September workload is mental challenge for Finnegan, relievers
September workload is mental challenge for Finnegan, relievers
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
Kyle Finnegan is in his ninth professional season, his sixth as a full-time reliever, and he's been fairly durable the entire time. He has not, however, found himself taking on the kind of workload required of him this season in Washington. The next time Finnegan takes the mound, whether this afternoon at Nationals Park or in the coming days during the final road trip of the season, he'll do so for the 63rd time this season. He's currently tied for the 18th-most appearances by a National...
Orioles value young contributors as losing gets old
Orioles value young contributors as losing gets old
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
BOSTON - The Orioles conclude their series against the Red Sox this afternoon with another rookie on the mound. Another enormous challenge that, at the least, can push along the education of a young starting pitcher. As long as it doesn't break him. Alexander Wells receives his turn after Keegan Akin and Zac Lowther pitched in the first two games of the series. Got to make sure the Red Sox get their fill of lefty prospects. So, where does this group go for support? To ensure that any beatings...
Outfielder Zach Watson is only 20-20 player on O's farm
Outfielder Zach Watson is only 20-20 player on O's farm
Steve Melewski
Orioles
BOWIE - When you look at the top home run hitters on the Orioles farm they are mostly a group of real big and strong players. Mostly, but not all. In that group of players who have the physical look of middle-of-the-order hitters is center fielder Zach Watson of the Double-A Bowie Baysox. At 6-foot and 160 pounds, and with his speed, he has more the look of the speedy, leadoff type of hitter than a player with 20 homers, exceeded by just three players in the O's farm system this year. But...
Nats can't overcome another dud from Corbin (updated)
Nats can't overcome another dud from Corbin (updated)
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
The opportunity for Patrick Corbin to salvage his season has long since passed. There is no September surge that's going to change the perception of the left-hander's 2021 campaign, no strong finish that's going to leave a good taste in the Nationals' mouths as they head home for the winter. Corbin may yet deliver one or two positive moments before the season wraps up in two weeks, but that would stick out as a supreme outlier in an otherwise dreadful six months for the second-highest-paid...
Orioles can't maintain rapid pace in 9-3 loss (updated)
Orioles can't maintain rapid pace in 9-3 loss (updated)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
BOSTON - The Orioles came out swinging today in baseball's most literal sense. The first pitch to Cedric Mullins was lined into left field for a double. The first to Ryan Mountcastle was launched for a two-run homer. The first to Anthony Santander was lined to center for a single. The first to Austin Hays was pulled foul before he drew a walk. Nick Pivetta needed to pivot. The Orioles needed to find a way to sustain their momentum, which can be halted as if reaching a barricade. Rookie Zac...
Rainey gets another chance with Nats, Suero sent down
Rainey gets another chance with Nats, Suero sent down
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
In their never-ending quest to find some combination of relievers who can provide quality work late in games, the Nationals recalled Tanner Rainey from Triple-A before today's game against the Rockies and optioned Wander Suero to Rochester. Whether that one transaction makes a significant impact for a bullpen that is running on fumes as the season winds down remains to be seen. But Rainey's experience and recent success in the minors were enough to convince club officials to bring him back up...
Nationals recall Tanner Rainey
Nationals recall Tanner Rainey
Pete Kerzel
Nationals
The Washington Nationals recalled right-handed pitcher Tanner Rainey from Triple-A Rochester and optioned right-handed pitcher Wander Suero to Triple-A Rochester on Saturday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Rainey, 28, went 1-0 with a 1.29 ERA (1 ER/7.0 IP) in seven games since joining the Red Wings on August 1. He tallied 13 strikeouts against three walks along the way. Opposing batters hit .087 (2-for-23) against him during this...
Game 148 lineups: Nats vs. Rockies
Game 148 lineups: Nats vs. Rockies
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
At this stage of the season, you know the drill. The Nationals will be asking one of their starting pitchers to get them deep into the game with an effective performance, then hoping their bullpen can hang on the rest of the way. It's been the formula for months, and more often than not it hasn't worked. Not that manager Davey Martinez has any realistic alternatives at this point. So Martinez will send Patrick Corbin to the mound this afternoon against the Rockies and hope the veteran lefty...
O's game blog: Zac Lowther faces Red Sox
O's game blog: Zac Lowther faces Red Sox
Steve Melewski
Orioles
After losing 7-1 last night to start a three-game series, the Orioles are back at Fenway Park this afternoon. They play the Boston Red Sox in the second game of a three-game series and six-game road trip. In the last four games, the Orioles have scored just two, three, three and one run. That is nine runs on 26 hits in that span. Austin Hays' solo homer in the second inning was the only O's run last night as they were held to four hits - the Hays homer and three other singles. The Orioles...
Orioles and Red Sox lineups
Orioles and Red Sox lineups
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
BOSTON - Trey Mancini, Pedro Severino and Ramón Urías are out of the Orioles lineup for today's game against the Red Sox at Fenway Park. DJ Stewart is the designated hitter and he's batting fifth. Pat Valaika is the second baseman, with Richie Martin at shortstop. Urías has a 12-game on-base streak. He also has a sore right upper leg. Austin Hays, today's cleanup hitter and right fielder, leads the Orioles with 34 RBIs since the All-Star break and has hit seven homers with 16 RBIs...