Two close geographic neighbors with two very different stories going on right now. The Washington Nationals are playing for pride at this point, while the Orioles could clinch the AL East as early as Wednesday if things go right. (They’ll need to sweep the Nationals and for the Rays to lose one game against the Boston Red Sox.)
It’s been a steep fall for the 2019 World Champions, who are still reportedly seeking new ownership (though the sale has been paused through this season). Though they’ve added young talent, including 22-year-old shortstop CJ Abrams, outfielders Victor Robles and Lane Thomas, and onetime top pitching prospect Mackenzie Gore, Robles and Gore are on the shelf right now, Robles with a lingering back issue and Gore temporarily sidelined with a finger blister.