Nats rotation was durable, now needs to perform
Mark Zuckerman
Masn
If, way back on Opening Day, they knew they would make it through the entire season using only eight starting pitchers, the Nationals would’ve been ecstatic. Only twice before in club history had so few starters been needed, and each time (2012, 2014) the team won a division title. Surely, this was a sign the 2023 rotation was destined for greatnes
Looking back at the late-season offense and ahead to the Texas series
Steve Melewski
Orioles
When the regular season was winding down for the Orioles, they went through an eight-game stretch from Sept. 15-22 when they allowed nine runs once, seven runs twice and five runs twice. But then their pitching was really rolling in the season’s final eight games, pitching two shutouts in that span and allowing one run or less five times. But the B
Orioles prepping for Rangers in ALDS (López becomes free agent)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The Orioles know which team to prepare for, the opponent that dictates how their roster is constructed in the American League Division Series. No other reasons to wait. The Rangers eliminated the Rays in the wild card round by a combined score of 11-1. The matchup is set. The teams split six games this season, with Texas taking two of three at Camd
Orioles notes on ALDS start time and simulated game at Camden Yards
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Word began trickling to players in the dugouts during today’s workout and simulated game at Camden Yards. Their start time on Saturday. A resolution to the concert conflict. Game 1 of the American League Division Series begins at 1 p.m. at Camden Yards, six hours before music legends Billy Joel and Stevie Nicks perform at M&T Bank Stadium. The
O's Gunnar Henderson: Slow start now a blip on radar for ROY favorite
Steve Melewski
Orioles
For the Orioles Gunnar Henderson, seemingly on his way to the American League Rookie of the Year Award, a season that ended well did not start that way. In mid-May, when he was batting .170 with a .651 OPS, some around Birdland wondered if a trip back to the minors was needed. But team management never flinched, they remained confident in the then
Offensive goals for Nats next year: More homers, more walks
Mark Zuckerman
Masn
As he watched his rebuilding club play seven of its final nine games against the team that tied the major league record for home runs in a season, Mike Rizzo couldn’t help but acknowledge what was all too obvious about the Nationals’ 2023 lineup. “We had some strengths,” the longtime general manager said. “We put the bat on the ball. We didn’t stri
Notes on last night's Orioles workout and roster questions
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The Orioles allowed media inside yesterday’s workout at Camden Yards for a 90-minute period that didn't reveal much in the way of news. Four players who weren’t on the 28-man roster participated: Relievers Mike Baumann and Bryan Baker, outfielder Ryan McKenna and catcher Anthony Bemboom. Don't stop the presses, but they could comprise the taxi squa
Ripken on Orioles: "They're young, they're enthusiastic, they're talented"
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The Orioles are holding their first workout this evening at Camden Yards in preparation for Saturday’s Division Series opener. The opponent to be named later. Game 1 to be played in Baltimore, the first time that the city has hosted in the postseason since Oct. 11, 2014. The Royals scored twice in the top of the ninth against Darren O’Day and Zack
Nats' farm system is improved but still facing change
Mark Zuckerman
Masn
The Nationals’ improvement at the big league level this year was important, no doubt. It wouldn’t have meant much, though, if they didn’t also see improvement at the minor league level. This organization’s attempt to rebuild itself back into a perennial contender won’t be realized unless enough homegrown players emerge from its farm system in the n
After winning the Jim Palmer award, Chayce McDermott eyes big league job in '24
Steve Melewski
Orioles
It has been an interesting last 13 or 14 months for Orioles Triple-A pitcher Chayce McDermott. Last Aug. 1, he was acquired from Houston in a three-team trade that sent Trey Mancini to the Astros. Houston had drafted McDermott in 2021 in round four out of Ball State. This season he advanced from Double-A to Triple-A in mid-July and ends his first f