nationals

Leftovers from last night

May 18, 2014, 5:22am

The Nationals have allowed three runs or more in 10 of their 42 games this season. Yes, 10 of their 42. I'm sure that's both shocking and frustrating to manager Matt Williams and company. What can be done to fix it? Well, the Nats say that they've gone back and looked at how their starters are warming up compared to previous years. They've studied the number of pitches their starters have thrown in the bullpen. They've looked at how their starters are getting loose before an outing. And...

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Williams on Gonzalez's rough start, bullpen's stellar work in 5-2 loss

May 17, 2014, 4:12pm

Nationals

Williams on Gonzalez's rough start, bullpen's stellar work in 5-2 loss

Over his last two outings, spanning just 7 1/3 innings, Gio Gonzalez has allowed 12 runs on 16 hits. Not what we're used to seeing from the Nationals left-hander. Gonzalez gave up five runs over three innings today against the Mets, taking his second straight loss and watching his ERA balloon to 4.62 in the Nats' 5-2 defeat. He allowed three runs in the first in a 37-pitch frame, then gave up a two-run homer to Juan Lagares in the third that provided the crucial cushion for the Mets. The...

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Frandsen at second for series finale

May 18, 2014, 6:42am

Nationals

Kevin Frandsen will play second base for the Nationals today in their series finale against the Mets, as Danny Espinosa gets the day off (well, at least the start of the day). Right-hander Jordan Zimmermann takes the mound for the Nats, and will be opposed by Zack Wheeler. Right-hander Ryan Mattheus is on the lineup card, which doesn't seem to bode well for left-hander Gio Gonzalez. We'll update that as news becomes available. For the Mets: LF Eric Young Jr.2B Daniel Murphy3B David WrightRF...

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Nationals place left-hander Gio Gonzalez on DL, recall right-hander Ryan Mattheus

May 18, 2014, 6:47am

Nationals

The Washington Nationals today placed left-handed pitcher Gio Gonzalez on the 15-Day Disabled List with left shoulder inflammation and recalled right-handed pitcher Ryan Mattheus from Syracuse of the Triple-A International League. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Gonzalez, 28, is 3-4 with a 4.62 ERA (26 ER/50.2 IP) in nine starts for Washington after taking the loss in Sat.'s 5-2 home setback against the Mets. Since joining...

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Williams says Gonzalez's shoulder is fine, but Gonzalez is not so sure

May 17, 2014, 3:58pm

Nationals

Williams says Gonzalez's shoulder is fine, but Gonzalez is not so sure

Manager Matt Williams said in his postgame news conference following a 5-2 loss to the Mets Saturday that Gio Gonzalez's shoulder issue from earlier in the season is not the reason for the Nationals left-hander's two rough outings in a row. But if it is not a health reason for Gonzalez's problems on the hill, what is it? "I can't put a finger on that because I don't know," Williams said. "There's no difference in velocity. He's running it in there at 94 mph. It doesn't feel like...

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Another forgettable first for Gonzalez (Nats lose 5-2)

May 17, 2014, 12:31pm

Nationals

Another forgettable first for Gonzalez (Nats lose 5-2)

The first inning proved to be a problem for Gio Gonzalez for the second straight start. Gonzalez allowed three runs on four hits and two walks while needing 37 pitches, 21 for strikes, to get through the first frame today against the Mets. So down 3-0, the Nationals will need to come from behind yet again if they'll make it two wins in a row over New York. On Sunday, Gonzalez had his worst performance of the season, allowing seven runs on nine hits in 4 1/3 innings. Most of the damage came...

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Williams: Struggling Espinosa working on "zoning it back in"

May 17, 2014, 10:35am

Nationals

Williams: Struggling Espinosa working on "zoning it back in"

After emerging as one of the early positives for the Nationals this season, Danny Espinosa just hasn't been the same hitter. Since Espinosa's average reached a season-high .346 on April 14, he is batting .188 in his last 28 games. But he does have all six of his homers and all but one of his 10 RBIs during that slump. The second baseman has struggled even worse lately, batting .125 (8-for-64) with a .136 on-base percentage, 26 strikeouts and no walks over his last 18 games. Half of...

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LaRoche optimistic he'll be able to return from DL when eligible

May 17, 2014, 10:04am

Nationals

LaRoche optimistic he'll be able to return from DL when eligible

When Adam LaRoche went to stretch his strained right quad on Friday, the soreness that had been such a hindrance was gone. And that progress has the Nationals first baseman hoping that when he's eligible to come off the disabled list on May 25, he'll be able to do so. "They were optimistic early on with the 15 days, saying, 'Hey, it could very well be gone or obviously it might not be,' " LaRoche said Saturday at Nationals Park. "They acted like there was a really good chance with...

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Gonzalez looks to get back on track vs. Mets

May 17, 2014, 8:03am

Nationals

Gonzalez looks to get back on track vs. Mets

Gio Gonzalez looks to get back on track this afternoon against the New York Mets. In his last start on Sunday against the Athletics, Gonzalez lasted just 4 1/3 innings, gave up nine hits, seven earned runs and walked three. Gonzalez earned his first win this year against the Mets on April 2 in the Nationals' second game of the season. For the Nationals: CF Denard Span 3B Anthony Rendon RF Jayson Werth C Wilson Ramos SS Ian Desmond 2B Danny Espinosa 1B Tyler Moore LF Nate McLouth LHP Gio...

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Nats continue to crush lefties

May 17, 2014, 6:24am

Nationals

Mets starter Jon Niese went into yesterday's outing with a 1.67 ERA in 32 1/3 career innings at Nationals Park, with 33 strikeouts and two walks. Those numbers might've inspired some confidence in the 27-year-old starter. Niese got rocked for five runs on eight hits in just four innings, however, thus continuing a recent trend of Nationals hitters demolishing left-handed pitching. After last night's win, the Nats are hitting .286 with a .339 on-base percentage and .434 slugging percentage...

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Williams on Werth's dramatic catch, Soriano's ninth inning, Nats' 5-2 win

May 16, 2014, 7:34pm

Nationals

Williams on Werth's dramatic catch, Soriano's ninth inning, Nats' 5-2 win

What was looking like a quiet 5-2 victory suddenly turned a bit more interesting in the bottom of the ninth, when Rafael Soriano issued two two-out walks and Daniel Murphy sent a fly ball high to right field. Jayson Werth leaped at the wall, made a catch that may or may not have saved the game from being tied, and then dropped a "Mean Girls" reference at me immediately after the dramatic win was complete. Quite a finish. Your browser does not support iframes. The Nationals escaped with the...

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Werth and Ramos on 5-2 win over the Mets

May 16, 2014, 7:41pm

Nationals

Werth and Ramos on 5-2 win over the Mets

The Nationals returned home with a 5-2 victory over the New York Mets, thanks to timely hits by Jayson Werth, Scott Hairston and Tyler Moore. Wilson Ramos also had a big RBI sac fly and scored a run in support of winning pitcher Tanner Roark. Werth went 2-for-4 with a first inning run-scoring single. But his catch at the right field wall to prevent a three-run shot by Daniel Murphy, that would have tied the contest in the ninth inning, turned into a game-changing moment. "When it was hit, I...

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Dobbs fills Nats' need for veteran left-handed bat off bench

May 16, 2014, 1:22pm

Nationals

Dobbs fills Nats' need for veteran left-handed bat off bench

The Nationals needed a veteran left-handed hitter off the bench, and Greg Dobbs was out of work and looking for a job. Four days after signing a minor league deal with the Nats, and after a few days of working to regain his timing in extended spring training at Viera, Fla., Dobbs is back in the majors. The Nationals selected his contract from Triple-A Syracuse earlier today and he's in uniform for the opener of a three-game series against the Mets tonight. "It's been a whirlwind," Dobbs...

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Zimmerman, Harper headed for visits with doctors (plus Ohlendorf, Jordan updates)

May 16, 2014, 1:46pm

Nationals

Zimmerman, Harper headed for visits with doctors (plus Ohlendorf, Jordan updates)

Two injured Nationals are due for doctor's visits next week to have their progress assessed. Third baseman Ryan Zimmerman, on the 15-day disabled list with a fractured right thumb, is due for an X-ray on Monday, roughly the five-week mark since sustaining the injury. "Once the doctor clears him, he can start all of his strengthening exercises," manager Matt Williams said Friday afternoon. Zimmerman can run and catch throws now, but can't yet put any stress on the joint, which has been...

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Nats give Roark an early 3-0 lead (Nats win 5-2)

May 16, 2014, 3:35pm

Nationals

Nats give Roark an early 3-0 lead (Nats win 5-2)

It didn't take long for the Nationals to break through against Mets lefty Jonathon Neise. An RBI single by Jayson Werth, a Wilson Ramos sac fly and a run-scoring ground ball off the bat of Tyler Moore have staked right-hander Tanner Roark to a 3-0 lead after one inning. Right from the start, Neise struggled. He allowed a leadoff single to Denard Span, watched as third baseman David Wright booted Anthony Rendon's grounder and served up a run-scoring single to left to Werth. Both Werth and...

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Nats add Greg Dobbs to active roster, option Leon

May 16, 2014, 9:29am

Nationals

Nats add Greg Dobbs to active roster, option Leon

The Nationals made a roster move to tweak their bench today, selecting the contract of infielder/outfielder Greg Dobbs from Triple-A Syracuse and optioning catcher Sandy Leon to the Chiefs. Minor league outfielder Eury Perez was recalled from Syracuse and placed on the 60-day disabled list with a left toe fracture. Dobbs will take his spot on the 40-man roster. Dobbs was signed to a minor league deal four days ago. The 35-year-old is a career .262 hitter spanning 11 seasons with the Marlins,...

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Lineups for Friday's Mets-Nationals opener

May 16, 2014, 11:27am

Nationals

With left-hander Jonathon Neise on the mound for the Mets, Scott Hairston will return to left field for tonight's opener of a three-game series at Nationals Park. Right-hander Tanner Roark starts for the Nationals in the 7:05 p.m. For the Mets LF Eric Young Jr.2B Daniel Murphy3B David WrightCF Curtis GrandersonRF Bobby Abreu1B Lucas DudaC Anthony ReckerSS Ruben TejadaLHP Jonathon Niese For the Nationals CF Denard Span3B Anthony RendonRF Jayson WerthC Wilson RamosSS Ian DesmondLF Scott...

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Nationals select contract of 1B/3B Greg Dobbs, option C Sandy Leon to Syracuse

May 16, 2014, 9:22am

Nationals

The Washington Nationals today selected the contract of first baseman Greg Dobbs, optioned catcher Sandy Leon to Syracuse of the Triple-A International League and recalled outfielder Eury Perez from Syracuse and placed him on the 60-Day Disabled List (left toe fracture). Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. The left-handed hitting Dobbs is a career .262 (542-for-2069) with 105 doubles, 46 home runs and 272 RBI in 938 games spanning 11...

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Frandsen gets the start in left against Diamondbacks' Arroyo

May 13, 2014, 2:01pm

Nationals

Frandsen gets the start in left against Diamondbacks' Arroyo

PHOENIX - The Nationals face veteran right-hander Bronson Arroyo tonight here at Chase Field in the second game of this three-game set against the Diamondbacks. Manager Matt Williams is going with Kevin Frandsen in left field today, this after Frandsen slugged a game-winning homer in the top of the ninth last night. Stephen Strasburg makes his ninth start this season, looking to improve upon his 3-2 record and 3.42 ERA. Arroyo is also 3-2 this season, but sports a 4.89 ERA. He started the...

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Williams discusses Nats' 3-1 loss

May 13, 2014, 8:44pm

Nationals

PHOENIX - Stephen Strasburg pitched pretty well tonight, allowing three runs over seven innings with no walks and six strikeouts. Bronson Arroyo was better, however, throwing his 16th career complete game, allowing just one run, walking one and striking out seven. The Nationals had a few chances against Arroyo, but outside of Ian Desmond's RBI triple in the second inning, they weren't able to push anything across. The D-backs tied it up in the fourth on Miguel Montero's RBI single and...