Just because Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg has switched oceans, that does not prevent fans of his native San Diego from keeping up with the young pitching phenom. Today, Strasburg makes his sixth big league start, first time against the New York Mets, once again before a nationally televised audience. (Programming Note: The game has been selected to be televised by Fox, as part of Major League Baseball's national television agreement with Fox to televise a Saturday afternoon...

I hate to even invoke that name in any discussion, ever. But what happened in Boston in the bottom of the second tonight did remind one of that kid who played almost as big a role as Derek Jeter or any Yankee in helping New York beat the O's in the ALCS in 1996. When J.D. Drew homered to left center in the second, a fan seemed to reach over the top of the Green Monster and deflect the ball off the very top of the wall. The umpires ruled home run and Boston leads the game 1-0. Unlike Maier,...

Nationals starter Craig Stammen is searching for two wins in a row today as he faces the New York Mets in the series finale on the Fourth of July at Nats Park. Stammen (2-2) had a tremendous return to the hill Tuesday in Atlanta, going 7 1/3 innings, allowing five hits, two runs, two walks and striking out four batters. He also allowed only three hits through his first seven innings. In reaching the eighth inning, it marked the longest outing for Stammen since April 19 against the...

Remember the great Brian Matusz debate last season? President of baseball operations Andy MacPhail kept insisting that Matusz wouldn't make his major league debut in 2009, that the left-hander would eventually be shut down after Double-A Bowie completed its season. You know the rest. Brad Bergesen took a Billy Butler line drive off his left shin on July 30, Orioles scouts insisted that Matusz was ready, and MacPhail finally relented. Zach Britton isn't getting the same early treatment....

Despite last night's dismal O's performance and blowout loss, the club has won five of its last seven games. But that was against the Marlins, Nats and A's. Tonight they begin a ten-game road trip vs. Boston (47-32), Detroit (41-36) and Texas (47-31). Let's see how the O's fare vs. these winning teams. Play anything like they did last night and they will get smoked on this trip. The Orioles are 8-25 vs. the AL East this year. That includes a 5-4 record vs. tonight's opponent, the...

For the Orioles: LF Corey Patterson 3B Miguel Tejada RF Nick Markakis 1B Ty Wigginton CF Adam Jones C Matt Wieters DH Josh Bell 2B Julio Lugo SS Cesar Izturis RHP Brad Bergesen For the Red Sox: SS Marco Scutaro LF Eric Patterson DH David Ortiz 1B Kevin Youkilis 3B Adrian Beltre RF J.D. Drew 2B Bill Hall CF Mike Cameron C Kevin Cash RHP Tim Wakefield Gonzo update: Left-hander Michael Gonzalez reported to Double-A Bowie and will pitch in relief tonight as part of his injury rehab...

Following the O's 1970 World Series 40th Anniversary game, all members of the Orioles and Nationals autographed the jerseys and hats they wore during that game, with Orioles players also signing their game-used batting helmets as well. Those items were then put up for auction on Orioles.com for O's and Nats fans to bid on and take home - but the auction ends soon, at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, July 5. Also look for jerseys worn by the members of the 1970 World Series championship team who...

Before we jump into Fourth of July weekend, we have to celebrate another 'Where in the Yard?' winner here in the O's Buzz. During the month of June, this O's fan identified every image correctly and collected a handful of bonus points by providing extra O's trivia facts and being the first fan to guess correctly come a Monday morning or two. Congrats to Scotty B for winning June's round of 'Where in the Yard?' here in the Orioles Buzz. Scotty's victory makes for four different...

Reliever Jim Johnson is scheduled to throw off a mound tomorrow at the minor league complex in Sarasota. Johnson had been shut down temporarily after experiencing soreness in his right elbow. Also, second baseman Brian Roberts' light baseball activites have increased to where he's taking batting practice again. Roberts has reached this point before and suffered a variety of setbacks.

Throughout the season, the Nationals take several opportunities to recognize the achievements of African Americans in the game of baseball. While Jackie Robinson Day is one of those important celebrations, the Nationals will also recognize the accomplishments of other important African American legends like Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Andre Dawson and Ken Griffey, Jr. during "Black Heritage Night." On Friday evening, several influential African-Americans will participate in a pre-game ceremony...