Ruiz's return a rousing success in 12-3 win
Ruiz's return a rousing success in 12-3 win
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Rio Ruiz had something to say this afternoon before hopping on his media Zoom call. He knows about the club's pending move for free agent third baseman Maikel Franco and how it impacts him. He knows that missing more than a week with an illness and being 1-for-12 before today's game against the Pirates are sabotaging his attempts to make the club and keep his position. Ruiz isn't wearing blinders. He wore the look today of a much better version of himself. Ruiz made a diving stop and throw...
Scherzer remains dialed in, dominates Cards again
Scherzer remains dialed in, dominates Cards again
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
It's only spring training, so all the usual caveats must apply. These games don't count. Different players take different approaches when they're on the field. Objectives aren't the same on March 15 as they will be on April 1. Now, having gotten all that out of the way, this needs to be said: Max Scherzer looks absolutely dialed in right now. With a dominant, four-inning performance today during a 4-2 loss to the Cardinals in Jupiter, Fla., Scherzer built off his two previous exhibition...
Harvey on his outing, offense breaks out in win over Bucs
Harvey on his outing, offense breaks out in win over Bucs
Steve Melewski
Orioles
The Orioles began the second half of their 28-game spring training schedule today. And they'll look to see if some of their starting pitchers begin to dial it up with some better outings than the first half of the games delivered. Right-hander Matt Harvey, the former Met who pitched to an 11.57 ERA over 11 2/3 innings with Kansas City last summer, had a mixed bag of an outing this afternoon. He allowed runs twice, but also put together a pair of 1-2-3 innings against Pittsburgh at Ed Smith...
Hyde updates Harvey, Martin and Ruiz
Hyde updates Harvey, Martin and Ruiz
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
An examination of Orioles reliever Hunter Harvey confirmed that he has a strained oblique, an injury suffered after throwing one pitch in Friday's game against the Phillies. Manager Brandon Hyde couldn't provide a timeline for Harvey's recovery, of course, but the former first-round pick is expected to go on the injured list. "He's going to miss some time," Hyde said in his Zoom call with the media. "How much time, we're not sure, just because obliques are tricky. But it's an injury....
Rotation plans hinge on Strasburg and Lester's progress
Rotation plans hinge on Strasburg and Lester's progress
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
The Nationals remain hopeful Stephen Strasburg will be able to make his next start after straining his left calf Sunday but are preparing contingency plans in case he needs more time to heal. Strasburg is scheduled to receive treatment at the club's complex in West Palm Beach, Fla., today, after which he and the Nationals medical staff will decide whether he can attempt to play catch and test his leg. If everything appears fine, he would then likely progress to throwing off a mound, where the...
Lineups: Nats vs. Cardinals in Jupiter
Lineups: Nats vs. Cardinals in Jupiter
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
Sure, there are some big-name Nationals starting today against the Cardinals in Jupiter. Max Scherzer is on the mound. Trea Turner, Juan Soto and Ryan Zimmerman are in the lineup. But let's talk about the guy who is making his 2021 Grapefruit League debut, because I have a hunch some fans are more excited to watch him than anyone else: Gerardo Parra. Yes, the Baby Shark is back at last. After needing some extra time to get himself into shape following knee surgery last fall, Parra is ready to...
Orioles and Pirates lineups
Orioles and Pirates lineups
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Rio Ruiz has returned to the Orioles' lineup today, playing third base and batting seventh against the Pirates in Sarasota. Richie Martin isn't in the lineup, but could enter the game later. He's recovered from surgery in January to remove a broken left hamate bone and got some at-bats yesterday. Austin Hays is in left field again, with Cedric Mullins in center. Trey Mancini is the first baseman. Pat Valaika is the second baseman. Matt Harvey is making his second start after his three-inning...
This, that and the other
This, that and the other
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
With the Orioles working out the final details on a deal with free agent third baseman Maikel Franco, their pursuit intensifying late last night, according to an industry source, there are dominos set up to fall upon his arrival. The 40-man roster is full and a major league deal, pending a physical, would require a corresponding move. Rio Ruiz's future in the organization is in question. He could share the position with Franco, which limits the number of super-utility players able to travel...
Birdland farm check-in: Single-A Delmarva GM Chris Bitters
Birdland farm check-in: Single-A Delmarva GM Chris Bitters
Steve Melewski
Orioles
Today we wrap up our look around Birdland with the four general managers of the Orioles' full-season minor league affiliates. Today I check in with Chris Bitters, the GM since November 2006 of the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds. The Shorebirds begin their 120-game schedule in the 12-team Low-A East League on May 4 with the season running through Sept. 19. The recent announcement that sports facilities in Maryland can host fans at up to 50 percent of capacity was met with big enthusiasm by minor...
O's made offer to Franco, Kremer and Zimmermann shine
O's made offer to Franco, Kremer and Zimmermann shine
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Though the Orioles seemed more inclined to pass on the remaining free agents and wait for camp cuts or opt-outs, they're trying to work out a deal with third baseman Maikel Franco. A source confirmed today that the Orioles have an offer on the table. MLB Network's Jon Heyman reported that the sides are getting close. The Orioles definitely are trying to get Franco, which blows up roster predictions for opening day. Third base is the one unsettled position in camp. Rio Ruiz entered it as the...