nationals

Harper back in Nats lineup

July 27, 2013, 9:40am

After aggravating his left knee injury in the first game of yesterday's doubleheader, Bryce Harper wasn't in the Nationals lineup for the nightcap, marking the second time he'd been out of the lineup in a four-game span. Harper pinch-hit in the eighth inning of last night's game, however, and he's back in the lineup today as the Nats take on Dillon Gee in the third game of four against the Mets. Gee is 3-0 with a filthy 0.96 ERA against the Nats this season, but that dominance is nothing...

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Thoughts on the Storen demotion and the Clippard comments

July 27, 2013, 4:42am

Nationals

I was asked a number of times on Twitter last night what my thoughts are on both the Nationals' decision to option Drew Storen to Triple-A Syracuse, as well as Tyler Clippard's critical comments about the way the Nats have managed Storen dating back to this offseason. There's no way I could express those thoughts on Twitter in just 140 characters (that might take a couple of dozen tweets), but I certainly can do so here in a much more in-depth way. So let's dive right in. First of all,...

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Clippard critical of Nationals' handling of Storen

July 26, 2013, 7:04pm

Nationals

Tyler Clippard had two questions asked of him after the game, and he spoke for more than four minutes. He spoke with tears in his eyes and his voice breaking a bit at times, and he delivered some forthright and critical comments about the Nationals' decision to option Drew Storen to Triple-A Syracuse and the way that they have managed Storen's role on this team dating back to the offseason. Clippard never once said Rafael Soriano's name, but it's clear that he thinks the Nationals made a...

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Hearing from Zimmerman, Ohlendorf and Johnson after 2-1 walk-off win

July 26, 2013, 8:10pm

Nationals

Hearing from Zimmerman, Ohlendorf and Johnson after 2-1 walk-off win

The news of Drew Storen's demotion to Triple-A Syracuse, while not totally shocking, definitely dominated the postgame discussion with manager Davey Johnson and a couple of Nats players, most notably Tyler Clippard. Ryan Zimmerman has played alongside Storen for the last four seasons, and he was asked his take on the reliever being optioned after the game. "I mean, anytime something like that happens, it's tough," Zimmerman said. "We're all teammates in here and friends in here. Drew...

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Nats option Drew Storen to Triple-A Syracuse (updated)

July 26, 2013, 6:49pm

Nationals

Nats option Drew Storen to Triple-A Syracuse (updated)

In order to trim their roster from 26 to 25 following today's doubleheader, the Nationals optioned a guy who saved 43 games for them two years ago. Manager Davey Johnson announced after tonight's 2-1 walk-off win that the Nats have optioned Drew Storen to Triple-A Syracuse. "He needs to get right, mentally and mechanically," Johnson said. "It's that simple. ... This is what's best for him." Storen had a 2.75 ERA and 43 saves for the Nats in 2011 and a 2.37 ERA in 2012 after coming...

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Zimmermann on the two pitches to Murphy that wound up home runs

July 26, 2013, 1:48pm

Nationals

Zimmermann on the two pitches to Murphy that wound up home runs

Right-hander Jordan Zimmermann thought he was pitching better than his line indicated. Zimmermann (12-6) lasted 6 2/3 innings, allowing five runs on six hits with three walks, eight strikeouts and two home runs - his third straight loss. The two sliders that Mets second baseman Daniel Murphy unloaded upon were the ones remembered from this loss, at least early on, before it got real ugly in an 11-0 rout. In the first, Murphy hit a slider off the second-level advertising banner above section...

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Harper out of Nats lineup for Game 2

July 26, 2013, 2:17pm

Nationals

Bryce Harper's ailing left knee has knocked him out of the Nationals' starting lineup for the nightcap of today's doubleheader against the Mets. Harper banged the left knee when diving to make a catch on a Daniel Murphy sinking liner in the fifth inning of this afternoon's 11-0 Nationals loss. He was removed for a pinch-runner in the eighth inning. This is the second time in four days that Harper has been out of the Nats' lineup because of left knee issues. He'll miss out on facing...

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The runs are still hard to come by (Nats tie it up)

July 26, 2013, 4:28pm

Nationals

The runs are still hard to come by (Nats tie it up)

The Nationals have played 13 innings today. They've scored in none of them. It didn't bode well for the Nats that they were shut out in the opener of today's doubleheader by Jenrry Mejia, Scott Rice and Gonzalez Germen. Yeah, not exactly a star-studded group right there. A matchup with Matt Harvey awaited in the nightcap, and so far, that hasn't gone too well for the Nats either. Harvey has held the Nats scoreless over four innings, allowing just two hits and striking out four. He's...

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Ohlendorf continues to come up big (Zimmerman's walk-off homer gives Nats 2-1 win)

July 26, 2013, 5:29pm

Nationals

Ohlendorf continues to come up big (Zimmerman's walk-off homer gives Nats 2-1 win)

Who would've thought back in February that the Nationals would be turning to Ross Ohlendorf in July to deliver a quality start to help save the bullpen and give them a much-needed win? Not this guy, that's for sure. Ohlendorf has been spectacular this season, and that didn't change today. He threw seven innings of one-run ball, keeping the Nationals in a game where their offense - again - has been nearly nonexistent and giving quality innings to a team that is dealing with a worn-down...

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More on whether sending Storen down is an option

July 25, 2013, 8:32am

Nationals

More on whether sending Storen down is an option

There's no arguing that Drew Storen is a very talented pitcher who possesses great stuff. You don't save 43 games in a season and post a 2.96 ERA over your first 164 major league games without having elite ability. But during a couple stretches this season, one of which has lasted over the last three weeks, Storen has really struggled. The 25-year-old has allowed either an earned run or an inherited runner to score in each of his last three outings. Over his last 10 appearances, spanning...

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Johnson on Nats' 11-0 loss plus Storen and Harper health updates

July 26, 2013, 2:02pm

Nationals

Johnson on Nats' 11-0 loss plus Storen and Harper health updates

As Davey Johnson entered the press conference room following this afternoon's 11-0 drubbing at the hands of the Mets, he managed half a smile. "Do we have to talk about it?" Johnson asked reporters. Unfortunately for Johnson, yes, he did. The first question Johnson received was in reference to Drew Storen, who Johnson had said pregame would likely be unavailable for both games because of a bout of the flu. Johnson ended up using Storen with one out in the top of the ninth when the game...

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Nats face early deficit in opener against the Mets (Nationals lose 11-0)

July 26, 2013, 9:50am

Nationals

Welcome to Nationals Park on a partly sunny Friday afternoon. The first game of the day/night doubleheader features right-hander Jordan Zimmermann against the Mets right-hander Jenrry Mejia. The first game was rescheduled from the June 6 rainout here at Nationals Park. Mejia comes off the 60-day disabled list to make his first appearance of the season. He is the 26th man on the Mets roster today, and has battled elbow tendon inflammation since March 22. He was 2-0 with a 2.55 ERA in six minor...

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Johnson on Knorr's decision to pull Soriano in favor of Krol in ninth frame

July 26, 2013, 9:13am

Nationals

Johnson on Knorr's decision to pull Soriano in favor of Krol in ninth frame

Nationals manager Davey Johnson was able to speak to the media today for the first time since he was ejected from Thursday's 9-7 win over the Pirates. Randy Knorr spoke postgame because Johnson was not available. Johnson was asked if he agreed with the decision by Knorr to pull closer Rafael Soriano in the ninth after he struggled to get outs, allowing two hits and two walks. "Yeah, I mean, (that is) sometimes what you do," Johnson said. "You go with what you are seeing. I was watching...

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Storen not available today because of flu, Mattheus likely to pitch in both games (updated)

July 26, 2013, 8:02am

Nationals

Storen not available today because of flu, Mattheus likely to pitch in both games (updated)

Right-handed reliever Drew Storen has been hit by the flu bug, and is not available for the doubleheader today against the Mets, according to Nationals manager Davey Johnson. Johnson said Storen is being "sequestered in the back" of the clubhouse. Johnson said Storen's ailment appeared similar to the flu-like symptoms suffered by first baseman Adam LaRoche that forced him to miss two games early in the current homestand. Johnson joked that he didn't think Storen and LaRoche hung out, even...

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Updated Mets-Nats lineups for day game (Mattheus returns)

July 26, 2013, 7:04am

Nationals

Updated Mets-Nats lineups for day game (Mattheus returns)

Here are the lineups for the first game of today's day/night doubleheader against the New York Mets at Nationals Park: For the Nationals: Bryce Harper LF Steve Lombardozzi 2B Ryan Zimmerman 3B Adam LaRoche 1B Jayson Werth RF Ian Desmond SS Denard Span CF Kurt Suzuki C Jordan Zimmermann P For the Mets: Eric Young, Jr. LF Daniel Murphy 2B David Wright 3B Marlon Byrd RF Ike Davis 1B Juan Lagares CF Anthony Recker C Omar Quintanilla SS Jenrry Mejia RHP Right-handed reliever Ryan Mattheus has...

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Some of this, some of that (Mattheus activated)

July 26, 2013, 5:35am

Nationals

Some of this, some of that (Mattheus activated)

The six-game losing streak is over. The nine-game deficit in the National League East has been cut to eight. A lot more needs to go right before the Nationals are able to legitimately threaten the Braves for the top spot in the division. A lot more. But my goodness, is the NL East ever a flawed, jumbled mess right now. The Braves have lost four of their last six games and are 8-11 since putting together a four-game winning streak a little over three weeks ago. They just lost Tim Hudson, one...

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Nationals reinstate right-hander Ryan Matheus from disabled list

July 26, 2013, 6:38am

Nationals

The Washington Nationals today returned from rehab and reinstated right-handed pitcher Ryan Mattheus from the 15-Day Disabled List. Nationals Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Mattheus, who missed the last 58 games with a fractured right hand, has three holds and a 4.96 ERA in 14 relief appearances this season. The 29-year-old posted a 2.35 ERA (4 ER/15.1 IP) in his initial 13 appearances. In six appearances during his rehab...

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Randy Knorr discusses Nats' 9-7 walk-off win

July 25, 2013, 1:32pm

Nationals

Randy Knorr discusses Nats' 9-7 walk-off win

Boy, what a wild one that was. The Pirates made three errors in the first inning. The Nationals had a four-run inning after failing to score more than two runs in five of their last six games. Davey Johnson was ejected. The Nats blew a four-run ninth-inning lead. Bryce Harper hit his first career walk-off homer, snapping a six-game losing streak. Yeah, wild would describe it. Bench coach Randy Knorr inherited managerial duties in the fifth inning of today's rollercoaster game when Johnson...

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Hearing from a happy clubhouse

July 25, 2013, 1:45pm

Nationals

Ryan Zimmerman was asked to describe the vibe in the Nationals' clubhouse following this afternoon's thrilling, up-and-down 9-7 walk-off win that snapped a six-game losing streak. "Just normal. You know," Zimmerman deadpanned, before cracking a big smile. "I mean we needed a win. It didn't really matter how we got it. Obviously that's probably the most exciting way you can get a win. This team, we stick together. "It's been a rough go this year. Nobody's more disappointed than all...

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Johnson ejected in fifth inning (Harper saves the day with walk-off homer)

July 25, 2013, 10:36am

Nationals

Johnson ejected in fifth inning (Harper saves the day with walk-off homer)

Davey Johnson had joked in recent weeks that he was waiting to getting ejected for the first time this season. He wanted to pick a good spot, but figured his time was coming soon. It happened today. Johnson was ejected in the fifth inning of today's game for arguing balls and strikes with home plate umpire Mike Winters. It's the third time Johnson has been ejected as Nationals manager. Johnson came out to argue a called third strike to Ian Desmond, a call that left Desmond furious and...