The Nationals signed Shinnosuke Ogasawara over the winter believing the 27-year-old left-hander – the first Japanese free agent signing in club history – could become a viable major league starter, or at worst provide ready-to-go rotation depth at Triple-A Rochester. The plan never was to use him as a reliever. Certainly not as a late-inning, high-

The trade deadline is a date that looms large for any professional baseball player, whether you’re at the big league level or working your way through the minor leagues.  Very few are truly safe from any kind of movement.  Those feeling the least secure would include anyone in the Padres organization and rising arms in the system of a winning ballc

By winning a third consecutive series against teams that appear to be playoff bound, the Orioles actually moved from 10 to 8 ½ games out of the final Wild Card spot going into their off-day. They passed the Twins and have only six teams ahead of them. Only. A reminder that the task is daunting. Pray for a baseball miracle. Anyone who says “stranger

The Nationals put themselves in position to win tonight’s game against the Mets thanks to a much-needed and improved offensive approach against Kodai Senga and another solid start by Brad Lord, at least until it nearly fell apart on him in the top of the sixth. All of which left Miguel Cairo – and then Henry Blanco once Cairo was ejected during tha

Eli Willits is ready to make his minor league debut. The Nationals are transferring this year’s No. 1 draft pick to Single-A Fredericksburg and plan for him to debut Thursday night, a source familiar with the organization’s plan confirmed. Since signing for $8.2 million last month, Willits has been working out at the team’s spring training complex

The Orioles will again experience life without closer Félix Bautista. Bautista underwent shoulder surgery yesterday to repair a torn rotator cuff and labrum. The club announced that Dr. Neal ElAttrache handled the procedure in Los Angeles and termed it "successful." That last part is the only positive news. A season that's brought tremendous disapp

Last night’s game did not go well at all for the Nationals, on either side of the ball. On the mound, Jake Irvin got roughed up by the Mets for six runs (five of them coming in the top of the third). At the plate, the lineup was absolutely carved up by David Peterson for the umpteenth time. Put it all together, and you’ve got a completely lackluste

  Thursday, August 21 Healthcare Appreciation Night – Orioles.com/ThemeNights First Pitch – Solo Ball, UConn Men’s Basketball                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Most major league managers don’t participate in the nightly exchange of lineup cards prior to first pitch, preferring instead to hand off that assignment to various members of the coaching staff. When it came time for the traditional ritual Tuesday night at Nationals Park, both team’s skippers absolutely made sure they were the ones making their wa

BOSTON – The Orioles didn’t bring their smoke machines and disco lights to Fenway Park. The ballpark is so old, the equipment might have blown out the fuses or started a fire. But you could hear players through the walls celebrating after Monday night’s win. Voices were loud. Veteran pitcher Trevor Rogers made a speech praising 21-year-old rookie c