Pitching, defense break down in loss to Phillies (updated)
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
PHILADELPHIA – For the past three weeks, the Nationals had been playing a much more watchable brand of baseball, made possible in large part by a vast improvement in the field. Having spent the vast majority of the season trotting out the majors’ worst defense, the Nats have seen that problem area morph into a real strength since the arrival of 21-
Lyles struggles early as Boston wins via blowout to even series
Steve Melewski
Orioles
During a season where right-hander Jordan Lyles has made numerous good starts for the Orioles – his ERA was 2.72 in his previous seven starts – today was clearly not one. His opponent was the Boston Red Sox. But it seemed it was also the impact of missing his last start due to a stomach virus. Scheduled to pitch during the doubleheader Monday again
Gore set for rehab start, Cavalli nearly ready to throw again
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
PHILADELPHIA – Some news and notes before the Nationals take on the Phillies in the second game of this weekend’s series at Citizens Bank Park … * MacKenzie Gore is set to make a rehab start Sunday for Triple-A Rochester at Syracuse, his first game action since his acquisition from the Padres at the trade deadline. Gore, who has been on the 15-day
O's game blog: O's look for a series win over the Boston Red Sox
Steve Melewski
Orioles
With a 3-2 series-opening win on Friday, led by a three-run rally in the sixth and a strong bullpen performance, the Orioles are in position to win another series with a victory either today or tomorrow. The Orioles (73-65) are four games behind Seattle for the final wild card spot as play begins today. They are 4.5 games back of Toronto and 5.5 be
Game 140 lineups: Nats at Phillies
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
PHILADELPHIA – After coming up short in Friday night’s series opener, the Nationals try to rediscover their winning ways tonight at Citizens Bank Park. They’ll need a better start from Erick Fedde than they got from Patrick Corbin, who despite a ridiculously low pitch count still gave up five runs on 12 hits in 6 1/3 innings during a 5-3 loss to th
Pregame notes on Bautista, Henderson, Hays and more
Steve Melewski
Orioles
His closer, right-hander Félix Bautista, was unavailable last night but Orioles manager Brandon Hyde hopes the big man can get back on the mound tonight. Hyde informed reporters after Friday's game that Bautista experienced some arm fatigue. He produced a six-out, 25-pitch save Tuesday against Toronto in his last game. Bautista did some throwing ea
Orioles and Red Sox lineups
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Jordan Lyles has recovered from a stomach virus and is making this afternoon’s start against the Red Sox, his first since Aug. 31 in Cleveland. One of Lyles’ shortest outings this season came against the Red Sox on Aug. 19. He allowed four runs and nine hits in four innings, and the Orioles won 15-10. Lyles also faced the Red Sox twice in May, allo
Terrin Vavra talks pitch clock plus other O's notes
Steve Melewski
Orioles
So, among the changes announced Friday coming to major league baseball will be a pitch clock in the 2023 season. The goal is to improve pace of play and reduce down time. MLB announced these rules for next year: * A pitcher must begin his motion before the expiration of the timer.  Pitchers will have up to 15 seconds between pitches when the bases
Trio of young catchers now gets chance to play
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
PHILADELPHIA – Keibert Ruiz’s first full big league season has likely come to an unfortunate end. But while everyone certainly would have liked to see him finish the year out on the active roster, to be honest, there wasn’t really anything else he needed to prove. The Nationals know Ruiz can hit for contact. They know he has emerging power. They kn
Who's deserving of Most Valuable Oriole?
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The Orioles will close out the regular season, and perhaps play their last games in 2022, with a home series against the Blue Jays on Oct. 3-5. The math that’s done today suggests that those games could determine whether the Orioles make the playoffs for the first time in 2016. It’s still on the table. If it crashes to the floor, the only drama lef