Opposite dugout: Struggling Phillies are ripe for the picking, ready for rebuilding

Opposite dugout: Struggling Phillies are ripe for the picking, ready for rebuilding
Manager: Ryne Sandberg (3rd season) Record: 22-42 Last 10 games: 2-8 Who to watch: 3B Maikel Franco (.282 with 6 HR, 16 RBIs), LF Ben Revere (.277 with 15 SB), 1B Ryan Howard (11 HR, 28 RBIs), RHP Aaron Harang (4-7, 3.04 ERA), RHP Jonathan Papelbon (12 saves, 1.05 ERA) Season series vs. Orioles: First meeting (1-2 in 2012) Pitching probables: June 15: RHP Aaron Harang vs. LHP Wei-Yin Chen, 7:05 p.m., MASN June 16: RHP Jerome Williams vs. RHP Chris Tillman, 7:05 p.m., MASN June 17: RHP Ubaldo...
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Orioles complete 2015 draft

Orioles complete 2015 draft
The Orioles made 30 picks on Day Three of the 2015 First-Year Player Draft on Wednesday, completing rounds 11-40. This year, the Orioles selected 41 players overall, 21 position players and 20 pitchers, with 29 of the selections being college athletes. The Orioles selected 13 right-handed pitchers, eight infielders, eight outfielders, seven left-handed pitchers, four catchers, and one utility player. For a recap of the entire draft, click here.
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Savage Eagles get instruction from Hardy and Dickerson, part of LUNGevity benefit auction

Savage Eagles get instruction from Hardy and Dickerson, part of LUNGevity benefit auction
The Savage Eagles, an under-12 travel baseball team from Howard County, got the chance of a lifetime this afternoon at Camden Yards. For about an hour, they got hands-on tutelage from Orioles shortstop J.J. Hardy and third base coach Bobby Dickerson on the same field where the Birds play. The fielding drills instruction fulfilled an experience auctioned off at the Winter Meetings in San Diego in December to benefit the LUNGevity Foundation in memory of the late Monica Barlow, the former Orioles...
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Nationals conclude 2015 First-Year Player Draft

Nationals conclude 2015 First-Year Player Draft
The Washington Nationals concluded Major League Baseball's 2015 First-Year Player Draft by selecting 30 players on Wednesday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations & General Manager Mike Rizzo and Assistant General Manager & Vice President of Scouting Operations Kris Kline made the joint announcement. Over three days of the Draft, the Nationals selected a total of 40 players: 13 right-handed pitchers, eight left-handed pitchers, four outfielders, 14 infielders and one catcher. Of...
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Umpires brighten patients' day at Johns Hopkins Children's Center

Umpires brighten patients' day at Johns Hopkins Children's Center
The men who decide whether a pitch is a ball or strike, whether a player is safe or out (and, more recently, who pore over video replays to determine the status of contested plays) have a whole bunch of new fans in Baltimore. The four major league umpires - Cory Blaser, Laz Diaz, Chris Guccione and Jeff Nelson - working tonight's Orioles game spent part of Wednesday morning at the Johns Hopkins Children's Center as part of UMPS CARE Charities' Blue for Kids program. The men in blue ditched...
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Nationals select eight players on second day of First-Year Player Draft

Nationals select eight players on second day of First-Year Player Draft
The Washington Nationals today selected eight players on the second day of Major League Baseball's 2015 First-Year Player Draft. Nationals President of Baseball Operations & General Manager Mike Rizzo and Assistant General Manager & Vice President of Scouting Operations Kris Kline made the joint announcement. The Nationals kicked off today's action selecting outfielder Rhett Wiseman (Vanderbilt University) with their third-round pick (103rd overall). During the regular season, Wiseman...
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Opposite dugout: Little has gone right for floundering Brewers this season

Opposite dugout: Little has gone right for floundering Brewers this season
Manager: Craig Counsell (1st season) Record: 22-37 Last 10 games: 5-5 Who to watch: 1B Adam Lind (.279 with 9 HR, 31 RBIs), RF Ryan Braun (13 HR, 40 RBIs), SS Jean Segura (.281, 16 RBIs, 6 SB), CF Carlos Gomez (.276 with 5 HR, 24 RBIs), RHP Francisco Rodriguez (1.23 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, 12 saves) Season series vs. Nationals: First meeting (2-4 in 2014) Pitching probables: June 11: RHP Tanner Roark vs. RHP Matt Garza, 8:10 p.m., MASN2 June 12: RHP Joe Ross vs. RHP Mike Fiers, 8:10 p.m., MASN2 June...
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Orioles reinstate Norris from DL, option Navarro to Triple-A Norfolk

Orioles reinstate Norris from DL, option Navarro to Triple-A Norfolk
The Orioles today announced that they have reinstated RHP BUD NORRIS from the 15-day disabled list and optioned INF REY NAVARRO to Triple-A Norfolk. Norris, 30, was placed on the 15-day disabled list on May 18 (retroactive to May 11) with bronchitis. He made three rehab starts between Double-A Bowie and Triple-A Norfolk, going 0-2 with a 10.03 ERA (11.2IP, 13ER), including 4.0 hitless innings in his last start with the Tides on June 3. In six starts this season with the Orioles, Norris is...
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Washington Nationals Dream Foundation celebrates a "Decade of Dreams" at 2015 Dream Gala

Washington Nationals Dream Foundation celebrates a "Decade of Dreams" at 2015 Dream Gala
Last night at the Marriott Marquis Washington, DC, the Washington Nationals Dream Foundation highlighted its community contributions at the 10th annual Dream Gala. As the primary fundraiser for the Nationals Dream Foundation, the 2015 Dream Gala ​netted more than $600,000 for the Foundation's three cornerstone programs which focus on children's health, education and recreation. The Dream Gala featured a cocktail reception and silent auction, a dinner program emceed by MSNBC television...
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Opposite dugout: Red Sox hoping to climb out of AL East basement

Opposite dugout: Red Sox hoping to climb out of AL East basement
Manager: John Farrell (3rd season) Record: 27-31 Last 10 games: 5-5 Who to watch: 2B Dustin Pedrioa (.313 with 8 HR, 23 RBIs), SS Xander Bogaerts (.296, 21 RBIs), LF Hanley Ramirez (13 HR, 32 RBIs), LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (2-0, 0.61 ERA), RHP Koji Uehara (2.37 ERA, 13 saves) Season series vs. Orioles: 3-4 Pitching probables: June 9: LHP Eduardo Rodriguez vs. RHP Miguel Gonzalez, 7:05 p.m., MASN2 June 10: RHP Rick Porcello vs. LHP Wei-Yin Chen, 7:05 p.m., MASN June 11: LHP Wade Miley vs. RHP...
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Opposite dugout: Bryant getting all the publicity, but hardly Cubs' only weapon

Opposite dugout: Bryant getting all the publicity, but hardly Cubs' only weapon
Manager: Joe Maddon (1st season) Record: 27-24 Last 10 games: 4-6 Who to watch: 1B Anthony Rizzo (.317/.443/.574 with 9 HR, 31 RBIs), 3B Kris Bryant (.270/.382/.459 with 7 HR. 33 RBIs), SS Starlin Castro (.267 with 23 RBIs), RHP Jason Hammel (4-2, 2.82 ERA, 0.90 WHIP), RHP Jake Arrieta (4-4, 3.18 ERA), RHP Hector Rondon (3.22 ERA, 9 saves) Season series vs. Nationals: 1-2 Pitching probables: June 4: RHP Jake Arrieta vs. LHP Gio Gonzalez, 7:05 p.m. MASN June 5: LHP Tsuyoshi Wada vs. RHP Tanner...
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Nationals recall left-hander Rivero from Triple-A, option left-hander Grace to Syracuse

Nationals recall left-hander Rivero from Triple-A, option left-hander Grace to Syracuse
The Washington Nationals recalled left-handed pitcher Felipe Rivero on Monday and optioned left-handed pitcher Matt Grace to Triple-A Syracuse. President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Rivero, 23, returns to the Nationals for his second Major League assignment of the season. The hard-throwing left-hander made his Major League debut with one inning of work on April 17 in the Nationals' 7-2 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. Rivero was placed...
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Opposite dugout: Will home cooking help Astros avenge earlier series loss to O's?

Opposite dugout: Will home cooking help Astros avenge earlier series loss to O's?
Manager: A.J. Hinch (1st season) Record: 31-20 Last 10 games: 4-6 Who to watch: 2B Jose Altuve (.296/.344/.417 with 25 RBIs, 15 SB), LF Colby Rasmus (8 HR, 17 RBIs), RF George Springer (7 HR, 17 RBIs), DH Evan Gattis (11 HR, 31 RBIs), LHP Dallas Keuchel (7-1, 1.76 ERA), RHP Luke Gregerson (3.74 ERA, 13 saves) Season series vs. Orioles: 1-2 Pitching probables: June 1: RHP Ubaldo Jimenez vs. LHP Brett Oberholtzer, 8:10 p.m., MASN2 June 2: RHP Mike Wright vs. RHP Collin McHugh, 8:10 p.m., MASN2...
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Nationals recall Hill from Triple-A Syracuse, place Strasburg on 15-day DL

Nationals recall Hill from Triple-A Syracuse, place Strasburg on 15-day DL
The Washington Nationals recalled right-handed pitcher Taylor Hill from Triple-A Syracuse on Saturday and placed right-handed pitcher Stephen Strasburg on the 15-day disabled list with neck tightness. President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Hill, 26, joins the Nationals for the first time this season. The right-hander is 3-2 with a 4.35 ERA (25 ER/51.2 IP) in nine starts with Triple-A Syracuse. His last start for the Chiefs came on May 25 at...
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Opposite dugout: Tampa Bay scuffling, has dropped season-high five straight games

Opposite dugout: Tampa Bay scuffling, has dropped season-high five straight games
Manager: Kevin Cash (1st season) Record: 24-24 Last 10 games: 4-6 Who to watch: LF David DeJesus (.322, 18 RBIs), 3B Evan Longoria (.284, 5 HR, 23 RBIs), 2B Logan Forsythe (21 RBIs), RF Stephen Souza Jr. (7 HR, 17 RBIs), RHP Jake Orodizzi (3-5, 2.31 ERA), RHP Brad Boxberger (13 saves, 2.95 ERA) Season series vs. Orioles: 3-3 Pitching probables: May 29: RHP Nate Karns vs. RHP Miguel Gonzalez, 7:05 p.m., MASN May 30: RHP Erasmo Ramirez vs. LHP Wei-Yin Chen, 4:05 p.m., MASN May 31: RHP Jake...
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Orioles recall Clevenger from Triple-A Norfolk, Lavarnway designated for assignment

Orioles recall Clevenger from Triple-A Norfolk, Lavarnway designated for assignment
The Orioles today announced that they have recalled catcher Steve Clevenger from Triple-A Norfolk and designated catcher Ryan Lavarnway for assignment. Clevenger, 29, hit .352/.413/.451 (32-91) with three doubles, two home runs, and 14 RBI in 27 games with Triple-A Norfolk this season. He played in 35 games with the Orioles in 2014, batting .225/.289/.337 (20-89) with eight doubles, a triple, and eight RBI. Over 118 career Major League games, Clevenger has posted a .210/.270/.295 slash line...
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Opposite dugout: Poor hitting has hurt Reds in tough NL Central

Opposite dugout: Poor hitting has hurt Reds in tough NL Central
Manager: Bryan Price (2nd season) Record: 19-27 Last 10 games: 1-9 Who to watch: 2B Brandon Phillips (.297, 18 RBIS), 1B Joey Votto (.275, 7 HR, 21 RBIs), 3B Todd Frazier (14 HR, 28 RBIs), CF Billy Hamilton (18 SB), RHP Johnny Cueto (3-4, 3.03 ERA), RHP Aroldis Chapman (7 saves, 34 Ks in 20 1/3 innings) Season series vs. Nationals: First meeting (3-3 in 2014) Pitching probables: May 29: RHP Stephen Strasburg vs. RHP Anthony DeSclafani, 7:10 p.m., MASN2 May 30: LHP Gio Gonzalez vs. RHP Raisel...
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Opposite dugout: Youth movement has served improved Cubs well

Opposite dugout: Youth movement has served improved Cubs well
Manager: Joe Maddon (1st season) Record: 24-19 Last 10 games: 6-4 Who to watch: 1B Anthony Rizzo (.316/.440/.574 with 9 HR, 29 RBIs, 9 SB), 3B Kris Bryant (.273, 5 HR, 29 RBIs), RF Jorge Soler (.280, 16 RBIs), SS Starlin Castro (.271, 24 RBIs), LHP Jon Lester (4-2, 3.56 ERA), RHP Hector Rondon (9 saves) Season series vs. Nationals: First meeting (3-4 in 2014) Pitching probables: May 25: RHP Tanner Roark vs. LHP Tsuyoshi Wada, 2:20 p.m., MASN2 May 26: RHP Jordan Zimmermann vs. RHP Kyle...
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Opposite dugout: Surprising Astros are a study in statistical contrasts

Opposite dugout: Surprising Astros are a study in statistical contrasts
Manager: A.J. Hinch (1st season) Record: 29-16 Last 10 games: 7-3 Who to watch: 2B Jose Altuve (.294/.345/.428 with 5 HR, 25 RBIs, 14 SB), CF Jake Marisnick (.281 with 16 RBIs and 9 SB), LF Colby Rasmus (8 HR, 17 RBIs), LHP Dallas Keuchel (6-0, 1.67 ERA), RHP Luke Gregerson (12 saves) Season series vs. Orioles: First meeting (3-4 in 2014) Pitching probables: May 25: LHP Dallas Keuchel vs. LHP Wei-Yin Chen, 1:35 p.m., MASN May 26: RHP Scott Feldman vs. RHP Chris Tillman, 7:05 p.m., MASN May 27:...
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Opposite dugout: Recent hot streak doesn't mask Phillies' lingering issues

Opposite dugout: Recent hot streak doesn't mask Phillies' lingering issues
Manager: Ryne Sandberg (3rd season) Record: 18-25 Last 10 games: 7-3 Who to watch: 1B Ryan Howard (.257/.307/.521 with 9 HR, 21 RBIs), SS Freddie Galvis (.319, 11 RBIs), CF Odubel Herrera (.262, 13 RBIs), RHP Cole Hamels (4-3, 3.24 ERA), RHP Aaron Harang (4-3, 1.82 ERA), RHP Jonathan Papelbon (11 saves, 1.50 ERA) Season series vs. Nationals: 3-3 Pitching probables: May 22: RHP Sean O'Sullivan vs. RHP Max Scherzer, 7:05 p.m. MASN May 23: LHP Cole Hamels vs. RHP Stephen Strasburg, 4:05 p.m.,...
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