nationals

Dave Nichols: Morse's return, daunting June on tap for Nationals

May 31, 2012, 5:16am

The Nationals find themselves in an enviable position. Clinging to the National League East lead by a half-game over the Miami Marlins on the last day of May, they expect to get cleanup hitter Michael Morse back as early as Friday when they start a three-game weekend series with the Atlanta Braves. Morse, who is with the high Single-A Potomac Nationals this week on a rehab assignment, went 3-for-6 with a walk and an RBI over two games so far as a designated hitter. He's scheduled to play...

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Looking back at last night

May 30, 2012, 5:30am

Nationals

It's kind of hard to believe, given his impressive 3.17 ERA and six quality starts in 10 outings, but Edwin Jackson still has just one win on the season. Over his last five starts, Jackson has allowed just 10 earned runs in 33 2/3 innings (a 2.67 ERA) with a .212 batting average against, a 0.96 WHIP and a 24/7 strikeout to walk ratio. He's 0-2 in that five-game span. The poor guy can't buy a victory. Jackson had another shot at one last night, leading 1-0 in the sixth inning, but allowed...

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Hagerstown's Matt Purke goes five innings in pro debut (updated)

May 30, 2012, 8:40am

Nationals

Hagerstown's Matt Purke goes five innings in pro debut (updated)

Left-hander Matt Purke made his professional debut Wednesday at Greensboro for the low Single-A Hagerstown Suns. Purke allowed a controversial two-run homer that appeared foul, and an RBI double, leaving after five innings with the Suns down 5-3. He finished scattering seven hits, allowing five runs, five walks and struck out one on an estimated 83 pitches. The home run appeared close to being or could have been a foul ball, according to a club source. Manager Brian Daubach argued the...

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Against Johnson, Nats face another tough test

May 30, 2012, 11:11am

Nationals

Against Johnson, Nats face another tough test

Last night, the Nationals squared off against Marlins starter Anibal Sanchez, who still has never lost to the Nats in what's now 19 career starts. Who do the Nats face tonight as they look to avoid a three-game sweep at the hands of the Fish? None other than Josh Johnson, who has never lost to the Nationals in 14 career starts. Fantastic. Johnson has gone 7-0 with a 3.14 ERA in his career against Washington, striking out 82 Nats over 83 innings pitched. The righty's 2012 numbers have been...

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Quite a way to notch a first major league RBI (another miss in Miami)

May 29, 2012, 4:48pm

Nationals

Quite a way to notch a first major league RBI (another miss in Miami)

It might not be the sexiest way to drive in a run, but true baseball fans will love the way Corey Brown recorded his first major league RBI tonight. With Ian Desmond sprinting down the third-base line toward the plate with one out, Brown was called on to square around and convert a suicide squeeze. He got a 1-1 changeup from Marlins starter Anibal Sanchez and deadened it in front of the plate, forcing catcher John Buck to come out and make a play on the ball. Desmond scored easily, giving the...

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Despite rain-shortened rehab game, Morse "felt great"

May 29, 2012, 7:03pm

Nationals

Despite rain-shortened rehab game, Morse "felt great"

WOODBRIDGE, Va. - Despite a rain-shortened game, Nationals outfielder Michael Morse was able to get two plate appearances in for high Single-A Potomac Nationals in their game against the Myrtle Beach Pelicans Wednesday night at Pfitzner Stadium. Morse walked and struck out, finishing 0-for-1 in a pair of opportunities, before the rain arrived and suspended the game in the top of the fifth with two outs. Potomac was leading 3-0. Morse said he "felt great" and it was still a worthwhile...

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Rachel Levitin: The shirts on fans' backs tell a story

May 30, 2012, 4:11am

Nationals

Rachel Levitin: The shirts on fans' backs tell a story

There was a time back in 2005 when I worked at a Major League Baseball team apparel store for extra money before leaving for college. This store specialized in Chicago Cubs gear, but it was that store that garnered my appreciation for team logos and memorabilia from the past. Numerous retailers attempt to recreate some of the most unique logos in baseball history on caps, t-shirts, jerseys, plaques, and just about anything you can think of - and the novelty to that is the fact that baseball is...

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Komatsu returns, Tracy won't for a while

May 29, 2012, 2:26pm

Nationals

Komatsu returns, Tracy won't for a while

The Nationals are getting back outfielder Erik Komatsu, the 2011 Rule 5 pick who had stints with the Cardinals and Twins this season.

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Purke to make pro debut Wednesday morning in Greensboro

May 29, 2012, 2:53pm

Nationals

Purke to make pro debut Wednesday morning in Greensboro

Nationals pitching prospect Matt Purke will make his professional debut Wednesday for Hagerstown, according to a club source. Purke will start for the Suns, the Nationals' Single-A affiliate, as they finish up a three-game series Wednesday morning at Greensboro. Game time 10:45 a.m. No details on if Purke is on an innings limit or pitch count for this first start. For Purke, 2012 has been spent exclusively in extended spring training, where the left-hander has been working since April. The...

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In-game update for Michael Morse at Potomac with walk and strikeout

May 29, 2012, 3:21pm

Nationals

In-game update for Michael Morse at Potomac with walk and strikeout

WOODBRIDGE, Va. -- Nationals left fielder Michael Morse, batting third, is the designated hitter for the Potomac Nationals in their contest against the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. In the bottom of the first with two outs, against Pelicans' right-hander Roman Mendez, Morse walked on a 3-2 count. He swung and missed with the count 2-0 and then fouled back the fourth pitch to the screen. Morse was left on base when cleanup hitter David Freitas flied out to left to end the inning. Morse said...

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Looking back on a wild holiday weekend

May 28, 2012, 11:10pm

Nationals

No, I'm not talking about my trip to Vegas, which was lots of fun but will not be discussed in this space. I can tell you that I'm back on the East Coast in one piece, sunburn-free and with more money than when I left. So that's all good news. Not much went down Nationals-wise while I was away, unless you count an injury to the Nats' top pinch hitter, a change in the starting rotation, a sweep of a hot division rival, another (yes, another) Nats catcher being knocked out of a game due to...

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Solano activated, Espinosa gets a day off

May 29, 2012, 11:59am

Nationals

Solano activated, Espinosa gets a day off

The Nationals have officially called up catcher Jhonatan Solano from Triple-A Syracuse, giving them a third catcher on the 25-man roster and providing some insurance in case Jesus Flores isn't able to return from a hamstring injury as quickly as hoped. Solano, who batted .250 with two doubles, two RBIs and eight runs scored in 13 games with Syracuse this season, will wear No. 23. The 26-year-old threw out 40 percent of runners trying to steal (4-of-10) for the Chiefs this season Carlos...

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Nationals' Morse batting third as designated hitter tonight in Potomac rehab tilt

May 29, 2012, 12:36pm

Nationals

The Potomac Nationals have announced their lineup for tonight's 7::05 p.m. matchup with Myrtle Beach. Michael Morse bats third: Blake Kelso 3B Adrian Sanchez 2B Michael Morse DH David Freitas C Ricky Hague SS Justin Bloxom 1B Michael Taylor CF JP Ramirez RF Kevin Keyes LF LHP Matt Grace (2-6, 6.70) His future rehab schedule is predicated on how batting practice and the game goes tonight. I will have updates throughout (twitter: @bkerr32) and postgame beast-blog.

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Nationals recall C Jhonatan Solano from Syracuse

May 29, 2012, 11:46am

Nationals

The Washington Nationals today recalled catcher Jhonatan Solano from Syracuse of the Triple-A International League. Nationals Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Solano, who will wear No. 23 when he joins the Nationals for tonight's game at Miami, batted .250 with two doubles, two RBIs and eight runs scored in 13 games this season with Syracuse. The 26-year-old gunned down 40 percent (4 of 10) of would-be basestealers for the...

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Nats can't solve Hamels, fall to Phillies 4-1

May 23, 2012, 5:47pm

Nationals

Nats can't solve Hamels, fall to Phillies 4-1

PHILADELPHIA - The Nationals have won 10 series this season. They still only have one sweep, and that was of the two-game variety. For the ninth time this season, the Nationals entered a series finale with a chance to earn a sweep and came up short. They lost to the Phillies 4-1, with Cole Hamels again cruising through an outing against Nats hitters. He held them scoreless over eight innings, allowing just four hits and three walks and striking out eight. The Nats had chances, but Hamels was...

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Nationals' NL East dominance a good sign for pennant run

May 27, 2012, 5:17am

Nationals

The Nationals have now won every series they have played against National League East opponents, currently 10-3 versus Atlanta (2-0), Philadelphia (4-2), Miami (2-0) and the N.Y. Mets (2-1). This is a good time to be playing well because the schedule is all within the division for two weeks. The Nationals are in the middle of 15 straight games against NL East combatants. After tonight's finale at Atlanta, they go to Miami for three games beginning Monday afternoon. Next week, the Nationals...

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Will Yoder: Nobody's second-guessing Gonzalez deal now

May 29, 2012, 5:47am

Nationals

Will Yoder: Nobody's second-guessing Gonzalez deal now

When the Nationals traded four major prospects for Gio Gonzalez this winter, many fans in D.C. were hesitant about the potential reward such a risky move could bring. Gonzalez, 26, had two All-Star caliber seasons under his belt, and was one of the best left-handed strikeout pitchers in baseball, but some wondered about his potential to be an elite pitcher moving into the future. While he had succeeded in 2010 and 2011 with Oakland, he had also allowed more walks than any other pitcher during...

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Harrisburg's Hood placed on disabled list, Kobernus out with thumb injury

May 28, 2012, 6:30pm

Nationals

Harrisburg's Hood placed on disabled list, Kobernus out with thumb injury

Double-A Harrisburg Senators outfielder Jeff Kobernus. Lecroy said they are watching Kobernus' status and being careful with him as well. "Kobernus has been bothered with a thumb (injury)," Lecroy said. "He hasn't played the last four games. We are resting him on the precautionary side to make sure he is healthy when he comes back. "He has had a solid year so far. The way he prepares every day for each game is just showing his maturity as a player. Hopefully, when we get him back, he...

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Moore optioned to Syracuse, Solano to be recalled

May 28, 2012, 2:24pm

Nationals

Moore optioned to Syracuse, Solano to be recalled

The Nationals made a roster move after today's 5-3 loss to the Miami Marlins, optioning first baseman/outfielder Tyler Moore to Triple-A Syracuse. They are expected to recall catcher Jhonatan Solano from Syracuse before Tuesday's game to serve share duties with catcher Carlos Maldonado, who went 0-for-4 in today's defeat. The only other catcher on the active roster is Jesus Flores, who left Sunday's game with a mild right hamstring strain. The impending arrival of the 26-year-old Solano...

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Who says pitchers can't hit? (Nats trail 5-3 after seven)

May 28, 2012, 10:02am

Nationals

Who says pitchers can't hit? (Nats trail 5-3 after seven)

What is it with Nationals starting pitchers with a bat in their hands? Jordan Zimmermann became the latest starting hurler to homer, crushing a Carlos Zambrano pitch to left-center for a 1-0 lead over the Marlins in the third inning. It was his first career homer. Last night, you'll recall, Gio Gonzalez - who only had to wield a bat in anger in a rare interleague start as an Oakland A before this year - ripped a sacrifice fly that tied the game at 2-2. It was his first career RBI. Last...