nationals

David Huzzard: A few thoughts on grit

May 26, 2017, 5:28am

Grit is nothing that can be displayed on a baseball field. This is my belief; it is a debate we can have and it would probably be a long debate. Baseball is a game of skill, and in the course of a game of baseball, a player displays skills honed through years of practice. Grit is very much a part of the makeup of a baseball player, but it is never displayed on the baseball field. Girt manifests itself in the batting cage or weight room or on the practice field taking ground ball after ground...

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Opposite dugout: Scoring struggles and pitching problems plague Padres

May 25, 2017, 9:33am

Nationals

Opposite dugout: Scoring struggles and pitching problems plague Padres

Manager: Andy Green (2nd year) Record: 18-31 Last 10 games: 4-6 Who to watch: 1B Wil Myers (.271/.321/.521 with 11 HR, 29 RBIs), 3B Ryan Schimpf (.163/.399/.422 with 11 HR, 21 RBIs) CF Manuel Margot (.259/.305/.389 with 13 RBIs, 5 SB), RHP Jhoulys Chacin (4-4, 5.74 ERA), RHP Brandon Maurer (6.63 ERA, 1.368 WHIP, 5 saves) Season series vs. Nationals: First meeting (4-3 in 2016) Pitching probables: May 26: RHP Luis Perdomo vs. RHP Max Scherzer, 7:05 p.m., MASN May 27: LHP Clayton Richard vs....

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Dan Kolko takes over @masnNationals Instagram

May 25, 2017, 5:31pm

Nationals

Whether you know him as "MASN Dan" or "You go, Dan Kolko," you know that MASN on-field reporter Dan Kolko is always bringing you the latest Nats news and behind-the-scenes views. So, when we wanted to show our Instagram followers an insider look of the Nats at the brand-new SunTrust Park, we obviously knew where to turn! MASN Dan Takeover: @dankolko is taking over our Instagram today, live from SunTrust Park! Follow along in our stories and be sure to give him a follow: @dankolko...

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Cruz's homer propels Mariners to first-ever win in Washington

May 25, 2017, 11:24am

Nationals

Cruz's homer propels Mariners to first-ever win in Washington

His starter beginning to labor, Dusty Baker made the decision to hand over today's game to the Nationals bullpen with one out in the top of the sixth. The ensuing result was not what the veteran manager wanted. Though quite possibly was what too many in the crowd of 18,881 feared. Nelson Cruz's three-run homer off Jacob Turner turned the Nationals' two-run lead into a one-run deficit and ultimately proved the critical moment during a 4-2 loss to the Mariners in their bumped-up series finale...

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The critical pitching decision that loomed over a Nationals loss

May 25, 2017, 1:04pm

Nationals

The modern day manager's job has far more to do with player and media relations than in-game strategy, but sometimes a specific situation does crop up in a ballgame that requires a key decision by the man in charge. And in those instances, the manager in question has to weigh competing factors and pick the one he believes makes the most sense at the time. Neither available option may be that appealing, but in those cases you play the percentages or go with your gut and hope for the best. Dusty...

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Rendon takes advantage of rest with big series versus Seattle

May 25, 2017, 12:42pm

Nationals

Rendon takes advantage of rest with big series versus Seattle

The Nationals were unable to hold the lead Thursday, but the offense of Anthony Rendon was again the reason they had a shot at the win. Rendon's solo homer was the first run in a two-run fifth inning, lifting the Nationals to a 2-0 lead over Seattle. The Mariners rode a Nelson Cruz three-run shot to salvage the series 4-2. Rendon's ninth homer was his fourth homer in the series. He accumulated two homers Tuesday, a three-run shot in the first-inning Wednesday and the solo shot Thursday. He...

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Baker will miss Padres series to be at son's graduation (M's win 4-2)

May 25, 2017, 7:05am

Nationals

Baker will miss Padres series to be at son's graduation (M's win 4-2)

Dusty Baker will not manage the Nationals this weekend in a three-game series against the Padres because he will be attending his son Darren's high school graduation. Darren will attend UC Berkeley in the fall. Bench coach Chris Speier will manage the club Friday, Saturday and Sunday against San Diego. Without their manager this weekend due to the family event, the Nationals are allowed to call on an extra coach for the weekend. That consideration could go to co-field coordinator Jeff...

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Game 46 lineups: Nats vs. Mariners

May 25, 2017, 7:02am

Nationals

A very pleasant good morning to you all. And it most definitely is the morning, with the Nationals and Mariners today wrapping up their series with a 12:05 p.m. first pitch. The start time was bumped up four hours in hopes of getting this one in before the heavy rain arrives later. It's not an ideal scenario, but as Dusty Baker put it: "It beats the alternative." Baker has all of his regulars in the lineup despite the quick turnaround ... aside from Matt Wieters, who understandably won't be...

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Chris Heisey to undergo MRI for biceps tendon injury

May 24, 2017, 6:46pm

Nationals

Chris Heisey to undergo MRI for biceps tendon injury

On a night when the Nationals extended their win streak to three games with a 5-1 win over the Mariners, utility outfielder Chris Heisey confirmed that he has ruptured his right biceps tendon and will undergo an MRI Thursday. Brian Goodwin was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse and Heisey was placed on the 10-day disabled list. Heisey tore the biceps tendon during batting practice Wednesday but said his arm and shoulder have not felt right since spring training. He said the soreness in his biceps...

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After a 1-2-3 ninth, Baker finally deems Glover his new closer

May 24, 2017, 7:22pm

Nationals

After a 1-2-3 ninth, Baker finally deems Glover his new closer

This won't come as a surprise to anyone who has been paying close attention over the last week, but Koda Glover is now the Nationals closer. The rookie reliever had essentially taken over the role last week after Shawn Kelley blew a save opportunity against the Phillies, but Dusty Baker was unwilling to go so far as to formally pronounce it. But after Wednesday night's 5-1 win over the Mariners, in which Glover pitched a 1-2-3 ninth, the Nats manager relented (or slipped) and made it...

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With seven dominant innings, Roark finds himself again

May 24, 2017, 6:57pm

Nationals

With seven dominant innings, Roark finds himself again

Sometimes a pitcher spends hours poring over videos, working on mechanics in the bullpen, analyzing opposing hitters, using every technological method available to him to fix a problem. And sometimes he just takes advice from Crash Davis. Ask Tanner Roark the biggest difference for him during tonight's 5-1 victory over the Mariners, how he was able to succeed in two-strike counts after struggling in those situations over the last month, and you get an answer straight from "Bull Durham." "I...

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Rendon keeps rolling (Nats win 5-1)

May 24, 2017, 3:40pm

Nationals

The Seattle Mariners scored first against Tanner Roark. But he quickly extinguished any thought of a big inning. With one out in the first, Kyle Seager doubled to right-center field. Seager rounded first and then challenged Michael A. Taylor and was safe into second base. Robinson CanÃ³ followed with a run-scoring single. Roark then got Danny Valencia and Ben Gamel to strike out looking. In the bottom of the first, the Nationals quickly answered back with a vengeance, taking on Mariners...

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Nats score early, get another quality start in 5-1 win over M's

May 24, 2017, 5:33pm

Nationals

Nats score early, get another quality start in 5-1 win over M's

What's the best way to overcome a suspect bullpen? How about a string of starts that reduce the relievers' workload by a significant amount? The Nationals have figured out that formula in recent days and tonight won their third straight game thanks to seven strong innings from Tanner Roark. Roark's best outing in weeks, combined with another early offensive explosion against the Mariners, produced a 5-1 victory before a crowd of 29,223 that didn't have to sweat much for the second night in...

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Heisey goes on DL with ruptured bicep; SolÃs rehabbing in Florida

May 24, 2017, 2:34pm

Nationals

Heisey goes on DL with ruptured bicep; SolÃs rehabbing in Florida

The Nationals outfield took another significant hit this evening when Chris Heisey had to be placed on the disabled list with what the club says is a right bicep rupture. It's unclear how the injury occurred, but Heisey was on the field for batting practice this afternoon and did not appear to be dealing with any ailments prior to that point. Already playing with a short bench after electing to carry a 13th pitcher upon recalling Joe Ross on Tuesday, the Nationals hurriedly recalled Brian...

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Advance scouts help Dusty Baker prepare for unfamiliar opponent

May 24, 2017, 1:23pm

Nationals

Advance scouts help Dusty Baker prepare for unfamiliar opponent

The Nationals have 19 games scheduled each against their four divisional foes. They have already played the Phillies 13 times in the first two months of the season. The have taken on the Braves six times, all on the road. The have faced the Mets six times and battle again June 15-18 in New York. They played the Marlins three times to open the season, but don't face Miami again until June 19-21. But this week's opponent in interleague play? The Seattle Mariners. A team they have not faced...

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With rain in forecast, Nats move Thursday's game up to 12:05 p.m.

May 24, 2017, 1:10pm

Nationals

With rain in forecast, Nats move Thursday's game up to 12:05 p.m.

Faced with an ominous forecast, the Nationals are moving up the start time of Thursday's game to 12:05 p.m., hoping to get their series finale with the Mariners in before the worst of the expected rain arrives in the area. It's a highly unusual move for a franchise that rarely, if ever, makes weather-related decisions that far in advance. But there were several factors at play in this case that may have made it necessary. Thursday's forecast calls for morning rain, then a midday break before...

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After three days of rest, can Nats bullpen hit the reset button?

May 23, 2017, 7:38pm

Nationals

After three days of rest, can Nats bullpen hit the reset button?

What's the most important thing to happen to the Nationals over the last three days? Is it their offensive explosion last night against the Mariners? Big-time starts from Stephen Strasburg and Joe Ross? Some encouraging results at the plate for Trea Turner? Those are all nice developments, but perhaps the most important one has involved the part of the roster that basically has not been used during this mini stretch: the bullpen. With Strasburg going 7 2/3 innings on Sunday in Atlanta, then a...

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Game 45 lineups: Nats vs. Mariners

May 24, 2017, 11:09am

Nationals

Fresh off a 10-1 thumping of the Mariners last night, the Nationals are back at it tonight, looking for another big performance at the plate. Dusty Baker isn't letting up, keeping all his regulars in the lineup against rookie right-hander Sam Gaviglio. Gaviglio, 27, is making only his second career start. He has spent the better part of the last two-plus years at Triple-A, where he sports a 4.38 ERA in 36 games (31 starts). Tanner Roark takes the mound for the Nationals, trying to right his...

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Dusty Baker says Trea Turner will have to adjust as league adjusts to him

May 24, 2017, 4:42am

Nationals

Dusty Baker says Trea Turner will have to adjust as league adjusts to him

Shortstop Trea Turner got out of the blocks quickly to begin this season. But he has recently slowed down a bit at the plate. Prior to Tuesday's game, manager Dusty Baker said there is always a period of adjustment when the league sees you can hit the fastball. "What I've seen is the league has adjusted to him," Baker said. "Now it's up to him to adjust back. "This is the big leagues, man, with the video and the advanced charts. They're not going to let you keep killing them in this...

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Luke Erickson: Mid-spring malaise in the minors

May 24, 2017, 6:05am

Nationals

Luke Erickson: Mid-spring malaise in the minors

While the parent club is in first place, albeit in the weakest division in the majors, things are not so good down on the farm. As noted last week, the bullpen woes in D.C. extend all the way down the ladder and three of the four affiliates are in last place in their divisions. In Syracuse, which finished with the second-worst record in Triple-A (61-82) last summer, the Chiefs are on pace to win less than 50 games this summer and are already 14 games behind before Memorial Day. Double-A...