Nationals

Nationals

Player News - Nationals

Date: Team: Pos:

Stephen Strasburg pitched seven innings of one-run ball, striking out seven, in a no-decision against the Giants on Tuesday.

Strasburg has allowed just two earned runs in his last three starts, dropping his ERA from 3.45 to 2.66. That overstates how well he's pitched -- he's given up nine unearned runs this season -- but tonight's performance was maybe the most impressive one he's put together this year and should give him something to build on.
May 22 - 1:37 AM

Rafael Soriano took his third blown save after giving up a run in the ninth against the Giants on Tuesday.

Soriano also took a blown save on Friday, but that was aided by a Ryan Zimmerman throwing error and he ended up notching the win in the 10th. Soriano still has nothing to worry about as far as job security -- he's more trustworthy than Drew Storen right now -- but the Nationals can't afford to continue being let down by their pen when their offense has been so poor.
May 22 - 1:35 AM

Danny Espinosa went hitless in a fourth straight game Tuesday, leaving him with a .159 average in 139 at-bats.

Maybe more patience would be warranted if Espinosa were healthy, but it's quite possible he needs surgery for the partial rotator cuff tear he suffered last year. Besides, he's just killing the Nationals offense right now. Not only is he batting .159, but he's walked just three times all year. His OBP stands at .186.
May 22 - 1:32 AM

Nationals prospect Anthony Rendon started at second base Monday night for Double-A Harrisburg.

It's interesting given Danny Espinosa's struggles, but Nationals manager Davey Johnson doesn't think Rendon is ready to play second base at the major league level yet. "We like him – we like him a lot," said Johnson. "But putting him at second at the major-league level, he’s not there yet. He’s not (playing second) specifically. He’s just occasionally going over there." Rendon is hitting .390 (23-for-59) with four home runs and 16 RBI since his demotion earlier this month. Nothing appears imminent, but it would be a good idea to continue to monitor his progress in fantasy leagues.
Source: FOX Sports
May 21 - 9:43 AM

Nationals purchased the contract of LHP Fernando Abad from Triple-A Syracuse.

Abad, 27, had a 1.06 ERA and 12/2 K/BB ratio in 17 innings over 17 appearances in Triple-A. The Nationals are lacking a true left-handed specialist, so there's a chance that he could stick around. However, Abad owns a 5.10 ERA in 88 appearances in the majors.
May 21 - 8:51 AM

Nationals recalled RHP Yunesky Maya from Triple-A Syracuse.

Maya has an ugly 5.07 ERA and 34/17 K/BB ratio in 49 2/3 innings over eight starts this season in Triple-A, but the Nationals need a fresh arm for their bullpen. This will be his first stint in the majors since 2011.
May 21 - 8:47 AM

Nationals optioned OF Eury Perez to Triple-A Syracuse.

Perez was sent down so that the Nationals could add some bullpen help. The 22-year-old speedster went 0-for-5 in five games during his brief stint with the big club.
May 21 - 8:43 AM

Nationals placed RHP Ryan Mattheus on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to May 20, with a fractured right hand.

Mattheus suffered the injury Sunday after he gave up five runs on four hits and two walks over one inning against the Padres and punched his locker in frustration. No word yet on how long he'll be sidelined, but he's obviously facing an extended absence. The Nationals are calling up Yunesky Maya and Fernando Abad for some bullpen insurance.
May 21 - 8:40 AM

Craig Stammen was knocked around the park by the Giants Monday, allowing two runs on seven hits over 2 2/3 innings.

Washington didn't have much of a chance after Zach Duke spotted the Giants an early lead, but Stammen's poor performance sealed their fate. Stammen stranded a handful of runners to limit the damage this game had on his ERA, which jumped from 2.25 to 2.78. As a long reliever, Stammen has fulfilled expectations, adding a 1.19 WHIP and 23/5 K/BB rate over 22 2/3 innings.
May 21 - 4:31 AM

Zach Duke was rocked for four runs on seven hits over 3 1/3 innings in a loss to the Giants on Monday.

Duke struck out one and didn't walk a batter. His most impressive feat of the evening was logging one of the three hits off Giants starter Ryan Vogelsong. Duke, making his first start of the season as a fill-in for Ross Detwiler (lower back), didn't acquit himself well. Though he kept the ball in the strike zone and only allowed one extra-base hit, San Francisco was fooled by none of the offered slop. Duke will presumably now return to the bullpen, though his 8.84 ERA and 1.80 WHIP may not be long for Washington's roster.
May 21 - 1:31 AM

Ross Detwiler reported improvement with his back Monday and hopes to be ready to make his next start.

Detwiler will play catch on Tuesday before throwing from a mound later in the week. With an off day on Thursday, the Nationals can delay Detwiler's next turn a few days. Zach Duke is making a spot start in his place on Monday.
May 20 - 8:56 PM

Jayson Werth (hamstring) will not be ready for activation from the disabled list on Friday and could be sidelined for as much as two more weeks.

Nationals manager Davey Johnson said he received an "alarming" report on Werth Monday, which obviously doesn't sound good. The outfielder experienced a setback with his hamstring during a rehab game last week and has yet to return to game action. He was slated to see a specialist over the weekend and evidently didn't receive good news. Roger Bernadina and Tyler Moore will continue to be the primary fill-ins for Werth.
May 20 - 8:38 PM

Bryce Harper (knee) is back in the Nationals' lineup Monday.

Harper sat out Saturday and Sunday due to soreness in his left knee caused by last week's collision with the outfield wall. He's probably still a little sore but is feeling well enough to give it a go.
May 20 - 6:27 PM

Dan Haren was pulled in the fifth inning after giving up seven runs Sunday in a loss to the Padres.

Haren suffered an ankle injury during his last start and may not be completely healthy. He allowed three runs in the first inning and gave up a pair of home runs to Will Venable and Kyle Blanks. Haren is in position to bounce back with a matchup against the Phillies next week.
May 19 - 8:34 PM

Nate Karns allowed three runs on seven hits over six innings and had six strikeouts in his start Friday at Double-A Harrisburg.

Karns didn't make it out of the first inning in his previous outing, so it was a much needed return to form. If Ross Detwiler is placed on the disabled list, Karns could become an option for the Nationals. He currently owns a 4.38 ERA and 46 strikeouts over 39 innings (eight starts) at the Double-A level.
May 19 - 8:32 PM


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