nationals

Baker and Rizzo react to the release of Papelbon

August 13, 2016, 1:31pm

The Nationals released veteran closer Jonathan Papelbon on Saturday to make room for Reynaldo Lopez. Papelbon finished his career with the Nationals with 26 saves in 59 appearances. But he struggled with his command and velocity recently, no longer possessing the swing-and-miss stuff that is required from a top-of-the-line closer. The Nationals went out and picked up Mark Melancon to close games. Papelbon's role diminished from there. Since July 28, Papelbon appeared in only two games. He...

Comments

Tags:

byron kerr dusty baker jonathan papelbon mike rizzo nationals featured_sidebar frontstory_nationals3

Game 115 lineups: Braves at Nats

August 13, 2016, 7:16am

Nationals

Just another Saturday night for the first-place Nationals, right? Not really. Former closer Jonathan Papelbon requested his release. He got that release at 3 p.m. The Nationals activated right-hander Reynaldo Lopez. He will make his third major league start, seeking his first win. This would seem to be his best chance to date to earn that first victory: a last-place team filled with guys he could have faced at the minor league level, plus Lopez has two starts under his belt and comes in with...

Comments

Tags:

atlanta braves byron kerr jonathan papelbon lineups nationals reynaldo lopez frontstory_nationals3

Former Nats starter J.D. Martin is back, this time as a knuckleball pitcher

August 13, 2016, 9:31am

Nationals

Former Nats starter J.D. Martin is back, this time as a knuckleball pitcher

Right-hander J.D. Martin had relished the taste of the majors with the Nationals in 2009 and 2010. But since then, he has not been able to make it back to the big leagues. Since his release from the Nats in 2011, Martin has made stops with the Marlins, Rays, Korea and the White Sox. Back in 2011, then Nationals pitching coordinator (currently senior advisor, player development) Spin Williams suggested that Martin try to incorporate the knuckleball pitch. Martin did well with it off the mound...

Comments

Tags:

byron kerr j.d. martin nationals spin williams nationals farm report

Jonathan Papelbon seeking his release (updated)

August 13, 2016, 6:48am

Nationals

Jonathan Papelbon seeking his release (updated)

The Nationals must make a corresponding move today when they activate right-hander Reynaldo Lopez. Lopez is the starter for tonight's matchup against the Atlanta Braves. Usually when a pitcher is added to a roster, another hurler is taken off. The bullpen has been pretty consistent up and down this season, except for Jonathan Papelbon, who was demoted from his closer role late last month. When Mark Melancon was acquired in a trade from the Pirates, Papelbon was told his role would change with...

Comments

Tags:

byron kerr jonathan papelbon mark melancon nationals featured_sidebar frontstory_nationals3

Nationals recall Reynaldo Lopez, release Jonathan Papelbon

August 13, 2016, 11:24am

Nationals

The Washington Nationals recalled right-handed pitcher Reynaldo Lopez from Triple-A Syracuse and released right-handed pitcher Jonathan Papelbon on Saturday. Nationals president of baseball operations and general manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Lopez returns to the Nationals for the third start of his major league career, which he will make Saturday evening against the Atlanta Braves. The 22-year-old made his major league debut on July 19 against the Los Angeles Dodgers. In that...

Comments

Tags:

Nationals News Release nationals

Treinen seizes opportunity to become fireman out of Nats 'pen

August 12, 2016, 8:08pm

Nationals

Treinen seizes opportunity to become fireman out of Nats 'pen

Blake Treinen has been through his ups and down over the last two years, offering the Nationals glimpses of his abilities out of the bullpen but too often balancing those out with prolonged periods of inconsistency that left his role undefined. If the last three months are a sign, though, the right-hander may have at last found his place, and the Nats couldn't be happier to have it happen. Over a span of 35 appearances that dates back to May 15, Treinen has posted an 0.84 ERA, allowing just...

Comments

Tags:

blake treinen bullpen mark zuckerman nationals nationals pastime featured_sidebar frontstory_nationals2

Braves, heat and humidity combine to take down Strasburg

August 12, 2016, 7:53pm

Nationals

Braves, heat and humidity combine to take down Strasburg

The air temperature was 94 degrees when Stephen Strasburg took the mound this evening at Nationals Park, the heat index 103 (which actually was down seven degrees from a few hours earlier). Heat, humidity and Strasburg have not made for a great combination over the years, and they certainly did not mesh well tonight during what became an 8-5 loss to the Braves on the most uncomfortable evening of the summer. "Obviously, as you can see, I sweat profusely," said the right-hander, who has been...

Comments

Tags:

atlanta braves dusty baker mark zuckerman nationals nationals pastime stephen strasburg featured_sidebar frontstory_nationals3

Freeman's stellar track record vs. Nats continued against ace Strasburg

August 12, 2016, 7:40pm

Nationals

Freeman's stellar track record vs. Nats continued against ace Strasburg

Freddie Freeman has Stephen Strasburg's number. He also likes hitting at Nats Park. Both trends continued in Friday's series opener. Freeman went 2-for-3 with a double and homer and four RBIs as Atlanta dropped the Nationals for the first time in seven matchups 8-5. Manager Dusty Baker said Strasburg labored in the sweltering temps, but in the end it was the Braves first baseman that caused the most damage. "It was too much Freddie Freeman," Baker said. "I was told before that Freddie has...

Comments

Tags:

braves byron kerr freddie freeman nationals stephen strasburg featured_sidebar frontstory_nationals2

Freeman leads Braves past Strasburg 8-5

August 12, 2016, 6:17pm

Nationals

Stephen Strasburg had an opportunity to earn his career-high 16th victory if he could hold off the last-place Braves Friday night at Nat Park. But Freddie Freeman had other ideas as the Braves stunned the Nationals 8-5. It was the Nats first loss to the Braves in eight straight meetings. They were 6-0 versus Atlanta this season before Friday's setback. When Freeman faces off against the Nats, it usually hasn't worked out well for the Nats. In his career, Freeman has hit .324 with 25 doubles,...

Comments

Tags:

braves byron kerr freddie freeman nationals stephen strasburg frontstory_nationals3

Baker hoping for best during 20-game stretch (Nats lose 8-5)

August 12, 2016, 3:49pm

Nationals

Baker hoping for best during 20-game stretch (Nats lose 8-5)

Dusty Baker wanted his players to enjoy all the days off they've had recently, because he knows they won't be getting any more for quite some time. The Nationals tonight open a stretch of 20 consecutive days with games on the schedule, a three-week span that includes parts of two homestands and parts of two road trips. This after the Nats just had three of the previous eight days off. It's not exactly an ideal scenario for a ballclub, or for a manager trying to navigate his club through the...

Comments

Tags:

atlanta braves dusty baker mark zuckeman nationals nationals pastime featured_sidebar frontstory_nationals2

Baker confirms Lopez will make third start Saturday

August 12, 2016, 1:30pm

Nationals

Baker confirms Lopez will make third start Saturday

Manager Dusty Baker confirmed that right-hander Reynaldo Lopez will make his third major league start for the Nationals on Saturday night against the Braves. Baker said Lopez gets the call in part because that was his start date with Triple-A Syracuse. He also likes Lopez in that spot because of the long road trip starting Monday in the Mile High City. "Well, that's his day and also this will be our last opportunity give these other guys an extra day off," Baker said. "Because this 20 in a...

Comments

Tags:

byron kerr dusty baker nationals reynaldo lopez featured_sidebar

Harper still sidelined as nature of injury is questioned

August 12, 2016, 1:40pm

Nationals

Harper still sidelined as nature of injury is questioned

Bryce Harper once again is not in the Nationals lineup, and there doesn't seem to be any more clarity to what exactly is keeping the struggling slugger from playing. Or when he'll be ready to return. The Nationals continue to refer to Harper's ailment as a "stiff neck," with manager Dusty Baker also mentioning a recurring "spasm." But late this afternoon, Sports Illustrated's Tom Verducci reported that Harper "has been playing through a right shoulder injury for the past two months,"...

Comments

Tags:

bryce harper dusty baker injuries mark zuckerman mike rizzo nationals nationals pastime featured_sidebar frontstory_nationals3

Game 114 lineups: Nats vs. Braves

August 12, 2016, 11:06am

Nationals

It's now Day 6 of the Bryce Harper Stiff Neck Watch, and the end result is the same: He's not in the lineup. You've got to think the Nationals are reaching a critical point in this process. If they can't be certain Harper is on the verge of returning, they're going to have to consider the disabled list. Tonight's series opener against the Braves features Stephen Strasburg on the mound, seeking his 16th victory. He'll be attempting to do that in some of the most extreme weather conditions...

Comments

Tags:

atlanta braves bryce harper lineups mark zuckerman nationals nationals pastime stephen strasburg brian goodwin danny espinosa wilmer difo frontstory_nationals3

On Saturday's starter, and other roster machinations

August 11, 2016, 1:36pm

Nationals

On Saturday's starter, and other roster machinations

Stephen Strasburg is pitching tonight's series opener for the Nationals against the Braves. Tanner Roark is pitching Sunday. Which leaves Saturday's starter as the always mysterious "TBA." At least, officially, that's what the Nats are saying. All signs, however, point to Reynaldo Lopez making the start. The right-hander is scheduled to pitch for Triple-A Syracuse, so he's already properly lined up. Why are the Nationals going to call up one of their prospects now when the schedule allows...

Comments

Tags:

jonathan papelbon mark zuckerman nationals nationals pastime reynaldo lopez featured_sidebar nationals farm report frontstory_nationals1

Thursday morning Nats Q&A

August 10, 2016, 8:28pm

Nationals

This is a particularly strange portion of the Nationals schedule. They've had three of the last eight days off. They just played their second two-game interleague series against the Indians. Now they prepare to play 20 consecutive days before getting another break, after the calendar has already turned to September. Through it all, the Nats haven't let up. They enter the day 21 games over .500, holding a 7 1/2-game lead over the Marlins and a 10-game lead over the Mets in the National League...

Comments

Tags:

mark zuckerman nationals nationals pastime q&a bryce harper daniel murphy featured_sidebar jayson werth mark melancon ryan zimmerman wilson ramos frontstory_nationals3

Rendon's doubles adding needed punch to lower half of lineup

August 12, 2016, 5:03am

Nationals

Rendon's doubles adding needed punch to lower half of lineup

Daniel Murphy and Wilson Ramos have done a nice job of carrying the offense with the most consistency for the first four-and-a-half months of the season. Injuries to Ryan Zimmerman and Bryce Harper have kept them out of the lineup at times. Both have had to deal with injuries. More recently, Harper's stiff neck has forced him to miss three games. The Nationals have had Jayson Werth getting on base a season club record of 40 straight games. Plus, Trea Turner has been able to get on base and...

Comments

Tags:

anthony rendon bryce harper byron kerr jayson werth nationals ryan zimmerman featured_sidebar frontstory_nationals2

Opposite dugout: New-look Braves face Nats for first time in four months

August 11, 2016, 6:46am

Nationals

Opposite dugout: New-look Braves face Nats for first time in four months

Manager: Brian Snitker (interim manager) Record: 43-72 Last 10 games: 6-4 Who to watch: 1B Freddie Freeman (.281/.371/.521 with 21HR, 49 RBIs), RF Nick Markakis (.274 /.348/.388 with 62 RBIs), 3B Adonis Garcia (9 HR, 39 RBIs), RHP Mike Foltynewicz (5-5, 4.837 ERA), RHP Jim Johnson (3.61 ERA with 9 saves) Season series vs. Nationals: 0-6 Pitching probables: Aug. 12: RHP Mike Foltynewicz vs. RHP Stephen Strasburg, 7:05 p.m., MASN Aug. 13: RHP Rob Whalen vs. RHP Tanner Roark, 7:05 p.m., MASN Aug....

Comments

Tags:

bobby blanco braves nationals nationals buzz opposite dugout frontstory_nationals3

District 34 podcast: What's going on with Bryce Harper?

August 11, 2016, 11:00am

Nationals

District 34 podcast: What's going on with Bryce Harper?

It's the question that's on every Nationals fan's mind: What's up with Bryce Harper? Well, Byron Kerr and I don't have the exact answers, but we spend much of this week's episode of the District 34 podcast giving our take on Harper's slump and how he can get out of it. The Nationals are currently holding a 7 1/2-game lead in the National League East, with the Marlins and Mets losing in their afternoon games as I write on a Nats off-day. That's a comfortable lead, but it's no secret...

Comments

Tags:

anthony rendon bobby blanco bryce harper byron kerr district 34 frontstory_nationals3 lucas giolito nationals podcast reynaldo lopez

Fedde delivers in Double-A debut

August 11, 2016, 4:58am

Nationals

Right-hander Erick Fedde (1-0) went seven innings for the win in his Double-A debut as Harrisburg defeated Altoona 5-2. Fedde allowed one run on five hits with two walks and three strikeouts. He also hit one batter. Fedde threw 103 pitches, 58 for strikes. Overall, Fedde is now 7-4 with a 2.74 ERA in 19 games (18 starts) between Harrisburg and high Single-A Potomac. The only run Altoona scored was a two-out triple in the seventh. It is impressive to see Fedde go up to Double-A and have such a...

Comments

Tags:

byron kerr erick fedde nationals farm report andrew stevenson frontstory_nationals2 harrisburg senators nationals

David Huzzard: The Nats offense doesn't get enough credit

August 11, 2016, 4:32am

Nationals

David Huzzard: The Nats offense doesn't get enough credit

It should come as no surprise that the same debates about the Nationals are being had in 2016 that were had in 2012 and 2014 as Mike Rizzo built very similar teams. Even the 2013 and 2015 Nationals that failed to make the playoffs were similar. The Nats offense always seems to be in the top half of the league and the success of the team depends on the performance of the pitching. The debate in all those years has always been about the offense. Yesterday morning, I woke up and saw multiple...