Baltimore @ Washington preview

Last Meeting ( May 27, 2013 ) Baltimore 6, Washington 2

While many consider Mike Trout or Bryce Harper to be the best young player in baseball, Baltimore's Manny Machado must be in the discussion. The Orioles visit the Washington Nationals on Tuesday and their 20-year-old third baseman is tied for the major-league lead in hits with Detroit's Miguel Cabrera at 75. He had three Monday to raise his average to .335 in Baltimore's 6-2 victory over Washington. The third overall pick of the 2010 draft also leads the majors with 23 doubles.

Another young player for whom the Orioles have high hopes is right-hander Kevin Gausman, who makes his second major-league start. Gausman, the fourth overall pick in the 2012 draft, lost his major-league debut on Thursday. Gausman squares off against Washington's Nathan Karns, who will make his major league debut. Karns was called up from Double-A Harrisburg to replace Ross Detwiler, who was put on the 15-day disabled list Monday with a right oblique injury.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Baltimore), MASN (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Kevin Gausman (0-1, 7.20 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Nathan Karns (NR)

Gausman, a 22-year-old Centennial, Colo., native, allowed four runs, seven hits, walked two and struck out five in Baltimore's 12-6 loss at Toronto. Gausman showed signs of brilliance with an effective changeup which complemented a fastball that reached 99 miles per hour. "At this level, guys are so good that when you miss a spot by more than a couple inches, they’re going to make you pay for it,'' said Gausman, who made eight minor league starts after starring at Louisiana State.

Karns, the Nationals 2012 Minor League Pitcher of the Year, was 4-2 with a 4.60 ERA and 55 strikeouts in 45 innings this season at Double-A Harrisburg. “It’ll be a good test,” Washington manager Davey Johnson told the Washington Post. “We’ll find out (if he's ready). He’s got a great arm.” Karns, who missed the 2011 season after undergoing shoulder surgery, was selected over veterans starters such as Ross Ohlendorf and Chris Young at Triple-A Syracuse.

WALK-OFFS

1. Harper did not play Monday and has been diagnosed with bursitis in his left knee. The Nationals RF is also expected to miss Tuesday's contest and Johnson said he might serve as the designated hitter when the four-game series switches to Camden Yards in Baltimore on Wednesday and Thursday.

2. Orioles LF Nick Markakis has a 12-game hitting streak and is 20-for-53 during that span.

3. Detwiler was placed on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 16. Washington hopes he will able to make his next scheduled start Sunday.

PREDICTION: Orioles 3, Nationals 2