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After a week and a half of gorgeous weather in Southern California, the Nationals returned home and must now deal with the harsh reality of summer life back on the East Coast: Heat, humidity and rain.
Tonight’s homestand opener against the Tigers has been postponed, the club announced, due to the significant line of thunderstorms passing through the region this afternoon and evening. They’ll now play a day-night doubleheader Wednesday, with the rescheduled game at 1:05 p.m. in advance of the originally scheduled game at 6:45 p.m.
The Nats never had to consider any weather issues during their nine-game trip to Los Angeles, San Diego and Anaheim, with temperatures generally in the 70s and nothing but sunshine pouring down from the sky. It’s a different story back here in D.C., where temperatures have been in the 90s and dew points in the 70s, ingredients ripe for thunderstorms.
The first round of rain already blew through Nationals Park this afternoon, canceling batting practice for both teams. Though there is currently a break in the precipitation, several inches more are expected the rest of the evening and into Wednesday morning.
Fans who held tickets to tonight’s postponed game can use them for admittance to Wednesday’s 1:05 p.m. game. A separate ticket is required for the originally scheduled 6:45 p.m. game. The series still wraps up Thursday at 6:45 p.m., with a postgame fireworks show planned in advance of Friday’s traditional 11:05 a.m. Independence Day game against the Red Sox.
Trevor Williams will start Game 1 and MacKenzie Gore will start Game 2 on Wednesday. Jake Irvin is scheduled to start Thursday’s finale.
* The Nationals officially activated Paul DeJong off the 10-day injured list today, optioning Andrés Chaparro to Triple-A Rochester to clear a roster spot for the veteran infielder.
DeJong returns to the major leagues 2 1/2 months after he was struck on the left side of his face by a fastball April 16 in Pittsburgh, suffering multiple fractures to his nose and eye socket. After undergoing surgery and an intensive rehab process, the 31-year-old spent two weeks on a rehab assignment with Double-A Harrisburg, batting .275 (11-for-40) with one double, one homer and six RBIs.
After signing in spring training for $1 million, DeJong opened the season as the Nats’ regular starting third baseman. But with top prospect Brady House having since made his debut, DeJong will have to slide into a utility role, getting reps at third base, shortstop and second base.
“It’s been a humbling experience for me to go back to square one and just pray to get healthy and recover from a traumatic injury,” he said. “But that process went about as good as it could have gone for me. I’m thankful for the people around me: This organization has guided me through this, the great people, the doctors that worked on me to get me back to this point. Now I’m ready to wipe the slate clean. I’m here. It’s July 1. It’s a great time to be here, and I’m just excited.”
Chaparro returns to Rochester after going 1-for-11 with a double in limited playing time.
* Andrew Chafin threw another simulated game this afternoon before the rain arrived, and the veteran left-hander could be ready to come off the 15-day IL provided he experiences no setbacks with his recovery from the outing. Chafin, who strained his right hamstring stretching to catch a throw at first base July 8, has been running well and appears to be close to returning to the active bullpen.
* Dylan Crews has ramped up his baseball activities, hitting off a tee and taking soft-toss batting practice in the cage. The 22-year-old outfielder, who suffered an oblique strain May 21, will continue to be brought along slowly to avoid any recurrence of pain. But the Nationals appear encouraged by his recent progress.
