Nationals right-hander pitcher

For a while there, it seemed fair to speculate if Matt Wieters' declining offensive statistics were tied to the heavy load of innings he has played this year at a most demanding position. But after hitting just .235 in July with a .685 OPS, the Orioles' catcher is having a big August. In 21 games, he is batting .316 with eight doubles, four homers, 13 RBIs and a .967 OPS. Over his last three games, Wieters is 5-for-10 with four walks and all five hits have gone for extra bases with four...

From the Gone But Not Forgotten Dept: Luke Scott flew into Baltimore last night, and boy, is his right shoulder tired. Not really. The shoulder, which needed to be repaired on July 26, is feeling pretty good these days. "My progress is actually ahead of schedule," Scott told me earlier today during a 30-minute phone conversation, most of which had nothing to do with his shoulder. Scott underwent surgery in Pensacola, Fla., to repair his labrum, which ended his season and left his future...

As of about 4:30 p.m. two of the Orioles minor league clubs have postponed games today. Single-A Frederick was scheduled to host Potomac tonight and the clubs will now try to play a doubleheader at Frederick on Sunday at 1 p.m. with Nate Moreau (11-10, 4.42) and Jake Pettit (5-0, 1.38) making the starts. Short-season Single-A Aberdeen's scheduled game today at home with Staten Island was cancelled and tomorrow's contest at Staten Island has already been postponed. The IronBirds are...

The Washington Nationals today recalled first baseman Chris Marrero from Syracuse of the Triple-A International League. Nationals Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Marrero batted .300 (fifth in IL) with 30 doubles (tied for sixth), 14 home runs, 69 RBI and 59 runs scored in 127 contests this season with the Chiefs. His 145 hits rank second in the league, and thanks to 58 walks (tied for eighth) he has posted a .375 on-base...

The Orioles certainly seemed to hit the right tone in how they honored Mike Flanagan last night. There was a moment of silence before the game and the video tribute after the first inning was emotional and touching. The "Flanny" patch on their right sleeves sure seemed a proper tribute also along with seeing No. 46 on the right-field scoreboard and front of the press box. I am probably the last person anyone would expect to say anything good about the Yankees, but when they stood outside of...

I haven't looked out the window yet, but I don't hear any rain or high winds or lawn furniture slamming against the house. So far, so good. I'll be leaving soon for the drive to Hunt Valley for "Wall To Wall Baseball" with Tom Davis and Dave Johnson that airs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on MASN. I'd be most appreciative if Hurricane Irene would allow me a safe return home before she vents. The Yankees already vented last night. You saw player rep Curtis Granderson's statement, and...

Nationals manager Davey Johnson has mentioned a few of the organization's top prospects the last few weeks as possibilities for September call-ups when rosters expand. Pitchers like Brad Peacock and Tom Milone, field players Chris Marrero, Corey Brown and Steve Lombardozzi and veterans such as Craig Stammen, Yunesky Maya and Roger Bernandina have all been talked about as those players at Triple-A Syracuse that could be donning Washington Nationals uniforms as early as next week. This week,...

Derek Jeter played in his 2,401st game tonight, tying Mickey Mantle for most by a Yankee in franchise history. The Orioles tied their season high with their fifth consecutive win. They also did it May 21-26. The 12 runs tonight matched their season high set July 26 at Toronto. Nolan Reimold is batting .379 (11-for-29) with two triples, two homers and six RBIs during his seven-game hitting streak. Matt Wieters is batting .440 (11-for-25) during his seven-game hitting streak. J.J. Hardy was...

The Yankees are furious at the Orioles for not scheduling a doubleheader today. They didn't want to lose their Sept. 8 off-day. They can't be too happy about tonight's outcome, either. "The tack-on runs are always important regardless of who you're playing. But they have so much offense through their order, so it's doubly important," manager Buck Showalter said after his club's 12-5 victory. "I thought Nolan (Reimold) had a big hit - a couple big ones. A lot of them scattered around...