Notes on additional fans, Robles' spot in order and a Nats alum
Notes on additional fans, Robles' spot in order and a Nats alum
Pete Kerzel
Nationals
Pressed unexpectedly into service when Max Scherzer sustained a groin injury while pitching to his second batter in Friday night's game, Paolo Espino barely had time to process what had happened as he began his warmups on the mound at Nationals Park. Espino took over for Scherzer and - save for a slider that didn't really break that Buster Posey hammered over the fence for the only run in a 1-0 win - throttled the Giants over the course of a 3 1/3-inning stint that lowered his ERA to 2.78 and...
Leftovers for breakfast (updated)
Leftovers for breakfast (updated)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Yesterday's announcement that reliever Shawn Armstrong cleared waivers and was assigned to Triple-A Norfolk had me checking the terminology to make sure I didn't read too much into it. As it turns out, Armstrong being "assigned" is the same as "outrighted." He's reporting to the Tides. I was checking whether he could decline and become a free agent. Armstrong was outrighted by the Mariners in 2018 and could have refused yesterday's assignment, though he'd forfeit his salary. The...
Mancini homer a lone bright spot for Orioles in 4-2 loss (updated)
Mancini homer a lone bright spot for Orioles in 4-2 loss (updated)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The game within the game begins early, shortly after the final note is struck in the anthem. Wondering how much length the starter can provide. How many calls must be made to the bullpen. The piecing together of nine innings doesn't come with an easy set of instructions. Keegan Akin moved past the fifth inning once as a rookie in 2020, recording an out in the sixth. He completed the fifth in his previous start this month. Like other young pitchers on the staff, the Orioles are trying to safely...
Scherzer's injury exit further taxes 'pen in 1-0 loss (updated)
Scherzer's injury exit further taxes 'pen in 1-0 loss (updated)
Pete Kerzel
Nationals
Max Scherzer knew what the Nationals needed him to do Friday night, and the right-hander was game. In true ace fashion, he took the ball, expected to give a team desperately in need of some length a deep start and get the delayed opener to a four-game series against the Giants off to a good start. Everything was fine - until it wasn't. And that didn't take very long. Scherzer lasted only 12 pitches, getting just one out and throwing six strikes, before an undisclosed injury forced him from...
Injury forces Scherzer from game after only 12 pitches
Injury forces Scherzer from game after only 12 pitches
Pete Kerzel
Nationals
Any hopes the Nationals had of using a deep start by Max Scherzer to rest their weary bullpen went quickly by the wayside in the first inning of Friday night's game against the Giants. Like 12 pitches. Scherzer departed after throwing a high-and-outside ball on a 2-2 pitch to Brandon Belt. The right-hander hopped awkwardly on the mound, squatted as if trying to flex a hamstring and then called for the trainers. Manager Davey Martinez and director of athletic training Paul Lessard joined...
Hyde on outfield depth, Hays, Mullins and Harvey
Hyde on outfield depth, Hays, Mullins and Harvey
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The outfield surplus that the Orioles carried into spring training finally has regained its proper weight. Austin Hays has been reinstated from the injured list and gets the start in left tonight against the Rays. Cedric Mullins is in center and Anthony Santander is in right. Trey Mancini is the designated hitter and rookie Ryan Mountcastle is playing first base. They occupy the first five spots in the order, with manager Brandon Hyde finding a way, as he kept promising months ago. But tonight...
Austin Hays on return to lineup and origin of "parking lot Ced"
Austin Hays on return to lineup and origin of "parking lot Ced"
Steve Melewski
Orioles
After two stints already on the injured list, totaling 28 games missed, Orioles outfielder Austin Hays returned to the active roster today. He's in the lineup tonight in left field, batting fifth in the series opener versus Tampa Bay. This time he hopes to remain active and healthy for the rest of the 2021 season. He has been on the IL with both left- and right-hamstring strains this year. "I think the strength and performance staff has done a good job of giving me an outline of what the rest...
Fedde will rejoin rotation for Saturday twinbill
Fedde will rejoin rotation for Saturday twinbill
Pete Kerzel
Nationals
Rain continues to fall steadily at Nationals Park, the tarp is on the field and some players are running or throwing in the outfield. The Nationals are in firmly in pregame mode, even as manager Davey Martinez simultaneously plans for a single game tonight, a split doubleheader tomorrow and the possibility of back-to-back twinbills should tonight's scheduled contest be rained out. "We're preparing to play (tonight), obviously, but we haven't heard anything," Martinez said during his...
Orioles and Rays lineups
Orioles and Rays lineups
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Austin Hays has been reinstated from the injured list today, and he's in left field for tonight's series opener against the Rays at Tropicana Field. Hays is batting fifth behind first baseman Ryan Mountcastle. Trey Mancini is batting second as the designated hitter, followed by right fielder Anthony Santander. Reliever Shawn Armstrong cleared waivers and was assigned to Triple-A Norfolk. Cedric Mullins has a nine-game hitting streak. Mountcastle has an eight-game hitting and RBI...
Maryland Lottery's "Contestant of the Game" promotion hits a home run with fans
Maryland Lottery's "Contestant of the Game" promotion hits a home run with fans
Doug Miller
Orioles
The Orioles bats have been hot this month, and Maryland Lottery "Contestants of the Game" are reaping the benefits. One winner is randomly selected for each of the 162 Orioles games. Each winner receives $500 for being selected, and an additional $500 for every Orioles home run hit during that game. Since the beginning of June, the O's have hit 12 home runs over seven games. Here are some other fun facts from the 2021 season: The O's scored 29 runs in the last three games. Rookie Ryan...