Having fun and in first place, Desmond fondly remembers Washington

Having fun and in first place, Desmond fondly remembers Washington
BALTIMORE - When Ian Desmond looks up into the center field bleachers at Camden Yards for the next three days, he's going to see something a little odd for a series between the Rangers and Orioles: curly W Nationals caps here and there, maybe a few bright, white No. 20 jerseys with his name stitched in red across the back. Ever since Desmond signed a one-year, $8 million deal with the Rangers in late February, savvy Nats fans have had this series circled on their calendars because it gives...
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Orioles acquire left-hander Wade Miley from Mariners

Orioles acquire left-hander Wade Miley from Mariners
The Orioles announced tonight that they have acquired left-hander Wade Miley from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for left-hander Ariel Miranda. Miley, 29, has gone 7-8 with a 4.98 ERA (62 ER/112.0 IP) over 19 starts with the Mariners this season. Over 157 career Major League games (153 starts), he has posted a 56-54 record with a 4.07 ERA (427 ER/944.1 IP) and 728 strikeouts. The left-hander spent the 2015 season with the Boston Red Sox, leading the club in wins (11), starts (32), innings...
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Opposite dugout: Fortified Rangers on top in AL West, will present a tough challenge

Opposite dugout: Fortified Rangers on top in AL West, will present a tough challenge
Manager: Jeff Banister (2nd season) Record: 62-44 Last 10 games: 7-3 Who to watch: CF Ian Desmond (.303 with 20 HR, 63 RBIs, 17 SB), RF Nomar Mazara (13 HR, 43 RBIs), 3B Adrian Beltre (16 HR, 65 RBIs), 2B Rougned Odor (21 HR, 54 RBIs, 10 SB), RF/DH Carlos Beltrain (.304/.344/.546 with 22 homers, 64 RBIs), LHP Cole Hamels (12-2, 2.84 ERA), RHP Yu Darvish (2-2, 3.09 ERA), RHP Sam Dyson (2.42 ERA, 22 saves) Season series vs. Orioles: 3-1 Pitching probables: Aug. 2: RHP Yu Darvish vs. RHP Dylan...
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Orioles sign Logan Ondrusek, Chaz Roe designated for assignment

Orioles sign Logan Ondrusek, Chaz Roe designated for assignment
The Orioles today announced that they have signed right-hander Logan Ondrusek to a Major League contract and designated right-hander Chaz Roe for assignment. Ondrusek, 31, went 8-3 with a 2.17 ERA (24 ER/99.2 IP) in 102 games with the Yakult Swallows of the Japan Central League over the last two seasons, including a 3-1 record and 2.45 ERA (8 ER/29.1 IP) in 30 games this season. In 281 career Major League games, Ondrusek has gone 21-11 with a 3.89 ERA (117 ER/270.2 IP) and 214 strikeouts. He...
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Opposite dugout: Toronto has power aplenty, but will look to improve at trade deadline

Opposite dugout: Toronto has power aplenty, but will look to improve at trade deadline
Manager: John Gibbons (9th season) Record: 57-45 Last 10 games: 6-4 Who to watch: 3B Josh Donaldson (.301/.411/.589 with 25 HR, 74 RBIs), LF Michael Saunders (19 HR, 46 RBIs), DH Edwin Encarnacion (27 HR, 87 RBIs), RHP Aaron Sanchez (11-1, 2.72 ERA), LHP J.A. Happ (13-3, 3.27 ERA), RHP Roberto Osuna (21 saves, 1.99 ERA) Season series vs. Orioles: 5-4 Pitching probables: July 29: RHP Kevin Gausman vs. RHP Marco Estrada, 7:07 p.m., MASN July 30: RHP Yovani Gallardo vs. LHP J.A. Happ, 1:07 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 from Triple-A Syracuse and optioned right-handed pitcher Koda Glover to Triple-A Syracuse on Sunday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Giolito returns to the Nationals to make the third start of his Major League career, for which he'll take the ball on Sunday afternoon vs. the San Diego Padres. Currently ranked as the No. 1 overall prospect in Major League...
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Opposite dugout: Though out of contention, Rockies feature dangerous lineup

Opposite dugout: Though out of contention, Rockies feature dangerous lineup
Manager: Walt Weiss (4th season) Record: 47-51 Last 10 games: 7-3 Who to watch: 2B DJ LeMahieu (.329/.396/.485), LF Carlos Gonzalez (.318 with 20 HR, 60 RBIs), CF Charlie Blackmon (.300/.361/.466), 3B Nolan Arenado (25 HR, 76 RBIs), SS Trevor Story (27 HR, 69 RBIs), RHP Jon Gray (6-4, 4.12 ERA), LHP Jake McGee (15 saves) Season series vs. Orioles: 1st meeting (1-2 in 2013) Pitching probables: July 25: LHP Jorge De La Rosa vs. RHP Yovani Gallardo, 7:05 p.m., MASN July 26: RHP Chad Bettis vs....
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O's place Jimenez on paternity list, recall Wilson from Triple-A Norfolk

O's place Jimenez on paternity list, recall Wilson from Triple-A Norfolk
The Orioles today announced that they have recalled right-hander Tyler Wilson from Triple-A Norfolk and placed right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez on the paternity leave list. Wilson, 26, has gone 4-6 with a 5.22 ERA (47 ER/81.0 IP) in 16 games (13 starts) with the Orioles this season. Over 25 career Major League games (18 starts), he is 6-8 with a 4.69 ERA (61 ER/117.0 IP). The 2014 Orioles Jim Palmer Minor League Pitcher of the Year went 37-29 with a 3.71 ERA (245 ER/594.0 IP) over 107 career minor...
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Hitting the Books with Gary Thorne: "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind"

Hitting the Books with Gary Thorne: "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind"
"Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" has been on the to-do list for a year. It was penned last year by Yuval Noah Harari, a PhD in History from Oxford and professor at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. The title is exactly what the book is about. This is far more than the laying out of dates and events. This is about what the events meant to the history of humans. Some of the conclusions are far from the conclusions so often found in history books. Let's begin with his chapter on why the...
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Orioles to host Jim Palmer for "Nine Innings to Success" book signing on July 22

Orioles to host Jim Palmer for "Nine Innings to Success" book signing on July 22
If you've been waiting to get your copy of "Nine Innings to Success," the new book by Baseball Hall of Famer and Orioles legend Jim Palmer, you've now got an opportunity to pick up a copy at Camden Yards - and an autographed copy, to boot! The Orioles will host a book signing featuring Palmer on Friday, July 22 from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Orioles Team Store. Fans can purchase the book, which Palmer will sign, at the book signing for $27. "Nine Innings to Success" chronicles Palmer's journey...
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Nationals select contract of right-hander Koda Glover

Nationals select contract of right-hander Koda Glover
The Washington Nationals selected the contract of right-handed pitcher Koda Glover from Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday and optioned right-handed pitcher Reynaldo Lopez to Syracuse. Additionally, left-handed pitcher Nick Lee was designated for assignment. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcements. Glover, 22, has advanced through three levels of Washington's Minor League system this season, going 3-0 with six saves and a 2.18 ERA (11...
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Orioles to host book signing with Jim Palmer on July 22

Orioles to host book signing with Jim Palmer on July 22
The Orioles today announced that they will host a book signing featuring Baseball Hall of Famer and Orioles legend Jim Palmer on Friday, July 22. Palmer will sign copies of his new book, "Nine Innings to Success," from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET at the Official Orioles Team Store at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Fans can purchase the book at the signing for $27. "Nine Innings to Success" chronicles Palmer's journey through baseball and broadcasting, taking readers inside the clubhouse,...
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Opposite dugout: First-year skipper Roberts keeping Dodgers focused

Opposite dugout: First-year skipper Roberts keeping Dodgers focused
Manager: Dave Roberts (1st season) Record: 52-42 Last 10 games: 5-5 Who to watch: SS Corey Seager (.301 with 17 HR, 43 RBIs), 1B Adrian Gonzalez (.286, 44 RBIs), 3B Justin Turner (15 HR, 50 RBIs), LHP Scott Kazmir (7-3, 4.52 ERA), RHP Kenley Jansen (27 saves, 1.36 ERA) Season series vs. Nationals: 3-0 Pitching probables: July 19: LHP Scott Kazmir vs. RHP Reynaldo Lopez, 7:05 p.m., MASN2 July 20: LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu vs. LHP Gio Gonzalez, 7:05 p.m., MASN2 July 21: RHP Bud Norris vs. RHP Stephen...
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O's select contract of left-hander Donnie Hart from Double-A Bowie

O's select contract of left-hander Donnie Hart from Double-A Bowie
The Orioles today announced that they have selected the contract of left-hander Donnie Hart from Double-A Bowie. Hart, 25, was named a 2016 Eastern League All-Star, going 2-0 with a 2.31 ERA (10 ER/39.0 IP), two saves, and 43 strikeouts over 33 games with Double-A Bowie this season. He registered at least one strikeout in 27 of his 33 games and held left-handed hitters to a .158/.200/.211 slash line. In 125 career minor league games, he went 12-6 with a 2.27 ERA (37 ER/146.2 IP), 24 saves,...
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Opposite dugout: Recent surge has stoked Pirates' postseason chances

Opposite dugout: Recent surge has stoked Pirates' postseason chances
Manager: Clint Hurdle (6th season) Record: 46-43 Last 10 games: 8-2 Who to watch: LF Starling Marte (.316/.363/.460 with 30 SB), RF Gregory Polanco (.287 with 12 HR, 50 RBIs), CF Andrew McCutchen (14 HR, 38 RBIs), RHP Gerrit Cole (5-4, 2.77 ERA), RHP Mark Melancon (1.23 ERA, 27 saves) Season series vs. Nationals: 1st meeting (3-4 in 2015) Pitching probables: July 15: LHP Francisco Liriano vs. RHP Stephen Strasburg, 7:05 p.m., MASN July 16: RHP Gerrit Cole vs. RHP Tanner Roark, 7:05 p.m., MASN...
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Crush Davis, sidekick Samson to be featured in Aug. 20 bobblehead giveaway

Crush Davis, sidekick Samson to be featured in Aug. 20 bobblehead giveaway
The Orioles have announced that Birdland superhero Crush Davis and his English Bulldog sidekick, Samson, will be featured on a unique bobblehead giveaway on Saturday, August 20, when the Orioles host the Houston Astros at 7:05 p.m. ET. Both Davis and Samson will be depicted in their traditional superhero attire with heads that bobble. Crush Davis is based on the alter ego of Orioles first baseman Chris Davis, originally revealed in the 2014 Crush Davis action figure. The bobblehead will be...
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Orioles, OriolesREACH to host Aug. 19 fundraising event to benefit Shannon's Fund

Orioles, OriolesREACH to host Aug. 19 fundraising event to benefit Shannon's Fund
The Orioles and OriolesREACH will host a private fundraising event for Shannon's Fund on Friday, August 19, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Oriole Park prior to the 7:05 p.m. game against the Houston Astros. There are two ticket options available for the game: $50 for seating in the Eutaw Street Reserve or $65 for seating in the Roof Deck in center field. Both include the private event and a pregame barbeque, an opportunity to watch batting practice from the Roof Deck bar, a visit from an...
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Orioles recall right-hander Jason Garcia from Double-A Bowie

Orioles recall right-hander Jason Garcia from Double-A Bowie
The Orioles today announced that they have recalled right-hander Jason Garcia from Double-A Bowie. Garcia, 23, went 4-7 with a 4.79 ERA (41 ER/77.0 IP) in 15 starts with Double-A Bowie this season. He made his Major League debut on April 8, 2015 at Tampa Bay and went 1-0 with a 4.25 ERA (14 ER/29.2 IP) and 22 strikeouts in 21 games with the Orioles last season. Originally acquired by the Orioles from the Houston Astros following his selection in the 2014 Rule 5 Draft from the Boston Red Sox,...
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Orioles option right-hander Mike Wright to Triple-A Norfolk

Orioles option right-hander Mike Wright to Triple-A Norfolk
The Orioles tonight announced that they have optioned right-hander Mike Wright to Triple-A Norfolk. Wright, 26, was recalled earlier this afternoon from the Tides and pitched 4.2 innings tonight vs. Los Angeles (AL), surrendering four runs (two earned) on three hits, while walking two and striking out two.
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Four Nationals named to NL All-Star team

Four Nationals named to NL All-Star team
Four Washington Nationals players were named 2016 Major League All-Stars on Tuesday evening, with outfielder Bryce Harper, second baseman Daniel Murphy, catcher Wilson Ramos, and right-handed pitcher Stephen Strasburg all awarded the annual mid-season honor. The 2016 American League and National League rosters were unveiled during the "Esurance All-Star Selection Show" on ESPN Tuesday night. This is just the second time in Nationals history (2005-present) that the club will send as many as...
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