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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Opposite dugout: After latest distractions, Mets need to focus on catching rival Nationals

Opposite dugout: After latest distractions, Mets need to focus on catching rival Nationals
Manager: Terry Collins (5th season) Record: 52-50 Last 10 games: 4-6 Who to watch: 2B Daniel Murphy (.271/.324/.393 with 36 RBIs), RF Curtis Granderson (.255/.350/.440 with 16 HR, 36 RBIs), SS Wilmer Flores (.249 with 10 HR, 40 RBIs), 1B Lucas Duda (18 HR, 45 RBIs), RHP Jacob deGrom (10-6, 2.05 ERA), RHP Jeurys Familia (27 saves, 2.22 ERA) Season series vs. Nationals: 4-6 Pitching probables: July 31: LHP Gio Gonzalez vs. RHP Matt Harvey, 7:10 p.m., MASN Aug. 1: RHP Joe Ross vs. RHP Jacob...
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Orioles to host #BirdlandSocial with Zach Britton on Tuesday, August 18

Orioles to host #BirdlandSocial with Zach Britton on Tuesday, August 18
Following last night's successful #BirdlandSocial at Oriole Park, the Orioles have announced a second Social Media Night on Tuesday, August 18, prior to the 7:05 p.m. game against the New York Mets. Orioles All-Star closer ZACH BRITTON(@zbritton) and Orioles.com writer BRITTANY GHIROLI (@Britt_Ghiroli) will take part in exclusive question-and-answer sessions with those in attendance, and Orioles public address announcer RYAN WAGNER (@rwags614) will host the exclusive pre-game party on the...
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Opposite dugout: Markakis, Braves struggling with power entering return to Baltimore

Opposite dugout: Markakis, Braves struggling with power entering return to Baltimore
Manager: Fredi Gonzalez (5th season) Record: 46-52 Last 10 games: 4-6 Who to watch: 1B Freddie Freeman (.298/.368/.516 with 12 HR and 41 RBIs), RF Nick Markakis (.286/.368/.359 with 32 RBIs), C A.J. Pierzynski (.286 with 6 HR, 30 RBIs), RHP Shelby Miller (7-6, 3.78 ERA), RHP Jim Johnson (20 holds, 2.11 ERA) Season series vs. Orioles: First meeting (1-2 in 2012) Pitching probables: July 27: LHP Alex Wood vs. RHP Kevin Gausman, 7:05 p.m., MASN July 28: RHP Julio Teheran vs. RHP Ubaldo Jimenez,...
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Opposite dugout: Pitching highlights series again as Pirates look to get back at Nationals

Opposite dugout: Pitching highlights series again as Pirates look to get back at Nationals
Manager: Clint Hurdle (5th season) Record: 54-40 Last 10 games: 4-6 Who to watch: CF Andrew McCutchen (.290/.388/.486 with 12 HR, 57 RBIs), LF Starling Marte (.289/.336/.458 with 13 HR, 50 RBIs), 1B Pedro Alvarez (12 HR and 43 RBIs), RHP Gerrit Cole (13-4, 2.31 ERA), RHP A.J. Burnett (8-3, 2.44 ERA), RHP Mark Melancon (1.43 ERA, 30 saves) Season series vs. Nationals: 0-3 Pitching probables: July 23: RHP Doug Fister vs. LHP Francisco Liriano, 7:05 p.m., MASN July 24: RHP Max Scherzer vs. LHP...
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Opposite dugout: Division games could be deciding factor for Yankees in second half

Opposite dugout: Division games could be deciding factor for Yankees in second half
Manager: Joe Girardi (8th season) Record: 50-41 Last 10 games: 6-4 Who to watch: LF Brett Gardner (.300/.378/.477 with 10 HR, 42 RBIs), DH Alex Rodriguez (.277/.378/.515 with 19 HR, 52 RBIs), C Brian McCann (.255 with 15 HR, 58 RBIs), 1B Mark Teixeira (.249 with 23 HR, 63 RBIs), RHP Nathan Eovaldi (9-2, 4.50 ERA), LHP Andrew Miller (20 saves, 1.44 ERA) Season series vs. Orioles: 5-5 Pitching probables: July 21: LHP Wei-Yin Chen vs. RHP Nathan Eovaldi, 7:05 p.m., MASN July 22: RHP Kevin Gausman...
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Opposite dugout: Dodgers look to continue controlling NL West with strong pitching

Opposite dugout: Dodgers look to continue controlling NL West with strong pitching
Manager: Don Mattingly (5th season) Record: 51-39 Last 10 games: 6-4 Who to watch: 1B Adrian Gonzalez (.283/.355/.520 with 18 HR, 55 RBIs), C Yasmani Grandal (.282/.401/.526 with 14 HR, 36 RBIs), CF Joc Pederson (.230 with 20 HR, 40 RBIs), 2B Howie Kendrick (.292 with 37 RBIs), RHP Zack Greinke (8-2, 1.39 ERA, 0.84 WHIP), LHP Clayton Kershaw (6-6 with 160 strikeouts, 2.85 ERA) Season series vs. Nationals: First meeting (2-4 in 2014) Pitching probables: July 17: RHP Mike Bolsinger vs. RHP Jordan...
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Nationals players to read to youth at D.C. public libraries on Saturday

Nationals players to read to youth at D.C. public libraries on Saturday
WHAT: To celebrate the DC Public Library's 2015 Summer Reading program sponsored by the Washington Nationals, Drew Storen, Stephen Strasburg and Aaron Barrett will visit three DC public library locations on Saturday, July 18 to read to and interact with local youth enrolled in the three-month initiative. The 2015 Summer Reading Program, which runs through August, is the largest program in the District that addresses the "summer slide," or the loss of learning that children experience during...
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Orioles designate left-hander Wesley Wright for assignment

Orioles designate left-hander Wesley Wright for assignment
The Orioles today announced that they have reinstated left-handed pitcher Wesley Wright from the 60-day disabled list and designated him for assignment. Wright, 30, was placed on the 15-day disabled list on April 11 with a left trapezius strain and was transferred to the 60-day DL on May 24. In two games with the Orioles this season, Wright went 0-0 with a 5.40 ERA (1.2IP, ER).
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Nationals reinstate right-hander Jordan Zimmermann, option left-hander Sammy Solis to Double-A Harrisburg

Nationals reinstate right-hander Jordan Zimmermann, option left-hander Sammy Solis to Double-A Harrisburg
The Washington Nationals reinstated right-handed pitcher Jordan Zimmermann from the paternity list on Saturday, and optioned left-handed pitcher Sammy Solis to Double-A Harrisburg. Zimmermann will start at Baltimore on Saturday night. President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Zimmermann, 29, is 7-5 with a 3.05 ERA this season. The two-time All-Star has been particularly strong of late, allowing just one earned run in his previous three starts, a 0.40...
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Opposite dugout: Nationals looking to deliver in another season with high expectations

Opposite dugout: Nationals looking to deliver in another season with high expectations
Manager: Matt Williams (2nd season) Record: 46-38 Last 10 games: 5-5 Who to watch: LF Bryce Harper (.343/.417/.709 with 25 HR, 60 RBIs, 6.1 WAR), 3B Yunel Escobar (.315/.365/.405 with 27 RBIs), 2B Danny Espinosa (.258/.338/.435 with 9 HR, 25 RBIs), C Wilson Ramos (.258 with 8 HR, 38 RBIs), RHP Jordan Zimmermann (7-5, 3.04 ERA), LHP Matt Thornton (2.18 ERA, 1.02 WHIP), RHP Drew Storen (25 saves, 1.97 ERA, 0.97 WHIP) Season series vs. Orioles: First meeting (1-3 in 2014) Pitching probables: July...
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Orioles recall infielder Christian Walker from Triple-A Norfolk

Orioles recall infielder Christian Walker from Triple-A Norfolk
The Orioles today announced that they have recalled infielder Christian Walker from Triple-A Norfolk. Walker, 24, batted .266/.321/.380 (81-305) with 25 extra-base hits and 28 RBI in 78 games with the Tides this season. He hit safely in 12 of his last 14 games with Norfolk, batting .328 (20-61) with five multi-hit games, three home runs, and seven RBI, as well as an 11-game hitting streak in that span. In 85 at-bats this season against left-handed pitching, Walker hit .306/.348/.482 with 26...
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Opposite dugout: Reds looking to reverse fortunes with another big series against Nationals

Opposite dugout: Reds looking to reverse fortunes with another big series against Nationals
Manager: Bryan Price (2nd season) Record: 36-44 Last 10 games: 3-7 Who to watch: 3B Todd Frazier (.285/.344/.602 with 25 HR, 54 RBIs), 1B Joey Votto (.274/.387/.478 with 14 HR, 39 RBIs), 2B Brandon Phillips (.279 with 31 RBIs), RF Jay Bruce (12 HR, 40 RBIs), RHP Johnny Cueto (5-5, with 100 strikeouts, 2.984 ERA), LHP Aroldis Chapman (16 saves, 1.83 ERA) Season series vs. Nationals: 3-0 Pitching probables: July 6: RHP Anthony DeSclafani vs. RHP Doug Fister, 7:05 p.m., MASN July 7: RHP Johnny...
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