Nationals release veteran closer Francisco Rodríguez

Nationals release veteran closer Francisco Rodríguez
CINCINNATI - The Nationals' search for a dependable ninth-inning arm continues. It won't be veteran closer Francisco Rodríguez, who was released this afternoon by the Nationals after five minor league outings. Rodríguez was signed June 27 to a minor league contract, but allowed five runs (one earned) in five innings over five appearances (one start) for low Single-A Hagerstown, high Single-A Potomac and Double-A Harrisburg. He walked three and struck out two, posting a 1.40 WHIP and a...

Newly acquired Rodriguez pitches ninth in Harrisburg's victory

Newly acquired Rodriguez pitches ninth in Harrisburg's victory
Francisco Rodriguez officially became a member of the Nationals organization Wednesday night, pitching an inning of relief for Double-A Harrisburg. Rodriguez, the veteran closer signed to a minor league contract last week after he was released by the Tigers, officially joined the roster at Harrisburg. That was a bit of a surprise, considering he was expected to pitch for Triple-A Syracuse. The Nationals, though, aren't so much worried about the level of competition Rodriguez faces as much as...

Nats working to finalize minor league deal with Francisco Rodríguez

Nats working to finalize minor league deal with Francisco Rodríguez
The Nationals are finalizing a minor league deal with Francisco Rodríguez, hoping the veteran closer might resurrect himself after a horrible start to his season in Detroit that got him released last week. The deal isn't done yet, but a club source said it is expected to be completed soon. At that point, Rodríguez would report to Triple-A Syracuse and attempt to right his wayward ship in a low-pressure environment. Rodríguez, 35, owns 437 saves and a 2.86 ERA over 16 big league...

Peguero update and a few afternoon notes

Peguero update and a few afternoon notes
Outfielder Francisco Peguero will fly to Baltimore Thursday and undergo an examination on both hamstrings. Peguero's 20-day injury rehab assignment ends on Thursday. He's on the major league disabled list with right wrist tendinitis. Peguero's hamstring injuries enable the Orioles to keep him on the DL. Otherwise, they would have been required to activate him and find a spot on the 25-man roster or expose him to waivers and attempt to outright him to Triple-A Norfolk. The Orioles signed...

Orioles maintain interest in Francisco Rodriguez

Orioles maintain interest in Francisco Rodriguez
The Orioles could go in two directions regarding their bullpen. Sign a closer or move Tommy Hunter into the role and acquire another set-up man. Either way, they seem likely to add another reliever before spring training. Though they made an immediate push for free agent closer Fernando Rodney after their deal with Grant Balfour fell apart, he may be too pricy for a team that wasn't willing to pay Jim Johnson $10-$11 million in 2014. There doesn't appear to be a financial match. According...

Monday morning musings

Monday morning musings
Has former Orioles reliever Francisco Rodriguez been linked to any teams looking for a closer this winter? He's still a free agent, and he's largely gone ignored. The Orioles don't appear to have any interest in bringing him back despite giving up minor league infielder Nick Delmonico in a July 23 trade. His name was floated in the warehouse, but it must have gone right out the window. Rodriguez posted a 1.09 ERA in 25 games with the Brewers, and a 4.50 ERA in 23 games with the Orioles....

Let the free agent frenzy begin

Let the free agent frenzy begin
Anyone remember who the Orioles play on opening day next season? Oh, yeah, right. If one kid shows up at my door for Halloween tonight wearing a beard and a Red Sox cap, he's getting a treat from the crappy bag of candy. No mini Snickers or Kit Kat or Hershey bar or Reese's. Enjoy your Dum Dum. Consider yourselves lucky that I'm not handing out dental floss or pocket combs. I actually picked the Red Sox to win the World Series before the playoffs started, but I wasn't going out on a...

Which free agents will re-sign with the Orioles?

Which free agents will re-sign with the Orioles?
While wondering if Orioles manager Buck Showalter can relate to the heat that John Harbaugh is catching from Ravens fans this season ... I'm heading back home this morning after a weekend filled with love, laughs and calories. Nothing beats family. The Orioles will begin interviewing candidates this week for the vacant pitching coach position. I'm not going to anoint a favorite because we don't have the complete list and there are so many factors in play, including the impression made...

Are you OK with the K-Rod trade?

Are you OK with the K-Rod trade?
In compiling the list of Orioles trades in July, I ignored the acquisition of minor league infielder Alex Liddi from the Mariners. He never made it to Baltimore and was outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk after being designated for assignment and clearing waivers. I'm focused on the major league deals, which included the July 23 acquisition of veteran reliever Francisco Rodriguez from the Brewers for Single-A Frederick infielder Nicky Delmonico. Rodriguez didn't sign with the Brewers until April...

Yankee comeback in eighth sinks O's and evens series

Yankee comeback in eighth sinks O's and evens series
The Orioles finally got to Ivan Nova. But the Yankees got to Kevin Gausman and Francisco Rodriguez. Down 4-3 heading to the top of the eighth, the Yankees doubled, singled and homered against Gausman to take a two-run lead and beat the Orioles 7-5 at Camden Yards. Gausman had pitched a 1-2-3 seventh but gave up an Alex Rodriguez double, Robinson Cano RBI single and Alfonso Soriano two-run homer as New York quickly scored three to take a 6-4 lead. They added a run off of Francisco Rodriguez on...

'Pen is mightier today (O's win 7-3)

'Pen is mightier today (O's win 7-3)
NEW YORK - The Yankees scored three runs off Orioles starter Wei-Yin Chen in four innings today. They've come up empty against the bullpen. Kevin Gausman, Francisco Rodriguez and Tommy Hunter have combined for four scoreless innings, with three hits allowed, one walk and six strikeouts. Hunter stranded two in the eighth by retiring Brett Gardner on a fly ball to left field. Nate McLouth, who replaced Michael Morse, made the grab near the track to maintain the Orioles' 7-3 lead. Rodriguez...

K-Rod on his improved pitching and Jim Johnson

K-Rod on his improved pitching and Jim Johnson
Since getting off to a rocky start with his new team, veteran reliever Francisco Rodriguez has been pitching well for the Orioles. They acquired him in a deal with Milwaukee for minor leaguer Nicky Delmonico on July 23. He gave up four homers in four innings over his first four games. Since then, he has allowed one earned run over his last 7 2/3 innings with 13 strikeouts. He pitched a 1-2-3 seventh inning last night to get his second Orioles win. "Trying to be more aggressive and trying to...

Valencia recalled, Roberts leading off, Hardy in lineup

Valencia recalled, Roberts leading off, Hardy in lineup
The Orioles made the expected move and recalled Danny Valencia from Triple-A Norfolk. He's serving as the designated hitter and batting eighth tonight against Tampa Bay left-hander David Price. Valencia is 7-for-10 lifetime against Price, the reigning American League Cy Young Award winner. Brian Roberts is leading off tonight, as manager Buck Showalter goes with a right-handed lineup. Roberts has 11 hits in his last 23 at-bats, with seven RBIs. Nick Markakis moves down to seventh. J.J....

A few injury updates

A few injury updates
Orioles pitcher Jason Hammel will throw on flat ground again on Monday and Wednesday before progressing to a mound on Friday, assuming there are no setbacks. Hammel already has played catch twice to test his right forearm. So far, so good. Hammel will need to make a few starts on an injury-rehab assignment before the Orioles activate him from the disabled list. They can find games for him, even if the affiliates are done playing. A few of the teams are in playoff contention, and Hammel could...

Showalter on Hardy, Stinson, Rodriguez and Norris

Showalter on Hardy, Stinson, Rodriguez and Norris
Orioles manager Buck Showalter was alerted to shortstop J.J. Hardy's back spasms during batting practice this afternoon and made the decision to remove him from the lineup. Hardy said he could have played, but he was reduced to spectator in the Orioles' 8-4 win over the Rockies at Camden Yards. "He felt it a little bit yesterday, but they did some treatment and everything and it loosened up and was no problem for the most part," Showalter said. "He wanted to play today. He wanted to go....

Pregame notes and Rockies lineup

Pregame notes and Rockies lineup
Orioles reliever Francisco Rodriguez won't be available for tonight's game against the Rockies, but he's avoided the disabled list. Rodriguez left last night's game in the eighth inning with a strained right groin. He's feeling better and will attempt to play catch today. Jason Hammel will do some long-tossing again today and take off Sunday. Hammel could throw from a mound on Monday or Tuesday. Wilson Betemit's injury-rehab assignment runs through Aug. 25, with the last four games...

Stinson headed to Baltimore

Stinson headed to Baltimore
The Orioles will recall pitcher Josh Stinson from Triple-A Norfolk to provide an extra bullpen arm for tonight's game against the Colorado Rockies at Camden Yards. The team will make the announcement this afternoon. Stinson will replace outfielder Henry Urrutia on the 25-man roster. Urrutia was optioned following last night's 6-3 loss. Stinson worked six innings Tuesday night for Norfolk, making him more available than other candidates on the Tides' pitching staff. He skipped his bullpen...

Orioles preparing to add pitcher (Urrutia optioned)

Orioles preparing to add pitcher (Urrutia optioned)
The Orioles seem confident that reliever Francisco Rodriguez will avoid the disabled list despite leaving tonight's game with a strained right groin. However, they're expected to make a roster move to add another pitcher for their bullpen. "We're probably going to have to get an arm here tomorrow," said manager Buck Showalter following a 6-3 loss to the Rockies. "We're getting a little short down there, especially with probably not wanting to push Frankie tomorrow. We'll have to wait...

K-Rod updates his injury (plus other postgame quotes)

K-Rod updates his injury (plus other postgame quotes)
Francisco Rodriguez walked off the mound beside trainer Richie Bancells in the eighth inning tonight, but said he does not expect to end up on the disabled list. He gave up a homer and one batter later, left with a strained right groin, an injury he also dealt with in 2011. "This did not start today," Rodriguez said. "Been for the last week kind of grabbing a bit and a little soreness. Today it got a little worse. But come in tomorrow, get some treatment and go get them, I'll be all...

Rockies get two homers from No. 9 spot in 6-3 win over Orioles

Rockies get two homers from No. 9 spot in 6-3 win over Orioles
A pitcher with an ERA of 9.64 over his previous three starts made a quality start and two different No. 9 hitters homered as Colorado beat the Orioles 6-3 in front of 31,438 at Camden Yards. It's going that well for the Orioles, who have now lost four in a row to fall to 65-56. Not the start to the homestand they wanted. The game did begin well for the Orioles when Nate McLouth homered leading off the last of the first for a 1-0 lead. It was his eighth homer of the year, his second leadoff...