Byron Kerr

Despite lineup not completely in tune, Nats are 2-0

April 05, 2017, 8:10pm

The lineup is not clicking on all cylinders, yet the Nationals are 2-0, courtesy of two comeback wins over the Marlins. On Monday, the Nationals got a pinch-hit two-run homer from Adam Lind in a 4-2 win. On Wednesday, the Nationals plated four runs in the fourth inning to top the Marlins 6-4. But even with 11 hits on the board in Game 2, there was Trea Turner and Anthony Rendon going 0-for-4. Even with Daniel Murphy going 2-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI, manager Dusty Baker admits his...

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Healthy Zimmerman connecting early with solo home run

April 05, 2017, 7:28pm

Nationals

Healthy Zimmerman connecting early with solo home run

First baseman Ryan Zimmerman delivered a big time solo homer early in Wednesday's game, when not much was going right for the Nationals offense, already trailing 2-0 to the Marlins. Miami starter Dan Straily had recorded four consecutive outs to begin the game. But with one out in the second inning, Zimmerman lined a solo shot over the right-center field fence to get the Nationals rolling. The Nats would go on to score five more runs, highlighted by a four-run fourth inning, in a 6-4 comeback...

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Roark looks rusty in first start of season (Nats win 6-4)

April 05, 2017, 4:06pm

Nationals

Roark looks rusty in first start of season (Nats win 6-4)

Tanner Roark didn't get a lot of work this spring, and unfortunately he looks like it in his first start of the season. Roark labored through his first two innings against the Marlins, walking two batters and hitting two others. He also was charged with a wild pitch that advanced a pair of runners into scoring position. Luckily, the Nationals right-hander has been able to keep the damage to a minimum so far, allowing two runs on Marcel Ozuna's bases-loaded single in the top of the first but...

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As manager, Baker not afraid to delegate responsibility

April 05, 2017, 2:13pm

Nationals

As manager, Baker not afraid to delegate responsibility

Some managers like to have a say in everything that happens to their baseball team. Whether it's on the field, in the clubhouse or even in the front office. Some managers also like to be the spokesperson for everything that happens in the baseball game, and the game-changing decisions that can decide a win from a loss. So is the Nationals' Dusty Baker a controlling manager? Does he have to check off on everything that happens? Does he veto each decision? Baker says he puts together a coaching...

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Minor leaguer Burriss receives 50-game suspension

April 04, 2017, 1:28pm

Nationals

Minor leaguer Burriss receives 50-game suspension

The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball announced today that eight minor league players have been suspended following their violations of the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, including Nationals minor league second baseman Emmanuel Burriss. Burriss received a 50-game suspension without pay following a second positive test for a drug of abuse. He is currently on the roster of the Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs of the International League according to the Major League Baseball...

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Nats minor league rosters announced; Lannan update

April 04, 2017, 10:18am

Nationals

Nats minor league rosters announced; Lannan update

Here is the full rosters for each of the Nationals' affiliates, announced by their respective clubs today. Left-hander John Lannan continues to work on his transition to a sidearm delivery at the Palm Beach facility. When ready, he could get into games at an affiliate on a future date. TRIPLE-A SYRACUSE CHIEFS Pitchers Joe Ross A.J. Cole Austin Voth Jacob Turner Taylor Hill Matt Albers Michael Broadway Neal Cotts Dustin Antolin Trevor Gott Matt Grace Rafael Martin Austin...

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Nats new lineup with Turner and Eaton delivers in first game

April 04, 2017, 2:41am

Nationals

Nats new lineup with Turner and Eaton delivers in first game

Monday was the first regular season game with the Nationals' new lineup in place. It was highlighted by the addition of Adam Eaton and Trea Turner at the top of the order. Offensively, the duo combined to go 2-for-6 with two doubles, two walks, two stolen bases and a run scored. Turner appreciated what Eaton was able to do, especially the two walks. "It was awesome," Turner said. "If I wasn't on base, he was. He had some great at-bats today and I think that's what we need at the top of...

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Treinen lets his pitches do the talking for first save of season

April 03, 2017, 1:54pm

Nationals

Treinen lets his pitches do the talking for first save of season

The Nationals' 4-2 comeback win over the Marlins on Monday marked the first save for closer Blake Treinen. Treinen earned the save by getting the heart of the Miami lineup in 1-2-3 fashion. One of the biggest pitches in the ninth inning was a 3-2 slider to Justin Bour that struck out the home run hitter for the second out. Treinen then got Marcell Ozuna on a called third strike to end the game. Treinen, in his first year as a closer, joked that he most likely wouldn't have challenged a hitter...

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Nats, Marlins moving along in D.C. (Nats come back to win 4-2)

April 03, 2017, 10:02am

Nationals

Nats, Marlins moving along in D.C. (Nats come back to win 4-2)

Right-hander Stephen Strasburg came out of the blocks looking strong on opening day 2017. Pitching out of the stretch, he did not allow the Marlins a hit through the first three innings, striking out two. Strasburg hit 98 mph in a 1-2-3 first frame. He also enjoyed a 1-2-3 second inning, inducing three straight infield groundouts. Shortstop Trea Turner doubled and center fielder Adam Eaton walked to begin the home half of the first. But the Marlins' Edinson Volquez struck out the side to end...

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Baker's opening day lineup a reflection of opponent

April 03, 2017, 8:57am

Nationals

Baker's opening day lineup a reflection of opponent

After the Nationals acquired Adam Eaton in December, much of the talk was where the center fielder would bat in a stacked lineup. The Nationals already have shortstop Trea Turner, who is a prototypical leadoff hitter - able to get on base and create havoc by stealing bases or using his speed to go first to third. Turner is a right-handed hitter, Eaton bats from left. So hitting them one-two makes sense. It would seem that Eaton would hit first, then Turner to be followed by lefty-hitting Daniel...

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Turner and Eaton will play critical roles for Nats in 2017

April 03, 2017, 2:51am

Nationals

Turner and Eaton will play critical roles for Nats in 2017

Two important changes to the 2017 version of the Nationals are at center field and shortstop. Trea Turner moves from center field to his natural position of shortstop. Newcomer Adam Eaton now mans the middle of the outfield. Both are expected to hit near the top of the order to take advantage of their contact bats, speed and patience at the plate. Even after playing shortstop for his whole baseball life, Turner said it still takes a while to get back in tune with the speed you see from the...

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Strasburg on his new look and how he will try to stay healthy for the entire season

April 02, 2017, 3:06am

Nationals

Strasburg on his new look and how he will try to stay healthy for the entire season

Right-hander Stephen Strasburg enters his eighth season with the Nationals on Monday. He gets the opening day start against the Marlins. The 28-year-old is making his 157th start with the Nationals, and has tossed 924 1/3 innings since 2010, striking out 1,084 batters. He looks a little bit different this year. The beard he has grown makes him look older. Strasburg believes it has had another effect in the clubhouse. "At least the guys who have had beards here, they have kind of accepted me in...

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Nats players honored, excited about playing at Navy

March 31, 2017, 7:07pm

Nationals

Nats players honored, excited about playing at Navy

The Nationals face the Red Sox in the Naval Academy Baseball Classic today. The day will begin with a breakfast reception and then the players will tour the Academy. The game's first pitch is slated for 2 p.m. and it is not open to the public. It will be broadcasted on MASN. The Naval Academy Baseball Classic pregame ceremony will include: * Ceremonial first pitch thrown by The Honorable Sean J. Stackley, Acting Secretary of the Navy * Our nation's colors presented by the U.S. Naval Academy...

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Robinson clears waivers, joins Triple-A Syracuse

March 31, 2017, 2:20pm

Nationals

Robinson clears waivers, joins Triple-A Syracuse

The Nationals announced that outfielder/first baseman Clint Robinson cleared waivers and has accepted his assignment to Triple-A Syracuse. Robinson remains in the Nationals organization but is no longer on the 40-man roster. He was placed on outright waivers on March 28. Adam Lind effectively takes Robinson's spot on the roster. The veteran lefty bat has six seasons of 20 or more home runs on his resume and was riding a guaranteed contract. Robinson made a big splash on the Nationals roster in...

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Nats excited in return to D.C., ready for Monday to arrive

March 31, 2017, 11:28am

Nationals

Nats excited in return to D.C., ready for Monday to arrive

The Nationals are back in D.C. preparing for Monday's opening day. They will play just one game over these next three days, a scheduled exhibition against the Boston Red Sox from the Naval Academy on Saturday. Friday's exhibition game at Nats Park was cancelled due to inclement weather. Manager Dusty Baker noticed the cooler temps as the club arrived back into D.C., leaving Florida and the 87-degree weather behind. "I got a little shock when we walked off the plane last night because it's a...

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What's new at Nats Park for 2017 season

March 28, 2017, 11:41am

Nationals

I had the unenviable and difficult task of going on the annual Nationals media tour of Nats Park to see what's new for 2017. Rough assignment, I know. The tour began in the Delta Sky 360 Club. The Club is getting a new entry way as well as new carpeting and lighting. Delta branding was enhanced with Delta's signature Diamond Wall, which is seen in most Delta Club sports venues. The most obvious physical difference to Nats Park that fans will notice is the MGM National Harbor Dugout Club...

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Minor leaguers also love West Palm Beach, plus pitching updates

March 27, 2017, 11:46am

Nationals

Minor leaguers also love West Palm Beach, plus pitching updates

We heard early in spring training what the new Nationals facility in West Palm Beach meant to the major league players. It also is a big deal to the guys fighting to move up in the minor league camp. Low Single-A Hagerstown manager Patrick Anderson said the minor league camp players were thrilled to get into such a state-of-the-art facility and work so closely with the major league squad. "We feel very fortunate," Anderson said. "It's unbelievable. It's a great fresh feeling of starting...

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Updates on infielders and pitchers on the early camp roster

March 25, 2017, 11:06am

Nationals

Updates on infielders and pitchers on the early camp roster

Quick hits on some Nationals early camp players. I always get good reports on third baseman Kelvin Gutierrez. Last year, the 22-year-old hit .296 for three teams, with 23 doubles, six triples, four homers, 25 stolen bases and 56 RBIs. "Gutierrez looks great," said Single-A Hagerstown manager Patrick Anderson. "He's picking up where he left off last year. He's working on a couple of things offensively. Defense is outstanding. It looks really, really good." We focused on versatile Ian...

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More notes on outfielders Soto, Perkins and Upshaw

March 21, 2017, 11:09am

Nationals

More notes on outfielders Soto, Perkins and Upshaw

I always appreciate the time catching up with coaches and managers in the Nationals system. This week, I grabbed a few minutes with low Single-A Hagerstown manager Patrick Anderson, who is coaching and managing in the West Palm Beach facility with the Nationals prospects. Anderson said he has been impressed with how the young players have arrived in shape and appear stronger after offseason work. "As a whole, it's not really one guy or two guys," Anderson said. "All of them have come back...

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Nats will not change approach in developing Victor Robles

March 18, 2017, 6:14am

Nationals

Nats will not change approach in developing Victor Robles

The No. 1 rated Nationals prospect is 19-year-old outfielder Victor Robles, who made a nice step up last season, advancing to high Single-A Potomac. Robles is a part of another talented corps of outfielders on the early camp roster with the club in West Palm Beach. Nationals director of player development Mark Scialabba said they are not altering their plan for Robles, or any other prospect, just because they are ranked so high or coveted by other teams. "With Victor, obviously the tools are...