Rays' loss is O's gain in the bullpen
Rays' loss is O's gain in the bullpen
Steve Melewski
Orioles
He has had not one, but two Tommy John surgeries and pitched in the minor leagues since 2013 before finally getting his first big league chance last September. It went well for Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Cole Sulser. After a very strong finish to his Triple-A season, he made his big league debut that month with 7 1/3 scoreless innings and nine strikeouts for the Rays. Then he was designated for assignment. That might have been a bit surprising, even for the pitching-rich Rays. Sulser can throw...
Orioles must make decision on Means
Orioles must make decision on Means
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The Orioles should know later today whether left-hander John Means is making the opening night start at Fenway Park. They can't wait any longer because he'll need to throw for a couple of days without any arm discomfort. Has to prove that he can do it. A dose of good news would lift their spirits. This team is crawling to the starting line. Contingency plans are in place in case Means can't pitch. The Orioles have been prepping for his absence since last week. Withholding Wade LeBlanc from...
Strasburg consistent, if not overpowering, in win over O's (updated)
Strasburg consistent, if not overpowering, in win over O's (updated)
Byron Kerr
Nationals
BALTIMORE - On a hot, muggy night at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Stephen Strasburg didn't hit his usual mid-90s readings on his fastball, but he was consistent for five innings as the Nationals dropped the Orioles 4-2 in an exhibition game. Strasburg ended up throwing 81 pitches over five frames, 52 for strikes. Strasburg allowed one run on six hits with six strikeouts and no walks. His fastball was clocked around 92-93 mph, but his curveball and changeup were solid. The biggest factor was...
Cobb impressive early, Santander with two hits in 4-2 loss (updated)
Cobb impressive early, Santander with two hits in 4-2 loss (updated)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Alex Cobb knows the pain of being unable to start on opening day for the first time because an injury ruined the experience. He can sympathize with left-hander John Means, whose assignment in Boston is in jeopardy due to arm fatigue. Cobb isn't a candidate to replace Means because he stood on the mound tonight with baseball in hand and his own, more modest goal, in mind. The Orioles wanted to stretch out Cobb to four innings and never considered the idea of using him on short rest against the...
Orioles still don't know whether John Means can start opener
Orioles still don't know whether John Means can start opener
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The Orioles are waiting to find out the results of Stevie Wilkerson's visit today to a hand specialist and should be able to gather more information later this afternoon. Wilkerson had swelling in his left ring finger after making a diving catch last night in Philadelphia. He's become a candidate for the injured list. John Means isn't throwing while trying to work through a dead-arm period. He's just receiving treatment and the Orioles aren't sure about his status for opening day. "John...
O's game blog: O's host Nats in Oriole Park exhibition game
O's game blog: O's host Nats in Oriole Park exhibition game
Steve Melewski
Orioles
With four days left before opening night, the Orioles will play their only home exhibition game tonight at Oriole Park. The Orioles (1-0) host the Washington Nationals (0-1). The same clubs meet at Nats Park on Tuesday night. The Orioles beat the Phillies 5-1 in game that went 9 1/2 innings last night at Citizens Bank Park. Pedro Severino, Cedric Mullins, Pat Valaika and Ryan Mountcastle hit solo homers for the Orioles and Hanser Alberto added an RBI single. Right-hander Thomas Eshelman pitched...
Nats announce Fauci will throw first pitch at Thursday opener
Nats announce Fauci will throw first pitch at Thursday opener
Byron Kerr
Nationals
BALTIMORE - The Nationals announced today that Dr. Anthony Fauci will throw out the ceremonial first pitch Thursday on opening night before the nationally televised game against the Yankees. Fauci, the longtime director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has been seen in public appearances wearing a Nats face mask during the coronavirus shutdown and is a noted Nats fan, attending about a dozen games in person each season and watching another 40-50 on television. A...
Starting lineups: Nats at Orioles
Starting lineups: Nats at Orioles
Mark Zuckerman
Orioles
The Nationals passed their first test of the exhibition season, successfully hosting a game against the Phillies. Now they face their next important test: a road game. It's not really a road trip, just a short bus ride up to Camden Yards and back. No overnight stay in a hotel. No flights. But there are different protocols and considerations they must follow for tonight's game against the Orioles, and at the end of the night, they'll hopefully have a better idea what they're in for once they...
Santander in Orioles lineup vs. Nationals
Santander in Orioles lineup vs. Nationals
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Anthony Santander is in the Orioles' exhibition lineup tonight against the Nationals, making the start in right field after reporting to camp last week. Santander was late after testing positive for COVID-19, but the Orioles are optimistic that he can get ready for Friday night's opener in Boston. DJ Stewart is leading off and Cedric Mullins, who homered last night in Philadelphia, is in center field and batting ninth. Austin Hays is out of the lineup after being hit on the left knee last...
NL East preview: Nats boast pitching prowess to take division crown from Braves
NL East preview: Nats boast pitching prowess to take division crown from Braves
Mel Antonen
Nationals
Projected finish: Nationals, Braves, Phillies, Mets, Marlins The Braves are taking aim at winning their third consecutive National League East title. And if they make it to October, the goal is to redirect their losing postseason history. Since 2002, the Braves have been to the postseason nine times without advancing beyond their first series or game. They've lost in one wild card game and eight NL Division Series. In a sense, they are reliving their 1990s, when the Braves won 14 consecutive...