MILWAUKEE – After struggling against two Brewers pitchers last night, the Nationals offense hopes to get going in the second matchup of this three-game set before the All-Star break, which will feature two starting pitchers making just their second starts of the season for completely different reasons. The Nats' bats’ challenge doesn’t get any easi

MILWAUKEE – There aren’t a lot of positives to take away from an 8-3 drubbing like the one the Nationals suffered at the hands of the Brewers last night. But of the few, the biggest one perhaps was the contributions the Nats got from their No. 9 hitter and backup catcher. With primary backstop Keibert Ruiz back on the seven-day concussion injured l

Jacob Stallings made his fifth start and seventh appearance behind the plate last night with the Orioles. Alex Jackson should return to the lineup this weekend after doubling twice in his first start in Game 2 of Thursday’s doubleheader. They’ve spent less than three weeks in the organization, Stallings arriving ahead of Jackson, and probably will

MILWAUKEE – The Nationals have three opportunities this weekend to end this disappointing first half on a high note. They entered this three-game set against the red-hot Brewers having lost five of their last six games. Even so, they began the day only 2 ½ games behind the Braves in the National League East, leaving a small chance they could enter

To make a serious push for a Wild Card berth, the Orioles first had to move within five games of .500, a daunting task considering that they sat 18 below at their lowest point. Then, as interim manager Tony Mansolino explained, they could try to level the season record and get within reach of the playoffs.   This would be different type of progress

MILWAUKEE – For obvious reasons, this week has been challenging for the Nationals. Two mainstays for the organization – general manager Mike Rizzo and manager Davey Martinez – are no longer here. It’s been an adjustment period for the players, many of whom were drafted or acquired by Rizzo and only knew Martinez as their big league skipper. But it’

Orioles starters Zach Eflin and Cade Povich are going on injury rehab assignments Sunday while their teammates play their final game before the All-Star break. Eflin, on the 15-day injured list with lower back discomfort, will join Triple-A Norfolk in Jacksonville. Interim manager Tony Mansolino said Povich, on the 15-day IL with left hip inflammat

MILWAUKEE – Hello, Wisconsin! Now that my obligatory “That '70s Show” reference is out of the way, let’s get back to baseball. The Nationals have one weekend left of this forgettable first half. All that stands between them and the All-Star break are three games against the Brewers, who are 53-40 and currently hold the top National League Wild Card

The only two previous times the held the No. 1 pick in the MLB Draft, the Nationals knew well in advance who they would be selecting. Shoot, the whole baseball world knew they’d take Stephen Strasburg in 2009 and Bryce Harper in 2010, two of the most-hyped prospects in draft history who would go to enjoy stellar careers in their own separate ways.

Bryan Baker didn’t have time to contact anyone yesterday morning after learning that he was traded to the Rays. He joked about tearing off the Band-Aid after media dispersed from his locker area. He had to embrace teammates first, consent to an interview and receive more hugs as news circulated through the clubhouse. He’d get around to the phone ca