nationals

New Nats den Dekker and Johnson have connections all over

April 01, 2015, 4:41am

VIERA, Fla. - Tuesday stood to be an awkward day for new Nationals outfielder Matt den Dekker. Less than 24 hours after the Mets traded him to the Nats, he would be suiting up in Space Coast Stadium to play against his former team. "It's a little strange," admitted den Dekker. It helped den Dekker to see some familiar faces when he showed up in the Nats clubhouse early yesterday morning. Den Dekker, 27, and Nats outfielder Michael A. Taylor both attended the Winchester Academy and in Fort...

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Nationals release Frandsen, reassign Gwynn to minor league camp

April 01, 2015, 5:15am

Nationals

VIERA, Fla. - The Nationals made a pair of roster moves this morning, releasing veteran utility man Kevin Frandsen and reassigning outfielder Tony Gwynn Jr. to minor league camp. The 32-year-old Frandsen was signed as a free agent last March 26, a day after he was released by the Phillies, and hit .259 with a homer and 17 RBIs in his lone season with the Nats. He played four positions - first base, second base, third base and left field - and quickly became a popular member of a veteran...

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Quiet day for Nats offense (Nats lose 2-0)

March 31, 2015, 9:56am

Nationals

Quiet day for Nats offense (Nats lose 2-0)

NATIONALS QUICK WRAP Score: Mets 2, Nationals 0 Recap: Left-hander Gio Gonzalez allowed two runs on seven hits with a walk and six strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings. He also gave up his first home run of the spring, a solo shot by Mets right fielder John Mayberry Jr. Mets pitching, led by starter Jon Niese, shut out the Nats, who were only able to collect six hits on the day. Need to know: Mets lefty Jerry Blevins returned to Space Coast Stadium for three pitches, all strikes, against Bryce Harper...

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Gonzalez ready for season after solid outing, Blevins fools Harper

March 31, 2015, 1:35pm

Nationals

Gonzalez ready for season after solid outing, Blevins fools Harper

VIERA, Fla. - The Nationals left Space Coast Stadium quietly in their final Grapefruit league home game. Mets starter Jonathon Niese and three other relievers combined to shut out the Nats 2-0 while only allowing six hits. Left-hander Gio Gonzalez turned in his third straight strong start for the Nationals, giving up two runs on seven hits with a walk and six strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings. "I felt great," Gonzalez said. "The only thing I was kind of upset about was the walk, but even on the...

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Jayson Werth still holding out hope for opening day

March 31, 2015, 5:27am

Nationals

Jayson Werth still holding out hope for opening day

VIERA, Fla. - Nationals outfielder Jayson Werth, who is recovering from right shoulder surgery, finally was able to take his first at-bats against live pitching when he participated in a minor league game yesterday. He doubled, walked and drove in a run on a grounder to short in his three plate appearances. "I felt like it was the first game of spring training," said Werth. "So if I had a month left, I'd be right where I needed to be. But I got six days, five now. We're gonna do all the...

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Rendon to seek a third opinion on his left knee, Escobar to take a shot at third base

March 31, 2015, 7:38am

Nationals

Rendon to seek a third opinion on his left knee, Escobar to take a shot at third base

VIERA, Fla. - After visiting orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews on Monday for a second opinion on his ailing left knee, Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon will now head to Vail, Colo., for a third diagnosis from Dr. Steve Singleton. "Every player has the option to go see somebody that they want to see, too, so we sent him to Andrews for the second (opinion)," said Nationals manager Matt Williams. "He's going to see Dr. Singleton today in Vail to get his thoughts, as well. We're just...

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New Nats outfielder Matt den Dekker suits up vs. old team (with lineups)

March 31, 2015, 8:28am

Nationals

New Nats outfielder Matt den Dekker suits up vs. old team (with lineups)

VIERA, Fla. - Less than a day after being traded by the Mets, outfielder Matt den Dekker is in uniform against his former team. den Dekker isn't in the Nationals' starting lineup, but he does figure to get an at-bat or two and play in the field. "It's been a whirlwind of emotions and excitement to be over here," den Dekker said. "It's a great opportunity. I'm excited for it." den Dekker hit .256 with a homer, four doubles, a triple and seven RBIs in 22 Grapefruit League games with the...

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Mike Rizzo on trade for Matt den Dekker and bullpen health issues

March 30, 2015, 2:30pm

Nationals

Mike Rizzo on trade for Matt den Dekker and bullpen health issues

JUPITER, Fla. - Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo had an active day as he sat a few rows from the field next to the third base dugout at Roger Dean Stadium. In the sixth inning, he watched closer Drew Storen prematurely leave the game with a blister on his right big toe after facing four batters. That was after Rizzo had already found out news that right-hander Casey Janssen's MRI showed rotator cuff inflammation in his throwing shoulder. "I don't see either one of them as serious...

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Who's left in the Nationals bullpen?

March 31, 2015, 3:29am

Nationals

VIERA, Fla. - The Nationals lost a valuable member of their bullpen yesterday when left-hander Jerry Blevins was traded to the Mets for outfield Matt den Dekker. Blevins was shaky for most of last season, as well as this spring, but nobody can argue what he provided for the Nats down the stretch a year ago - and especially in the National League Division Series. Blevins inherited runners all over the bases and was unhittable, pitching 3 1/3 scoreless innings in critical situations during the...

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Williams on Storen's toe, Janssen's MRI and Rendon's second opinion

March 30, 2015, 1:30pm

Nationals

Williams on Storen's toe, Janssen's MRI and Rendon's second opinion

JUPITER, Fla. - The Nationals' injury issues continued in the sixth inning of today's 6-2 loss to the Cardinals. Right-hander Drew Storen came on to pitch the sixth inning in what was just his third Grapefruit League appearance. After Storen faced only four batters, the Nats' trainer came to the mound to check on the pitcher. The Nats closer immediately left the field and headed straight to the clubhouse with what manager Matt Williams is calling an aggravation of a blister on Storen's...

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Nats acquire outfielder Matt den Dekker from Mets (Reed Johnson signs)

March 30, 2015, 12:05pm

Nationals

Nats acquire outfielder Matt den Dekker from Mets (Reed Johnson signs)

JUPITER, Fla. - With the Nationals' outfield situation so uncertain and opening day just a week away, the club made a move to strengthen that area this afternoon, acquiring Matt den Dekker from the Mets for left-hander Jerry Blevins. den Dekker, 27, played all 80 of his major league games over the last two seasons with the Mets. He's a career .238/.325/.310 hitter with 12 doubles, one home run, 11 steals and 13 RBIs. In 175 plate appearances last season, den Dekker hit .250 with a .345...

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Ryan Zimmerman returns to the lineup, crunch time for Dan Uggla and others

March 30, 2015, 7:51am

Nationals

Ryan Zimmerman returns to the lineup, crunch time for Dan Uggla and others

JUPITER, Fla. - First baseman Ryan Zimmerman is back in the Nationals lineup after banging his left shoulder during a diving stop in the first inning of Friday's loss to the Cardinals. It's a good sign for the Nationals, who have suffered a rash of injuries this spring. With just five spring games left before opening day, today's lineup features a quartet of non-roster invitees still fighting to earn a trip back to Washington: second baseman Dan Uggla, right fielder Clint Robinson, third...

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Drew Storen leaves with trainer in the sixth (Nats lose 6-2)

March 30, 2015, 11:30am

Nationals

Drew Storen leaves with trainer in the sixth (Nats lose 6-2)

NATIONALS QUICK WRAP Score: Cardinals 6, Nats 2 Recap: Nationals starter Taylor Jordan allowed two runs, one earned, on one hit with three walks in four innings today. Nats third baseman Ian Stewart doubled in the second inning and scored the game's first run shortly after on an errant throw. The Nats picked up their second run when second baseman Dan Uggla doubled in the third inning. First baseman Ryan Zimmerman singled in Uggla. Need to know: Right-hander Drew Storen left the game with the...

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Nats acquire outfielder Matt den Dekker from Mets

March 30, 2015, 11:47am

Nationals

Nats acquire outfielder Matt den Dekker from Mets

The Washington Nationals acquired outfielder Matt den Dekker from the New York Mets on Monday in exchange for left-hander Jerry Blevins. President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. den Dekker, 27, joins the Nationals after spending parts of the last two seasons with the Mets. In 80 career Major League games, den Dekker is a career .238 hitter with a .325 on-base percentage and a .310 slugging percentage. He's hit 12 doubles, one home run, stolen 11...

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Sandy Leon dealt to Red Sox

March 30, 2015, 5:30am

Nationals

VIERA, Fla. - The Nationals have traded catcher Sandy Leon to the Red Sox. What the Nationals may receive in exchange for the 26-year-old catcher is unknown, but Leon was out of options and wasn't going to crack the 25-man opening day roster. The Nats have Wilson Ramos and Jose Lobaton behind the plate and a host of young catching prospects in the pipeline. On his Twitter account, Leon this morning began retweeting messages of thanks and encouragement from Nats fans after news of the trade...

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"Comfortable" Espinosa could be the Nats' opening day third baseman

March 30, 2015, 4:22am

Nationals

"Comfortable" Espinosa could be the Nats' opening day third baseman

VIERA, Fla. - With one week left before the start of the regular season, it's looking more and more like Danny Espinosa will be the Nationals' starting third baseman on opening day. Anthony Rendon, the team's everyday third baseman, hasn't played since March 9 due to a sprained left MCL. Williams hasn't officially ruled Rendon out for next Monday's opener, but I think it's a safe assumption considering he hasn't taken an at-bat in three weeks. For Espinosa to start any game, let alone...

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Nationals trade catcher Sandy Leon to Red Sox

March 30, 2015, 6:14am

Nationals

The Washington Nationals traded catcher Sandy Leon to the Boston Red Sox on Monday in exchange for cash considerations. President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Leon, 26, spent parts of the three previous seasons with the Nationals, hitting .189 in 34 Major League games. In 550 Minor League games over eight seasons, Leon is a career .236 hitter with a .324 on-base percentage and .329 slugging percentage. In 2,078 plate appearances, he hit 85...

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Fister not sharp again, but Harper and company play longball

March 29, 2015, 2:47pm

Nationals

Fister not sharp again, but Harper and company play longball

VIERA, Fla. - Nationals right-hander Doug Fister has struggled the past few times he's taken the hill. The Marlins tagged Fister for three home runs in the Nats' 11-7 win this afternoon. He's allowed 13 earned runs and given up six homers in just five starts this spring. "Basically command (was the issue), mostly on the sinker," said Fister. "Making sure that it's down and on the corners. It was up a little bit too much today. Gotta keep it down, but in and out it wasn't too bad. I'm...

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Taylor, Harper and Fister part of home run parade (Nats outslug Marlins)

March 29, 2015, 10:09am

Nationals

Taylor, Harper and Fister part of home run parade (Nats outslug Marlins)

NATIONALS QUICK WRAP Score: Nationals 11, Marlins 7 Recap: The Nationals broke out of their offensive slump in a big way against the Marlins today. Center fielder Michael A. Taylor set the tone immediately with a lead off solo blast in the first. Right fielder Bryce Harper and catchers Wilson Ramos and Jose Lobaton also went deep for the Nats. Washington starter Doug Fister ran into his own problem with the longball. The Marlins hit three homers off Fister, including a two-run shot by right...

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Casey Janssen to have a MRI on right shoulder

March 29, 2015, 12:56pm

Nationals

Casey Janssen to have a MRI on right shoulder

VIERA, Fla. - Right-hander Casey Janssen will have a MRI on his right shoulder tomorrow, Nationals manager Matt Williams said Sunday afternoon. "He's having a little trouble getting loose, so we're gonna have a test done on that," said Williams. "The last time out, he started to feel it. He had a little issue getting as loose as he wanted to get." Janssen last appeared in Monday's game, when he pitched the sixth inning. He gave up a two-run homer to Yankees center fielder Chris Young....