Despite the fact he almost never plays, Jake Fox remains an upbeat, optimistic, hard-working guy. He says he feels certain the Orioles will give him a chance, but it sure hasn't happened yet. Fox has just 19 at bats since August 1 and has started just one of the last 17 O's games. "I know at some point, I will get my opportunity to show them what I can do. I know it's coming. I've had conversations with Buck and I know it's going to happen," Fox told me during the last...

Did that just happen? The first five batters reached against Yankees left-hander CC Sabathia, as the Orioles bolted to a 3-0 lead. Four of them singled, including Adam Jones, who drove in two runs. Third base coach Gary Allenson aggressively sent Nick Markakis, who looked like he would be an easy out. The ball arrived in plenty of time, but catcher Jorge Posada couldn't hold onto it. Posada committed a passed ball earlier in the inning that allowed Brian Roberts to advance to second...

On Tuesday, Major League Baseball announced the nominees for the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award. The Nationals have selected Josh Willingham this season and they will honor his nomination during the ninth annual Roberto Clemente Day on September 8th. The Roberto Clemente Award honors players who best represent the game of baseball through sportsmanship, community involvement and positive contributions to their teams. The award recognizes the legacy and contributions of Roberto Clemente,...

The Frederick Keys host Potomac tomorrow night at 7 p.m. in game one of a best-of-five Northern Division playoff series. Oliver Drake (6-6, 4.36) will pitch vs. Potomac's Daniel Rosenbaum (3-2, 2.09) in the series opener. Here is the schedule for this series: Game one, Wednesday: Potomac at Frederick, 7 p.m. Game two, Thursday: Potomac at Frederick, 7 p.m. Game three, Friday: Frederick at Potomac, 7:03 p.m. Game four, Saturday: Frederick at Potomac, 6:35 p.m. (if necessary) Game five,...

Lou Montanez cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk. What's next for Montanez? Minor league free agency. It's not a real important transaction because Norfolk's season is over and Montanez is free to go. And you have to assume that he'll test the waters and try to hook on with another club, since he seems to be boxed out here. Montanez had never been outrighted before, so he couldn't refuse the assignment. But it's just a technicality. I don't see him remaining in the...

The Orioles activated David Hernandez from the disabled list and recalled left-hander Troy Patton from Triple-A Norfolk and left-hander Pedro Viola from Double-A Bowie. Maybe Patton will get a chance to pitch this time. Hernandez will wear No. 29, Patton No. 40 and Viola No. 47. For the Orioles: Brian Roberts 2B Felix Pie LF Nick Markakis RF Ty Wigginton 1B Adam Jones CF Nolan Reimold DH Craig Tatum C Robert Andino SS Josh Bell 3B Jake Arrieta RHP For the Yankees: Brett Gardner LF Derek...

The Orioles today announced that they have added three pitchers to their roster, reinstating RHP David Hernandez from the disabled list, recalling LHP Troy Patton from Triple-A Norfolk and recalling LHP Pedro Viola from Double-A Bowie. Hernandez was placed on the 15-day disabled list on August 5 with a left ankle sprain. He is 4-3 with two saves and a 3.29 ERA (27.1IP, 10ER) in 25 appearances out of the bullpen for the Orioles after making eight starts in the rotation to begin the...

The Washington Nationals today recalled right-handed pitcher Yunesky Maya and selected right-handed pitcher Joe Bisenius from Syracuse of the Triple-A International League. Additionally, left-handed pitcher Ross Detwiler was recalled from rehab and reinstated from the 15-Day Disabled List, and catcher Carlos Maldonado was designated for assignment. Nationals Senior Vice President and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcements. Maya went 1-1 with a 0.87 ERA (one ER/10.1 IP) in two starts...

To celebrate their most loyal fans, the Washington Nationals have teamed up with numerous corporate partners to recognize September as Fan Appreciation Month during the final 16 games of the season at Nationals Park (Sept. 6-8, Sept. 10-12 and Sept. 20-29). The team and its sponsors will thank fans and season ticket holders for their unwavering support through a variety of surprise giveaways as the 2010 season comes to a close. "The 2010 season has been quite a memorable one for the...

I don't know when Pedro Viola will pitch for the Orioles or how he'll fare, but he won't be making his major league debut. Viola appeared in nine games with the Cincinnati Reds last year, allowing four runs and seven hits in seven innings, with three walks and five strikeouts. He surrendered two home runs, including the first for Colorado's Eric Young Jr. You can read more about him right here. It's his bio, which must be accurate if it ran in Wikipedia. The Orioles claimed Viola off...