nationals

Ted Leavengood: Too good to fail

July 23, 2012, 5:56am

It is certainly noteworthy that the two left-handed starters who fought for the last spot in the Washington rotation in March were the ones who stood up to the Braves four months later when the games really counted. Lohn Lannan lost out when the Nats came north in the spring, and he probably deserved better. But after this weekend, no one will ever again question whether he has enough heart to pitch in the majors. Assuming that the Lannan who pitched to a 4.89 ERA at Triple-A Syracuse was on...

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Added wild card team means new twists for trade deadline

July 23, 2012, 4:49am

Nationals Orioles

Added wild card team means new twists for trade deadline

With the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline approaching, there's a new wrinkle in the discussion: How much of the future should a team give up for a chance to become a wild card team that could play just one postseason game? Usually, there are dozens of players moving in trades at this time of year, but with compensation rules and so many more buyers than sellers, it's hard to determine how adding two wild card teams, one in each league, will affect transactions at the deadline. A year ago...

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Desmond heads to DL with torn left oblique (updated)

July 22, 2012, 1:51pm

Nationals

Desmond heads to DL with torn left oblique (updated)

The Nationals had hoped that Ian Desmond would be able to battle through a lingering oblique injury and continue playing, providing pop in the middle of their order as well as his usual dazzling defense. That won't happen. An MRI this morning revealed a tear in Desmond's left oblique, and the All-Star shortstop will be placed on the 15-day disabled list, manager Davey Johnson said after today's game. "I was a little concerned (last night) and this morning when he said it felt like...

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An offensive explosion in the first (Nats roll to 9-2 win)

July 22, 2012, 10:17am

Nationals

An offensive explosion in the first (Nats roll to 9-2 win)

I had a feeling the Nationals might put up a big number today, given the momentum they gained last night and the fact they're facing Braves starter Jair Jurrjens this afternoon - a guy they have crushed in recent years. I just didn't know that big number would come in the first inning. The Nationals put up a four-spot in the first, with Ryan Zimmerman's two-run homer to right-center serving as the big blow. Danny Espinosa also added a two-out RBI double, and Roger Bernadina plated...

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Desmond, Flores out of Nats lineup, Harper in right field

July 22, 2012, 6:41am

Nationals

Desmond, Flores out of Nats lineup, Harper in right field

Ian Desmond (oblique) and Jesus Flores (back) will get to rest what ails them, as both at least start today's series finale against the Braves on the bench. Bryce Harper (left ankle), on the other hand, is in the Nationals' lineup, starting in right field. Danny Espinosa starts at short in Desmond's place while Sandy Leon will catch for Ross Detwiler. For the Nationals: 2B Steve Lombardozzi RF Bryce Harper 3B Ryan Zimmerman LF Michael Morse 1B Adam LaRoche SS Danny Espinosa CF Roger...

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Despite nagging oblique, Desmond unlikely to land on disabled list

July 22, 2012, 8:35am

Nationals

Despite nagging oblique, Desmond unlikely to land on disabled list

The Nationals will continue to take things day-to-day with Ian Desmond, who is out of the lineup today because of a strained oblique. Manager Davey Johnson said the disabled list is not currently an option for Desmond, despite the fact that the shortstop has been battling the oblique injury for over a month. "Don't really wanna go there," Johnson said. Desmond was out of the starting lineup for five straight days coming into this series, but he started Friday as well as both games of...

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Lannan shows his worth with stopper win

July 21, 2012, 7:20pm

Nationals

Less than an hour after his most meaningful win in a Nationals uniform, John Lannan was optioned back to Triple-A Syracuse. If he pitches like he did Saturday night - seven solid innings allowing just two runs in what felt like a must-win situation - he will be back very soon. Lannan's story was the major headline as opening day approached in early April, when he was first optioned to Syracuse and Ross Detwiler was given the fifth starter spot on the big club. He admitted it hasn't been...

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Looking back and looking ahead

July 22, 2012, 5:55am

Nationals

If you were among the group which felt that the Nationals should trade for a starting pitcher to fill out their rotation once Stephen Strasburg is shut down, did last night's performance by John Lannan do anything to change your mind? Lannan delivered a statement outing against the Braves, reminding Nats fans, and possibly GM Mike Rizzo, that despite the lefty's somewhat inflated numbers at Triple-A Syracuse this season, he's still a major league pitcher. This is a guy who was the...

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Harper looks good to start Sunday despite swollen ankle

July 21, 2012, 7:31pm

Nationals

Harper looks good to start Sunday despite swollen ankle

Shortstop Ian Desmond is "iffy" for Sunday, but manager Davey Johnson believes Bryce Harper will be able to play in Sunday's crucial finale against the Braves. Harper left the first game Saturday with a swollen ankle and he showed how bad it was to reporters after Game 2. "It feels all right," Harper said. "Once I get going, it feels good. When I sit down, it feels bad. Once I get warmed up to things, I am fine and that is all that matters." Harper was called upon to pinch hit in the...

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Nats get back on track with 5-2 win (Lannan optioned)

July 21, 2012, 6:02pm

Nationals

Nats get back on track with 5-2 win (Lannan optioned)

In the big picture, this game means just as much as any of the other 17 that the Nationals and Braves will play this season. It's still July. There are still 70 games remaining in the regular season. The Nats will meet the Braves seven more times after today. But from a momentum standpoint, this 5-2 Nationals win was a nice one for Davey Johnson's team to secure. Instead of going into tomorrow's series finale with Atlanta with a chance of being swept in four straight, the Nats will have a...

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Lannan starts slow, then settles down (Werth update, game update)

July 21, 2012, 4:36pm

Nationals

Lannan starts slow, then settles down (Werth update, game update)

You can't really blame John Lannan if he was a little emotionally charged up in the first inning of tonight's ballgame. This is his first major league start of the season after the Nationals optioned him to Triple-A the day before opening day in a surprise move. He's been stuck riding buses and pitching to sparse crowds since, and hasn't been on the mound in a regular season game at Nats Park since Sept. 16, 2011. So when Lannan allowed two runs in the first inning, giving up three hits...

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Nationals option left-hander John Lannan to Syracuse

July 21, 2012, 6:50pm

Nationals

Following tonight's game, the Washington Nationals optioned left-handed pitcher John Lannan to Syracuse of the Triple-A International League. Nationals Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Lannan, 27, earned the win in the second game of today's day-night doubleheader against the Atlanta Braves, allowing just two earned runs on five hits and two walks with three strikeouts in 7.0 innings pitched.

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Harper exits after fouling ball off left ankle (with update)

July 21, 2012, 10:07am

Nationals

Harper exits after fouling ball off left ankle (with update)

Bryce Harper has been taken out of the first game of today's doubleheader after bunting a ball off the inside of his left ankle in the bottom of the first inning. The Nationals rookie outfielder limped around in obvious pain and dropped to a knee before getting attended to by a trainer. Harper remained in the game at the time, finishing his at-bat despite the fact he was noticeably hobbling. He struck out swinging at a Ben Sheets curveball just a pitch after the foul bunt. Harper played...

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Tests reveal Harper's ankle bruised, not broken (plus Rodriguez note)

July 21, 2012, 1:18pm

Nationals

Tests reveal Harper's ankle bruised, not broken (plus Rodriguez note)

Despite the 4-0 loss to the Braves in Game 1 of today's doubleheader, the Nationals got some good news when they found out Bryce Harper's left ankle was merely bruised and not broken. Tests revealed that Harper has a contusion on the left ankle, which comes as a result of a fouled bunt in the rookie outfielder's first-inning plate appearance. The ball drilled Harper on the inner part of his ankle, and even though he remained in the game and played center field in the second inning, manager...

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Final quotes on the afternoon contest (Harper not in lineup for nightcap)

July 21, 2012, 1:59pm

Nationals

Final quotes on the afternoon contest (Harper not in lineup for nightcap)

Given what happened last night and what's still to come tonight, Edwin Jackson knew what he needed to do in Game 1 of the Nationals' doubleheader with the Braves. "Days like we had last night, it's pretty important that as a starter the next day, you can go as deep as you can to save the bullpen," Jackson said. "Those guys worked hard last night and they battled a lot. It was just one of those things where you want to come out today and you definitely want to go deep in the game." He...

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Just what the doctor ordered (Nats drop opener 4-0)

July 21, 2012, 10:55am

Nationals

Just what the doctor ordered (Nats drop opener 4-0)

After yesterday's 11-inning slopfest in which the Nationals used five relievers, they needed Edwin Jackson to eat innings and give them a chance to win Game 1 of today's doubleheader. Eat innings - check. Give the Nats a chance to win - check. Jackson has worked six fantastic frames so far today, allowing just one run on four hits. The righty has struck out eight and has benefited from a fantastic slider which has left Braves hitters flailing all afternoon. Unfortunately for Jackson and...

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Goodwin displaying "special talent" that got him Double-A nod

July 21, 2012, 1:28pm

Nationals

Goodwin displaying "special talent" that got him Double-A nod

It is rare for a player to jump two levels or more with any organization. The last time it happened for the Nationals, it was No. 1 overall prospect Bryce Harper last summer. This time, it is sensational outfielder Brian Goodwin. The 6-foot-1, 195 lb. center fielder rolled through low Single-A Hagerstown with a big bat, fast feet and quick hands on defense. Goodwin hit .324 in 58 games with 18 doubles, one triple, nine homers, 38 RBIs, 15 stolen bases and 43 walks. And as a leadoff hitter,...

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Pregame thoughts from the skipper, plus lineups

July 21, 2012, 8:06am

Nationals

Pregame thoughts from the skipper, plus lineups

Davey Johnson says he didn't sleep too well last night. He was left thinking about the game that got away. The Nationals' skipper came in to the park this morning and ran two miles on the treadmill. He says he took two minutes off his time. "I punished myself," Johnson said. "I tried to wipe out some memory banks and create some new brain cells in my head. I hope it works." Everyone will technically be available in the Nationals' bullpen today, Johnson said, but he'd like to stay...

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Trying to put it in the rear-view (Nady DFA)

July 21, 2012, 5:38am

Nationals

Trying to put it in the rear-view (Nady DFA)

Good thing the Nationals will play 18 innings today. Plenty of chances to get last night's stinker out of their minds. With Davey Johnson using five relievers yesterday, he'll likely have a bit of a tough time navigating his way through today's doubleheader. Surprisingly, Johnson said he could use Drew Storen again today for a third straight day, and he'll have a rested Craig Stammen, Ryan Mattheus and Henry Rodriguez. Still, he'll have to bring his managerial A-game today to try and...

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Zimmerman, Strasburg discuss tough 11-inning loss

July 20, 2012, 9:30pm

Nationals

Zimmerman, Strasburg discuss tough 11-inning loss

Catcher Jesus Flores left tonight's game in the seventh inning with a stiff back. He said after the game that he should be fine for tomorrow's doubleheader. Also, Xavier Nady's rehab stint ended today with a 1-for-3 performance at Single-A Potomac. There's no official word from the Nationals yet, but it sounds like the team is planning on designating Nady for assignment. Now back to the shocking nine-run blown lead ... The game lasted 4 hours, 21 minutes. It saw the Braves come all the...