Some of you think the Orioles rush some pitchers to the major leagues. Drew Hutchison, tonight's Toronto starter against the Orioles, is just 21 years old and with just six career starts as high as Double-A on his resume before April 21. He made his major league debut then against Kansas City and got the win despite allowing five runs and eight hits over 5 1/3 innings. He began this year at Double-A New Hampshire, going 2-1 with a 2.16 ERA. Hutchison was not a high draft pick and was taken...

The Nationals have already locked up their sixth straight series win to start the 2012 season, but they'll look for their first sweep of three games or more when they take the field against the Padres tonight. Washington will face Padres right-hander Edinson Volquez, who has started the season with an 0-2 record and a 4.30 ERA. Chad Tracy will play third base tonight, as Ryan Zimmerman is still not in the lineup as he recovers from a shoulder injury. Here's manager Davey Johnson's lineup...

Joel Pineiro threw a five-inning simulated game today at the minor league complex and is headed to Triple-A Norfolk. Pineiro will be available to start for the Tides in five days, so a roster move is pending. The Orioles have a little more time to figure out how to make room for him. I told you earlier that Jim Johnson could be released from the hospital tomorrow morning. Here's a comment from manager Buck Showalter. The last line amuses me. "Talked to Jimmy today," Showalter said. "Not...

Nolan Reimold returns to the lineup tonight at Camden Yards for the first time since Friday and he said this time he's hopeful he is back for good after missing the past four games due to neck spasms. "I feel confident," Reimold, who is batting .370 with five homers, 10 RBIs and an OPS of 1.166, said. "I wouldn't play if I thought it was going to act up and get worse again. I think I am to the point where I can go out and play and it will be OK. So that is what I'm planning on it doing....

The Orioles Legends Celebration Series kicks off this Saturday, April 28, with the unveiling of a sculpture of Frank Robinson at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in the area beyond left-center field. Robinson's larger-than-life bronze sculpture is the first of six the Orioles will reveal this season, each depicting one of the greatest Orioles of all time. There will be a limited amount of space available for fans to view the unveiling itself, so those interested in watching should arrive at Eutaw...

He's been shut down since pitching in a Triple-A game on April 19 and Orioles pitcher Tsuyoshi Wada said today that he will head to California on Sunday for a Monday appointment with Dr. Lewis Yocum about his ailing left elbow. He said that Tommy John elbow ligament replacement surgery is a possibility. Wada will be getting a second opinion from Dr. Yocum after seeing the Orioles orthopedist, Dr. John Wilckens. "Dr. Wilckens said that he could have a surgery or he could not have a surgery...

Jim Johnson's condition has improved, and he could be released from the hospital later tonight or, more likely, tomorrow morning. Johnson will attempt to eat today. If he can hold down his food, his chances increase of being sent home. Manager Buck Showalter doesn't know whether Johnson would be available to pitch tomorrow night if he returns to Camden Yards. Tsuyoshi Wada will fly into Los Angeles on Sunday and have his left elbow examined the following day by renowned orthopedist Dr....

After missing the last four games, Nolan Reimold is back in left field tonight for the Orioles. For the Orioles: Nolan Reimold LF J.J. Hardy SS Nick Markakis RF Adam Jones CF Matt Wieters C Chris Davis DH Mark Reynolds 3B Nick Johnson 1B Ryan Flaherty 2B Brian Matusz LHP For the Jays: Escobar SS Lawrie 3B Bautista RF Encarnacion 1B Thames LF Francisco DH Davis CF Arencibia C Vizquel 2B Hutchison RHP

Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg knows first-hand what it is like to be the No. 1 selection of a franchise and can empathize with what Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III is going through as he gets ready for the opportunity to join the Washington Redskins. But Strasburg believes Griffin has the makings of an elite quarterback in the NFL because of his physical talent and his overall makeup. "You don't see too many quarterbacks that have all the tools that he has," Strasburg...

There have been plenty of positives for the Nationals through the season's first 18 games - the franchise-best start, the league-best ERA, the clutch hitting and the play of the Nats' bench to name just a few. Individually, there has been plenty to like, as well. A number of Nationals players have gotten off to hot starts and have helped lead the team to the best record in the National League. But I'm curious as to who you think has been the most impressive performer so far this...