Nationals announce promotional schedule for remainder of 2021 season
Nationals announce promotional schedule for remainder of 2021 season
Pete Kerzel
Nationals
With the battle for another National League East title well underway, the Nationals are thrilled to welcome all fans back to Nationals Park, just in time for summer! In May, the Government of the District of Columbia approved the team's request to operate at 100% capacity starting Thursday, June 10, to coincide with the beginning of the team's next homestand. As the Nationals reopen the ballpark to full capacity, the team is excited to announce additional promotions and the return of...
Gomes' return to top throwing form making a big difference
Gomes' return to top throwing form making a big difference
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
There's no secret to Yan Gomes' success throwing out baserunners this season. Just a lot of hard work and some attention to getting the ball out of his hand as quickly as possible. Whether it's complicated or not, the mere fact Gomes is throwing out so many opponents is music to the Nationals' ears. After struggling mightily in this department in recent years, they're finally reaping the benefits of a catcher who can stop the running game cold in its tracks. With another pinpoint throw...
Ryan Mountcastle's bat perks up, plus other notes
Ryan Mountcastle's bat perks up, plus other notes
Steve Melewski
Orioles
As the Orioles take a day off today, the collective mood around Birdland is a little better after back-to-back wins by the O's and more winning on the farm to add to that. The Orioles have been waiting for Ryan Mountcastle to get hot after his slow start and maybe we are seeing the beginnings of an extended stretch of good hitting for him now. He has put together back-to-back 2-for-4 nights in the consecutive wins over the Twins. His booming three-run homer to center in the seventh opened a...
Nationals win the late innings to beat Braves (updated)
Nationals win the late innings to beat Braves (updated)
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
The Nationals hadn't been in very many games like this in 2021. Back-and-forth affairs with late-night swings of leads and emotions were the norm during their championship run in 2019 and also were a regular occurrence during their disappointing 2020 season. This year? Most games saw one team take an early lead and hold it late, with very little late drama. That made tonight's contest down in Atlanta feel like some kind of blast from the past. An old-fashioned, tension-filled showdown with a...
Opener strategy works as Orioles win again 6-3 (updated)
Opener strategy works as Orioles win again 6-3 (updated)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Do two wins in a row constitute a streak? The debate rages on, but does so without any interest from the Orioles. They just want to keep the music blaring inside the clubhouse. Form the handshake line again. Feel a little better about themselves. Make the memories of the 14 losses in a row begin to fade like a tired starter. The Orioles didn't have one of those tonight. Matt Harvey provided more length than anticipated in his one-time role of opener, Rule 5 pick Tyler Wells followed with three...
Konner Wade grateful for second chance in Orioles system
Konner Wade grateful for second chance in Orioles system
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
No matter how much the surroundings and routine changed in spring training with baseball still working under COVID-related protocols, Konner Wade was overcome by a familiar feeling at Twin Lakes Park. Wade had walked those hallways before, dressed inside that clubhouse. And been told that the organization had no room for him. Four months after trading for him. There are aspects of his current situation that he hopes won't air as a rerun. Wade has been one of Triple-A Norfolk's best pitchers...
O's game blog: The Orioles-Twins series finale
O's game blog: The Orioles-Twins series finale
Steve Melewski
Orioles
After snapping the long losing streak last night, the Orioles can record a series win if they take the series finale tonight against the Minnesota Twins. The Orioles' 7-4 win last night ended the 14-game losing streak, and tonight they look for their first series win since taking two of three at Seattle May 3-5. They have lost seven consecutive series since then. The Orioles improved to 7-19 at home with Tuesday's win. They can win their first home series of the year with a victory tonight....
Strasburg placed on 10-day IL with neck strain (updated)
Strasburg placed on 10-day IL with neck strain (updated)
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
The Nationals have placed Stephen Strasburg on the 10-day injured list with a neck strain after sending the right-hander back to Washington for an MRI. Kyle McGowin, who was already in Atlanta as part of the club's traveling taxi squad, was recalled from Triple-A Rochester to take Strasburg's roster spot and provide another fresh arm for tonight's game against the Braves, in which Jon Lester will be starting on short rest the day after Strasburg's 1 1/3-inning start added more strain to the...
Game 52 lineups: Nats at Braves
Game 52 lineups: Nats at Braves
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
We've seen the Nationals put together isolated offensive explosions this season. Seven times they've scored seven or more runs. How have they done in their next game? They've averaged three runs. So there's been an issue with sustaining offensive success. Tonight the Nats will try to finally do that and put together back-to-back big performances at the plate in the wake of their 11-6 victory Tuesday night. As was the case then, they're facing a left-hander, this time Drew Smyly. He's got...
Washington Nationals recall Kyle McGowin
Washington Nationals recall Kyle McGowin
Doug Miller
Nationals
The Washington Nationals recalled right-handed pitcher Kyle McGowin from Triple-A Rochester and placed right-handed pitcher Stephen Strasburg on the 10-day Injured List (neck strain) on Wednesday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. McGowin, 29, has pitched to a 3.09 ERA (4 ER/11.2 IP) with seven strikeouts in 10 appearances out of Washington's bullpen this season. Opposing batters are hitting .143 (6-for-42) with one double and one...