The Orioles didn't really need a rainout last night, but they got one anyway. The bullpen rested on Monday. The rotation was set, with Brad Bergesen on the verge of being recalled to start tonight. It was time to play ball. If you wanted Bergesen to avoid the Yankees, your wish was granted. He's being skipped, with Chris Tillman scheduled to pitch tonight and Jake Arrieta taking the ball tomorrow night. Bergesen is 0-2 with a 6.60 ERA in three career starts against the Yankees, with 14 hits...

One of the pleasures of this job as it relates to the minor leagues has been the chance to get to know and interview some interesting people. That includes coaches and players. I have met many in the minors that would classify as a great interview. I can now add Bowie Baysox coach

Double-A Harrisburg Senators catcher Derek Norris suffered a sprained ankle Monday running to first base. The reports are it was his right ankle. Norris stepped on first base awkwardly trying to beat out a ground ball versus New Britain. A team spokesman says Norris' ankle is "just sore and stiff" and he has been placed on the 7-day disabled list.

Nationals right fielder Jayson Werth knew this day would arrive. The day he would take the field against his former teammates with the Phillies after four seasons in Philadelphia. "I am looking forward to it," Werth said. "I really am. It is good to see those guys. The last time I saw all these guys was after the last game we played last year. I haven't seen some of them since then. There is still a lot of feelings there. We accomplished a lot together. When you go to war with guys, most...

Brian Matusz threw off flat ground today at the Orioles' minor league complex in Sarasota. It's a positive first step in his recovery from a strained left intercostal muscle. Matusz said he played catch from 60 feet. He made 25 throws without any pain. There's a chance that Matusz will rejoin the Orioles after they return from Cleveland and throw in the bullpen for pitching coach Mark Connor. Matusz went on the disabled list retroactive to March 30. Zach Britton took his place in the...

The Orioles will put left-hander Troy Patton on the disabled list later today with a slight shoulder strain. He's expected to miss only one start, though that will become more apparent after he's examined tomorrow. Patton didn't throw today, but he might be cleared for long toss on Thursday. John Stockstill, the Orioles' director of player development, said Patton most likely will be set back "three or four days." Patton left last night's start against the Gwinnett Braves after facing...

If the weather cooperates, the Orioles will run out the following lineup against A.J. Burnett and the New York Yankees: Brian Roberts 2B Nick Markakis RF Derrek Lee 1B Vladimir Guerrero DH Luke Scott LF Adam Jones CF Mark Reynolds 3B Matt Wieters C Robert Andino SS Chris Tillman RHP Why Andino over Cesar Izturis? Maybe it's because Andino is 3-for-8 with a home run and two RBIs lifetime against Burnett. Izturis is 6-for-27. J.J. Hardy is 5-for-10 with two doubles and two RBIs, but...

Tuesday marks the grand opening of a new outdoor beer garden located just a few blocks from Nationals Park. Das Bullpen is located across the street from the Navy Yard metro station. Das Bullpen is a "laid-back alternative" to the partner beer garden on Half Street, also called The Bullpen. The new location will offer a menu of bratwurst, Polish sausage, knockwurst and hot dogs, as well as an extensive array of European draught beers. With space for nearly 300 guests, Das Bullpen will host...

When Chris Tillman takes the mound in New York tonight, there may be some fans checking the radar gun readings almost as much as they check the ball and strike count. There has been a lot of discussion among the fans that Tillman's velocity may be down and they are wondering if that impacts his pitching and not in a good way. Some fans cited a lack of his normal velocity as a reason why Tillman gave up four runs in his start against Detroit, but he seemed to be throwing with similar velocity...

The Washington Nationals today placed third baseman Ryan Zimmerman on the 15-Day Disabled List, retroactive to April 10, with a left abdominal strain and recalled catcher Jesus Flores from Syracuse of the Triple-A International League. Nationals Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Zimmerman's DL stint marks just the second of his career (2005-present). The 26-year-old is batting .357 (10-for-28) with one triple, one home run,...