoodAfternoon #Cincinnati... Today we host #BabeRuth & the @Nationals for a 3 game series at #GABP! See y'all there" That's the second "Babe Ruth" reference we've heard in the last week. An unnamed Phillies player apparently made a similar comment referring to Harper during last weekend's series at Nationals Park. (I'm...

Rule 5 pick Ryan Flaherty is starting at third base tonight after playing left field in Game 1 of yesterday's doubleheader. For the Orioles: Ryan Flaherty 3B J.J. Hardy SS Nick Markakis RF Adam Jones CF Matt Wieters C Wilson Betemit LF Chris Davis 1B Nick Johnson DH Robert Andino 2B Dana Eveland LHP No roster move has been announced, and it might not come until batting practice ends. Tommy Hunter is here - he ran in the outfield earlier today - but he still could be optioned to Triple-A...