Opposite dugout: Fast-closing Tigers boast a formidable offensive attack

Opposite dugout: Fast-closing Tigers boast a formidable offensive attack
Manager: Brad Ausmus (3rd season) Record: 75-64 Last 10 games: 6-4 Who to watch: RF J.D. Martinez (.319, 20 HR, 56 RBIs), 1B Miguel Cabrera (.315/.389/.553 with 31 HR, 87 RBIs), DH Victor Martinez (.293 with 25 HR, 75 RBIs), 2B Ian Kinsler (25 HR, 72 RBIs), LF Justin Upton (22 HR, 70 RBIs), RHP Michael Fulmer (10-6, 2.77 ERA), RHP Justin Verlander (14-7, 3.28 ERA), RHP Francisco Rodriguez (39 saves, 2.81 ERA) Season series vs. Orioles: 1-3 Pitching probables: Sept. 9: RHP Kevin Gausman vs. RHP...
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Zimmerman named Nats' nominee for Roberto Clemente Award; Rodriguez Seat 21 honoree

Zimmerman named Nats' nominee for Roberto Clemente Award; Rodriguez Seat 21 honoree
Major League Baseball today announced that Ryan Zimmerman was named the Washington Nationals' 2016 nominee for the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award, the most prominent individual player award bestowed by MLB. The Roberto Clemente Award is the annual recognition of a player from each MLB Club who best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field. Each Club nominates one current...
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Jones named Orioles' nominee for Roberto Clemente Award; Harden Seat 21 honoree

Jones named Orioles' nominee for Roberto Clemente Award; Harden Seat 21 honoree
Major League Baseball today announced that Adam Jones was named the Orioles' 2016 nominee for the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award, the most prominent individual player award bestowed by MLB. The Roberto Clemente Award is the annual recognition of a player from each MLB club who best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field. Each club nominates one current player to be...
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Trea Turner named NL Rookie of the Month

Trea Turner named NL Rookie of the Month
After an August in which he set the franchise record for rookie runs scored in a month, challenged the record for hits in a month, and tied the Nationals' rookie record for stolen bases in a season, infielder/outfielder Trea Turner was named the National League Rookie of the Month for August. Major League Baseball made the announcement on MLB Network on Saturday afternoon. Turner, 23, put together a blisteringly hot month of August, hitting .357 with a .366 on-base percentage and .571...
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Opposite dugout: Braves have been owned by Nationals this season

Opposite dugout: Braves have been owned by Nationals this season
Manager: Brian Snitker (1st season) Record: 54-83 Last 10 games: 8-2 Who to watch: 1B Freddie Freeman (.294/.396/.563 with 29 HR, 79 RBIs), CF Ender Inciarte (.291), RF Nick Markakis (.264, 75 RBIs), LF Matt Kemp (24 HR, 58 RBIs), RHP Mike Foltynewicz (8-5, 4.31 ERA), RHP Jim Johnson (3.08 ERA, 15 saves) Season series vs. Nationals: 2-11 Pitching probables: Sept. 5: RHP Ryan Weber vs. RHP Max Scherzer, 4:05 p.m., MASN2 Sept. 6: RHP Williams Perez vs. LHP Gio Gonzalez, 7:05 p.m., MASN2 Sept. 7:...
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Nationals recall outfielder Michael A. Taylor from Triple-A Syracuse

Nationals recall outfielder Michael A. Taylor from Triple-A Syracuse
The Washington Nationals recalled outfielder Michael A. Taylor and optioned right-handed pitcher Lucas Giolito to Triple-A Syracuse on Monday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Taylor, 25, returns to the Nationals after 30 games with Triple-A Syracuse. The speedy outfielder has hit .205 in the Minor Leagues this season (31 games) with five doubles, one triple, one home run and nine RBI. He has stolen seven bases and walked 12...
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Opposite dugout: Struggling Phillies can do little more than play spoiler

Opposite dugout: Struggling Phillies can do little more than play spoiler
Manager: Pete Mackanin (2nd season) Record: 60-70 Last 10 games: 4-6 Who to watch: CF Odubel Herrera (.281 with 13 HR, 42 RBIs, 19 SB), 3B Maikel Franco (22 HR, 72 RBIs), C Cameron Rupp (14 HR, 43 RBIs), 1B Tommy Joseph (17 HR, 34 RBIs), RHP Jerad Eickhoff (9-12, 3.87 ERA), RHP Jeanmar Gomez (3.02 ERA with 34 saves) Season series vs. Nationals: 4-8 Pitching probables: Aug. 29: RHP Tanner Roark vs. RHP Jake Thompson, 7:05 p.m., MASN2 Aug. 30: RHP Max Scherzer vs. RHP Jerad Eickhoff, 7:05 p.m.,...
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Nationals recall right-hander Lucas Giolito

Nationals recall right-hander Lucas Giolito
The Washington Nationals recalled right-handed pitcher Lucas Giolito on Sunday and optioned infielder Wilmer Difo to Double-A Harrisburg. Giolito will start Sunday's game against the Colorado Rockies. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Giolito, 22, returns to the Nationals to start the fourth Major League game of his career. Making his Major League debut on June 28 against the New York Mets, Giolito has worked to a 4.91 ERA in his...
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Orioles select contract of outfielder Julio Borbon from Double-A Bowie

Orioles select contract of outfielder Julio Borbon from Double-A Bowie
The Orioles today announced that they have selected the contract of outfielder Julio Borbon from Double-A Bowie and optioned right-hander Mike Wright to Triple-A Norfolk. Borbón, 30, hit .275/.336/.362 (111-for-403) with nine doubles, four triples, six home runs, and 25 RBI in 106 games with the Baysox this season. He leads the Double-A Bowie in runs scored (59) and stolen bases (28). In five games with the Orioles this season, Borbón has batted .222/.222/.222 (2-for-9) with a run...
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Oriole Advocates set annual Cardboard to Leather collection for Sunday, Sept. 4

Oriole Advocates set annual Cardboard to Leather collection for Sunday, Sept. 4
If you're a little late on your spring cleaning, or if you're ready to thin out the baseball and softball equipment you've accumulated now that the youth seasons have ended, the Oriole Advocates have a great way for you to help those less fortunate enjoy a game we often take for granted. The Advocates have scheduled their annual Cardboard to Leather collection for Sunday, Sept. 4 before the Orioles entertain the New York Yankees. Legg Mason sponsors this worthy event, one of the important...
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Opposite dugout: Resilient Yankees look much different than when they last faced O's

Opposite dugout: Resilient Yankees look much different than when they last faced O's
Manager: Joe Girardi (9th season) Record: 65-61 Last 10 games: 5-5 Who to watch: SS Didi Gregorius (.283 with 17 HR, 57 RBIs), 2B Starlin Castro (17 HR, 57 RBIs), C Gary Sanchez (.389 with 9 HR, 16 RBIs), RHP Luis Cessa (3-0, 4.01 ERA), RHP Dellin Betances (6 saves, 27 holds, 2.23 ERA) Season series vs. Orioles: 5-6 Pitching probables: Aug. 26: RHP Yovani Gallardo vs. RHP Luis Cessa, 7:05 p.m., MASN Aug. 27: RHP Dylan Bundy vs. RHP Chad Green, 1:05 p.m., MASN Aug. 28: RHP Kevin Gausman vs. RHP...
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Opposite dugout: Despite abundant power, Orioles aren't a one-dimensional team

Opposite dugout: Despite abundant power, Orioles aren't a one-dimensional team
Manager: Buck Showalter (7th season) Record: 67-56 Last 10 games: 4-6 Who to watch: 3B Manny Machado (.303/.358/.553 with 28 HR, 74 RBIs), CF Adam Jones (24 HR, 73 RBIs), RF Mark Trumbo (37 HR, 90 RBIs), 1B Chris Davis (29 HR, 67 RBIs), LF Hyun Soo Kim (.321/.399/.428), RHP Chris Tillman (15-5, 3.76 ERA), LHP Zach Britton (37 saves, 0.54 ERA, 0.81 WHIP) Season series vs. Nationals: 1st meeting (4-2 in 2015) Pitching probables: Aug. 22: RHP Stephen Strasburg vs. RHP Dylan Bundy, 7:05 p.m.,...
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Orioles make three roster moves

Orioles make three roster moves
The Orioles today announced that they have recalled right-hander Odrisamer Despaigne and catcher Francisco Peña from Triple-A Norfolk, and placed catcher Matt Wieters on the paternity leave list. Despaigne, 29, pitched to a 3.48 ERA (29 ER/75.0 IP) over 15 starts with Triple-A Norfolk this season, including surrendering one earned run over his last two starts (9.0 IP) with the Tides. In 15 games with the Orioles this season, Despaigne has gone 0-2 with a 4.81 ERA (13 ER/24.1 IP). Over 65...
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Nationals active Zimmerman, Lobaton from disabled list

Nationals active Zimmerman, Lobaton from disabled list
The Washington Nationals returned from rehab assignment and reinstated first baseman Ryan Zimmerman and catcher Jose Lobaton on Saturday. Right-handed pitcher A.J. Cole and catcher Pedro Severino were optioned to Triple-A Syracuse. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Zimmerman, 31, returns to the Nationals' active roster after missing 16 games with a left wrist contusion. The veteran first baseman, who was hit by a pitch on the...
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Jenae Cherry to debut Orioles-inspired song before Friday night fireworks

Jenae Cherry to debut Orioles-inspired song before Friday night fireworks
If you were at the July 22 game between the Indians and Orioles, you were lucky enough to hear a pregame concert by singer/songwriter Jenae Cherry, a Nashville-based country music staple who has a strong connection to the Orioles: She's married to reliever Brad Brach. If you're coming to Friday night's game between the Astros and Orioles, you'll have another opportunity to hear Cherry, who will debut a new Orioles-inspired song, "Don't Miss the Magic," as part of her set during a live...
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Singer/songwriter Jenae Cherry to debut original song at Oriole Park on Aug. 19

Singer/songwriter Jenae Cherry to debut original song at Oriole Park on Aug. 19
Following the 7:05 p.m. game against the Houston Astros on Friday, August 19, country music artist Jenae Cherry will debut an original, Orioles-inspired song entitled "Don't Miss the Magic" at Oriole Park. Cherry will perform the song as part of a set before the postgame fireworks display, which is presented by Baltimore Area Credit Unions. "Don't Miss the Magic" will be available for free that evening via streaming or download on SoundCloud. The Orioles Charitable Foundation will donate...
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Opposite dugout: Astros have failed to recreate mojo from last year's playoff payoff

Opposite dugout: Astros have failed to recreate mojo from last year's playoff payoff
Manager: A.J. Hinch (2nd season) Record: 61-59 Last 10 games: 4-6 Who to watch: 2B Jose Altuve (.364/.428/.572 with 19 HR, 72 RBIs, 26 SB), SS Carlos Correa (18 HR, 82 RBIs), RF George Springer (23 HR, 68 RBIs), RHP Joe Musgrove (1-0, 1.47 ERA), RHP Will Harris (12 saves, 2.64 ERA) Season series vs. Orioles: 3-0 Pitching probables: Aug. 18: RHP Joe Musgrove vs. RHP Kevin Gausman, 7:05 p.m., MASN2 Aug. 19: RHP Collin McHugh vs. LHP Wade Miley, 7:05 p.m., MASN2 Aug. 20: RHP Mike Fiers vs. RHP...
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Construction continues at West Palm Beach facility, but Astros and Nats making contingency plans

Construction continues at West Palm Beach facility, but Astros and Nats making contingency plans
Construction at The Ballpark at the Palm Beaches, the new spring training facility in West Palm Beach, Fla., that the Nationals will share with the Astros, is progressing. According to photos shot earlier this summer, the outfield walls are taking shape and practice fields are clearly visible on the 160-acre parcel. But according to this article in the Palm Beach Post, both the Astros and Nationals are making contingency plans in case the ballpark is not ready to host workouts in mid-February...
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Charles Theatre hosts Sept. 8 screening of "American Hercules: Babe Ruth"

Charles Theatre hosts Sept. 8 screening of "American Hercules: Babe Ruth"
If you enjoy Baltimore baseball history, you'll probably be interested in the Sept. 8 screening of "American Hercules: Babe Ruth," a documentary about the Sultan of Swat that will be hosted by the Babe Ruth Birthplace & Museum and benefit the Babe Ruth Birthplace Foundation. The documentary, filmed in Baltimore, will be screened at the Charles, 1711 N. Charles St., and the program runs from 6-9 p.m. It includes a private reception from 6-7 p.m. with beer, wine and hors d'oeuvres from...
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Life experiences have taught Shorebirds' Costello to roll with the punches

Life experiences have taught Shorebirds' Costello to roll with the punches
SALISBURY, Md. - Nearing the end of his first full professional season, Delmarva Shorebirds right-hander Michael Costello is aware of a variety of things. He can tell you which mounds in the South Atlantic League are kept up to snuff, which weather patterns might force him into an unexpected spot start and how long he'll spend on bus trips from one Sally League city to another. Just don't ask the 24-year-old out of Manassas, Va., about his statistics. A 40th-round selection by the Orioles out...
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