nationals

Another dandy from Detwiler (Bernadina's ridiculous catch saves the day)

August 07, 2012, 5:49pm

After spinning a gem his last time out, Ross Detwiler has delivered another stellar outing through six innings tonight. Outside of a two-run homer served up to Ben Francisco in the first inning, Detwiler has been nearly unhittable, facing just two above the minimum over his last five innings of work. Overall, the Nationals lefty has surrendered just three hits and two walks over his six frames, and has needed only 74 pitches thus far. Yet again, he's been aggressive with his fastball early...

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In minor league updates, Rendon and Meyer deliver, Wang does not

August 07, 2012, 8:58pm

Nationals

In minor league updates, Rendon and Meyer deliver, Wang does not

Anthony Rendon made his first start for high Single-A Potomac since early April, going 2-for-3 with a walk and two runs in the Nationals' 5-1 victory at Myrtle Beach. Right-hander Alex Meyer was meticulous in his execution again on the mound, improving to 2-0. The Kentucky star went six innings, allowing just two hits, with five strikeouts, one walk and one run surrendered on a groundout. The news not as comfortable for right-hander Chien-Ming Wang in his fifth rehab start for Double-A...

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Focusing on the fastball

August 07, 2012, 10:34am

Nationals

For some time now, manager Davey Johnson and pitching coach Steve McCatty have been trying to get Nationals pitchers to throw more fastballs. Work off that pitch, they say. Establish the fastball, throw it for strikes, get ahead in counts and then mix in your off-speed stuff. It's a tried-and-true formula, one that forces hitters to put the ball in play, keeps pitch counts low and, when executed properly, gets the pitcher and his teammates off the mound quickly and back on offense. For...

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Werth, Suzuki not in Nats lineup (with Astros lineup)

August 07, 2012, 12:45pm

Nationals

Werth, Suzuki not in Nats lineup (with Astros lineup)

Jayson Werth is out of the Nationals lineup for tonight's game against the Astros, this after he had complained about some tightness in his legs during last night's contest. Manager Davey Johnson pulled Werth in the eighth inning last night after his veteran outfielder had made it known that his legs were bothering him a bit. Since coming off the disabled list last Thursday, Werth is batting .438 (7-for-16) with an RBI and five walks in five games. Werth was on the DL for nearly three...

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A win is a win is a win

August 06, 2012, 10:28pm

Nationals

It sure wasn't pretty. No, it wasn't that. The Nationals played an Astros team last night that now is 4-31 (yes, 4-31!) in its last 35 games. They outhit the Astros 14-6, but scored just one more run than their hosts. Washington relievers combined to allow nine baserunners over 5 2/3 innings. The Nats gave up four more stolen bases without catching a runner trying to steal, yet they had one of their own runners picked off first base. They blew a three-run lead, then failed get a guy in...

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Middle of Nats' order packs a punch (Nats win an 11-inning slopfest)

August 06, 2012, 6:09pm

Nationals

Middle of Nats' order packs a punch (Nats win an 11-inning slopfest)

Through 5 1/2 innings tonight, the Nationals' 3-5 hitters have combined to go 6-for-10 with four RBIs. This is what happens when you finally have your big guns healthy and producing. The Nats have a 4-1 lead over the Astros so far tonight. Ryan Zimmerman, Michael Morse, Adam LaRoche and Jayson Werth have smacked around Astros starter Dallas Keuchel, and Edwin Jackson has thrown four scoreless frames after allowing a run in the first. Jackson also has gotten in the hit column himself,...

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Beasley: Maya pitching "lights out" for Triple-A Syracuse

August 07, 2012, 8:32am

Nationals

Beasley: Maya pitching "lights out" for Triple-A Syracuse

Right-hander Yunesky Maya has had experience with the Nationals in the past, and was sent to Triple-A Syracuse to start the season to build on his command and control on the mound. Maya is 9-8 with a 3.54 ERA in 22 starts and has really turned it on since July 22, winning three straight games. In the last three starts, Maya has shown he can deliver on a consistent basis, allowing just three earned runs in the past 21 2/3 innings. In six of his last 10 starts, the Cuban right-hander has...

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Stephen Walker: Gio Gonzalez is his own worst enemy

August 07, 2012, 4:49am

Nationals

Stephen Walker: Gio Gonzalez is his own worst enemy

Nationals pitcher Gio Gonzalez possesses unique talent. A left-handed power pitcher in a division full of rivals who struggle against southpaws, his performance and joie de vivre plays a vital role in the Nationals' stirring success so far this season. That's important, because Washington traded four top prospects to get the two-time All Star. Gonzalez, with his wide smile, otherworldly curveball and 13 victories, has been a good addition for Nationals teammates and fans alike. He should be...

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Nats, Astros lineups for opener in Houston

August 06, 2012, 12:48pm

Nationals

Nats, Astros lineups for opener in Houston

The Nationals begin a four-game series with the worst team in the majors, the Astros, tonight from Minute Maid Park. Obviously, nothing is guaranteed in this game, but this would seem to be a nice chance for the Nats to rattle off a few wins and put a little more distance between themselves and their National League competition. The Astros have gone just 2-17 in their last 19 games, a stretch which included a 12-game losing streak. They did take one of their three games against the Braves...

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Rendon joining Potomac at Myrtle Beach, expected to play Tuesday

August 06, 2012, 7:36am

Nationals

Rendon joining Potomac at Myrtle Beach, expected to play Tuesday

Nationals prospect Anthony Rendon has been moved from short-season Single-A Auburn back to high Single-A Potomac. Rendon completed his rehab assignment at Auburn by playing 21 innings in the field and nine as the designated hitter in the past four days. Included in that span was a hit by pitch on, of all places, his surgically repaired ankle. But in an example that he is physically ready to handle the rigors of playing evey day, he played the next day and has had no complications. Auburn...

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The continued evolution of an ace

August 05, 2012, 9:34pm

Nationals

In his third at-bat yesterday, Bryce Harper struck out swinging at an off-speed pitch for the second time on the day. Clearly frustrated with himself, Harper slammed the barrel of his bat on home plate, breaking the piece of lumber down the middle and causing Marlins catcher John Buck to flinch. When Harper came to the plate for his next at-bat, he quickly apologized to Buck before stepping into the box. "He told me he was really sorry, it was terrible,"

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Nats acquire Cesar Izturis, DeRosa lands on DL (Severino DFA)

August 06, 2012, 10:42am

Nationals

Nats acquire Cesar Izturis, DeRosa lands on DL (Severino DFA)

With Ian Desmond likely out a couple more weeks with an oblique tear and Mark DeRosa battling a left abdominal injury, the Nationals bolstered their middle infield depth today by acquiring Cesar Izturis from the Brewers. The Izturis acquisition was on a straight waiver claim, meaning the Nationals won't be giving up any players in return for the 32-year-old middle infielder. They will be responsible for the remainder of Izturis' $875,000 salary for this season. DeRosa lands on the 15-day...

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Nationals sign four international free agents

August 06, 2012, 11:03am

Nationals

In addition to the news that the Nationals picked up veteran middle infielder Cesar Izturis today, the team also announced the signing of four international free agents: right-handed pitcher Ramses Rosario and outfielders Aldrem Corredor, Darryl Florentino and Luis Guzman. Rosario, Corredor and Florentino are all listed as 16 years old. No age was announced for Guzman. Rosario checks in at 6-foot-3, 175 lbs. and is a native of Venezuela. The Nats feel he has "advanced pitching instincts and...

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Nats claim shortstop Cesar Izturis off waivers from Brewers

August 06, 2012, 10:57am

Nationals

Nats claim shortstop Cesar Izturis off waivers from Brewers

The Washington Nationals today claimed shortstop Cesar Izturis off waivers from the Milwaukee Brewers. The club also placed infielder/outfielder Mark DeRosa on the 15-Day Disabled List, retroactive to August 5, with a left abdominal strain and designated left-handed pitcher Atahualpa Severino for assignment. Nationals Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcements. The 32 year-old Izturis is a career .255 (1074-for-4217) hitter with 168...

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Nats agree to terms with four international free agents

August 06, 2012, 10:42am

Nationals

Nats agree to terms with four international free agents

The Washington Nationals have agreed to terms on professional contracts with four international free agents: right-handed pitcher Ramses Rosario and outfielders Aldrem Corredor, Darryl Florentino and Luis Guzman. Nationals Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo and Nationals Director of International Scouting Johnny DiPuglia made the joint announcement. Rosario, a 16-year-old righthander from Venezuela, stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 175 pounds. He has...

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Strasburg back to basics, beats Marlins

August 05, 2012, 1:59pm

Nationals

Look out Major League Baseball. Stephen Strasburg could be starting to figure this thing out. On July 25, the Nationals right-hander, relying on his lethal fastball, fired 11 strikeouts, allowing one run in a seven-inning win over the Mets in New York. On July 31, going with a similar game plan, the Phillies jumped on Strasburg, notching eight hits and scoring six runs in handing him the four-inning loss, his shortest stint of the season. On Sunday, Strasburg returned to his "old" form...

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Ted Leavengood: LaRoche a very substantial bird in the hand

August 06, 2012, 4:38am

Nationals

Ted Leavengood: LaRoche a very substantial bird in the hand

For the four games against the Marlins, Adam LaRoche was 7-for-15 with three home runs and seven RBIs, an amazing offensive display. It has always been said of LaRoche that he is a strong second-half player, but no one could have understood just what others were talking about until this past month. He is hitting .457 for the last two weeks with seven home runs, .337 for the past four. Most fans were content with the first-half numbers that LaRoche put up. He was the mainstay of the Washington...

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After a long road back, Storen notches first save

August 05, 2012, 2:11pm

Nationals

After a long road back, Storen notches first save

With Stephen Strasburg throwing a strong six innings and Drew Storen notching the save, today's game could have easily been one which was played in the final month of the 2011 season. "That was a little bit reminiscent of last year," Davey Johnson said with a smile as he sat down to talk with reporters. The main difference, of course, is that the 2012 Nationals sit atop their division and are looking at what could be the first playoff appearance since the team moved to the nation's...

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LaRoche, Strasburg just keep on raking (Nats win 4-1)

August 05, 2012, 10:53am

Nationals

LaRoche, Strasburg just keep on raking (Nats win 4-1)

Adam LaRoche now has 71 RBIs on the season, increasing his lead among National League first basemen. Stephen Strasburg now has seven RBIs on the season, increasing his lead among all major league pitchers. From an outsider's perspective, it might be an unlikely offensive duo which has driven in the Nationals' four runs so far today, but those who have watched the Nats this season know better. Both LaRoche and Strasburg have been raking this year. Strasburg got the Nationals on the board...

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Reveling in a fantastic atmosphere

August 05, 2012, 8:22am

Nationals

Even this morning, more than 12 hours after last night's dramatic six-run eighth inning, which lifted the Nationals to a 10-7 comeback win, the atmosphere in Nats Park was the talk of the home clubhouse. "That was as loud as I've ever heard it, no doubt," said reliever Ryan Mattheus, who picked up his fourth win of the season last night. A crowd of 33,449 filled Nats Park - a solid turnout, but far from the largest of the season. Still, the eighth inning served as the host to easily one...