Infielders Carter Kieboom and Luis García were optioned to Triple-A Rochester on Saturday afternoon, as the Nationals made a series of roster moves that pretty much solidify their 26-man roster for Thursday's nationally televised home and season opener against the Mets. Also optioned to Triple-A were left-hander Sam Clay, right-hander Kyle McGowin and outfielder Yadiel Hernández. Utility men Jordy Mercer and Hernán Pérez, both of whom were in camp on minor league deals, had their...

The Nationals have one open spot on their bench they need to fill, and the sense entering camp was that it was likely to go either to a utility infielder like Hernán Pérez or Jordy Mercer or an experienced backup outfielder like Gerardo Parra or Yadiel Hernández. There is another possible candidate for the job, though, especially if general manager Mike Rizzo and manager Davey Martinez decide to prioritize offensive potential over defensive ability and versatility. His name is Yasmany...

Yasmany Tomás, the former Diamondbacks slugger whose defensive deficiencies made him high-priced bust, will get a chance to restart his career with the Nationals. The Nats have signed Tomás to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training, a source familiar with the transaction confirmed. The 30-year-old is scheduled to begin playing in the Puerto Rican Winter League next month, according to Cuban reporter Francys Romero, who first reported the signing. Tomás recently...

The general managers' meetings conclude today in Phoenix and it's doubtful that any team will trump the Tigers' signing of free agent Victor Martinez to a four-year, $68 million deal. Martinez turns 36 in December. Nelson Cruz turns 35 in July and he wants a five-year deal. Four years may not be out of the question, but it's not likely to come from the Orioles. They just aren't comfortable going beyond three years for Cruz. I won't bore you with all the reasons again. Executive vice...

The Orioles have three Gold Glove winners in 2014. However, I wouldn't expect the team to bring home the Platinum Glove for a second consecutive season. Third baseman Manny Machado won it in 2013. Shortstop J.J. Hardy, center fielder Adam Jones and right fielder Nick Markakis are eligible this year. It would be an upset if Royals left fielder Alex Gordon didn't win it. The announcement will come on Nov. 7 during the Gold Glove ceremony. Hardy, Jones and Markakis deflected credit in their...