nationals

Steve Mears: Could Nats take better advantage of Trea Turner's speed?

September 20, 2016, 9:01am

Are the Nationals taking enough advantage of Trea Turner's speed? On the surface, the answers is yes, as Turner has 27 stolen bases and is now 10th in the major leagues in stolen bases, but consider that Turner has been on first or second base more than 40 times this season where he did not steal. In the game of inches, the Nationals could rearrange the lineup to improve Turner's chances to steal even more bases and be more aggressive. Combine smart with aggressive and you improve your odds...

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Split-second plays go against the Nats in 4-3 loss at Miami

September 19, 2016, 7:13pm

Nationals

Split-second plays go against the Nats in 4-3 loss at Miami

MIAMI - The Nationals and Marlins went back and forth Monday night, but in the end, Miami delivered the final punch in a 4-3 comeback win. The game turned on a couple of key plays, a hot shot right at center fielder Trea Turner and a baserunning mistake by Michael A. Taylor. Trailing 3-2 in the sixth, the Marlins answered with a double from pinch-hitter Derek Dietrich on a ball that was hit well but appeared Turner might have a chance to catch. Turner was unable to make the play on the hot shot...

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Solis encouraged by throwing sessions, but knows clock is ticking

September 19, 2016, 3:21pm

Nationals

Solis encouraged by throwing sessions, but knows clock is ticking

MIAMI - Left-hander Sammy Solis said he is progressing in his throwing program as he looks to recover from left shoulder inflammation that has had him on the shelf since mid-August. "We are kind of taking it day-by-day based on how it is feeling," Solis said. "The inflammation is pretty much knocked out. But strengthening-wise and maintaining the area and make sure it is stable enough to get back off the mound is No. 1 right now." Solis said he is not throwing game-type pitches like he...

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Stanton gets to Cole early with solo homer (Marlins win 4-3)

September 19, 2016, 4:03pm

Nationals

Stanton gets to Cole early with solo homer (Marlins win 4-3)

MIAMI - Right-hander A.J. Cole did well to keep the Marlins off the board in the first inning in his first-ever appearance in his home state at the major league level. Cole grew up in Oviedo, Fla., which is 233 miles north of Miami. A strong contingent of friends and family cheered Cole's effort. But Cole could not avoid Giancarlo Stanton. In the second with one out, Stanton launched a 448-foot homer to left field that left that bat at 115 mph. The solo homer, his 26th of the season, provided...

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Baker gives Harper "mental day off" vs. Marlins

September 19, 2016, 2:06pm

Nationals

Baker gives Harper "mental day off" vs. Marlins

MIAMI - Nationals manager Dusty Baker decided to give right fielder Bryce Harper a day of rest in the opening game of a three-game set at Marlins Park. Baker expects his cleanup hitter back in the lineup Tuesday against the Marlins' Jose Fernandez. Harper has struggled at the plate recently and Miami sends out left-hander Wei-Yin Chen tonight. Since September 10, Harper is just 1-for-18 (.056). "Everything is fine," Baker said. "I could see his concentration waning some so I thought I give...

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More on Sunday's rain-shortened loss in Atlanta

September 18, 2016, 9:45pm

Nationals

More on Sunday's rain-shortened loss in Atlanta

ATLANTA - A few more thoughts after Sunday's rain-shortened, 6-2 loss to the Braves ... * The Nationals wanted to try to get the entire game in. They weren't pushing for the umps to call it in the seventh inning. But conditions got to the point where Dusty Baker didn't feel comfortable letting his players re-take the field. As the second rain delay dragged on during in the bottom of the seventh, Baker came out from the clubhouse to examine the infield, which the Turner Field grounds crew had...

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Game 150 lineups: Nats at Marlins

September 19, 2016, 4:35am

Nationals

MIAMI - After a couple of losses in a row in Atlanta, the Nationals are glad to be rid of Turner Field forever and set their sights on getting back on track in South Florida. The club is still completely focused on clinching their third National League East pennant in the past five seasons. The magic number remains at six as the Mets keep winning. But the Nationals don't have to concern themselves with the team from New York. Just win six games and it's on to the second season. The Nationals...

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Opposite dugout: Injuries have cost Marlins in otherwise strong season

September 18, 2016, 3:36pm

Nationals

Opposite dugout: Injuries have cost Marlins in otherwise strong season

Manager: Don Mattingly (1st season) Record: 74-75 Last 10 games: 6-4 Who to watch: C J.T. Realmuto (.312), 3B Martin Prado (.311 with 70 RBIs), LF Christian Yelich (.300 with 19 HR, 90 RBIs), CF Marcell Ozuna (23 HR, 72 RBIs), RF Giancarlo Stanton (25 HR, 71 RBIs), RHP Jose Fernandez (15-8, 2.99 ERA), RHP A.J. Ramos (37 saves, 3.05 ERA) Season series vs. Nationals: 5-7 Pitching probables: Sept. 19: RHP A.J. Cole vs. LHP Wei-Yin Chen, 7:10 p.m., MASN2 Sept. 20 : RHP Tanner Roark vs. RHP Jose...

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Marty Niland: Taking a trip back to the 2012 playoff clincher

September 19, 2016, 4:53am

Nationals

Marty Niland: Taking a trip back to the 2012 playoff clincher

As the Nationals begin the second leg of their final road trip this season, fans are still wondering when they will clinch the National League East title. Barring an extended losing streak against teams playing less than .500 ball at the moment, the Nats are likely to celebrate their third division title in five years in a visitors clubhouse in front of another team's fans. That might be bittersweet for many Nats fans, but they can still remember some celebrations that came at home. In fact,...

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Ross sharp, but Nats fall 6-2 to Braves in rain-shortened game

September 18, 2016, 3:09pm

Nationals

Ross sharp, but Nats fall 6-2 to Braves in rain-shortened game

ATLANTA - The Nationals had to be pleased with Joe Ross' return to the mound after a long stint on the disabled list. The rest of the club's performance today against the Braves? Not so much. Ross looked sharp during a planned three-inning start, his first appearance in a big league game since right shoulder inflammation sidelined him in early July. But the bullpen gave up five runs after replacing Ross, and the lineup couldn't manage much at the plate during a 6-2 loss that was called in...

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Game 149 lineups: Nats at Braves

September 18, 2016, 6:54am

Nationals

ATLANTA - You know, the Nationals' final game at Turner Field just wouldn't be complete without the threat of rain. They've sat through far too many delays at this park over the years to remember, so what's one more if it happens today? Hopefully, that won't be the case and the Nationals and Braves can get this game in without any problems. It's actually important from the Nats' standpoint to avoid any delays, because they need Joe Ross to be able to get at least three innings of work in...

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Baker trying out options in eighth inning (Nationals lose 6-2)

September 18, 2016, 8:34am

Nationals

ATLANTA - The Nationals solved their ninth-inning problem when they acquired Mark Melancon at the trade deadline. But as the regular season reaches its final two weeks, they're still trying to figure out who's going to get through the eighth inning to get the ball to their new closer. Shawn Kelley held a firm grasp on the primary setup role through most of the season, but manager Dusty Baker has tried out some new arms in the last few weeks, with mixed results. Rookie Koda Glover struggled in...

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Ross ready to return, hopes to make Nats' postseason rotation

September 17, 2016, 6:56pm

Nationals

Ross ready to return, hopes to make Nats' postseason rotation

ATLANTA - For 2 1/2 months, Joe Ross has watched the rest of the Nationals from afar, wanting to play a role in their march toward a division title but unable to contribute. Inflammation in his right shoulder lingered much longer than anyone initially expected when he was placed on the disabled list July 3. At long last, Ross will get his chance to contribute to the cause. This afternoon, the young right-hander returns to the mound, getting the start for the Nationals in their series finale...

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Nationals try to separate process from results in Gonzalez's loss

September 17, 2016, 2:10pm

Nationals

ATLANTA - Dusty Baker seemed to realize midway through his answer about Gio Gonzalez's ragged start during today's 7-3 loss to the Braves that some on the outside might be rolling their eyes. "He made some good pitches," the Nationals manager insisted. "I mean, you didn't see those balls blooping in there, and stuff? You can't do anything about that. He made his pitch." Baker then paused to make sure he addressed what everyone surely was thinking at that moment. "I'm not just saying...

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Murphy ties club records for hits, doubles (Nationals lose 7-3)

September 17, 2016, 10:20am

Nationals

ATLANTA - Daniel Murphy's remarkable first season with the Nationals is now cementing its place in the club's record book. With a third-inning double this afternoon against the Braves, Murphy tied a pair of Nationals records. His 184 hits have matched Denard Span's total from 2014. And his 47 doubles have matched Ryan Zimmerman's total from 2006. Oh, by the way, there are still 14 more games on the schedule for Murphy to claim both records for himself and then tack on some...

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Gonzalez roughed up by Braves again during 7-3 loss

September 17, 2016, 12:34pm

Nationals

Gonzalez roughed up by Braves again during 7-3 loss

ATLANTA - Gio Gonzalez can't beat the Braves. Which has to leave the Nationals seriously wondering if they can trust the left-hander to beat a much better opponent in the playoffs. Gonzalez was roughed up yet against by Atlanta this afternoon, lasting just 4 1/3 innings and giving up six runs during the Nationals' 7-3 loss at Turner Field. It was Gonzalez's third start vs. the last-place Braves in the last month, and none of them were encouraging. He allowed a total of 16 runs (15 earned) in...

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Ross will start Sunday, Strasburg plays catch

September 17, 2016, 8:08am

Nationals

Ross will start Sunday, Strasburg plays catch

ATLANTA - There may be no bigger "X" factor for the Nationals heading into the postseason than Joe Ross, who could wind up being anything from the club's No. 3 starter in October to an option out of the bullpen to not even making the roster at all. The Nationals will use the next two weeks to decide how, or if, Ross will figure into the equation, and that process will begin Sunday when the right-hander makes his first appearance in a big league game in 2 1/2 months. Manager Dusty Baker...

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Game 148 lineups: Nats at Braves

September 17, 2016, 6:01am

Nationals

ATLANTA - After a quick turnaround from last night's 7-2 victory, the Nationals are right back at it today with a Saturday matinee against the Braves, looking to move one step closer to the National League East title. The magic number, lest you forget, is currently six. The Mets host the Twins later tonight. Gio Gonzalez gets the start today, and each of the left-hander's outings right now feels magnified because of his importance to the Nationals' postseason fortunes with Stephen Strasburg...

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Turner dazzles again: "This guy can do absolutely everything"

September 16, 2016, 8:17pm

Nationals

Turner dazzles again: "This guy can do absolutely everything"

ATLANTA - It would be easy to assume that Trea Turner has already shown the Nationals the best he has to offer. Shoot, how could he be any better than he already has been through 58 games this season? But then Turner goes and has a game like he did tonight. He went 4-for-5. He scored four runs. He homered. He doubled. He drove in two runs. He stole two bases. He made another nice play in center field. Most importantly, he was a major contributor to the Nationals' 7-2 victory over the Braves,...

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Scherzer, Turner lead Nats to 7-2 victory; magic number is six

September 16, 2016, 6:51pm

Nationals

Scherzer, Turner lead Nats to 7-2 victory; magic number is six

ATLANTA - Max Scherzer didn't have his best stuff, but the Nationals ace gutted his way through seven strong innings, took advantage of some stellar defense behind him and rode his team's latest offensive outburst against the Braves to a 7-2 victory tonight at Turner Field. Scherzer allowed two runs over seven innings, the 18th time he has done that or better this season, tops in the majors. He struck out eight, raising his major league-leading total to 259. And he improved to 17-7 with three...