nationals

Strasburg, Desmond and Williams on Nats' loss to Rockies

July 23, 2014, 4:41pm

The Nationals were unable to finish off a season sweep of the Rockies on Wednesday, seeing a ninth-inning rally fall short in a 6-4 loss. Instead, Washington had to settle for finishing 5-1 against Colorado as the club heads to Cincinnati for the second leg of a three-city road trip. "Just we gave ourselves a chance again. That's the nature of this ballpark, but then again, it's some pretty good at-bats put together against their closer in the last inning," manager Matt Williams said....

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Espinosa's value highest is now, staying with the Nationals

July 23, 2014, 5:19am

Nationals

It seems like any time the trade deadline talk comes up relating to the Nationals, inevitably Danny Espinosa's name comes up in the conversation. Especially when Bryce Harper returned to the lineup June 30, Espinosa was relegated to the bench for spot duty in the late innings on defense or a pinch-hit appearance here and there. General manager Mike Rizzo has fielded calls from prospective teams in search of an infielder like Espinosa. A switch-hitter with outstanding defensive skills could...

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Zimmerman dealing with right hamstring strain (plus more after Nats' 7-4 win)

July 22, 2014, 9:13pm

Nationals

Zimmerman dealing with right hamstring strain (plus more after Nats' 7-4 win)

DENVER - The Nationals don't know how severe Ryan Zimmerman's right hamstring injury is just yet. But the early information isn't too encouraging. Zimmerman had to leave tonight's 7-4 Nationals win over the Rockies in the sixth inning after coming up lame just before first base on an RBI groundout. Zimmerman made it through the bag, but crumpled to the ground behind the base, and needed assistance getting off the field and down the dugout steps. The Nats are calling Zimmerman's injury a...

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The injury bug bites again

July 22, 2014, 11:17pm

Nationals

DENVER - There were plenty of positives last night for the Nationals. The 7-4 win over the Rockies, of course. Adam LaRoche snapping a fairly lengthy slump with a massive three-run homer. The bullpen putting up four scoreless innings, giving them 7 1/3 scoreless frames at the hitter-friendly Coors Field this series. Bryce Harper continuing to come around. Jordan Zimmermann making it out of his outing feeling good physically. Ryan Zimmerman's hamstring injury seemed to put a damper on all of...

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Rachel Levitin: Will Zimmerman's injury put a strain on Nats?

July 23, 2014, 5:14am

Nationals

Rachel Levitin: Will Zimmerman's injury put a strain on Nats?

The unfortunate bout of luck that befell a hustling Ryan Zimmerman is sure to put a slight strain on the post-All-Star break Nationals. A strained right hamstring is Zimmerman's injury and the Nats will now press onward, hoping that this setback is nothing more than a minor one. There is good news, though: The Nats sit in first place among their National League East brethren and lead Atlanta by two games. Washington has won four straight games, which is a nice tone to set while the final...

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Rockies get to Zimmermann for early lead (LaRoche homers, Nats lead 7-4)

July 22, 2014, 5:25pm

Nationals

Rockies get to Zimmermann for early lead (LaRoche homers, Nats lead 7-4)

Nationals right-hander Jordan Zimmermann battled through the first inning against the Rockies, and despite allowing two hits, was able to come through it unscathed. Unfortunately, the Rockies were able to get a couple of more hits in the second inning to take their first lead of the series. Ben Paulsen doubled, and one batter later, DJ LeMahieu smacked a triple down the right field line to give the Rockies a 1-0 lead. Ian Desmond has a base hit for the Nationals, but Bryce Harper was thrown...

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Williams offers optimistic updates on Zimmermann, Frandsen and Fister

July 22, 2014, 3:56pm

Nationals

Williams offers optimistic updates on Zimmermann, Frandsen and Fister

Jordan Zimmermann is set to make his first start since suffering a right biceps strain on July 11. On paper, he couldn't pick a better opponent to face for his return. In seven career starts against the Rockies, he's 5-0 with a minuscule 1.64 ERA. However, he will be throwing in tough conditions, which will make skipper Matt Williams keep a close eye on his starter. "His flat ground was good, his long toss was good, his bullpen was good. There haven't been any issues," Williams said at...

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Zimmermann set to face Rockies in first start since July 11 (with lineups)

July 22, 2014, 1:52pm

Nationals

Zimmermann set to face Rockies in first start since July 11 (with lineups)

DENVER - Seeking a series win, the Nationals will turn to right-hander Jordan Zimmermann, who is making his first start since having to leave the game early on July 11 with a right biceps strain. He managed to go just 3 1/3 innings in that start in Philadelphia before having to exit with the injury, which also caused him to miss the 2014 All-Star Game. Zimmermann will miss two of the Rockies' hottest hitters, Justin Morneau and Troy Tulowitzki, both of whom are on the disabled list. Bryce...

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Desmond is Nationals' nominee for Heart & Hustle Award

July 22, 2014, 6:00am

Nationals

When you think of Ian Desmond, you think of intensity. Whether he's manning shortstop, swinging in the batter's box or reaching out into the community, Desmond knows only one way to do things: giving 100 precent. Is it any wonder Nationals manager Matt Williams has trouble getting Desmond to consider taking a day off? The guy defines workaholic, in the best possible sense. Others are taking notice, too. This morning, Desmond was announced as the Nats' nominee for the Heart & Hustle...

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Barrett comes through with big strikeout in a big spot

July 22, 2014, 7:32am

Nationals

Barrett comes through with big strikeout in a big spot

DENVER - The Rockies had just scored two runs to cut the Nationals' lead in half. A 4-0 ballgame had quickly become 4-2 in the sixth, and after Doug Fister walked DJ LeMahieu, the seventh batter of the frame, the bases were loaded and the tying run was standing on second base. Manager Matt Williams came to the mound to make a pitching change. He extended his right arm, signaling for Aaron Barrett, the 26-year-old right-hander in his rookie season. Barrett had been in a bit of a rough patch of...

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Williams on Desmond's big night, Barrett's big strikeout and more after 7-2 win

July 21, 2014, 8:44pm

Nationals

Williams on Desmond's big night, Barrett's big strikeout and more after 7-2 win

DENVER - In a park where the ball absolutely flies, the Nationals held a beat-up Rockies squad to just two runs while the Washington offense just kept on clicking. The Nats pounded out 13 hits, four of the extra-base variety, and Doug Fister picked up his ninth victory in 13 starts this season as the Nationals took the opener of this three-game set 7-2. Ian Desmond went 5-for-5 with a two-run homer, Danny Espinosa had a double and a triple in a rare start and Aaron Barrett kept the Rockies from...

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Dave Nichols: Will Nationals be active at trade deadline?

July 22, 2014, 5:11am

Nationals

The non-waiver trade deadline is 10 days away, but there has been very little mention of the Nationals in the national media with regard to being a player in the annual talent swap. Perhaps that's a good thing. With Monday night's 7-2 win over the Colorado Rockies, coupled with the Braves' loss to Miami, the Nats took over the lead in the National League East yet again. Their 54-43 record is good for first overall in the NL, percentage points better than Milwaukee (whom the Nats just took...

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Starters keep game scoreless early (Desmond 5-for-5 in 7-2 win)

July 21, 2014, 5:34pm

Nationals

Starters keep game scoreless early (Desmond 5-for-5 in 7-2 win)

The Nationals looked to settle in against the Rockies' Franklin Morales, who was making his first start against the D.C. club after five previous relief appearances. And the third inning was the time. Especially against a reliever-turned-starter, who you would expect would run out of ways to get you out. But Morales was up to the task. With one out in the third, Denard Span walked and Anthony Rendon hit into a fielder's choice. Jayson Werth then singled to right to put two men with two outs....

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Williams explains lineup logic, says Fister's stuff will play at Coors (updated)

July 21, 2014, 4:10pm

Nationals

Williams explains lineup logic, says Fister's stuff will play at Coors (updated)

In his last six games, Bryce Harper has raised his average from .246 to .263 and hit a pair of home runs. Ever since taking a more upright approach at the plate, he's been raking. So why is Harper on the bench tonight as the Nationals open a three-game series at Coors Field against the Rockies? Manager Matt Williams told reporters in Denver that the reason is two-fold: He wants to give Harper the occasional day off, especially since he seems to be struggling lately against left-handed...

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Some interesting All-Star notes looking at how Senators, Orioles and Nats have fared in Midsummer Classic

July 13, 2014, 12:07pm

Nationals Orioles

Some interesting All-Star notes looking at how Senators, Orioles and Nats have fared in Midsummer Classic

As the All-Star Game approaches, here's everything you wanted to know, in chronological order, about the game's history in Minnesota, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore: * The 1937 All-Star Game was in Washington's Griffith Stadium, now the site of Howard University Hospital. Franklin Roosevelt threw out the first pitch, becoming the first president to do so at an All-Star Game. The American League won 8-3 as Lou Gehrig hit a home run with Joe DiMaggio on base. Another Yankee, Lefty Gomez,...

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Harper out of Nats lineup; Rockies without Tulowitzki, Morneau

July 21, 2014, 1:11pm

Nationals

Harper out of Nats lineup; Rockies without Tulowitzki, Morneau

DENVER - Just as Bryce Harper is starting to heat up, he'll take a seat in the opener of the Nationals' three-game set at Coors Field. Matt Williams has opted to sit Harper against Rockies left-hander Franklin Morales. Ryan Zimmerman will play left field tonight, his first start in left since Harper returned from the disabled list. Danny Espinosa will play second, with Anthony Rendon sliding across the diamond to play third. The Rockies, meanwhile, will be without shortstop Troy Tulowitzki...

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Good signs offensively as the games get more meaningful

July 21, 2014, 7:11am

Nationals

Good signs offensively as the games get more meaningful

DENVER - So far in July, the Nationals are hitting an impressive .274 as a team, with a .771 OPS. From March through June, they hit .244 as a team, with a .691 OPS. They've scored 5.07 runs per game in July, up from 4.03 in the season's first three months. They're averaging 3.71 extra-base hits per July contest, compared to 2.69 per game from March through June. The offense, which was fairly hit-or-miss over the season's first three months (no pun intended), has started to come around on...

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Opposite dugout: Struggling Rockies always dangerous because of potent lineup

July 21, 2014, 6:29am

Nationals

Opposite dugout: Struggling Rockies always dangerous because of potent lineup

Manager: Walt Weiss, second year Record: 40-58 Last 10 games: 3-7 Who to watch: SS Troy Tulowitzki (.340/.432/.603, 18 doubles, 21 HR, 52 RBIs, 71 R); 1B Justin Morneau (.312/.345/.502, 20 doubles, 13 HR, 60 RBIs); RF Charlie Blackmon (.305/.351/.477, 17 doubles, 14 HR, 52 RBIs, 18 SB); LHP Jorge De La Rosa (10-6, 4.39 ERA, 1.30 WHIP) Season series vs. Nats: 0-3, 7 runs scored, 18 runs allowed Pitching probables July 21: Franklin Morales vs. Doug Fister, 8:30 p.m., MASN HD July 22: TBA vs....

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Werth on the anatomy of a walk-off win and looking down the road

July 21, 2014, 2:34am

Nationals

Werth on the anatomy of a walk-off win and looking down the road

That one play, really that one at-bat, made the game. Bottom of the ninth, Anthony Rendon at first base, two outs. Brewers reliever Rob Wooten was on the cusp of getting out of the inning. He had relied on his slider and curveball to get to two outs and had made it difficult for any Nationals to get a good swing. But veteran Jayson Werth is known for waiting out pitchers. He makes them come to him. He waited for Wooten to throw a strike. And he couldn't early in the at-bat. A mixture of...

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Zimmerman, Werth and bullpen find a way to beat the Brewers 5-4 (updated)

July 20, 2014, 1:59pm

Nationals

Zimmerman, Werth and bullpen find a way to beat the Brewers 5-4 (updated)

The Nationals battled with the Brewers all day, finally ending it on a Jayson Werth double that scored Anthony Rendon all the way from first base in the bottom of the ninth for a 5-4 victory. The up-and-down affair had both teams with leads. The Nationals led 1-0. Milwaukee went up 2-1 and then 3-1. The Nationals tied it on a Ryan Zimmerman two-run shot in the fourth. They went ahead 4-3 on a wild pitch. The Brewers scored a run in the top of the ninth on a Rickie Weeks base hit to even the...