Nationals recall right-hander Rafael Martin and left-hander Matt Grace

Nationals recall right-hander Rafael Martin and left-hander Matt Grace
The Washington Nationals recalled right-handed pitcher Rafael Martin and left-handed pitcher Matt Grace from Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday in their second round of September call-ups. President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcements. Martin, 31, rejoins the Nationals for the second Major League assignment of his career. The rookie right hander pitched in four April games for the Nationals, working five innings and allowing five earned runs. Martin, who...
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Opposite dugout: Cardinals heading for third straight division crown as World Series favorites

Opposite dugout: Cardinals heading for third straight division crown as World Series favorites
Manager: Mike Matheny (4th season) Record: 84-46 Last 10 games: 7-3 Who to watch: RF Jason Heyward (.291/.349/.442 with 11 HR, 48 RBIs), 1B Matt Carpenter (.262/.361/.467 with 20 HR, 69 RBIs), SS Jhonny Peralta (.276/.335/.429 with 16 HR, 58 RBIs), RHP Michael Wacha (15-4, 2.69 ERA), RHP Trevor Rosenthal (41 saves, 1.52 ERA) Season series vs. Nationals: 2-1 Pitching probables: Aug. 31: LHP Gio Gonzalez vs. RHP John Lackey, 8:15 p.m., MASN2 Sept. 1: RHP Joe Ross vs. RHP Carlos Martinez, 8:15...
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Opposite dugout: Rangers looking to close in on postseason berth

Opposite dugout: Rangers looking to close in on postseason berth
Manager: Jeff Banister (1st season) Record: 65-61 Last 10 games: 6-4 Who to watch: 1B/DH Prince Fielder (.316/.380/.474 with 17 HR, 71 RBIs), 1B Mitch Moreland (.287/.335/.490 with 18 HR, 67 RBIs), RF Shin-Soo Choo (.248 with 15 HR, 56 RBIs), LHP Cole Hamels (1-1, 4.73 ERA), RHP Shawn Tolleson (26 saves, 2.78 ERA) Season series vs. Orioles: 3-1 Pitching probables: Aug. 28: RHP Kevin Gausman vs. LHP Cole Hamels, 8:05 p.m., MASN2 Aug. 29: RHP Ubaldo Jimenez vs. LHP Martin Perez, 8:05 p.m., MASN2...
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Orioles to auction 2130 and 2131 Maryland license plates in celebration of the 20th anniversary of Ripken's streak

Orioles to auction 2130 and 2131 Maryland license plates in celebration of the 20th anniversary of Ripken's streak
The Orioles today announced that an online charity auction for the 2130 and the 2131 numbered Orioles-themed Maryland license plates will begin on Thursday, August 27, at 12:00 p.m. ET in honor of the 20th anniversary of Cal Ripken Jr.'s record-breaking 2,131st consecutive game streak. Maryland residents who plan on using the winning license plate on a Maryland registered car can visit www.orioles.com/2131 to bid on plates 2130 and 2131. The auction for the two plates will last until the...
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Opposite dugout: Whether Padres make moves or not, they haven't lived up to expectations

Opposite dugout: Whether Padres make moves or not, they haven't lived up to expectations
Manager: Pat Murphy (1st season) Record: 61-63 Last 10 games: 7-3 Who to watch: RF Matt Kemp (.267/.314/.423 with 15 HR, 76 RBIs), LF Justin Upton (.258/.344/.448 with 20 HR, 67 RBIs), 3B Yangervis Solarte (.269/.325/.425 with 10 HR, 49 RBIs), RHP James Shields (9-5, 3.74 ERA), RHP Craig Kimbrel (35 saves, 2.94 ERA) Season series vs. Nationals: 1-3 Pitching probables: Aug. 25: RHP James Shields vs. RHP Stephen Strasburg, 7:05 p.m., MASN Aug. 22: RHP Tyson Ross vs. LHP Gio Gonzalez, 7:05 p.m.,...
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Orioles make four roster moves

Orioles make four roster moves
The Orioles today announced that they have recalled right-hander Jorge Rondon from Triple-A Norfolk and have reinstated infielder/outfielder Steve Pearce from the 15-day disabled list. In corresponding moves, the Orioles have placed shortstop J.J. Hardy on the 15-day disabled list with a left groin strain and designated outfielder Nolan Reimold for assignment. Rondon, 27, has gone 3-1 with a 2.42 ERA (14 ER/52.0 IP) in 29 relief appearances with Triple-A Norfolk this season. In 34 combined...
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Opposite dugout: Brewers aiming for culture change while cleaning house and searching for new GM

Opposite dugout: Brewers aiming for culture change while cleaning house and searching for new GM
Manager: Craig Counsell (1st season) Record: 52-70 Last 10 games: 5-5 Who to watch: RF Ryan Braun (.276/.345/.499 with 22 HR, 72 RBIs), 1B Adam Lind (.284/.364/.479 with 17 HR, 67 RBIs), LF Khris Davis (14 HR, 41 RBIs), RHP Taylor Jungmann (7-4, 2.23 ERA), RHP Francisco Rodriquez (30 saves, 2.06 ERA) Season series vs. Nationals: 2-2 Pitching probables: Aug. 21: RHP Jimmy Nelson vs. LHP Gio Gonzalez, 7:05 p.m., MASN2 Aug. 22: RHP Taylor Jungmann vs. TBA, 7:05 p.m., MASN2 Aug. 23: RHP Matt Garza...
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Opposite dugout: Mets leading the way in NL East, but questions still surround them

Opposite dugout: Mets leading the way in NL East, but questions still surround them
Manager: Terry Collins (5th season) Record: 63-55 Last 10 games: 5-5 Who to watch: RF Curtis Granderson (.249/.341/.442 with 20 HR, 50 RBIs), 2B Daniel Murphy (.277/.325/.412 with 43 RBIs), 1B Lucas Duda (.247/.347/.476 with 21 HR, 55 RBIs), SS Wilmer Flores (.253 with 11 HR, 44 RBIs), RHP Jacob deGrom (11-6, 2.03 ERA), RHP Jeurys Familia (32 saves, 1.87 ERA) Season series vs. Orioles: 2-0 Pitching probables: Aug. 18: RHP Jacob deGrom vs. RHP Kevin Gausman, 7:05 p.m., MASN Aug. 19: RHP Noah...
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Max Scherzer to host fantasy football draft, launch Big League Impact DC

Max Scherzer to host fantasy football draft, launch Big League Impact DC
Are you ready for some football? While the Nationals have 44 baseball games left to play, pitcher Max Scherzer and some of his teammates are preparing for the upcoming National Football League season like the rest of us by holding a fantasy football draft. But this isn't just for a cash prize, a little trophy or bragging rights among friends. This type of fantasy football has a much bigger impact. Scherzer has joined Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright's Big League Impact charity to launch Big...
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Opposite dugout: Giants find themselves in a familiar situation in the hunt for October

Opposite dugout: Giants find themselves in a familiar situation in the hunt for October
Manager: Bruce Bochy (9th season) Record: 60-53 Last 10 games: 3-7 Who to watch: C Buster Posey (.331/.391/.501 with 16 HR, 75 RBIs), SS Brandon Crawford (.267/.326/.495 with 19 HR, 71 RBIs), 3B Matt Duffy (.304/.340/.458 with 51 RBIs), LHP Madison Bumgarner (13-6, 3.15 ERA), RHP Santiago Casilla (27 saves, 3.89 ERA) Season series vs. Nationals: 0-3 Pitching probables: Aug. 13: RHP Stephen Strasburg vs. RHP Ryan Vogelsong, 10:15 p.m., MASN Aug. 14: RHP Max Scherzer vs. RHP Matt Cain, 10:15...
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Orioles to host third official legacy book signing Saturday, Aug. 15 with author Jim Henneman

Orioles to host third official legacy book signing Saturday, Aug. 15 with author Jim Henneman
The Orioles today announced that they will host their third official legacy book signing featuring longtime Baltimore sportswriter and author of "Baltimore Orioles: 60 Years of Orioles Magic," Jim Henneman, on Saturday, August 15, prior to the Orioles 7:05 p.m. game against the Oakland Athletics. Henneman will sign from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Official Orioles Team Store at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Beginning with the return of Major League Baseball to Charm City and encompassing the...
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Opposite dugout: Dodgers continue to ride outstanding pitching by shutting out opponents

Opposite dugout: Dodgers continue to ride outstanding pitching by shutting out opponents
Manager: Don Mattingly (5th season) Record: 62-49 Last 10 games: 6-4 Who to watch: 1B Adrian Gonzalez (.298/.373/.529 with 22 HR, 68 RBIs), C Yasmani Grandal (.289/.391/.498 with 15 HR, 44 RBIs), CF Joc Pederson (.222 with 21 HR, 43 RBIs), 2B Howie Kendrick (.296 with 49 RBIs), RHP Zack Greinke (11-2, 71 ERA, 0.85 WHIP), LHP Clayton Kershaw (9-6 with 197 strikeouts, 2.51 ERA) Season series vs. Nationals: 2-1 Pitching probables: Aug. 10: LHP Gio Gonzalez vs. LHP Brett Anderson, 10:10 p.m., MASN...
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Opposite dugout: Even with Cruz, Mariners don't have consistency or pitching to compete

Opposite dugout: Even with Cruz, Mariners don't have consistency or pitching to compete
Manager: Lloyd McClendon (2nd season) Record: 52-60 Last 10 games: 6-4 Who to watch: RF/DH Nelson Cruz (.325/.391/.607 with 33 HR, 69 RBIs), 3B Kyle Seager (.265/.323/.434 with 16 HR, 44 RBIs), 2B Robinson Cano (.266/.312/.419 with 12 HR, 50 RBIs), RHP Taijuna Walker (8-7, 4.67 ERA), RHP Carson Smith (13 holds, 12 saves, 2.76 ERA) Season series vs. Orioles: 1-2 Pitching probables: Aug. 10: LHP Wei-Yin Chen vs. LHP Vidal Nuno, 10:10 p.m., MASN2 Aug. 11: RHP Chris Tillman vs. RHP Taijuan Walker,...
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MASN's Dan Kolko runs as Tom in Presidents Race at Nationals Park

MASN's Dan Kolko runs as Tom in Presidents Race at Nationals Park
The GEICO Presidents Race at Nationals Park has been a fourth-inning staple at Nationals games since the team returned to D.C. in 2005. One of the best aspects of the race is you never quite know what, or who, you're going to get. There have been many memorable moments in the race over the years: Teddy's first victory, the Easter Bunny's unexpected entrance and the Pirates Pierogies getting a beat down from the Presidents. And last night's race marked the introduction of a new...
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Junior Lake batting eighth for Orioles (updated)

Junior Lake batting eighth for Orioles (updated)
Junior Lake will bat eighth for the Orioles tonight and serve as the designated hitter for the series opener against the Angels. He will wear No. 48. Lake will be player No. 1,002 to play for the Orioles since the franchise moved to Baltimore.For the Orioles:Manny Machado 3BGerardo Parra RFAdam Jones CFChris Davis 1BMatt Wieters CJ.J. Hardy SSJonathan Schoop 2BJunior Lake DHNolan Reimold LF Kevin Gausman RHP For the AngelsDeJesus LFCalhoun RFTrout CFPujols 1BMurphy DHAybar SSGillaspie...
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Opposite dugout: Star power of Trout and Pujols has Angels poised for another postseason run

Opposite dugout: Star power of Trout and Pujols has Angels poised for another postseason run
Manager: Mike Scioscia (16th season) Record: 57-50 Last 10 games: 3-7 Who to watch: CF Mike Trout (.303/.394/.611 with 32 HR, 68 RBIs, 6.7 WAR), RF Kole Calhoun (.277/.330/.438 with 15 HR, 59 RBIs), 1B Albert Pujols (.257/.316/.519 with 30 HR, 66 RBIs), RHP Garrett Richards (11-8, 3.46 ERA), RHP Houston Street (26 saves, 2.66 ERA) Season series vs. Orioles: 2-1 Pitching probables: Aug. 7: RHP Kevin Gausman vs. LHP Andrew Heaney, 10:05 p.m., MASN2 Aug. 8: RHP Ubaldo Jimenez vs. RHP Garrett...
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Opposite dugout: Contrast between pitching and offense has Rockies looking to the future

Opposite dugout: Contrast between pitching and offense has Rockies looking to the future
Manager: Walt Weiss (3rd season) Record: 45-61 Last 10 games: 3-7 Who to watch: 3B Nolan Arenado (.273/.314/.553 with 26 HR, 80 RBIs), 2B DJ LeMahieu (.322/.383/.413 with 42 RBIs), RF Carlos Gonzalez (.279/.338/.525 with 22 HR, 56 RBIs), CF Charlie Blackmon (.293/.360/.469 with 13 HR, 46 RBIs), LHP Jorge De La Rosa (7-4, 4.87 ERA) Season series vs. Nationals: First meeting (1-5 in 2014) Pitching probables: Aug. 7: LHP Jorge De La Rosa vs. RHP Jordan Zimmermann, 7:05 p.m., MASN Aug. 8: LHP Yohan...
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Orioles recall right-hander Tyler Wilson from Triple-A Norfolk

Orioles recall right-hander Tyler Wilson from Triple-A Norfolk
The Orioles today announced that they have recalled right-hander Tyler Wilson from Triple-A Norfolk. Wilson, 25, has gone 1-1 with a 2.12 ERA (17.0IP, 4ER) in five games (one start) with the Orioles this season. He made his Major League debut on May 20 vs. the Seattle Mariners and his first career Major League start on May 28 in Game 1 of a doubleheader against the Chicago White Sox. In 16 starts with Triple-A Norfolk this season, the 2014 Orioles Jim Palmer Minor League Pitcher of the Year...
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Opposite dugout: Lack of ace has kept D-backs mediocre and out of playoff hunt

Opposite dugout: Lack of ace has kept D-backs mediocre and out of playoff hunt
Manager: Chip Hale (1st season) Record: 50-53 Last 10 games: 7-3 Who to watch: 1B Paul Goldschmidt (.342/.458/.592 with 22 HR, 77 RBIs), CF A.J. Pollock (.305/.361/.465 with 11 HR, 45 RBIs), LF David Peralta (.281/.351/.493 with 9 HR, 48 RBIs), RHP Rubby De La Rosa (8-5, 4.59 ERA), RHP Brad Ziegler (18 saves, 1.18 ERA) Season series vs. Nationals: 1-2 Pitching probables: Aug. 3: RHP Zack Godley vs. RHP Doug Fister, 7:05 p.m., MASN Aug. 4: LHP Patrick Corbin vs. RHP Max Scherzer, 7:05 p.m., MASN...
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Opposite dugout: Not completely out of playoff race, Athletics need consistency to make late push

Opposite dugout: Not completely out of playoff race, Athletics need consistency to make late push
Manager: Bob Melvin (5th season) Record: 47-59 Last 10 games: 3-7 Who to watch: RF Josh Reddick (.283/.334/.459 with 13 HR, 58 RBIs), C Stephen Vogt (.262/.343/.443 with 14 HR, 58 RBIs), CF Billy Burns (.298/.336/.385 with 19 RBIs), 3B Brett Lawrie (.275 with 42 RBIs), RHP Jesse Chavez (3.53 ERA in 114 2/3 IP) Season series vs. Orioles: First meeting (4-2 in 2014) Pitching probables: Aug. 3: RHP Tyler Wilson vs. RHP Jesse Chavez, 10:05 p.m., MASN2 Aug. 4: RHP Miguel Gonzalez vs. RHP Chris...
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