Decision coming on Thompson; Rutledge to start Wednesday
Mark Zuckerman
Masn
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – The Nationals hope to have more clarity in the next 24 hours on Mason Thompson, who is set to be re-examined by team doctors after being shut down the last two weeks with a sore elbow. Thompson reported soreness after one of his final offseason bullpen sessions at home in Texas, and the Nats instructed him not to throw when
Orioles split-squad lineups vs. Rays and Braves
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
SARASOTA, Fla. – The Orioles are playing their first split-squad games this afternoon, at home versus the Rays and in North Port versus the Braves. Adley Rutschman is catching left-hander Cade Povich at Ed Smith Stadium. Ramón Urías is starting at second base and batting cleanup. Coby Mayo is starting at third base and Colton Cowser is in right fie
Starting lineups: Nats vs. Mets in West Palm Beach
Mark Zuckerman
Masn
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – It’s another beautiful day down here in paradise (sorry) as the Nationals return home to face the Mets for the first time this spring. The first two games have been highlighted by events that transpired after most of the starters departed. Perhaps today we’ll get a little more action from the regulars. Davey Martinez has mos
A take on Samuel Basallo from a coach he is very close with
Steve Melewski
Orioles
Orioles catching prospect Samuel Basallo can make a nice first impression. Like when he reported to Low-A Delmarva last April for his first shot at full-season minor league ball. He homered in each of his first two games with the Shorebirds. His manager then was Felipe Rojas Alou Jr. and the kid had long since made a nice first impression on Alou.
With wrist finally healed, Hassell finally showing hitter he can be
Mark Zuckerman
Masn
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – He’s the forgotten prospect, the one who used to be ranked ahead of James Wood, the one who was touted as one of the best pure hitters in the minor leagues, the one who was supposed to be the first of the bunch to reach the major leagues. Robert Hassell III lost all of those designations over the last 12 months, a disappoint
Quick Q&A with Silas Ardoin
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
SARASOTA, Fla. – The name rang a bell. In all of its mispronounced Louisiana glory. The Orioles selected catcher Silas Ardoin in the fourth round of the 2022 draft out of the University of Texas. The mind immediately shifted to Danny Ardoin, the father who played in 165 games in the majors, including five with the Orioles in 2006. Same position, to
Wood homers again, Gore is sharp in Nats' first spring win
Mark Zuckerman
Masn
JUPITER, Fla. – James Wood, a pleasant young man of few words, was surprised to see reporters waiting to speak to him after today’s game at Roger Dean Stadium, less than 24 hours after the same group interviewed him following the Nationals’ exhibition opener in West Palm Beach. Sorry, kid. But when you homer in each of your first two Grapefruit Lea
Irvin retires all six batters in dominant spring debut (Orioles win 2-0)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
BRADENTON, Fla. – Cole Irvin’s first exhibition start today featured a significant increase in velocity and routine disposal of the six Pirates batters that he faced. Irvin struck out three, on a 95.3 mph sinker, 92.2 mph fastball and 88 mph cutter. His four-seamer touched 95. All five of his pitches showed an increase over the 2023 season. The cut
Orioles pregame notes on Norby, Henderson, Kimbrel, Guzmán, upcoming starters and more
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
BRADENTON, Fla. – Second baseman Connor Norby downplayed the soreness in his left side that caused the Orioles to shut him down, and he planned on swinging a bat today to test it. Norby said he felt some discomfort four or five days ago and wanted to remain active, but the club obviously chose to be careful with him. “It’s not bad at all,” he said
Williams reports to camp hoping for better results
Mark Zuckerman
Masn
JUPITER, Fla. – Trevor Williams faced live hitters Friday, same as other members of the Nationals pitching staff. He just happened to do it in San Diego instead of West Palm Beach, facing high school players instead of major leaguers, returning home afterward to be with his wife and his five children, the youngest of which was just born last week.