22 hours ago
One of Paul Toboni's big goals in his first year as Nationals President of Baseball Operations was to build a player development monster. So far he has aced that ******* ignment. You can see the fruits of this player development machine in the big leagues. However, the real monster is being built at the Minor League level.
Under Mike Rizzo, there were times where the Nats had good farm systems, arguably better than this one. However, there has never been a time where the Nats system had this much depth. The Nats have 24 players with a future value of at least 45, something only one other team can say. They also have 9 players with an FV of at least 50 compared to just four last year.
This year it has felt like a new breakout prospect is emerging on nearly a weekly basis. A lot of these guys were not even able to crack the Nats top 30 list. Players such as Yohandy Morales, Angel Feliz and Maxwell Romero would be on most lists, but they did not make the cut in a stacked Nats system.
The fact that Morales is having his best year as a pro, yet is sliding down the rankings tells you a lot about the depth of the system. He is far from a perfect prospect, but this is still a player with pedigree that is destroying AAA. Maybe you would put Morales on your top 30, but it takes a lot to make the list.
Right now Caleb Lomavita is the Nats 30th ranked prospect. He is an athletic catcher who was a top 40 pick and has a .771 OPS in AA right now. In previous years, that would likely be a top 15 prospect in the system, but now he can barely hang on to a top 30 spot.
#morales #however
Under Mike Rizzo, there were times where the Nats had good farm systems, arguably better than this one. However, there has never been a time where the Nats system had this much depth. The Nats have 24 players with a future value of at least 45, something only one other team can say. They also have 9 players with an FV of at least 50 compared to just four last year.
This year it has felt like a new breakout prospect is emerging on nearly a weekly basis. A lot of these guys were not even able to crack the Nats top 30 list. Players such as Yohandy Morales, Angel Feliz and Maxwell Romero would be on most lists, but they did not make the cut in a stacked Nats system.
The fact that Morales is having his best year as a pro, yet is sliding down the rankings tells you a lot about the depth of the system. He is far from a perfect prospect, but this is still a player with pedigree that is destroying AAA. Maybe you would put Morales on your top 30, but it takes a lot to make the list.
Right now Caleb Lomavita is the Nats 30th ranked prospect. He is an athletic catcher who was a top 40 pick and has a .771 OPS in AA right now. In previous years, that would likely be a top 15 prospect in the system, but now he can barely hang on to a top 30 spot.
#morales #however
2 days ago
I know what you're thinking. Fridays against the Nationals at Citi Field. Isn't that a bit of a narrow category for a "best of" list? That's a tremendously fair point, but for whatever reason, it seems a disproportionate number of the most memorable games in recent Mets history have come on Fridays against the Nats — whether jumpstarting hot streaks, announcing the arrival of new stars, or simply providing a moment of joy in otherwise bleak times.
There are a variety of good options to choose from, as the Mets have won six of their last eight and 14 of their last 22 Friday contests at home against Washington. I've selected a quartet that I believe stand above the rest as true classics. With another weekend series with the Nats upon us in 2026, it felt fitting to revisit the unique circumstances that led to these games, the actual on-field events that went down, and the legacy they've left behind. So without further ado, here are the top Friday nights at Citi Field vs. the Nats (so far):
4. deGame – April 23, 2021
Setting the scene: After over 18 months of covid-induced absence (not counting cardboard cutouts), fans were finally back in the stands at Citi Field — but things weren't exactly back to normal. Seating was **** ed out, tickets were limited, and the sport was settling into a transitional season before the expanded playoffs and universal DH, after the automatic extra-inning runner, with seven-inning doubleheaders and mounting concern about "sticky stuff." But the Mets had promise, fresh off the acquisition and long-term extension of Francisco Lindor, out to a respectable 8-7 start, and featuring a two-time Cy Young Award winner who only seemed to get better with age. Thus far in 2021, Jacob deGrom held a 0.45 ERA with 35 strikeouts and three walks over three starts. As he warmed up in the bullpen before this Friday night start against the Nationals (only the seventh home game and third home night game since fans returned to the stadium), he felt so good that it made him "a little nervous." So we have a small but remarkably hungry crowd of 8,130 fans starved for something good to cheer, and a one-of-one ace nervous about just how good he might be. Sounds like a pretty good recipe.
Play ball: deGrom set the tone with a three-pitch strikeout of leadoff hitter Andrew Stevenson, each offering coming in at over 99 mph. One would think it could only get better for the Nats from that point on, but…not exactly. After five innings, they had struck out nine times and reached base only twice (on a well-placed grounder and a misplayed fly ball). The game was still scoreless, but that changed in the bottom of the frame when deGrom himself came to bat against Erick Fedde, slashing an RBI double to left and later scoring on a single by Brandon Nimmo.
#nats #only
There are a variety of good options to choose from, as the Mets have won six of their last eight and 14 of their last 22 Friday contests at home against Washington. I've selected a quartet that I believe stand above the rest as true classics. With another weekend series with the Nats upon us in 2026, it felt fitting to revisit the unique circumstances that led to these games, the actual on-field events that went down, and the legacy they've left behind. So without further ado, here are the top Friday nights at Citi Field vs. the Nats (so far):
4. deGame – April 23, 2021
Setting the scene: After over 18 months of covid-induced absence (not counting cardboard cutouts), fans were finally back in the stands at Citi Field — but things weren't exactly back to normal. Seating was **** ed out, tickets were limited, and the sport was settling into a transitional season before the expanded playoffs and universal DH, after the automatic extra-inning runner, with seven-inning doubleheaders and mounting concern about "sticky stuff." But the Mets had promise, fresh off the acquisition and long-term extension of Francisco Lindor, out to a respectable 8-7 start, and featuring a two-time Cy Young Award winner who only seemed to get better with age. Thus far in 2021, Jacob deGrom held a 0.45 ERA with 35 strikeouts and three walks over three starts. As he warmed up in the bullpen before this Friday night start against the Nationals (only the seventh home game and third home night game since fans returned to the stadium), he felt so good that it made him "a little nervous." So we have a small but remarkably hungry crowd of 8,130 fans starved for something good to cheer, and a one-of-one ace nervous about just how good he might be. Sounds like a pretty good recipe.
Play ball: deGrom set the tone with a three-pitch strikeout of leadoff hitter Andrew Stevenson, each offering coming in at over 99 mph. One would think it could only get better for the Nats from that point on, but…not exactly. After five innings, they had struck out nine times and reached base only twice (on a well-placed grounder and a misplayed fly ball). The game was still scoreless, but that changed in the bottom of the frame when deGrom himself came to bat against Erick Fedde, slashing an RBI double to left and later scoring on a single by Brandon Nimmo.
#nats #only
2 days ago
Despite losing the series to the Cubs, the Nats ended things on a high note thanks to a Cade Cavalli masterclass. He helped secure a winning home stand and the bats continued to thrive. Now the Nats head to New York to face a last place Mets team. However, the Mets have been playing a bit better lately.
The Nats have quite the interesting lineup today. Jose Tena has played the outfield late in games, but today he will be in left field to start. Jacob Young will be in center and Daylen Lile will move over to right. Brady House will be the DH, while Jorbit Vivas plays third and Nasim Nunez is at second. Andrew Alvarez looks to build off of back to back impressive outings.
Juan Soto is out of the lineup for the Mets, but we will be seeing Francisco Lindor. The Mets shortstop missed a couple months this season. In a disappointing season, the young duo of Carson Benge and A.J. Ewing has been a bright spot for this team. Journeyman Robert Stock will be on the mound tonight.
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#young #back
The Nats have quite the interesting lineup today. Jose Tena has played the outfield late in games, but today he will be in left field to start. Jacob Young will be in center and Daylen Lile will move over to right. Brady House will be the DH, while Jorbit Vivas plays third and Nasim Nunez is at second. Andrew Alvarez looks to build off of back to back impressive outings.
Juan Soto is out of the lineup for the Mets, but we will be seeing Francisco Lindor. The Mets shortstop missed a couple months this season. In a disappointing season, the young duo of Carson Benge and A.J. Ewing has been a bright spot for this team. Journeyman Robert Stock will be on the mound tonight.
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#young #back
5 days ago
The Nats got their second sweep of the season this weekend. Now they will look to build off that this week. That will be tough against a Cubs team that has been playing great baseball the past couple of months. Pete Crow-Armstrong in particular is performing at an absurd level.
With a lefty on the mound, the platoon heavy Nats have a lot of righties in the lineup. Dylan Crews will lead off while Andres Chaparro hits second and plays first. After not playing much this weekend, Andrew Pinckney will get the start in left field. Brady House and Harry Ford also return to the lineup. Jake Irvin will be on the mound tonight for his first home start since mid-May.
As mentioned, Pete Crow-Armstrong has been a monster at the top of the Cubs lineup. However, there is also plenty of depth as well. The likes of Seiya Suzuki and Alex Bregman feature in the middle of the order. Even at the bottom of the order the Cubs have an established veteran in Dansby Swanson. The Cubs have **** anese lefty Shota Imanaga on the mound.
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#armstrong #second
With a lefty on the mound, the platoon heavy Nats have a lot of righties in the lineup. Dylan Crews will lead off while Andres Chaparro hits second and plays first. After not playing much this weekend, Andrew Pinckney will get the start in left field. Brady House and Harry Ford also return to the lineup. Jake Irvin will be on the mound tonight for his first home start since mid-May.
As mentioned, Pete Crow-Armstrong has been a monster at the top of the Cubs lineup. However, there is also plenty of depth as well. The likes of Seiya Suzuki and Alex Bregman feature in the middle of the order. Even at the bottom of the order the Cubs have an established veteran in Dansby Swanson. The Cubs have **** anese lefty Shota Imanaga on the mound.
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#armstrong #second
6 days ago
The Cincinnati Reds just got swept by a Washington Nationals club that was behind them on the periphery of the National League Wild Card standings at the outset of the series. It's a Nats club that just spent the last two weeks selling off pieces of importance to other clubs as they prepped for the future, a club with clearly more intent on both short and long term determination to be comfortable in their own dealings than the Reds.
Cincinnati is now 5 games under .500, again. They are back in last place in the NL Central and 6.0 games out of the final Wild Card spot, again with 6 teams they'd need to leapfrog to get there with a miracle. And they are devoid of Hunter Greene, again, as he's now out for the rest of 2026 (and likely all of 2027, too).
With any last ditch effort at postseason ball now completely in the ******* per, here's what Cincinnati Reds fans have to look forward to for the rest of the season.
The brightest of bright spots on the 2026 club has been Chase Burns, who has emerged fully as a legitimate ace and signed a long-term contract to be part of the club for a long, long time.
He's going to hit an innings limit quite soon, though. And when he does, he'll either be shifted to a sparingly-used reliever or shut down altogether.
#card #games
Cincinnati is now 5 games under .500, again. They are back in last place in the NL Central and 6.0 games out of the final Wild Card spot, again with 6 teams they'd need to leapfrog to get there with a miracle. And they are devoid of Hunter Greene, again, as he's now out for the rest of 2026 (and likely all of 2027, too).
With any last ditch effort at postseason ball now completely in the ******* per, here's what Cincinnati Reds fans have to look forward to for the rest of the season.
The brightest of bright spots on the 2026 club has been Chase Burns, who has emerged fully as a legitimate ace and signed a long-term contract to be part of the club for a long, long time.
He's going to hit an innings limit quite soon, though. And when he does, he'll either be shifted to a sparingly-used reliever or shut down altogether.
#card #games
7 days ago
Not sure if we have a guest recap today. I didn't hear back from the scheduled recapper, and didn't see them in the GDT either. So just in case, I'm going to throw up a quick one for now: if a proper recap shows up, this one can quietly wander off into the sunset. I think it's definitely worth marking the fact that today was the first time since 2018 that the D-backs have won the season series over the Dodgers. Now, it's still highly likely to be nothing more than a moral triumph. Los Angeles are still 7.5 games ahead of Arizona, so there's unlikely to be any need for any tie-breaker. But it still indicates this team is certainly playing them tougher than some previous years.
And few players deserve that "tougher" label than Eduardo Rodriguez, who threw 115 pitches over seven innings of two-run ball. It was certainly needed, on a day where the team effectively had four relievers off the board. That was a full ten pitches more than any Arizona starter this year. The last time any D-back threw more was more than nine years ago, Robbie Ray tossing 122 on June 30, 2017. [Of course, Randy Johnson passed that number on an almost everyday basis: twenty-one times in both 1999 and 2001] E-Rod scattered five hits and two walks, with nine strikeouts and improved his record for the year to 11-4.
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The offense jumped out on Justin Wrobleski early, putting up a crooked number in both the first and second innings. After a Geraldo Perdomo walk to start the game for the D-backs, Ketel Marte cranked his twentieth home-run of the year into the left-field bleachers, for a quick 2-0 lead. In the second frame, a Ryan Waldschmidt bunt [let's take the arguments as read, shall we?] caused an error which brought home a run, and a Corbin Carroll double gave Arizona a 4-0 advantage. The offense largely shut up shop thereafter. They went 0-for-14 against the Los Angeles bullpen, and were 0-for-7 with RISP. But it was definitely a case of "good enough."
The Dodgers pulled runs back in the third and sixth, but a Freddie Freeman double-play in the eighth, when he represented the tying run, was the end of their real threat. Kevin Ginkel, much-maligned in some quarters, came in for the ninth, notched a 1-2-3 inning with two K's for his first save of the year, reducing his season ERA to 3.60 – pretty respectable, I'd say. There should be some relief (literally) arriving for the team, with the news the D-backs have signed Zack Littell, the former Nats pitcher, likely to act as a long-man in the bullpen. They just have to pay the prorated MLB minimum, Washington covering the rest.
#first #team #angeles #recap
And few players deserve that "tougher" label than Eduardo Rodriguez, who threw 115 pitches over seven innings of two-run ball. It was certainly needed, on a day where the team effectively had four relievers off the board. That was a full ten pitches more than any Arizona starter this year. The last time any D-back threw more was more than nine years ago, Robbie Ray tossing 122 on June 30, 2017. [Of course, Randy Johnson passed that number on an almost everyday basis: twenty-one times in both 1999 and 2001] E-Rod scattered five hits and two walks, with nine strikeouts and improved his record for the year to 11-4.
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The offense jumped out on Justin Wrobleski early, putting up a crooked number in both the first and second innings. After a Geraldo Perdomo walk to start the game for the D-backs, Ketel Marte cranked his twentieth home-run of the year into the left-field bleachers, for a quick 2-0 lead. In the second frame, a Ryan Waldschmidt bunt [let's take the arguments as read, shall we?] caused an error which brought home a run, and a Corbin Carroll double gave Arizona a 4-0 advantage. The offense largely shut up shop thereafter. They went 0-for-14 against the Los Angeles bullpen, and were 0-for-7 with RISP. But it was definitely a case of "good enough."
The Dodgers pulled runs back in the third and sixth, but a Freddie Freeman double-play in the eighth, when he represented the tying run, was the end of their real threat. Kevin Ginkel, much-maligned in some quarters, came in for the ninth, notched a 1-2-3 inning with two K's for his first save of the year, reducing his season ERA to 3.60 – pretty respectable, I'd say. There should be some relief (literally) arriving for the team, with the news the D-backs have signed Zack Littell, the former Nats pitcher, likely to act as a long-man in the bullpen. They just have to pay the prorated MLB minimum, Washington covering the rest.
#first #team #angeles #recap
7 days ago
WASHINGTON − Since as far back as when MLB released the 2026 schedules last year, many highlighted the treacherous September the Cincinnati Reds would face. Surely you became familiar with it, too: Six games against the division-rival Milwaukee Brewers. Seven games against the back-to-back World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers. Plus, the Padres, Cubs and Braves − three reliable postseason contenders.
No one mentioned August 2026 as an especially treacherous month, and for about a week, it wasn't. In fact, the Reds used the first week of the month to pad its record coming out of the All-Star break, which stood at 13-6 entering play Aug. 7. That run looked to have the team back in the playoff conversation.
Reds injuries Hunter Greene Reds pitcher Hunter Greene will undergo season-ending surgery. Future is unclear
Turns out, August was no slouch. Cincinnati found out against the Washington Nationals, a team in contention for the National League wild card spots for most of 2026 and that hit its high water mark of three games over .500 in June.
While appearing to fade in recent weeks, the Nationals looked keen on staying in the postseason conversation after taking the first two games against Cincinnati. During the Reds' 13-6 run, they started to overtake teams ahead of them in the standings, including the Nationals (and Pirates). But the "Nats" were back in front of Cincinnati entering play Aug. 9
#reds #games #august #treacherous
No one mentioned August 2026 as an especially treacherous month, and for about a week, it wasn't. In fact, the Reds used the first week of the month to pad its record coming out of the All-Star break, which stood at 13-6 entering play Aug. 7. That run looked to have the team back in the playoff conversation.
Reds injuries Hunter Greene Reds pitcher Hunter Greene will undergo season-ending surgery. Future is unclear
Turns out, August was no slouch. Cincinnati found out against the Washington Nationals, a team in contention for the National League wild card spots for most of 2026 and that hit its high water mark of three games over .500 in June.
While appearing to fade in recent weeks, the Nationals looked keen on staying in the postseason conversation after taking the first two games against Cincinnati. During the Reds' 13-6 run, they started to overtake teams ahead of them in the standings, including the Nationals (and Pirates). But the "Nats" were back in front of Cincinnati entering play Aug. 9
#reds #games #august #treacherous
7 days ago
After that brutal road trip, these last two wins have been a massive boost for the Nats. Now they will look for only their second sweep of the season this afternoon against the Reds. The only other sweep was against another NL Central team in the Brewers, so maybe that is a good luck charm.
The Nats actually have the same 9 players in the lineup today. However, the order is mixed up a bit. Jose Tena will be up in the 3 spot, while Dylan Crews moves down to the 5 hole. Keibert Ruiz will also move down in the order. The Nats have a bullpen game today which will be started by Brad Lord, but all hands are on deck.
The Reds are making a couple changes with a righty opener on the mound. Hector Rodriguez will return to the lineup. Tyler Stephenson will also be the catcher in this one. Left handed JJ Bleday will move up in the lineup while righties like Eugenio Suarez and Dane Myers will move down. The veteran sinkerballer Brady Singer is on the **** p.
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#move #reds #only #order
The Nats actually have the same 9 players in the lineup today. However, the order is mixed up a bit. Jose Tena will be up in the 3 spot, while Dylan Crews moves down to the 5 hole. Keibert Ruiz will also move down in the order. The Nats have a bullpen game today which will be started by Brad Lord, but all hands are on deck.
The Reds are making a couple changes with a righty opener on the mound. Hector Rodriguez will return to the lineup. Tyler Stephenson will also be the catcher in this one. Left handed JJ Bleday will move up in the lineup while righties like Eugenio Suarez and Dane Myers will move down. The veteran sinkerballer Brady Singer is on the **** p.
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#move #reds #only #order
8 days ago
Nats first round pick Chris Hacopian will be making his minor league debut tomorrow. Interestingly, it will not be in Fredericksburg. Instead, the local kid will be skipping over Low-A and will join the Wilmington Blue Rocks. The old regime would always send draft picks to Low-A first, even if it were only for a few games, but that has changed.
After being drafted 11th overall last month, it will be exciting to see Hacopian get started. That Wilmington team was already loaded, and now they are getting another top prospect. The likes of Eli Willits, Ronny Cruz and Miguel Sime Jr. are some of the players currently in Wilmington. Now, Paul Toboni's first draft pick will join them.
This ***** ignment is interesting for a couple reasons. First is that it is another change from the new regime. Even when Dylan Crews was drafted second overall, he played 14 games in Fredericksburg. After that, he skipped High-A and went to Harrisburg. Playing for the Fred Nats was like a rite of passage for Nationals prospects.
Wilmington is known as a bad place to hit, and the old regime was hyper-aware of that. The new regime has been more willing to send guys to Wilmington and let them stay there. It is a pitchers park, but if you can hit, you can thrive there. We saw that with the likes of Ethan Petry, Devin Fitz-Gerald and now Eli Willits.
Hacopian will be the next big bat in Wilmington. Toboni and the front office must have felt that the infielders bat was just too advanced for Low-A. There is certainly evidence for that, as Hacopian was seen as one of the best college hitters in the class. He has walked more than he has struck out wherever he has played. Now, he will take on Wilmington.
#wilmington #hacopian #first #willits
After being drafted 11th overall last month, it will be exciting to see Hacopian get started. That Wilmington team was already loaded, and now they are getting another top prospect. The likes of Eli Willits, Ronny Cruz and Miguel Sime Jr. are some of the players currently in Wilmington. Now, Paul Toboni's first draft pick will join them.
This ***** ignment is interesting for a couple reasons. First is that it is another change from the new regime. Even when Dylan Crews was drafted second overall, he played 14 games in Fredericksburg. After that, he skipped High-A and went to Harrisburg. Playing for the Fred Nats was like a rite of passage for Nationals prospects.
Wilmington is known as a bad place to hit, and the old regime was hyper-aware of that. The new regime has been more willing to send guys to Wilmington and let them stay there. It is a pitchers park, but if you can hit, you can thrive there. We saw that with the likes of Ethan Petry, Devin Fitz-Gerald and now Eli Willits.
Hacopian will be the next big bat in Wilmington. Toboni and the front office must have felt that the infielders bat was just too advanced for Low-A. There is certainly evidence for that, as Hacopian was seen as one of the best college hitters in the class. He has walked more than he has struck out wherever he has played. Now, he will take on Wilmington.
#wilmington #hacopian #first #willits
8 days ago
Last night Nats fans saw something odd and unique. We saw the back end of the Nationals bullpen come in and lock down a game. The trio of Yovanny Cruz, Orlando Ribalta and Clayton Beeter were lights out last night. They did not allow a single hit in their three innings of work.
It was only one game, but for the first time all season I felt like the Nats had a back end of the bullpen that could bring real success. Cruz, Ribalta and Beeter all have filthy stuff and have the ability to get out of tight situations. We saw Cruz bail out Cade Cavalli last night with some help from Nasim Nunez.
That trio, at least last night, is what a back end of a bullpen is supposed to look like. All three of them throw in the upper 90's, or triple digits in Cruz's case. However, they also have elite secondary pitches to back up those heaters. Beeter and Cruz have electric sliders that just drop off the table. Meanwhile, Ribalta also has a good slider, but throws a nasty changeup as well.
Of the three, Yovanny Cruz has the best stuff in my opinion. The slider he throws is legitimately one of the nastiest I have ever seen. It is 90-93 but gets real slider movement instead of being a glorified cutter. The pitch he struck out Matt McLain with was just unfair.
For Cruz to reach his closer ceiling, his fastball needs to make some improvements. That is a weird thing to say about a guy who averages over 100, but it is true. Cruz's fastball command has been less than impressive in his two outings. Even when he is in the zone with it though, it has not really been fooling anyone.
#back
It was only one game, but for the first time all season I felt like the Nats had a back end of the bullpen that could bring real success. Cruz, Ribalta and Beeter all have filthy stuff and have the ability to get out of tight situations. We saw Cruz bail out Cade Cavalli last night with some help from Nasim Nunez.
That trio, at least last night, is what a back end of a bullpen is supposed to look like. All three of them throw in the upper 90's, or triple digits in Cruz's case. However, they also have elite secondary pitches to back up those heaters. Beeter and Cruz have electric sliders that just drop off the table. Meanwhile, Ribalta also has a good slider, but throws a nasty changeup as well.
Of the three, Yovanny Cruz has the best stuff in my opinion. The slider he throws is legitimately one of the nastiest I have ever seen. It is 90-93 but gets real slider movement instead of being a glorified cutter. The pitch he struck out Matt McLain with was just unfair.
For Cruz to reach his closer ceiling, his fastball needs to make some improvements. That is a weird thing to say about a guy who averages over 100, but it is true. Cruz's fastball command has been less than impressive in his two outings. Even when he is in the zone with it though, it has not really been fooling anyone.
#back
11 days ago
This Nats losing streak has been an extended period of suffering for the team and the fans. They are a putrid 3 for 46 with RISP this road trip. To get back in the win column, that will have to change as soon as possible. Hopefully tonight is the night where the losing finally ends.
With a righty on the mound, the Nats are making some changes. CJ Abrams is hitting leadoff for the first time all season and is back at short. Abimelec Ortiz will man first base after sitting last night. Jose Tena and Keibert Ruiz also return to the lineup. Jake Irvin will make his second start since coming off the IL.
The Phillies literally have the exact same lineup order as yesterday. Honestly, it is quite unusual to see that these days. However, the Phillies are a veteran laden group, so not much tinkering is required. Luis Arraez will appear in his second game as a Phillie. Andrew Painter is a highly touted prospect who has not put it all together yet and he will take the ball tonight.
Game Info:
Stadium: Citizens Bank Park
#nats #game #second
With a righty on the mound, the Nats are making some changes. CJ Abrams is hitting leadoff for the first time all season and is back at short. Abimelec Ortiz will man first base after sitting last night. Jose Tena and Keibert Ruiz also return to the lineup. Jake Irvin will make his second start since coming off the IL.
The Phillies literally have the exact same lineup order as yesterday. Honestly, it is quite unusual to see that these days. However, the Phillies are a veteran laden group, so not much tinkering is required. Luis Arraez will appear in his second game as a Phillie. Andrew Painter is a highly touted prospect who has not put it all together yet and he will take the ball tonight.
Game Info:
Stadium: Citizens Bank Park
#nats #game #second
11 days ago
Coy James may have been a 5th rounder in the 2025 draft, but he is not your average fifth round pick. The Nats gave James a $2.5 million signing bonus, paying him approximately the slot value of the 39th overall pick in that draft. With that in mind, big things were expected from the high school shortstop, and so far he has lived up to expectations.
It has not been a perfect first season for James by any means. He is only hitting .222 and is striking out 25.4% of the time in Low-A. However, he is showing flashes of immense upside with 16 homers and 27 steals. His .755 OPS is also above league average. James remains a work in progress, but his upside remains tantalizing.
We got reminded of how loud those tools are last night. While the Nats were lifelessly meandering to a 7th straight loss, James hit a 456 foot bomb. That is some crazy raw power for a 19 year old. When James is firing on all cylinders, he is one of the most impressive of the Nats many infield prospects.
James' season has been interesting because going into the draft scouts were split on if he were a power first guy or a hit first profile. Baseball America gave him a 55 hit tool with 50 power, while MLB Pipeline gave him a 45 hit tool with 55 power. So far the Pipeline projection has been more accurate, though his raw power might be closer to a 60.
Interestingly, it also seems like James' athleticism got undersold coming out of the draft as well. Both BA and Pipeline graded him as an average runner. However, he has looked more explosive in pro ball. He has 27 steals, but Fangraphs also gave him a 60 run tool in their early season update.
#james #gave #first #season
It has not been a perfect first season for James by any means. He is only hitting .222 and is striking out 25.4% of the time in Low-A. However, he is showing flashes of immense upside with 16 homers and 27 steals. His .755 OPS is also above league average. James remains a work in progress, but his upside remains tantalizing.
We got reminded of how loud those tools are last night. While the Nats were lifelessly meandering to a 7th straight loss, James hit a 456 foot bomb. That is some crazy raw power for a 19 year old. When James is firing on all cylinders, he is one of the most impressive of the Nats many infield prospects.
James' season has been interesting because going into the draft scouts were split on if he were a power first guy or a hit first profile. Baseball America gave him a 55 hit tool with 50 power, while MLB Pipeline gave him a 45 hit tool with 55 power. So far the Pipeline projection has been more accurate, though his raw power might be closer to a 60.
Interestingly, it also seems like James' athleticism got undersold coming out of the draft as well. Both BA and Pipeline graded him as an average runner. However, he has looked more explosive in pro ball. He has 27 steals, but Fangraphs also gave him a 60 run tool in their early season update.
#james #gave #first #season
16 days ago
After a tough series with the New York Mets, the Atlanta Braves returned to Truist Park for a four game set with the Washington Nationals. Though a close one, the Braves came out on top during game one, defeating the Nats 5-4.
Grant Holmes turned in a shaky start, allowing three runs through 4.2 frames. Fortunately, Ronald Acuña Jr. and Mike Yastrzemski picked him up and each homered.
Thursday's win makes for the Braves' 64th of the season. The series continues tonight at 7:15 ET behind Bryce Elder.
Our midseason prospect list continues, this time ranking numbers 7-12.
Eric Hartman knocked two homers for the Rome Emperors on Wednesday. More in the minor league recap.
#continues
Grant Holmes turned in a shaky start, allowing three runs through 4.2 frames. Fortunately, Ronald Acuña Jr. and Mike Yastrzemski picked him up and each homered.
Thursday's win makes for the Braves' 64th of the season. The series continues tonight at 7:15 ET behind Bryce Elder.
Our midseason prospect list continues, this time ranking numbers 7-12.
Eric Hartman knocked two homers for the Rome Emperors on Wednesday. More in the minor league recap.
#continues
1 month ago
After back to back bullpen meltdowns, the Nats look to get off the mat yet again and try to avoid the sweep. Staying above .500 going into the All-Star Break feels big for the morale of this team. On paper, this pitching matchup should be favorable as well.
The Nats are going with a lefty heavy lineup against righty Will Warren who historically has lefty issues. Dylan Crews is the only true righty in the lineup. Abimelec Ortiz will be making his MLB debut and hitting third. Jose Tena will be in the field today at second base. Jorbit Vivas will get the start over Curtis Mead and Keibert Ruiz will be behind the plate. Cade Cavalli is back from suspension and gets the start today.
The Yankees are making a couple changes as well. Trent Grisham will move up to the leadoff spot with a righty on the mound. Ryan McMahon will start at third base and Jose Caballaro will be at short. Max Schuemann will start in right field and Austin Wells is back behind the plate. As mentioned, Will Warren is on the mound.
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The Nats are going with a lefty heavy lineup against righty Will Warren who historically has lefty issues. Dylan Crews is the only true righty in the lineup. Abimelec Ortiz will be making his MLB debut and hitting third. Jose Tena will be in the field today at second base. Jorbit Vivas will get the start over Curtis Mead and Keibert Ruiz will be behind the plate. Cade Cavalli is back from suspension and gets the start today.
The Yankees are making a couple changes as well. Trent Grisham will move up to the leadoff spot with a righty on the mound. Ryan McMahon will start at third base and Jose Caballaro will be at short. Max Schuemann will start in right field and Austin Wells is back behind the plate. As mentioned, Will Warren is on the mound.
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1 month ago
• 11:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. ET (MLB.com, MLB TV, MLB+)
Yesterday certainly could have gone better for the Diamond Dores, as no current players were chosen in the first 4 rounds (yeah… we earned that postseason miss this year), but 6 commits were.
The latter part of that sentence likely frightens you, but it was pretty much expected. Well, that OF Eric Booth Jr. went in the 1st (Orioles), SS Aiden Ruiz in the 2nd (Pirates), LHP Sean Duncan in the 2nd (Yankees), recently flipped from UVA commit SS Luke Williams in the 3rd (Gnats), and SS Keon Johnson in the 3rd (Houston) was pretty par for the course. The only shocker was 1B Collin Bland being tabbed by the Devil Rays in the 4th. Most thought he was pretty safe to get to campus, as he's a 1B/DH type, and those only get taken out of HS if their bats are unreal, but… you know… you only need one team to like you and whatnot.
In normal years, losing 6 potential incoming freshmen would mean our class was completely raided by the pros, and we'd be pretty apoplectic. Heck, losing 3 guys who could take over for Ryker Waite at SS in a year even sounds like something that would kill a class, right?
Well, no. Not this class. Not yet.
Yesterday certainly could have gone better for the Diamond Dores, as no current players were chosen in the first 4 rounds (yeah… we earned that postseason miss this year), but 6 commits were.
The latter part of that sentence likely frightens you, but it was pretty much expected. Well, that OF Eric Booth Jr. went in the 1st (Orioles), SS Aiden Ruiz in the 2nd (Pirates), LHP Sean Duncan in the 2nd (Yankees), recently flipped from UVA commit SS Luke Williams in the 3rd (Gnats), and SS Keon Johnson in the 3rd (Houston) was pretty par for the course. The only shocker was 1B Collin Bland being tabbed by the Devil Rays in the 4th. Most thought he was pretty safe to get to campus, as he's a 1B/DH type, and those only get taken out of HS if their bats are unreal, but… you know… you only need one team to like you and whatnot.
In normal years, losing 6 potential incoming freshmen would mean our class was completely raided by the pros, and we'd be pretty apoplectic. Heck, losing 3 guys who could take over for Ryker Waite at SS in a year even sounds like something that would kill a class, right?
Well, no. Not this class. Not yet.
1 month ago
The MLB Draft is finally here. Today is the day that Paul Toboni and the new regime get to make their first selections which could change the future of the franchise. The Nats have the 11th, 42nd, 78th and 106th picks that will be made today. The rest of the picks will be made tomorrow. Here is a look at the schedule for the draft. Make sure to follow along and give your thoughts in the comments down below.
1 month ago
Offense was somewhat surprisingly at a premium last night in DC after the two-hour rain delay, as the Yankees couldn't do more than hit register two solo shots against the Nationals' Carson Palmquist/Zack Littell combo across the first seven innings. They weren't dominating by any stretch; it just felt like the Yanks weren't landing that key hit. So when Tim Hill coughed up back-to-back homers to Keibert Ruiz and James Wood to put the Nats ahead 3-2, there was a legitimate fear that Ryan Weathers' work would go to waste.
Thankfully, the Nats' weak relief pitching finally made a true appearance in the ninth. A few minutes later, the save was blown behind the bats of Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Austin Wells, two dudes who needed some big swings. Final score: 5-3, Yanks. Phew!
Here's what else was going on in some of the notable American League action yesterday. Note that we've shaken up the teams covered again for this final series of the first half, focusing solely on those presently in playoff position. As always, these are subject to change! It's just who's getting the shine at the moment.*
*Although I will note that all of the Blue Jays, Red Sox, Tigers, and Orioles won, moving the middle tier of the Wild Card race all up a game. Minnesota is one back of Seattle for the last Wild Card; Houston, Toronto, and surging Boston are 1.5 behind; Detroit is within 2.5 and Baltimore is three back. Oh, and none of these teams are over .500. What a jumbled mess.
It was a great Friday for Rays starter Nick Martinez, who was chosen as a replacement for Boston's Ranger Suárez on the All-Star roster and then went out and recorded a win over the Mariners. Named an All-Star for the first time at age-35, Martinez threw 5.1 innings, allowing two runs on four hits and a walk, giving up a homer to Cole Young and not much else. It wasn't as shiny as some of his early regular-season starts, but the W's all count the same.
Thankfully, the Nats' weak relief pitching finally made a true appearance in the ninth. A few minutes later, the save was blown behind the bats of Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Austin Wells, two dudes who needed some big swings. Final score: 5-3, Yanks. Phew!
Here's what else was going on in some of the notable American League action yesterday. Note that we've shaken up the teams covered again for this final series of the first half, focusing solely on those presently in playoff position. As always, these are subject to change! It's just who's getting the shine at the moment.*
*Although I will note that all of the Blue Jays, Red Sox, Tigers, and Orioles won, moving the middle tier of the Wild Card race all up a game. Minnesota is one back of Seattle for the last Wild Card; Houston, Toronto, and surging Boston are 1.5 behind; Detroit is within 2.5 and Baltimore is three back. Oh, and none of these teams are over .500. What a jumbled mess.
It was a great Friday for Rays starter Nick Martinez, who was chosen as a replacement for Boston's Ranger Suárez on the All-Star roster and then went out and recorded a win over the Mariners. Named an All-Star for the first time at age-35, Martinez threw 5.1 innings, allowing two runs on four hits and a walk, giving up a homer to Cole Young and not much else. It wasn't as shiny as some of his early regular-season starts, but the W's all count the same.
1 month ago
The Yankees are looking to end their first half on a high note this weekend in Washington, DC, when they face the upstart Nationals. Said Nats have been better than expected in their first full year with a new front office and skipper, which hadn't been changed since their 2019 World Series-winning team fell apart. Ryan Weathers, Cam Schlittler, and Will Warren have a tough lineup facing them this weekend, and Weathers is slated to be the first to get a shot at them tonight. The Nats are sending out lefty Carson Palmquist as an opener with familiar starter Zack Littell likely to follow as the "bulk guy."
However, we'll have to wait a bit. The Nationals announced that there is "inclement weather" in the area and that first pitch—which had been scheduled for 6:45pm ET—was delayed. They put the news out there at 6:07pm ET and as of just a few minutes ago, the tarp was still on the field. ******* mer.
We'll keep you all posted with any updates on the first pitch time.
However, we'll have to wait a bit. The Nationals announced that there is "inclement weather" in the area and that first pitch—which had been scheduled for 6:45pm ET—was delayed. They put the news out there at 6:07pm ET and as of just a few minutes ago, the tarp was still on the field. ******* mer.
We'll keep you all posted with any updates on the first pitch time.
1 month ago
The Astros may not be the conquering force they once were, but they remain a dangerous team. Yordan Alvarez is the biggest driver of that, and the Nats can’t let the Astros DH beat them on his own. The Nats will look to bounce back from a series loss against the Pirates as they continue this home stand.
Jacob Young is back in the lineup for the Nats. He will patrol center field while Daylen Lile is in left and Dylan Crews is in right. James Wood will take DH duties tonight. Nasim Nunez will be back at second base, while Drew Millas is behind the plate. Miles Mikolas will get the start this evening.
The focal point of this Astros lineup is the ferocious Yordan Alvarez who is hitting .320 with 29 homers. Jose Altuve, Christian Walker and Isaac Paredes are solid supporting pieces, but make no mistake, Yordan is the star of the show. The top of the Astros lineup has been elite, but they do not have the most depth. Mike Burrows has not had the season the Astros envisioned when they traded for him this offseason, but he will look to get going tonight.
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Jacob Young is back in the lineup for the Nats. He will patrol center field while Daylen Lile is in left and Dylan Crews is in right. James Wood will take DH duties tonight. Nasim Nunez will be back at second base, while Drew Millas is behind the plate. Miles Mikolas will get the start this evening.
The focal point of this Astros lineup is the ferocious Yordan Alvarez who is hitting .320 with 29 homers. Jose Altuve, Christian Walker and Isaac Paredes are solid supporting pieces, but make no mistake, Yordan is the star of the show. The top of the Astros lineup has been elite, but they do not have the most depth. Mike Burrows has not had the season the Astros envisioned when they traded for him this offseason, but he will look to get going tonight.
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1 month ago
A year ago today, the trajectory of the Washington Nationals changed drastically. Manager Davey Martinez and President of Baseball Operations Mike Rizzo were fired on July 6th, 2025. The duo had led the Nats to a World Series **** le in 2019, but in the midst of a disappointing season, it was clear that they were no longer the right men to lead the franchise forward.
After the World Series in 2019, the Nats quickly aged out of contention, and the lack of depth on the farm meant that there were no replacements. In 2021, Mike Rizzo decided to sell off veteran pieces and lead the franchise into a rebuild. With a World Series ring only a couple years prior, Rizzo and Martinez were allowed to lead the Nats into this new era.
In 2022, the reality of the rebuild set in. This would be an even longer process than expected. That meant 23 year old future Hall of Famer Juan Soto had to be traded. The move was a painful one, but it turned out to be the best decision Mike Rizzo made in the rebuild. He got three cornerstone pieces in James Wood, CJ Abrams and MacKenzie Gore.
However, Rizzo’s lack of success in the draft and Martinez’s archaic coaching staff meant the fruits of that trade could not be fully realized. By 2025, the Nats were stuck. They had nice pieces, but there was a clear disconnect between the coaching staff and the players, and the roster was far too top heavy. With the Nats sitting at 37-53, the Lerner family made the big decision to fire Rizzo and Martinez.
A year later, that decision is looking very wise. Right now, the Nats are above .500 with a 46-45 record. Under Paul Toboni and Blake Butera, the organization has quickly modernized and embraced **** ytics in a way that they had not in the past. A big story this spring was how much new technology the Nats had. Between the trajekt machine, weighted bats and more, the Nats were finally embracing 2020’s baseball.
After the World Series in 2019, the Nats quickly aged out of contention, and the lack of depth on the farm meant that there were no replacements. In 2021, Mike Rizzo decided to sell off veteran pieces and lead the franchise into a rebuild. With a World Series ring only a couple years prior, Rizzo and Martinez were allowed to lead the Nats into this new era.
In 2022, the reality of the rebuild set in. This would be an even longer process than expected. That meant 23 year old future Hall of Famer Juan Soto had to be traded. The move was a painful one, but it turned out to be the best decision Mike Rizzo made in the rebuild. He got three cornerstone pieces in James Wood, CJ Abrams and MacKenzie Gore.
However, Rizzo’s lack of success in the draft and Martinez’s archaic coaching staff meant the fruits of that trade could not be fully realized. By 2025, the Nats were stuck. They had nice pieces, but there was a clear disconnect between the coaching staff and the players, and the roster was far too top heavy. With the Nats sitting at 37-53, the Lerner family made the big decision to fire Rizzo and Martinez.
A year later, that decision is looking very wise. Right now, the Nats are above .500 with a 46-45 record. Under Paul Toboni and Blake Butera, the organization has quickly modernized and embraced **** ytics in a way that they had not in the past. A big story this spring was how much new technology the Nats had. Between the trajekt machine, weighted bats and more, the Nats were finally embracing 2020’s baseball.
1 month ago
The Washington Nationals finally had a reliever that looked good, and they sent him down. Well that is quite the oversimplification, but I did with Eddy Yean got to stay with the team after his electric debut. However, he threw 28 pitches, so he was not going to be available for a few days.
Now that he is on the 40-man roster and made that kind of first impression, there is no doubt that Eddy Yean will be back. I just hope it is sooner rather than later. The big right hander made his debut in a tough spot. Cade Cavalli just did not have it today, so Yean had to come in during the third inning with two on. He was able to stop the bleeding in that inning, and things just went from there.
Yean came in the ball game and attacked with his power stuff. That was a breath of fresh air for this bullpen. Yean’s heater averaged 97.8 MPH yesterday. The Nats bullpen just does not have that kind of velocity in it. I take a liking to big fireballers out of the bullpen, and Yean certainly fits that description. Seeing a guy who looks like a defensive tackle flirt with triple digits is pretty awesome if you ask me.
While Yean’s fastball is in the upper 90’s, his primary putaway pitch yesterday was his changeup. All three of his strikeouts came on the change, which has also been his primary whiff pitch in the minors. The pitch looks and moves a lot like his sinker, it just comes in about 8 to 9 MPH slower. That makes things really tough on hitters.
That first strikeout is a really good example of how his changeup plays. It does not have insane movement, but hitters are just out in front of the pitch. That leads to whiffs or ground ******* . Those ground ******* are a big part of Yean’s game. In the minors, his GB rate was 54.1%. Yesterday, Yean got a couple ground ball outs as well. Despite the big velocity, he projects more as a ground ball artist than a guy who gets a ton of strikeouts.
Now that he is on the 40-man roster and made that kind of first impression, there is no doubt that Eddy Yean will be back. I just hope it is sooner rather than later. The big right hander made his debut in a tough spot. Cade Cavalli just did not have it today, so Yean had to come in during the third inning with two on. He was able to stop the bleeding in that inning, and things just went from there.
Yean came in the ball game and attacked with his power stuff. That was a breath of fresh air for this bullpen. Yean’s heater averaged 97.8 MPH yesterday. The Nats bullpen just does not have that kind of velocity in it. I take a liking to big fireballers out of the bullpen, and Yean certainly fits that description. Seeing a guy who looks like a defensive tackle flirt with triple digits is pretty awesome if you ask me.
While Yean’s fastball is in the upper 90’s, his primary putaway pitch yesterday was his changeup. All three of his strikeouts came on the change, which has also been his primary whiff pitch in the minors. The pitch looks and moves a lot like his sinker, it just comes in about 8 to 9 MPH slower. That makes things really tough on hitters.
That first strikeout is a really good example of how his changeup plays. It does not have insane movement, but hitters are just out in front of the pitch. That leads to whiffs or ground ******* . Those ground ******* are a big part of Yean’s game. In the minors, his GB rate was 54.1%. Yesterday, Yean got a couple ground ball outs as well. Despite the big velocity, he projects more as a ground ball artist than a guy who gets a ton of strikeouts.
1 month ago
After a big win last night, the Nats celebrate this Independence Day by playing an 11:05 game against the Pirates. They will look to secure a 3rd straight series win on the 250th anniversary of this great country. It will be tough with the Pirates throwing out a hard throwing righty.
The Nats will make a few tweaks to the lineup. Jacob Young was supposed to be back in the lineup, but he was a late scratch. That means it will be the same outfield as last night. Curtis Mead will be back in there at third base. Drew Millas will also be catching in this one. Carson Palmquist will be opening for Zack Littell.
The Pirates are making some changes at the bottom of their lineup Tyler Callihan, who pitched yesterday, will be in the game at first base. Former first overall pick Henry Davis will also be doing the catching here. Besides that, it is a similar lineup to last night. Braxton Ashcraft has had a great season and he will be on the mound in this one.
Game Info:
Stadium: Nationals Park
The Nats will make a few tweaks to the lineup. Jacob Young was supposed to be back in the lineup, but he was a late scratch. That means it will be the same outfield as last night. Curtis Mead will be back in there at third base. Drew Millas will also be catching in this one. Carson Palmquist will be opening for Zack Littell.
The Pirates are making some changes at the bottom of their lineup Tyler Callihan, who pitched yesterday, will be in the game at first base. Former first overall pick Henry Davis will also be doing the catching here. Besides that, it is a similar lineup to last night. Braxton Ashcraft has had a great season and he will be on the mound in this one.
Game Info:
Stadium: Nationals Park
1 month ago
As we get closer to the trade deadline, teams across baseball will have to decide which lane they’re going to take: buyer or seller. As of Thursday, there are more than a dozen teams within six games of a wild-card spot, not including the six teams currently in playoff position in each league.
With so many teams bunched in the middle of the standings with very little separation, the question becomes: How do we determine which teams should buy and be aggressive and which ones need to turn their focus to 2027 and beyond?
Below are five interesting teams in the middle of the pack. Let’s break down what they should do as the trade deadline approaches.
When president of baseball operations Paul Toboni took over in October, the Nats were an organization in need of a new identity. Six years without a postseason appearance called for change, and in Toboni’s first year in D.C., there has been plenty of that for the Nationals.
So far in 2026, the Nationals have looked like a different team at the big-league level. One of the biggest surprises of the season has been Washington’s prolific offense. Led by budding star James Wood and shortstop CJ Abrams, who is having the best season of his career, the Nats have scored more runs than any other team in baseball.
With so many teams bunched in the middle of the standings with very little separation, the question becomes: How do we determine which teams should buy and be aggressive and which ones need to turn their focus to 2027 and beyond?
Below are five interesting teams in the middle of the pack. Let’s break down what they should do as the trade deadline approaches.
When president of baseball operations Paul Toboni took over in October, the Nats were an organization in need of a new identity. Six years without a postseason appearance called for change, and in Toboni’s first year in D.C., there has been plenty of that for the Nationals.
So far in 2026, the Nationals have looked like a different team at the big-league level. One of the biggest surprises of the season has been Washington’s prolific offense. Led by budding star James Wood and shortstop CJ Abrams, who is having the best season of his career, the Nats have scored more runs than any other team in baseball.
1 month ago
The Nationals and Orioles linked up for a pretty minor trade last night. Paul Toboni acquired the recently DFA’d Kyle Nicolas in exchange for minor league infielder Randal Diaz. However, this trade has deeper significance because it is the first time that the Nats and O’s have ever made a trade together.
This is further proof that tensions are thawing between the two beltway rivals. For most of the Nats’ time in DC, the two teams have not had a great relationship, largely due to the contentious MASN deal. Let’s just say that Ted Lerner and Peter Angelos were not exactly best buds.
However, it is a new day now. Both Lerner and Angelos have passed away. Ted’s son Mark now runs the Nats and the O’s were sold to David Rubenstein. There has also finally been a resolution to the MASN debacle. As we know, the Nats are now on MLB TV.
Now that those factors have been ironed out, it makes sense that these teams would trade together, even if this is just a small deal. The O’s and Nats are just two teams making a deal now. While there will always be a rivalry, it is not like these teams are division rivals. Despite being in the same region, they are not city rivals like the Mets or Yankees either.
As the years go by, we should see more trades between these two teams, especially under these two GM’s. Both Paul Toboni and Mike Elias are transaction happy executives. Both love hunting the waiver wire and searching for value, and that is exactly what is happening here.
This is further proof that tensions are thawing between the two beltway rivals. For most of the Nats’ time in DC, the two teams have not had a great relationship, largely due to the contentious MASN deal. Let’s just say that Ted Lerner and Peter Angelos were not exactly best buds.
However, it is a new day now. Both Lerner and Angelos have passed away. Ted’s son Mark now runs the Nats and the O’s were sold to David Rubenstein. There has also finally been a resolution to the MASN debacle. As we know, the Nats are now on MLB TV.
Now that those factors have been ironed out, it makes sense that these teams would trade together, even if this is just a small deal. The O’s and Nats are just two teams making a deal now. While there will always be a rivalry, it is not like these teams are division rivals. Despite being in the same region, they are not city rivals like the Mets or Yankees either.
As the years go by, we should see more trades between these two teams, especially under these two GM’s. Both Paul Toboni and Mike Elias are transaction happy executives. Both love hunting the waiver wire and searching for value, and that is exactly what is happening here.
2 months ago
We had ourselves a brawl at the Boston Red Sox and Washington Nationals game on Tuesday night thanks to something that Nats pitcher Cade Cavalli yelled at first baseman Willson Contreras after a strikeout in the fourth inning.
Wondering what was said? We don't have official word, but what we do have is some hot mics that picked up what many folks think was Cavalli yelling, "SIT DOWN BOY!" That didn't sit well with Contreras, who seemed shocked at the yelling and he approached Cavalli before eventually tossing his helmet at the hurler. The benches cleared and it got a little heated to say the least.
WOW. Haven't seen one of those in a while.
I think because of the helmet toss at Cavalli, Contreras might face some discipline. Will MLB do the same due to what Cavalli yelled?
This article originally appeared on For The Win: What did Cade Cavalli yell at Willson Contreras that ignited Red Sox, Nationals melee?
Wondering what was said? We don't have official word, but what we do have is some hot mics that picked up what many folks think was Cavalli yelling, "SIT DOWN BOY!" That didn't sit well with Contreras, who seemed shocked at the yelling and he approached Cavalli before eventually tossing his helmet at the hurler. The benches cleared and it got a little heated to say the least.
WOW. Haven't seen one of those in a while.
I think because of the helmet toss at Cavalli, Contreras might face some discipline. Will MLB do the same due to what Cavalli yelled?
This article originally appeared on For The Win: What did Cade Cavalli yell at Willson Contreras that ignited Red Sox, Nationals melee?
2 months ago
After getting back on track in Baltimore, the Nats continue their road trip against another AL East foe. They head up to Boston to face a Red Sox team who just completed a 4 game sweep over the Yankees. However, for most of this season, the Red Sox have been inconsistent at best.
With a lefty on the mound, Blake Butera elected to make a few changes. However, he decided to keep his hottest hitter Luis Garcia Jr. in the lineup. Garcia usually sits against lefties, but he is too hot for that right now. Andres Chaparro will be in there as the DH. Daylen Lile will get a day off, meaning James Wood is in left, Jacob Young is in center and Dylan Crews is in right. Miles Mikolas will be on the mound with no opener in front of him.
This Red Sox lineup has underperformed for most of the season, but they have been better in June. Newcomer Willson Contreras has been their best hitter. Caleb Durbin has also been hot in June. The Nats very briefly rostered Tsung-Che Cheng, before DFA’ing him two days later. Now he is with the Red Sox, and starting at shortstop. Big money signing Ranger Suarez will be on the mound.
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With a lefty on the mound, Blake Butera elected to make a few changes. However, he decided to keep his hottest hitter Luis Garcia Jr. in the lineup. Garcia usually sits against lefties, but he is too hot for that right now. Andres Chaparro will be in there as the DH. Daylen Lile will get a day off, meaning James Wood is in left, Jacob Young is in center and Dylan Crews is in right. Miles Mikolas will be on the mound with no opener in front of him.
This Red Sox lineup has underperformed for most of the season, but they have been better in June. Newcomer Willson Contreras has been their best hitter. Caleb Durbin has also been hot in June. The Nats very briefly rostered Tsung-Che Cheng, before DFA’ing him two days later. Now he is with the Red Sox, and starting at shortstop. Big money signing Ranger Suarez will be on the mound.
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2 months ago
This series has exposed the Washington Nationals fatal flaw. They cannot close out games to save their life. Nationals pitchers who come in the game in the 9th inning of a close game feel like fish out of water. The Nationals have already blown 23 saves as a team, while no other team has blown more than 16.
Imagine where the Nationals would be even if they were tied for the most blown saves. They would be safely in a playoff spot. However, Paul Toboni decided to throw together a bullpen off the scrap heap, and it shows. I do not entirely blame Toboni for building the bullpen this way. This team was not built to win this year, and the offense being this ready for contention was a major surprise.
However, Paul Toboni needs to make a vow to the fanbase that this will never happen again. This has to be the last year of this closer by committee nonsense. Playing the matchups is great in the 6th through 8th inning, but in the 9th you need an alpha dog. The Nationals do not have anything resembling an alpha at the back of the bullpen.
Whether it is at the deadline or in the offseason, Paul Toboni needs to address the closer position in a real way. We have seen that playing the matchups with Orlando Ribalta and Richard Lovelady does not work. Those guys just don’t have the stuff or the minerals for the 9th inning. Lovelady was a cute story, but he had been playing with fire all season, and now it is burning him. Ribalta has nice upside, but he can’t put anyone away to save his life right now.
Just to pour salt on the wound, the Phillies brought out Jhoan Duran in the 9th inning, and he just mowed down the Nats in a dominant 1-2-3 inning. Duran is exactly what the Nats need right now. They need a 100 MPH flamethrower with a badass closer entrance who gives the fans total confidence.
Imagine where the Nationals would be even if they were tied for the most blown saves. They would be safely in a playoff spot. However, Paul Toboni decided to throw together a bullpen off the scrap heap, and it shows. I do not entirely blame Toboni for building the bullpen this way. This team was not built to win this year, and the offense being this ready for contention was a major surprise.
However, Paul Toboni needs to make a vow to the fanbase that this will never happen again. This has to be the last year of this closer by committee nonsense. Playing the matchups is great in the 6th through 8th inning, but in the 9th you need an alpha dog. The Nationals do not have anything resembling an alpha at the back of the bullpen.
Whether it is at the deadline or in the offseason, Paul Toboni needs to address the closer position in a real way. We have seen that playing the matchups with Orlando Ribalta and Richard Lovelady does not work. Those guys just don’t have the stuff or the minerals for the 9th inning. Lovelady was a cute story, but he had been playing with fire all season, and now it is burning him. Ribalta has nice upside, but he can’t put anyone away to save his life right now.
Just to pour salt on the wound, the Phillies brought out Jhoan Duran in the 9th inning, and he just mowed down the Nats in a dominant 1-2-3 inning. Duran is exactly what the Nats need right now. They need a 100 MPH flamethrower with a badass closer entrance who gives the fans total confidence.
2 months ago
With Trea Turner at the plate, Brad Lord and the Washington Nationals were one strike away from completing another emotional win over the Phillies. In what felt like an hour later, Trea Turner came to the plate again in the top of the 9th to single and make it 14-8 Phillies. I would say I have never seen anything like this, but I did just a couple weeks ago in San Francisco.
At this point, we know what the floor of this bullpen is, and it is at the Dead Sea. The bullpen can actually string together some decent performances. However, when it is not going right, this unit is legitimately unable to get outs. That 9th inning in San Francisco and the 9th inning tonight are perfect examples of that.
All the damage in those innings came without the other team even making an out. Tonight, 10 straight Phillies reached base with two outs, turning an 8-6 lead into a 14-8 deficit. The normally reliable Brad Lord crumbled so quickly that he gave up 5 runs before another reliever was even able to get ready.
It was so close to being such a statement victory at Nationals Park. The crowd was engaged and fired up in a way that I had not seen in years. They were ready to explode when Lord got two strikes on Trea Turner. Instead, they went home disappointed like they have so many times over the past 6 years.
At the end of the day, this bullpen just does not have the horses. The floor is super low in the bullpen for a reason. It is because these guys do not have swing and miss stuff. When they desperately need it, these guys cannot get that big strikeout. Blake Butera mentioned all the times Nats pitchers got into 2 strike counts and could not finish the job.
At this point, we know what the floor of this bullpen is, and it is at the Dead Sea. The bullpen can actually string together some decent performances. However, when it is not going right, this unit is legitimately unable to get outs. That 9th inning in San Francisco and the 9th inning tonight are perfect examples of that.
All the damage in those innings came without the other team even making an out. Tonight, 10 straight Phillies reached base with two outs, turning an 8-6 lead into a 14-8 deficit. The normally reliable Brad Lord crumbled so quickly that he gave up 5 runs before another reliever was even able to get ready.
It was so close to being such a statement victory at Nationals Park. The crowd was engaged and fired up in a way that I had not seen in years. They were ready to explode when Lord got two strikes on Trea Turner. Instead, they went home disappointed like they have so many times over the past 6 years.
At the end of the day, this bullpen just does not have the horses. The floor is super low in the bullpen for a reason. It is because these guys do not have swing and miss stuff. When they desperately need it, these guys cannot get that big strikeout. Blake Butera mentioned all the times Nats pitchers got into 2 strike counts and could not finish the job.
2 months ago
Blake Butera did not downplay the magnitude of this series. While he said this one counts the same as the rest, the players are aware of what is at stake in this 4 game set against the Phillies. This is a major measuring stick series for this group which surprisingly finds themselves in wild card contention.
With a lefty opener, the Nats are going with a unique lineup. Luis Garcia Jr. is hitting 8th to avoid the opener, while Curtis Mead hits second. Jacob Young is back in center field after an injury scare the other day. Dylan Crews will play in left, while Daylen Lile does the DH duties. Foster Griffin will toe the slab in DC.
The top of the Phillies lineup is red hot right now. Bryce Harper just hit for the cycle and Kyle Schwarber already has 29 homers. Brandon Marsh is hitting 6th to extend what can sometimes be a top heavy lineup. Rafael Marchan will catch instead of JT Realmuto. Tim Mayza will open, while Alan Rangel will be in a bulk role.
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With a lefty opener, the Nats are going with a unique lineup. Luis Garcia Jr. is hitting 8th to avoid the opener, while Curtis Mead hits second. Jacob Young is back in center field after an injury scare the other day. Dylan Crews will play in left, while Daylen Lile does the DH duties. Foster Griffin will toe the slab in DC.
The top of the Phillies lineup is red hot right now. Bryce Harper just hit for the cycle and Kyle Schwarber already has 29 homers. Brandon Marsh is hitting 6th to extend what can sometimes be a top heavy lineup. Rafael Marchan will catch instead of JT Realmuto. Tim Mayza will open, while Alan Rangel will be in a bulk role.
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2 months ago
After the Rays took game one, the Nats grinded out a one run win in game two of the three game set. That sets the stage for a rubber match this afternoon. The Nats will look to win yet another series, while the Rays look to stay hot at home.
Blake Butera made a few tweaks to his lineup. Jacob Young is out of the lineup after banging into the wall yesterday. The outfield will consist of Daylen Lile in left, Dylan Crews in center and James Wood in right. Jose Tena will be in the DH spot and Drew Millas will be behind the plate. Andrew Alvarez is on the mound, and the Nats will look for more length than usual from the southpaw.
With a lefty on the mound, the Rays are making a few changes. Ryan Vilade will make his first start of the series in right field. Jonny DeLuca will also be back in the lineup. Ben Williamson will play second base, while Nick Fortes gets his first start of the series behind the plate. Nick Martinez has been a great signing for the Rays, and will take the ball today.
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Blake Butera made a few tweaks to his lineup. Jacob Young is out of the lineup after banging into the wall yesterday. The outfield will consist of Daylen Lile in left, Dylan Crews in center and James Wood in right. Jose Tena will be in the DH spot and Drew Millas will be behind the plate. Andrew Alvarez is on the mound, and the Nats will look for more length than usual from the southpaw.
With a lefty on the mound, the Rays are making a few changes. Ryan Vilade will make his first start of the series in right field. Jonny DeLuca will also be back in the lineup. Ben Williamson will play second base, while Nick Fortes gets his first start of the series behind the plate. Nick Martinez has been a great signing for the Rays, and will take the ball today.
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