Nats promote Fuentes, still figuring out long-term pitching plan
Nats promote Fuentes, still figuring out long-term pitching plan
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
Desperate for fresh arms who could help them navigate their way through a week that has seen three starters get knocked out early, the Nationals made another roster move today while continuing to map out a pitching plan for the weekend and beyond. The Nats promoted Steven Fuentes from their alternate training site in Fredericksburg, summoning the 23-year-old right-hander now in case he's needed during tonight's game against the Cardinals. Ryne Harper, who pitched each of the last two days,...
Nationals recall Steven Fuentes
Nationals recall Steven Fuentes
Pete Kerzel
Nationals
The Washington Nationals recalled right-handed pitcher Steven Fuentes and optioned right-handed pitcher Ryne Harper to the Alternate Training Site (Fredericksburg) on Tuesday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Fuentes, 23, joins the active roster for the first time in his career after taking part in his first Major League Spring Training in 2021. He spent the entire 2020 season at the Alternate Training Site (Fredericksburg) and was...
How spring struggles turned into season success for Paul Fry
How spring struggles turned into season success for Paul Fry
Steve Melewski
Orioles
As his spring training was going from bad to worse, Orioles bullpen lefty Paul Fry was trying to remain confident and keep up a strong mental outlook. He was also hoping his manager was maintaining confidence in him. But just to be sure, a short chat with manager Brandon Hyde wouldn't hurt. Fry, who is pitching quite well now and has for most of this season for the Orioles, had a spring ERA of 10.61. Over 9 1/3 innings, he had given up 14 hits and 12 runs. His WHIP was 1.929. "Yeah, it did...
Hays activated from injured list (with both lineups)
Hays activated from injured list (with both lineups)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The Orioles activated outfielder Austin Hays from the 10-day injured list this afternoon, returning him to the club after his removal on April 4 due to a strained right hamstring. The injury occurred after Hays ran out a double in Boston. Hays is 2-for-10 with a double, two RBIs and four strikeouts. He's on the bench tonight as the Orioles begin a two-game series against the Marlins in Miami. Outfielder Ryan McKenna was optioned to the alternate training site in Bowie. DJ Stewart is in left...
Game 15 lineups: Nats vs. Cardinals (updated)
Game 15 lineups: Nats vs. Cardinals (updated)
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
Well, this is what it has come to: The Nationals tonight desperately need a quality start from Patrick Corbin, who has yet to come close to producing such a performance in 2021 (and often didn't do it in 2020, for that matter). In 13 starts since the 2019 postseason, Corbin has made it through six or more innings allowing three or fewer earned runs only six times. And four of those came in his first six starts last season. Recent history aside, the Nats simply can't afford another blowup from...
Orioles and Pepsi Stronger Together announce partnership to empower local youth
Orioles and Pepsi Stronger Together announce partnership to empower local youth
Pete Kerzel
Orioles
The Orioles today announced a three-year partnership with Pepsi Stronger Together - PepsiCo's series of grassroots initiatives bringing tailored programming support to communities across the country - to empower the next generation of baseball and softball players in Baltimore City. Through a series of strategic programs, the Orioles and Pepsi Stronger Together will give Baltimore City youth the opportunity to play on improved fields, receive access to proper new and gently used equipment, and...
As he drops in lineup, Robles rediscovering old form in outfield
As he drops in lineup, Robles rediscovering old form in outfield
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
Maybe it was the diving catch in deep left-center after a long run from his position in the middle of the outfield. Maybe it was the 270-yard bullseye he hit on the fly from the base of the center field wall to second base to nab a greedy runner. Whatever moment you choose, chances are you've at some point in the last two weeks watched Victor Robles in the field and thought to yourself: He looks like his 2019 version again. It's been hard not to notice it. After a major regression in defense...
Ross blasted for 10 runs, adding to rotation woes (updated)
Ross blasted for 10 runs, adding to rotation woes (updated)
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
If the Nationals are going to survive with Stephen Strasburg on the injured list, Patrick Corbin a mess and Jon Lester still building his arm up at the alternate training site in Fredericksburg, they're going to have to rely on the remaining members of their rotation not only to pitch effectively but to at times exceed expectations. For two starts, that's exactly what they got from Joe Ross, who didn't so much as allow a single Dodgers or Cardinals runner to cross the plate while he was on...
When the big three get going, so will O's offense
When the big three get going, so will O's offense
Steve Melewski
Orioles
It's no secret the Orioles offense has gotten off to a slow start. You noticed, right? Through Sunday's games they have a team batting average of .221, which is ninth in the American League. They rank last in team OBP (.278), 13th in slugging (.365) and 13th in OPS (.643). They have already scored three runs or fewer eight times and been shut out twice. They are 1-7 in those eight games. When they score four or more, they are 6-2. We've detailed some of the recent pitching success here, but...
On Bell's timing, Avilán's surgery and Nats' vaccine goal
On Bell's timing, Avilán's surgery and Nats' vaccine goal
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
Josh Bell, maybe more than just about any big-name hitter in the majors, depends on proper timing at the plate to be successful. The big slugger doesn't have the short, compact swing of an Anthony Rendon. His is a long swing with long arms that, when in sync, produces explosive results but otherwise can produce a lot of whiffs. When the Nationals first baseman departed West Palm Beach, Fla., on March 29, everything was in sync. He enjoyed a monster spring at the plate, hitting .383 (18-for-47)...