Sulser's slip last night more unusual this summer
Sulser's slip last night more unusual this summer
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Cole Sulser thought it was a pretty good pitch. Manager Brandon Hyde described it as OK. Neither one expected that it was going to land on the flag court in right field, as close as possible without striking the top of the out-of-town scoreboard. The Orioles lost again to the Rays last night 4-3 after Randy Arozarena hit his eighth home run against them this season and increased his RBI total to 18. He entered the game slashing .469/.500/.980 versus a team that can't figure out how to stop...
A look at Adley Rutschman's strong start with Norfolk
A look at Adley Rutschman's strong start with Norfolk
Steve Melewski
Orioles
The No. 1 prospect in baseball, Triple-A Norfolk catcher Adley Rutschman, has been at the minors' highest level for just over two weeks now. After starting with eight hits in his first 17 Norfolk at-bats, his hitting has leveled off a bit, but it's still been a strong start for Rutschman with the Tides. Earlier, over 80 games with Double-A Bowie, Rutschman hit .271/.392/.508/.901 with 16 doubles, 18 homers and 55 RBIs. Through 15 games with Norfolk at Triple-A, he's batting...
Bullpen can't finish the job this time, Nats lose 5-3 (updated)
Bullpen can't finish the job this time, Nats lose 5-3 (updated)
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
Having already used up four young relievers to win Friday's game by the slimmest of margins, Nationals manager Davey Martinez had little choice but to turn to another group tonight after getting a solid start from Sean Nolin, hoping these bullpen arms could likewise protect a one-run lead against the Mets. That proved too tall a task for Ryne Harper and Mason Thompson, who combined to allow three runs during the decisive bottom of the seventh that sealed the Nats' fate in a 5-3 loss at Citi...
Quality start for Means can't prevent 4-3 loss (updated)
Quality start for Means can't prevent 4-3 loss (updated)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The Orioles keep a shorter bench to provide manager Brandon Hyde with an extra reliever, a survival tactic with his starters routinely unable to provide much length. More position players are coming with rosters expanding on Wednesday. Meanwhile, with the timing odd, Hyde's rotation is attempting to produce the kind of streak that the Orioles won't regret. Keegan Akin closed out the Angels series by going a career-high seven innings. Matt Harvey logged six last night before succumbing to the...
Hyde on Hays, Stewart, Zimmermann, Scott and more
Hyde on Hays, Stewart, Zimmermann, Scott and more
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Manager Brandon Hyde sat Austin Hays again tonight with the opposition starting a right-hander. DJ Stewart is in left field and batting fifth against Tampa Bay's Michael Wacha. Hays came off the bench Wednesday and Thursday against the Angels and was 3-for-3 with two doubles and two RBIs. He was in left field last night with the Rays starting southpaw Shane McClanahan and went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer. The splits are factoring into the lineup decisions. Hays is slashing .214/.267/.355...
Avila finally begins rehab assignment in Florida
Avila finally begins rehab assignment in Florida
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
It had been nearly two months since Alex Avila last appeared in a ballgame, nearly two months since the 34-year-old catcher was thrust into emergency second base duties and wound up straining both of his calves in the process. Add a mandatory quarantine period after testing positive for COVID-19, and Avila had been stuck on the sidelines far longer than anyone could've imagined at the time. Today, though, Avila finally was back in uniform in an organized game. Beginning a minor league rehab...
Orioles and Rays lineups
Orioles and Rays lineups
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Jorge Mateo returns to the Orioles lineup for tonight's game against the Rays at Camden Yards. Mateo hasn't played since leaving Tuesday's game with discomfort in his lower back. He reached base twice on infield singles. Ramón Urías, who is 13-for-29 in his last eight games, starts again at shortstop. Mateo is playing second base. Austin Hays and Jahmai Jones are on the bench. DJ Stewart is in left field and Anthony Santander in right. Kelvin Gutiérrez is the third baseman. Trey...
Game 128 lineups: Nats at Mets
Game 128 lineups: Nats at Mets
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
Friday night proved to be a fun, and arguably important, win for the Nationals, who got to see four inexperienced relievers thrive in a pressure situation and hang on to beat the Mets, 2-1. Tonight? Well, it might require a bit more offense to emerge victorious again. That's because Sean Nolin takes the mound for his third start for the Nats, his second against the Mets. The journeyman left-hander hasn't exactly dazzled since his promotion from Triple-A. He gave up four runs on eight hits in...
Game 129: Nats at Mets
Game 129: Nats at Mets
Pete Kerzel
Nationals
Erick Fedde (6-8, 4.91 ERA) has already set a career high in victories, innings pitched and strikeouts this season. Now he'll try to get a little closer to .500 and cement himself as a rotation piece for the Nationals next season. The right-hander has gone 2-1 with a 3.52 ERA in his last three starts, winning his past two decisions after going 10 straight decisions without a victory. Fedde is still seeking his first career triumph over the Mets, after going 0-2 with a 4.29 ERA and 1.357 WHIP...
O's game blog: John Means faces Tampa Bay at the Yard
O's game blog: John Means faces Tampa Bay at the Yard
Steve Melewski
Orioles
The Orioles are still trying to figure out a way to beat the Tampa Bay Rays. Tonight they turn to their ace lefty John Means to try to defeat the Rays for just the second time this year. But tonight's start comes at a time when Means (5-6, 3.50 ERA) is struggling badly. On Aug. 6, Means allowed just one run over five innings versus Tampa Bay. But in the three starts since then - one that came versus the Rays - Means is 0-3 with an 8.16 ERA. He has allowed 13 earned runs and 20 hits, yielding...