Updates on Mateo, Zimmermann, Wells, Scott and Harvey
Updates on Mateo, Zimmermann, Wells, Scott and Harvey
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Jorge Mateo will be in Saturday night's lineup to make his Orioles debut, whether as the 51st or 52nd player used in 2021. Reliever Marcos Diplán could finish ahead of him later tonight. The Orioles claimed Mateo off waivers from the Padres yesterday and Hyde met him this afternoon in the dugout before batting practice. Mateo will start at shortstop or second base in the middle game of the series against the Rays. "I'm going to give him a big opportunity," Hyde said. "It's a really...
Game 110 lineups: Nats at Braves
Game 110 lineups: Nats at Braves
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
The Nationals are in a tough spot right now, and if you didn't already know why, here's some evidence: In eight of their last 12 games, they've held the lead going into the ninth inning. And they've only emerged victorious in three of them. So on one hand, even the rebuilding, inexperienced Nats are still putting themselves in a position to win more than they lose. But they're not actually winning more than they're losing. Quite the contrary. They've lost 22 of their last 31. That's the...
O's game blog: The homestand begins against Tampa Bay
O's game blog: The homestand begins against Tampa Bay
Steve Melewski
Orioles
After completing a 3-4 road trip to Detroit and New York, the Orioles are back home tonight at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. They begin a three-game series against Tampa Bay, which is part of a six-game homestand. The Orioles (38-69) went 2-2 at Detroit and 1-2 at Yankee Stadium. The Orioles are 17-31 at home and went 4-1 on their last homestand against Washington and Miami. The Orioles are 14-21 in series-opening games and are 6-10 in series-opening games at home. The Orioles beat the Yankees...
Honored and humbled: Hearing from the O's Hall of Famers
Honored and humbled: Hearing from the O's Hall of Famers
Steve Melewski
Orioles
One day before they officially go into the Orioles Hall of Fame, the new class was honored this afternoon at a luncheon at the Warehouse at Camden Yards and spent a few minutes answering questions for reporters. The class of 2021 includes former shortstop J.J. Hardy, former outfielder Mike Devereaux, former broadcaster Joe Angel and O's superfan Mo Gaba, who passed away last year. Hardy spent the last seven seasons of his 13-year career with the Orioles from 2011-17 and won three straight Gold...
Orioles and Rays lineups
Orioles and Rays lineups
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Richie Martin is starting at shortstop again tonight and Ramón Urías is playing second base, as the Orioles begin a three-game series against the Rays at Camden Yards. Maikel Franco is the third baseman. No sign of new infielder/outfielder Jorge Mateo. Ryan Mountcastle is the first baseman again with Trey Mancini serving as designated hitter. Anthony Santander is in right field and batting sixth. Cedric Mullins has a 13-game hitting streak, batting .385 (20-for-52) with three doubles, a...
Kieboom and García embracing opportunity together
Kieboom and García embracing opportunity together
Bobby Blanco
Nationals
This new direction the Nationals are taking for the remainder of the season and into next year presents plenty of opportunities. Opportunities for rookies to make their major league debuts. Opportunities for veterans to finish their seasons strong and make their cases for 2022. And opportunities for young guys who have been around a while to continue to grow. Carter Kieboom and Luis García find themselves in that last category and are embracing the chance to grow together. Both players...
Prospect list, Zimmermann update, Mateo and more
Prospect list, Zimmermann update, Mateo and more
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Baseball America has published its updated top 30 prospects list for the Orioles, and first-round pick Colton Cowser ranks fifth while beginning his professional career in the Rookie-level Florida Complex League. Heston Kjerstad, last year's first-rounder, hasn't appeared in a single game after being diagnosed with myocarditis, but he's sixth. This year's second-round pick, infielder Connor Norby, is 10th. A big jump was made by Double-A Bowie shortstop Joey Ortiz, who's 12th in the system...
A winning second half so far for O's, but what does it mean?
A winning second half so far for O's, but what does it mean?
Steve Melewski
Orioles
Even after losing the last two games by a combined 23-4 score, the Orioles are playing much better ball in the second half. It has been just 18 games, but their 10-8 record (.556) is decidedly better than the record of 28-61 (.315) from before the All-Star Game. So, what does this mean, and is this 18-game record significant? It is hard to draw any conclusions or believe we have a handle on how the last 55 games will go because of the past 18. The last two losses were ugly, with some misplays...
Ross strong, but Nats blow another late lead in loss (updated)
Ross strong, but Nats blow another late lead in loss (updated)
Bobby Blanco
Nationals
Erick Fedde was allowed to push his limits during a season-high 108-pitch outing on Sunday, emptying the tank and showing the Nationals what he can muster while on his last legs. Joe Ross, in a similar position as Fedde in this rotation, was able to do the same this afternoon, even in the Nats' eventual 7-5 loss to complete a sweep at the hands of the Phillies in front of 22,575 fans at home. Ross' case is a little different than Fedde's, since he didn't pitch last year and is still...
Orioles claim Mateo off waivers and DFA Valaika
Orioles claim Mateo off waivers and DFA Valaika
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Moving past the trade deadline didn't create slower movement on the Orioles' active and 40-man rosters. A day after retooling their bullpen, the Orioles tweaked their infield again by claiming Jorge Mateo off waivers from the Padres and announcing Pat Valaika would be designated for assignment. Mateo, 26, became available on Tuesday after the Padres designated him to make room for left-hander Matt Strahm. He's one of the fastest players in the majors but also a career .195/.235/.310 hitter...