nationals

Best of the Decade: Nationals clinch first playoff berth, win NL East in 2012

July 22, 2015, 4:36am

As the Nationals celebrate 10 seasons in Washington, D.C., we reflect on some of the best moments since the franchise moved to the nation's capital. Each Wednesday through mid-August, check out Nationals Pastime for a remembrance of one of the watershed moments in Nationals history. A new chapter of for the Washington Nationals began on September 20, 2012 when Drew Storen whiffed Hanley Ramirez on a filthy slider to beat the Dodgers 4-1 and secure the franchise's first-ever playoff berth...

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Offense stymied, Nats lose 4-1

July 28, 2015, 3:50pm

Nationals

MIAMI - Ryan Zimmerman wasted no time delivering for the Nationals in his first game back from the DL. After Bryce Harper walked to start the second, Zimmerman ripped a double down the left field line, giving the Nats runners at second and third. With one out, Wilson Ramos lifted a fly ball just deep enough to right, allowing Harper to tag and sprint home for the game's first run. Jayson Werth struck out in his first at-bat after also being activated from the DL earlier this afternoon. Update:...

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Nats shake up bullpen by acquiring Jonathan Papelbon (updated)

July 28, 2015, 3:26pm

Nationals

Nats shake up bullpen by acquiring Jonathan Papelbon (updated)

MIAMI - The Nationals have reportedly made a trade with the Phillies for closer Jonathan Papelbon. The acquisition of the veteran right-hander seemingly demotes current Nationals closer Drew Storen to a setup role for the third time in his six-year career. The Nationals have not officially announced any deal, though multiple media outlets have reported its completion. The Washington Post and FOX Sports were the first to report. Papelbon, 34, was 17-for-17 in save opportunities with a 1.59 ERA...

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Nationals acquire Jonathan Papelbon from Phillies

July 28, 2015, 4:11pm

Nationals

The Washington Nationals acquired All-Star right-handed pitcher Jonathan Papelbon and cash considerations from the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for Minor League right-handed pitcher Nick Pivetta on Tuesday. Papelbon and the Nationals have also agreed to terms on a contract for the 2016 season. The Nationals also designated catcher Dan Butler for assignment. President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Papelbon, a six-time All-Star and one of the...

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Nationals game blog: Jordan Zimmermann starts series opener against Marlins

July 28, 2015, 3:17pm

Nationals

MIAMI - On a day with trade rumors flying around and a deal actually made, there's still a baseball game to play tonight. The Nationals open a three-game series tonight against the Marlins in Miami to start a stretch of six straight games against National League East division foes. The Nats have the third-best record in the NL since June 19 at 18-12 (.600) behind only the Cardinals (21-12) and Giants (19-12). Over that stretch, the Nationals are outscoring their opponents 118-90. But a major...

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Jayson Werth and Ryan Zimmerman return to Nationals lineup

July 28, 2015, 12:10pm

Nationals

MIAMI - The Nationals welcome veterans Jayson Werth and Ryan Zimmerman back from the disabled list tonight as they begin a three-game series with the Marlins. Werth hasn't seen action since May 15 when a fastball fractured his left wrist in San Diego. The 36-year-old had a slow start to the season before the setback, batting just .208 with two homers and 12 RBIs after recovery from left shoulder surgery delayed his 2015 debut. Werth was 11-30 (.366) over nine minor league rehab games at Single...

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Report: Nationals and Phillies "making progress" toward Papelbon deal

July 28, 2015, 8:15am

Nationals

The talks about the Nationals looking to improve their bullpen heated up this morning as Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal tweeted that the team is "making progress" in their pursuit of Phillies' closer Jonathan Papelbon: Sources: #Nationals making progress on acquiring Papelbon from #Phillies. Papelbon has said he will only approve deal if he can close. -- Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 28, 2015 Papelbon has been outstanding again this season for a bad Phillies team. He is 2-1 with a 1.59...

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Incredible catches, clutch hits featured in Michael A. Taylor's rookie season

July 27, 2015, 7:18am

Nationals

Incredible catches, clutch hits featured in Michael A. Taylor's rookie season

Michael A. Taylor received his first look at PNC Park over the weekend and the rookie outfielder continued delivering stunning defensive plays for the Nationals. Gregory Polanco led off the sixth inning Sunday with a bullet to the gap in left-center. It appeared to be certain extra bases for Polanco as the ball screamed through the air, until Taylor, on a full sprint, leaped and snatched the ball across his body with his glove high in the air. Polanco threw his hands in the air, in...

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Nationals reinstate Zimmerman, Werth from disabled list

July 28, 2015, 12:58pm

Nationals

The Washington Nationals returned from rehab and reinstated outfielder Jayson Werth from the 60-day disabled list and first baseman Ryan Zimmerman from the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday. To make room, the Nationals optioned outfielder Matt den Dekker to Triple-A Syracuse and outrighted infielder Emmanuel Burriss to Triple-A Syracuse. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Werth, 36, returns to the Nationals' active roster after...

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Opposite dugout: Marlins haven't improved much since managerial change

July 25, 2015, 1:06pm

Nationals

Opposite dugout: Marlins haven't improved much since managerial change

Manager: Dan Jennings (1st year) Record: 41-58 Last 10 games: 3-7 Who to watch: SS Adeiny Hechavarria (.276, 37 RBIs), LF Christian Yelich (.265, 5 HR, 22 RBIs), 1B Justin Boar (.263 with 10 HR, 30 RBIs), RHP Jose Fernandez (3-0, 2.77 ERA), RHP Tom Koehler (8-6, 3.16 ERA), RHP A.J. Ramos Season series vs. Nationals: 4-2 Pitching probables: July 28: RHP Jordan Zimmermann vs. RHP Jose Fernandez, 7:10 p.m., MASN2 July 29: RHP Doug Fister vs. RHP Tom Koehler, 7:10 p.m., MASN2 July 30: RHP Max...

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Mets bolster bullpen by adding Tyler Clippard

July 27, 2015, 3:45pm

Nationals

Mets bolster bullpen by adding Tyler Clippard

Former Nationals reliever Tyler Clippard will not be coming back to D.C. for a run to the playoffs. Making matters worse, Clippard will join the Mets, who are chasing the Nats in the National League East. Oakland traded Clippard earlier this evening to New York along with cash considerations for minor league right-hander Casey Meisner. Clippard was the A's closer this season, saving 17 of 21 chances with a 2.79 ERA. The Mets will most likely use Clippard in an eighth-inning setup role to get...

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Rachel Levitin: Reconsidering the roles of Nats relievers

July 22, 2015, 6:23am

Nationals

Rachel Levitin: Reconsidering the roles of Nats relievers

Here's the thing about Tuesday night's game at Nationals Park between the Washington Nationals and New York Mets - Washington starter Joe Ross threw a good game. He was able to keep up with 2015 All-Star pitcher Jacob deGrom in a head-to-had match-up, which should be viewed as an accomplishment for the young rookie pitcher. The unfortunate part is that the accomplishment dissolved amid a quiet offense and struggling relief pitchers. The onus isn't completely on the quiet offense. deGrom is a...

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Matt of Matt's Bats: Nationals in good place after All-Star break

July 21, 2015, 5:48am

Nationals

The All-Star break has passed and the second half of the 2015 MLB season has officially begun. After the series with the Los Angeles Dodgers over the weekend, the Nationals face the Mets to kick off the second half. This is the first time the Nats are facing their second-place rival since the first week of May, if you can believe it. Even with all the injuries and the poor performance in May, it was a very good first half for the Nats. They ended the first half with sole possession of first...

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David Huzzard: Explanation of slow trade market

July 23, 2015, 6:32am

Nationals

David Huzzard: Explanation of slow trade market

By next Friday, our memories on this trade deadline will be very different, but the current atmosphere is one of inaction. The biggest news we have is that the Tigers might be sellers but haven't made up their minds. Lots of people blame the second wild card for the lack of moves, but the Reds, Phillies, Braves, Padres, Athletics, and a few other clubs are known to be sellers. The inaction can best be explained by what people think should happen and what is actually going to happen. Look at...

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Matt of Matt's Bats: Hoping for a big splash from Nats at trade deadline

July 27, 2015, 3:24pm

Nationals

Matt of Matt's Bats: Hoping for a big splash from Nats at trade deadline

The trade deadline: baseball's most frantic and exciting time of the year. Already, Johnny Cueto, Scott Kazmir and Juan Uribe have been dealt to the Royals, Astros and Mets, respectively. There are probably a lot more deals coming before July 31 as teams that are postseason contenders are buying, and teams that probably won't make it to October are selling. The first-place Nationals are probably buyers this year because they have a few holes that need to be fixed to be playoff-ready. Last...

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Rivero can fill multiple roles for Nationals out of 'pen

July 27, 2015, 8:07am

Nationals

The Nationals have been included in trade rumors for fireballing closers like Aroldis Chapman, Jonathan Papelbon and Craig Kimbrel. The team appears to be looking for the bridge to get them from the seventh inning to closer Drew Storen in order to finish off games. One in-house name that might be able to fit the bill is fastball-throwing left-hander Felipe Rivero. Rivero came up big for the Nationals on Saturday night, notching four outs and a hold in their 9-3 win over the Pirates. Rivero now...

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Matt Williams on Joe Ross: "For such a young pitcher, he's not rattled"

July 27, 2015, 4:28am

Nationals

Matt Williams on Joe Ross: "For such a young pitcher, he's not rattled"

PITTSBURGH - Rookie right-hander Joe Ross delivered another impressive effort in yesterday's 3-1 loss to Pirates. Pittsburgh scored twice in the third on three hits plus a costly error and added a solo homer in the fourth, but that was all the offense Ross allowed in his fifth big league start. "I thought he threw really well," fellow rookie Michael A. Taylor said. "His stuff looked good. His slider was working. We just couldn't pull it out for him. I think he's done great. He's shown...

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Strasburg to make rehab start Wednesday for Triple-A Syracuse

July 27, 2015, 10:15am

Nationals

Strasburg to make rehab start Wednesday for Triple-A Syracuse

The Nationals are slowly getting injured players back. Right-hander Stephen Strasburg is closer to returning to the team as he recovers from a left oblique strain suffered July 4. In that start, he went 3 2/3 innings against the Giants, had allowed only one hit and no runs, before leaving the game. Strasburg will make a rehab start Wednesday night for Triple-A Syracuse against the Buffalo Bisons, the Chiefs announced Monday. The game is at NBT Bank Stadium in Syracuse at 7:05 p.m. The...

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Division lead shrinks after Nats drop series to Pirates

July 26, 2015, 1:55pm

Nationals

Division lead shrinks after Nats drop series to Pirates

PITTSBURGH - A solo home run from rookie Michael A. Taylor was all the offensive the Nationals managed as they dropped the series with today's 3-1 loss to the Pirates. After Taylor's homer, right-hander Gerrit Cole retired 11 straight Nationals until a double from Clint Robinson in the seventh. Ian Desmond followed with a single to give the Nats runners at the corners with one out, trailing by two. But Wilson Ramos hit a tailor-made double play grounder to end the threat. Anthony Rendon...

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Gonzalez sick of watching the Nats lose to Pirates, notches win

July 26, 2015, 7:37am

Nationals

Gonzalez sick of watching the Nats lose to Pirates, notches win

Left-hander Gio Gonzalez turned in a gutsy performance Saturday night in the Nationals' 9-3 win over the Pirates. Despite feeling under the weather, Gonzalez finished five innings and allowed only one earned run to get the win (8-4). "I thought Gio pitched well and gave us what he could," said manager Matt Williams to reporters. "He wasn't feeling great today, either. He was a little sick, so he may (have) run out of gas a little bit." Gonzalez showed true grit for a Nationals team that...