tag:www.masnsports.com,2010-04-07://1 Movable Type Pro 5.12 tag:www.masnsports.com,2012:/byron_kerr//9.21907 2012-05-23T20:55:53Z 2012-05-24T02:02:23Z

Solid effort from bullpen has translated to wins for AA Harrisburg

Byron Kerr http://masnsports.com/byron_kerr/ I have some updates on the pitching staff at Double-A Harrisburg, with a focus on the bullpen. The Senators swept a doubleheader from Altoona on Wednesday, once again thanks to the pitchers keeping the score down, 5-3 and 3-2. A lot of talk has surrounded the emergence of former Yankees ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2012:/nationals_buzz//13.21895 2012-05-23T13:40:59Z 2012-05-23T13:58:19Z

The argument can be made that Tuesday night's 5-2 conquest of the division rival Philadelphia Phillies, solidified by a two-RBI triple off the bat of Bryce Harper, was one of the most enjoyable for Nationals fans so far this season....

Rachel Levitin http://www.masnsports.com/nationals_buzz/ The argument can be made that Tuesday night's 5-2 conquest of the division rival Philadelphia Phillies, solidified by a two-RBI triple off the bat of Bryce Harper, was one of the most enjoyable for Nationals fans so far this season. The Nationals have beaten the Phillies six straight time, the ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2012:/byron_kerr//9.21888 2012-05-23T03:17:42Z 2012-05-23T03:26:26Z

Zimmermann provided ample run support, though it wasn't needed against Phils

Byron Kerr http://masnsports.com/byron_kerr/ You must have felt a measure of added joy for Jordan Zimmermann in the third inning. He finally got a chance to look up at the scoreboard and see four runs on the board for his team. 4-1. Alright, now we are talking. Zimmermann came in averaging just 2.4 runs ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2012:/byron_kerr//9.21867 2012-05-22T14:18:35Z 2012-05-22T22:36:14Z

Johnson should insert Stammen as closer, use Wang in long relief role

Byron Kerr http://masnsports.com/byron_kerr/ With another extremely uncomfortable ninth-inning save opportunity almost thrown away, the Nationals and manager Davey Johnson need to make a decision. Johnson told the media he would sleep on what happened to reliever Henry Rodriguez on Monday in Philadelphia. Without the literal save by Sean Burnett, Rodriguez was on the ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2012:/nationals_buzz//13.21864 2012-05-22T13:39:54Z 2012-05-22T13:49:54Z

Given the debut strategy taken with Stephen Strasburg in 2010, not many people thought going into this year that 19-year-old Bryce Harper would end playing at least 100 games in 2012. Now, barring injury, it seems almost a lock that...

Willy Yoder http://www.masnsports.com/nationals_buzz/ Given the debut strategy taken with Stephen Strasburg in 2010, not many people thought going into this year that 19-year-old Bryce Harper would end playing at least 100 games in 2012. Now, barring injury, it seems almost a lock that the club's starting outfielder will surpass that mark, making him ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2012:/byron_kerr//9.21856 2012-05-22T03:10:40Z 2012-05-22T21:38:29Z

After strong outing, Johnson stresses that Gonzalez must lower pitch count

Byron Kerr http://masnsports.com/byron_kerr/ Everyone loves to see the strikeouts. Left-hander Gio Gonzalez had plenty of them Monday in a 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies at a wet Citizens Bank Park. Finishing with nine strikeouts, Gonzalez yo-yoed back over Stephen Strasburg (64), for the team lead, and is now holding onto the major ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2012:/byron_kerr//9.21836 2012-05-21T18:51:54Z 2012-05-21T19:20:41Z

Leading off for Nats didn't put any additional pressure on struggling Espinosa

Byron Kerr http://masnsports.com/byron_kerr/ On Saturday, Danny Espinosa was out of the lineup after laboring through a 3-for-18 home stand. Then in the late innings, with the game on the line, Espinosa was summoned for a key pinch-hitting appearance. He lined the ball hard, but right at outfielder Xavier Avery for the out. Then ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2012:/nationals_buzz//13.21831 2012-05-21T12:57:56Z 2012-05-21T13:10:13Z

Watching the Orioles-Nationals series play out over such a gorgeous weekend, with so much fine young talent on both sides of the diamond, it was hard not to project into it something more than just another interleague squabble. With Baltimore...

Ted Leavengood http://www.masnsports.com/nationals_buzz/ Watching the Orioles-Nationals series play out over such a gorgeous weekend, with so much fine young talent on both sides of the diamond, it was hard not to project into it something more than just another interleague squabble. With Baltimore sitting comfortably atop the American League East and Washington still ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2012:/byron_kerr//9.21828 2012-05-21T02:13:11Z 2012-05-21T16:17:06Z

Nationals left-handed prospect Purke to continue pitching in Florida this week

Byron Kerr http://masnsports.com/byron_kerr/ Left-hander Matt Purke will remain at the Nationals' training facility this week, continuing to build up innings as he makes his way back to being ready for his minor league debut. As I reported here last week, Purke pitched five innings Thursday in Viera, Fla. The schedule this week calls ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2012:/byron_kerr//9.21823 2012-05-20T22:25:15Z 2012-05-21T03:53:20Z

Harper's big offense for Nats outweighs outfield misplay in win over Orioles

Byron Kerr http://masnsports.com/byron_kerr/ Look out to left and center field in the top of the first inning and the two players on defense for the Nationals had a combined 32 major league games at their defensive positions. Even looking at their minor league careers, Bryce Harper (129) and Tyler Moore (3) combined for ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2012:/byron_kerr//9.21776 2012-05-19T03:16:08Z 2012-05-19T16:09:46Z

Nats offense unable to back up Edwin Jackson's eight strong innings of work

Byron Kerr http://masnsports.com/byron_kerr/ 3-2 count. Fastball low, walk. Tough to allow a baserunner in any situation, but having it be the Orioles' leadoff hitter, Xavier Avery, on the first at-bat of the game proved more costly in a tight contest. Avery was able to come around to score the first run of the ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2012:/byron_kerr//9.21773 2012-05-19T01:55:36Z 2012-05-19T16:11:09Z

Hagerstown outfielder gains Nats' attention due to his speed on basepaths

Byron Kerr http://masnsports.com/byron_kerr/ Outfielder Billy Burns has been entertaining the fans of low Single-A Hagerstown with his play and speed in the first month and a half of the season. The Nationals have also taken notice of the Marietta, Ga., product. The 22-year-old put on a signature display of what he is capable ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2012:/nationals_buzz//13.21757 2012-05-18T13:26:13Z 2012-05-18T13:38:38Z

At 19 years, 211 days old, Bryce Harper wasn't even old enough to buy a beer to celebrate his first major league home run this week. The more than 400-foot blast off San Diego's Tim Stauffer, in Harper's 15th major...

Marty Niland http://www.masnsports.com/nationals_buzz/ At 19 years, 211 days old, Bryce Harper wasn't even old enough to buy a beer to celebrate his first major league home run this week. The more than 400-foot blast off San Diego's Tim Stauffer, in Harper's 15th major league game and 54th at-bat, not only added to his ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2012:/byron_kerr//9.21751 2012-05-18T02:19:38Z 2012-05-18T02:40:27Z

Purke working in extended spring training, preparing for his minor league debut

Byron Kerr http://masnsports.com/byron_kerr/ Southpaw Matt Purke had a strong showing Thursday in Florida, as he regains strength and lengthens out in preparation for his minor league debut. In extended spring training, Purke went five innings, and his fastball was clocked at 92 mph, according to a Nationals source. The team has continued to ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2012:/nationals_buzz//13.21748 2012-05-18T00:17:43Z 2012-05-18T15:33:14Z

We all enjoy watching the Nationals, particularly during this hot start to the 2012 season. But from the superstars like Ryan Zimmerman and Stephen Strasburg, down to the 25th man on the roster, every player started their journey as a...

Brian Eller http://www.masnsports.com We all enjoy watching the Nationals, particularly during this hot start to the 2012 season. But from the superstars like Ryan Zimmerman and Stephen Strasburg, down to the 25th man on the roster, every player started their journey as a young boy, molding their talents and honing their skills in ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2012:/byron_kerr//9.21746 2012-05-17T22:40:28Z 2012-05-18T02:57:59Z

Team source confirms Brian Goodwin will start in center for Hagerstown

Byron Kerr http://masnsports.com/byron_kerr/ HAGERSTOWN, Md. - Low Single-A outfielder Brian Goodwin has been out of the lineup since April 9 after suffering a quad injury running to first base on a single. He was able to play only five games, but hit .375 with a double, two homers, two stolen bases and eight ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2012:/byron_kerr//9.21744 2012-05-17T22:00:07Z 2012-05-18T02:55:01Z

Hagerstown Suns third baseman Matt Skole excelling at the plate

Byron Kerr http://masnsports.com/byron_kerr/ HAGERSTOWN, Md. - Low Single-A Hagerstown Suns third baseman Matt Skole turned in an impressive performance last week, going 4-for-4 with two homers, four runs and five RBIs in a win over Hickory on May 15. That highlight game emphasized how well Skole has been performing at the plate so ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2012:/byron_kerr//9.21709 2012-05-17T16:25:18Z 2012-05-17T17:27:01Z

P-Nats slugger Kevin Keyes adjusting to better pitchers in tougher Carolina League

Byron Kerr http://masnsports.com/byron_kerr/ Potomac Nationals outfielder Kevin Keyes made a big splash as one of the top home run hitters in the system with his play in 2011, and although the competition has ramped up in high Single-A, Keyes believes he is making progress in preparing for the better pitching he sees now ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2012:/nationals_buzz//13.21731 2012-05-17T13:02:46Z 2012-05-17T13:16:43Z

So far this season, a lot of things have gone right for the Nationals. The starting pitching has been phenomenal. The relievers, for the most part, have been very strong, as well, despite missing their two best closer options to...

Dave Nichols http://www.masnsports.com/nationals_buzz/ So far this season, a lot of things have gone right for the Nationals. The starting pitching has been phenomenal. The relievers, for the most part, have been very strong, as well, despite missing their two best closer options to injury most of the season. And the hitting - well, ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2012:/byron_kerr//9.21723 2012-05-17T03:04:19Z 2012-05-17T12:49:10Z

Gonzalez, H. Rodriguez combo helps Nationals start Pirates series with win

Byron Kerr http://masnsports.com/byron_kerr/ There is a method to Davey's madness: leave him in. The strategy worked in two ways as starter Gio Gonzalez and closer Henry Rodriguez fought through varying threats to hold off the Pirates 7-4 on Wednesday. Gonzalez's line was impressive again, taking over the major league lead in strikeouts, momentarily, ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2012:/byron_kerr//9.21717 2012-05-16T22:23:22Z 2012-05-17T00:41:24Z

Storen on schedule but has no plans to rush back to action before he's ready

Byron Kerr http://masnsports.com/byron_kerr/ Right-hander Drew Storen remains with the team in D.C. as he continues his rehab from elbow surgery to remove a bone chip. Storen soft-tossed 100 throws Wednesday, the same number he threw Monday. He did two sets of 50 throws, 25 at 45 feet and 25 from 60 feet. Storen ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2012:/byron_kerr//9.21713 2012-05-16T21:25:23Z 2012-05-16T22:33:23Z

Young slugger Moore has waited patiently, but gets start in left against Pirates

Byron Kerr http://masnsports.com/byron_kerr/ Nationals Tyler Moore gets the start in left field Wednesday in the series opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Finally. Moore started in his first game in a Nationals uniform against the Dodgers back on April 29. In only his ninth game - so far he has only gone 2-for-11 (.182) ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2012:/nationals_buzz//13.21706 2012-05-16T11:53:20Z 2012-05-16T13:04:24Z

What would happen if a member of the Nationals' starting rotation were to suffer an injury? What would happen if there's more than one man down over the course of the season? I'm not saying such a tragedy is inevitable...

Rachel Levitin http://www.masnsports.com/nationals_buzz/ What would happen if a member of the Nationals' starting rotation were to suffer an injury? What would happen if there's more than one man down over the course of the season? I'm not saying such a tragedy is inevitable nor am I saying it will happen, but it's a ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2012:/byron_kerr//9.21696 2012-05-15T21:40:36Z 2012-05-15T22:14:20Z

Fly ball misplay was swing Padres needed against Nationals, Strasburg

Byron Kerr http://masnsports.com/byron_kerr/ It looked like an innocent pop up between left field and right field midway towards the warning track from the first hitter of the game, Padres right fielder Will Venable. Nationals left fielder Roger Bernadina and center fielder Rick Ankiel, as well as right fielder Bryce Harper converged on the ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2012:/byron_kerr//9.21687 2012-05-15T16:17:01Z 2012-05-15T21:36:53Z

Johnson's familiar lineup card is beginning to pay dividends for Nats' hitters

Byron Kerr http://masnsports.com/byron_kerr/ The lineup is starting to show a familiar refrain. Ian Desmond and Roger Bernadina. Ryan Zimmerman, Adam LaRoche and Bryce Harper. Danny Espinosa and Rick Ankiel. The catching spot. The starting pitcher. Johnson said the genesis of this particular starting nine was given boost into motion when he had a ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2012:/nationals_buzz//13.21682 2012-05-15T13:39:03Z 2012-05-15T13:52:34Z

The Nationals are dealing with lots of injuries. I mean, lots and lots of injuries. If you look at the list of Nats players that are down and out, it would be comical if it weren't so brutally sad and...

Joe Drugan http://www.masnsports.com/nationals_buzz/ The Nationals are dealing with lots of injuries. I mean, lots and lots of injuries. If you look at the list of Nats players that are down and out, it would be comical if it weren't so brutally sad and frustrating. Let's remind ourselves of these injuries, consider how ridiculous ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2012:/byron_kerr//9.21677 2012-05-15T04:44:47Z 2012-05-15T13:00:48Z

San Diego fans still lament sweep that might have cost Padres a shot at Strasburg

Byron Kerr http://masnsports.com/byron_kerr/ It was the close of a miserable 2008 campaign. The Nationals were in the midst of losing 14 of their final 17 games en route to dismal 59-102 overall mark. In late September 2008, the San Diego Padres traveled to D.C. for a three-game set against the Nationals. The Padres ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2012:/byron_kerr//9.21674 2012-05-15T03:47:39Z 2012-05-15T04:24:30Z

Before Monday's series opener against the Padres, Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper said his left eye was feeling better three days after he struck himself with his bat off a runway wall in the Cincinnati visitors' clubhouse. The pain had...

Byron Kerr http://masnsports.com/byron_kerr/ Before Monday's series opener against the Padres, Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper said his left eye was feeling better three days after he struck himself with his bat off a runway wall in the Cincinnati visitors' clubhouse. The pain had subsided and he didn't have to sleep a certain way ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2012:/byron_kerr//9.21673 2012-05-15T03:17:23Z 2012-05-15T04:23:04Z

The Nationals lost another catcher. Bryce Harper hit his first major league homer. Down 5-4, Ian Desmond smacked 2-run double. Chad Tracy and Xavier Nady added insurance solo shots. Nationals led 8-5. Someone please find the off switch for this...

Byron Kerr http://masnsports.com/byron_kerr/ The Nationals lost another catcher. Bryce Harper hit his first major league homer. Down 5-4, Ian Desmond smacked 2-run double. Chad Tracy and Xavier Nady added insurance solo shots. Nationals led 8-5. Someone please find the off switch for this roller coaster. This is Nationals Park not Kings Dominion. Showing ... Read More tag:www.masnsports.com,2012:/byron_kerr//9.21668 2012-05-15T01:57:42Z 2012-05-15T03:16:02Z

Report: Prospect Rendon may be out all season (with Nationals' response)

Byron Kerr http://masnsports.com/byron_kerr/ High Single-A Potomac Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon has been recovering from a fractured left ankle at his home in Texas. There had been some hope that Rendon would be able to return some time before the end of the season, but Rendon told Joseph Duarte of the Houston Chronicle ... Read More