nationals

Right moment for Bryce Harper

May 08, 2015, 3:58am

To really understand the passion Bryce Harper has for playing the game of baseball, just ask him about defense and watch him light up. And now in his new permanent position in right field, he has filled up the highlight reels with leaping catches and sniper-like throws in the season's first month. Nationals manager Matt Williams made the call to flip-flop outfield positions for Harper and Jayson Werth this past offseason. Harper had previously made 64 starts in right coming into the season,...

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Record day from Bryce Harper emphasizes big year

May 06, 2015, 10:12pm

Nationals

Record day from Bryce Harper emphasizes big year

During a week filled with major sporting events in the nation's capital, Bryce Harper did his best to steal the show. The 22-year-old walloped three majestic homers in one game for the first time in his career while becoming the youngest to accomplish the feat in 46 years. Harper's trio of tape measure blasts traveled a combined 1,276 feet - or almost a quarter of a mile. His last clout soared to the top of the second deck, almost guaranteeing that sooner or later one will make the previously...

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2015 All-Star Game voting open

May 07, 2015, 2:38pm

Nationals

Sure, we're only a month into the season, but we have already been treated to some amazing Nationals baseball moments. For instance, Max Scherzer. The Nats' new pitcher has dominated in his first April in a Nationals uniform. Or look at Bryce Harper. On Wednesday, he hit three home runs in one game, including one that landed in the upper deck. He's on fire. Nats fans are treated to his play almost every day. But does he deserve to shine on a national stage? Well, that's your decision to...

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Roark's versatility paying big dividends for on-call bullpen

May 07, 2015, 9:12am

Nationals

Roark's versatility paying big dividends for on-call bullpen

Right-hander Tanner Roark has done it all out of the bullpen for the Nationals so far this season. After serving as a starting pitcher in 36 of the first 45 games of his career with the Nats, it is impressive that he hasn't missed a beat as a reliever. He has made 10 appearances so far this season, finishing three games and recording his first major league save. His shortest outing was 1/3 inning, and his longest was 3 2/3 innings. His ERA is 3.00. Roark has also made three appearances in a...

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Scherzer pitches around two mistakes to notch 7-5 win over Marlins

May 06, 2015, 1:15pm

Nationals

Scherzer pitches around two mistakes to notch 7-5 win over Marlins

Coming into Wednesday afternoon's game, Nationals right-hander Max Scherzer had allowed two or fewer earned runs in all three of his losses this season. So, of course, on the day he gave up five runs, Bryce Harper delivered three home runs as the offense erupted to earn him a 7-5 win. The Nationals have now won three series in a row. Since starting the season 7-13, they have won seven of their last nine games. Scherzer had allowed five total earned runs in his first five starts, going 1-3. On...

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David Huzzard: Bryce Harper and putting the ball in play

May 06, 2015, 6:35pm

Nationals

David Huzzard: Bryce Harper and putting the ball in play

If you've made it this far through the Internet. I'm certain that you're tired of reading about Bryce Harper's big day, but it isn't every day that a 22-year-old four-year major league veteran hits three home runs in one game. I'm also not going to write about that. I'm going to write about something far less interesting. History is exciting and when it happens for your team it can be fun to read about or write about, but you know the saying a picture is worth a thousand words? Well a...

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Home run derby for Harper in Nats' 7-5 win

May 06, 2015, 2:01pm

Nationals

Home run derby for Harper in Nats' 7-5 win

Twelve days ago, Marlins starter Tom Koehler held Bryce Harper hitless, striking out the 22-year-old once. Today, Koehler became a part of history as Harper unleashed a three-homer assault propelling the Nats to a 7-5 victory in the series finale. "That's how I should be, plain and simple," said a confident Harper after the game. "That's how I should be. That's how I expect myself to play." It's the first time Harper has hit three home runs in a major league game and he becomes the...

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Harper's walk total could be turned into more stolen bases

May 06, 2015, 9:13am

Nationals

Harper's walk total could be turned into more stolen bases

Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper continues to show patience at the plate. He walked twice in the series opener against the Marlins, putting his total for the young season at 26 free passes in 28 games, which is tops in the majors. Nationals manager Matt Williams has noticed how Harper has waited for his pitches early this season. "The ability to understand the strike zone, his strike zone," Williams said. "And that's a good thing. It's good that he's being patient. We surround him,...

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Bryce Harper's three-homer day lifts Nats to 7-5 win in series finale

May 06, 2015, 9:51am

Nationals

Bryce Harper's three-homer day lifts Nats to 7-5 win in series finale

The Marlins opened the second inning with four straight hits against Nationals starter Max Scherzer, leading to a couple of quick runs. Nats first baseman Ryan Zimmerman helped prevent further damage when he charged in to field a bunt from Marlins starter Tom Koehler. Zimmerman then wheeled to make a perfect throw to shortstop Ian Desmond to start a huge double play. Right fielder Bryce Harper answered with a leadoff homer in the second. Harper deposited Koehler's 1-0 offering over over the...

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Nationals announce Fan's Choice Flex Pack

May 06, 2015, 8:53am

Nationals

Beginning today, the Washington Nationals will offer the Fan's Choice Flex Pack ticket package program. Nationals fans will have the opportunity to purchase a game from each of the four categories listed below, and receive a voucher for a fifth FREE ticket, redeemable for any Regular Tier game (full list of qualifying games can be found here). Offered each season since 2009, a Flex Pack gives fans the freedom to purchase a package of some of the hottest games of the season! Fans may purchase...

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Bullpen help on the way as Casey Janssen prepares for rehab stint

May 06, 2015, 9:05am

Nationals

Bullpen help on the way as Casey Janssen prepares for rehab stint

The Nationals signed veteran right-hander Casey Janssen in January with the idea that he would step into the eighth-inning setup role vacated by Tyler Clippard. Janssen has yet to pitch in the majors this season after experiencing tendinitis in his throwing shoulder during a Grapefruit League appearance on March 23. Janssen traveled to Nationals Park to participate in opening day ceremonies but immediately left after to continue his rehabilitation in Viera, Fla. He returned to the Nats...

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Werth sitting out second straight game due to "cranky" shoulder

May 06, 2015, 8:23am

Nationals

Werth sitting out second straight game due to "cranky" shoulder

Nationals manager Matt Williams decided to allow left fielder Jayson Werth to rest for a second straight game in Wednesday's series finale with the Marlins. Williams said Werth's shoulder is still sore as he recovers from offseason surgery. The day off is "part of the progression" toward 100 percent health, the manager explained. "It's going to be cranky from time to time," Williams said. "You know, surgery five months ago. It's part of the rehab process. You get through stuff like...

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Scherzer looks for support, Werth sits again (with lineups)

May 06, 2015, 6:58am

Nationals

Scherzer looks for support, Werth sits again (with lineups)

Left fielder Jayson Werth is out of the starting lineup for a second straight game this afternoon. Like last night, rookie Michael A. Taylor will start in Werth's place in left field and bat eighth. Taylor was 0-for-3 with two strikeouts in the 2-1 loss to the Marlins. Taylor, who struggles with discipline at the plate, has now struck out 24 times in just 62 at-bats. He also had a bit of trouble last night in his first start in left when he misplayed a sharp ground ball down the line off the...

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Stephen Strasburg dealing with right shoulder blade issue

May 05, 2015, 8:20pm

Nationals

Stephen Strasburg dealing with right shoulder blade issue

Nationals starter Stephen Strasburg lasted only three innings before discomfort underneath his right shoulder blade forced him to leave the an eventual 2-1 loss to the Marlins. "It's just something that's been lingering, and I just felt it more and more," Strasburg said after the game. "I feel like it was something, I feel like I could've gone through it. But at this point in the season, you just want to get it right and not alter your mechanics too much. I think that's the big thing....

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A slow road back for Jayson Werth so far

May 06, 2015, 4:29am

Nationals

A slow road back for Jayson Werth so far

Trailing 2-1 with one out in the seventh and two runners on, Nationals manager Matt Williams sent Jayson Werth to the on-deck circle to wave a bat around last night. But Williams had no intention of using Werth, who was given the night off, to hit in the critical spot. The idea was to keep Marlins right-hander Nick Masset on the mound. So after rookie Michael A. Taylor, Werth's replacement in left field, grounded out, Williams called the 35-year old back to the dugout as lefty Clint Robinson...

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Rachel Levitin: Solis a welcome addition to improving bullpen

May 06, 2015, 6:53am

Nationals

Rachel Levitin: Solis a welcome addition to improving bullpen

Tuesday night was a tough one for Stephen Strasburg and the Nationals. He did his best to try and push through the night against the Miami Marlins but, three innings in, that was it for the night. Strasburg's right shoulder blade discomfort caused the early exit, but created an opportunity for left-landed reliever Sammy Solis, a recent call-up. The southpaw has pitched five scoreless innings in two major league appearances since being called up and manager Matt Williams was impressed by how...

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Anthony Rendon's return is "up in the air" (game starts after short delay)

May 05, 2015, 2:01pm

Nationals

Anthony Rendon's return is "up in the air" (game starts after short delay)

For 58 straight days, Nationals manager Matt Williams has been forced to answer questions regarding the saga of star infielder Anthony Rendon and his injuries. The latest, which Williams disclosed after last night's win, is that Rendon is now suffering from a left oblique strain. "We know that he'll be shut down for a few days," Williams said. "At this point it's about treating it and calming it down and moving forward from there. So the progression, ... we saw it a little bit with Yunel...

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Solis, Uggla and Williams after 2-1 loss to Marlins

May 05, 2015, 8:01pm

Nationals

Solis, Uggla and Williams after 2-1 loss to Marlins

The Nationals lost a tough 2-1 decision to the Marlins on Tuesday night, and were only able to squeeze out three hits on the night. The Nationals went 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position and left eight men on base. In the ninth, the Nationals got a potential rally off to a good start against Marlins late inning specialist Steve Cishek. Thanks to a base hit by Wilson Ramos and a fielding error, the Nationals had men on first and second with no one out. In a critical moment, Dan Uggla...

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Stephen Strasburg exits after three innings (Nats fall 2-1)

May 05, 2015, 4:49pm

Nationals

Stephen Strasburg exits after three innings (Nats fall 2-1)

Nationals starter Stephen Strasburg left Tuesday's game after pitching three innings. Strasburg was noticeably uncomfortable at several points during his 64-pitch effort, and had a prolonged discussion with pitching coach Steve McCatty after the second inning. In the second, MASN cameras showed Strasburg wincing after throwing a pitch to Marlins second baseman Dee Gordon, which drew a visit from manager Matt Williams, McCatty and head athletic trainer Lee Kuntz. But after a brief conversation,...

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Nationals showing ability to connect with two-out base hits and runners on base

May 05, 2015, 1:35pm

Nationals

During his media availability before Tuesday's game, Nationals manager Matt Williams was asked about the team building confidence in its offense after winning six of seven games. The Nationals have been able to win these games in a variety of ways, whether it be a late-inning comeback or grinding out a one-run lead for innings on end. On Saturday and Sunday, the Nats scored only two runs, but won each game in New York against the Mets. Last week, the current streak started with a comeback from...