I didn't invent Facebook, but I do cover the Washington Nationals for MASNsports.com and co-host the Nats Chat podcast: https://www.natschatpodcast.com/
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The Nationals have to cling to whatever bright spots remain this year. And there may be no bigger bright spot the rest of this month than the one that continues to follow Cade Cavalli almost every time he takes the mound. www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/c...
Final: Nats 5, Marlins 2. Cade Cavalli with another strong start. James Wood hit his 27th homer. The bullpen has now thrown 17 consecutive scoreless innings, allowing only 2 hits while striking out 21.
Eddie Longosz on Jarlin Susana on the MASN broadcast: "Right now, it's just a wait...Got an MRI earlier today, so just waiting on a text. We'll see how it is." Susana was diagnosed with right triceps soreness after he left his Double-A start on Saturday in the 2nd inning.
More on the Jorge Alfaro signing, C.J. Stubbs demotion, Keibert Ruiz rehab assignment and MacKenzie Gore and Josiah Gray throwing sessions: www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/n...
More injury updates: * MacKenzie Gore played catch today, a good sign only 4 days after going on the IL with shoulder inflammation * Josiah Gray threw 30 pitches over 2 “innings” of live BP today in West Palm Beach
Nats RHP Cavalli vs Marlins RHP Mazur (6:45/MASN)
Keibert Ruiz is beginning a rehab assignment with Double-A Harrisburg tonight, his first game action since he went back on the concussion IL two months ago.
Nationals have signed veteran C Jorge Alfaro, optioned C.J. Stubbs to AAA and transferred Drew Millas to the 60-day IL. Baseball can be a cruel sport sometimes.
While Andrew Alvarez got most of the attention yesterday, C.J. Stubbs also was making his MLB debut. It was no less memorable for the 28-year-old catcher. www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/s...
9/2 – RAMON ORTIZ RHP, 2006 Veteran was rough in 33 starts (11-16, 5.57 ERA), but forever remembered for pitching 8 no-hit innings vs. Cards on Labor Day, then homering in bot 8th before losing no-hitter in top 9th. Won 2002 title with Angels, went 87-86 with 4.95 ERA in career.
Did Andrew Alvarez have the best MLB Debut for a #Nats starting pitcher since Stephen Strasburg? Our recap of the 2-0 win over Miami to end the 8-game losing streak: www.natschatpodcast.com/episode-post...
Five weeks ago, Andrew Alvarez was winless at AAA. Today, the 26-year-old lefty won his MLB debut with 5 scoreless innings of 1-hit ball. "You dream of this as a kid. And to have it come to fruition is no more than a miracle." www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/a...
Final: Nats 2, Marlins 0. Andrew Alvarez tossed 5 innings of 1-hit ball, joining Mitchell Parker as the only Nationals starting pitchers to win their MLB debuts since Stephen Strasburg in 2010.
Clayton Beeter enters for the 6th. Andrew Alvarez appears to be the first pitcher in Nationals history to toss 5 scoreless innings in his MLB debut. (Lucas Giolito went 4 scoreless before it was cut short by rain.)
After a hot August in Rochester, Nasim Nuñez is back in D.C. as the Nationals' extra position player for September. www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/n...
Andrew Alvarez and C.J. Stubbs are making their MLB debuts together today. It’s only the second time in Nats history for a pitcher-catcher combo. The other: Shairon Martis and Luke Montz on Sept. 4, 2008.
Nats LHP Alvarez vs Marlins RHP Bacher (bullpen game), 1:05/MASN
Nationals officially call up Andrew Alvarez and Nasim Nuñez as roster expands to 28.
9/1 – PETE ORR 2B/3B/SS, 2008-09 Utility infielder hit .253/.277/.327 with 1 HR, 17 RBI in 76 games across 2 seasons. Spent entire 8-year career in NL East, also playing for Braves (2005-07) and Phillies (2011-13).
An awful #Nats August fittingly ended w/ a sweep by the #Rays for their 8th straight loss: www.natschatpodcast.com/episode-post...
The worst summer in Nationals history concluded today with their 8th straight loss and (for the first time) not a single 10-win month during the June-July-August stretch. www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/n...
Final: Rays 7, Nats 4. The losing streak is now 8 games. They have not held a lead at any point during it.
More on Andrew Alvarez's upcoming MLB debut and Jarlin Susana's latest injury: www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/a...
LHP Andrew Alvarez will make his MLB debut tomorrow vs the Marlins, taking MacKenzie Gore’s rotation spot, Miguel Cairo just announced.
The official word on Jarlin Susana, who was pulled from last night’s game at Harrisburg: right triceps soreness.
Nats RHP Lord vs Rays LHP Seymour (1:35MASN)
Prior to the #Nats 7th straight loss on Saturday, MacKenzie Gore was placed on the 15-Day IL due to left shoulder inflammation: www.natschatpodcast.com/episode-post...
8/31 – SCOTT OLSEN LHP, 2009-10 Lefty was acquired with Josh Willingham from Marlins for Emilio Bonifacio, Jake Smolinski, P.J. Dean. Went 6-12 with 5.76 ERA in 28 games (26 starts), missing considerable time with shoulder injury. Didn’t pitch in majors after age 26.
Jake Irvin struggled early, and the Nationals lineup struggled throughout today during their seventh straight loss. www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/i...
Final: Rays 4, Nats 1. Jake Irvin gave up 2 homers to Josh Lowe. The offense had 1 hit until the bottom of the 8th. Two fans ran onto the field. Nats' losing streak is 7 games.
More on MacKenzie Gore's injury and who the Nationals might call up to take his spot in the rotation. www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/g...
Nats RHP Irvin vs Rays RHP Pepiot (4:05/MASN)
MacKenzie Gore says an MRI of his shoulder showed “nothing crazy” and he believes they caught this quickly. He made it sound like he expects to return this season, but of course the team will have some say in that as well.
MacKenzie Gore has been placed on the 15-day IL with left shoulder inflammation. Not good news for the All-Star lefty, who has been struggling over the last month. Mason Thompson recalled from Triple-A to take his roster spot.
While remembering his brother’s major league debut, C.J. Stubbs now waits his turn with the Nats. “I got to go to my brother's debut and see how special that was for him, and it made me hungrier to want to be here someday.” www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/w...
CJ Abrams had 3 hits, Dylan Crews gathered 3 hits, and James Wood drew 3 walks. However, the #Nats could only muster 1 run on Friday night: www.natschatpodcast.com/episode-post...
8/30 – ROSS OHLENDORF RHP, 2013 Right-hander with quirky windup and Princeton degree went 4-1 with 3.28 ERA, 1.160 WHIP in 16 games (7 starts). Finished 9-year career with 30-41 record, 4.82 ERA, 1.435 WHIP having also pitched for Yankees, Pirates, Padres, Rangers, Reds.
Mitchell Parker pitched 1 his best starts this year. But that wasn't enough as the Nats lost their 6th straight after going 0-for-12 with RISP & leaving 13 runners on base. "He gave us a chance to win today. We just didn't capitalize (with) men on base." www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/p...
Pregame news on Drew Millas' surgery on his broken finger, C.J. Stubbs' promotion and Keibert Ruiz's rehab ramp up. Plus, updates on Daylen Lile, Josiah Gray, Elijah Green and Cristhian Vaquero. www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/m...
Other Nats injury updates: * Josiah Gray threw a live BP session (30 pitches/2 ups) on Wednesday. Next bullpen scheduled for today. * Keibert Ruiz is progressing through rehab protocol, but will ramp up baseball activity this weekend. Nats think rehab assignment is coming soon.
Drew Millas underwent surgery today to stabilize the fracture and repair the joint on his left index finger, per the Nats. He's expected to miss the rest of the season and be ready for spring training, per Miguel Cairo.
Nats lineup for first game vs. Rays. Daylen Lile is back after dealing with an illness. On the mound, LHP Mitchell Parker vs. RHP Adrian Houser.
Nationals have officially promoted C C.J. Stubbs from Rochester and placed C Drew Millas on the 10-day IL with a fractured and dislocated left second finger.
Yesterday’s off-day gave the Nats a chance to skip Mitchell Parker in the rotation to give the struggling lefty more time to work on things between starts. Instead, he’ll pitch tonight against the Rays as he tries to finish the season on a positive note. www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/s...
8/29 – MIKE O’CONNOR LHP, 2006-08 GW alum was Expos’ 7th round pick in 2002, debuted for Nats 4 years later and pitched in 26 games (21 starts), going 4-9 with 5.45 ERA, 1.430 WHIP. Pitched 7 inn. of 1-run ball against both NYM, NYY as rookie. Returned to MLB with NYM in 2011.
8/28 – NASIM NUNEZ SS/2B, 2024-present Rule 5 pick from Marlins made it through full season on MLB roster, batting .246/.370/.262 with 1 RBI, 8 SB in 51 games. Has spent most of this season at Triple-A Rochester, with 23-game stint in majors.
The Yankees hit 6 homers today. The Nats had 5 extra-base hits over this 3-game sweep, which was capped off by an 11-2 loss. On the power differential between these teams: "We just don't have the luxury of coming out and starting out slow against them." www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/n...
Drew Millas was removed from today's game with a fracture and dislocation of his left second finger.
Nats lineup for finale at Yankee Stadium. RHP Cade Cavalli vs. LHP Max Fried.
Nats could have used the upcoming day off to skip Parker's next start, but they're sticking with the struggling lefty and giving everyone in the rotation an extra day of rest.
The #Nats dropped their 4th straight on Tuesday night as there were more instances of bad base running in the 5-1 loss in New York: www.natschatpodcast.com/episode-post...
8/27 – JAKE NOLL PH/1B/3B, 2019-20 Infielder surprisingly made 2019 Opening Day roster and recorded first career RBI via first (and only) career walk to clinch walk-off win over Phillies. Played 15 total MLB games over 2 seasons, going 8-for-29 with 2 2B, 2 RBI, .645 OPS.
The Nats gave themselves more scoring chances tonight. They just didn't capitalize on them, while the Yankees capitalized on theirs. On a 5-1 loss: "With a team like that, you got to score whenever you get a chance. But it didn't happen." www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/n...
While Daylen Lile remains away from the Nats with an illness, Dylan Crews will serve as the designated hitter for just the second time. Miguel Cairo on how he has split time among the five outfielders, plus a breakdown of their playing time. www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/c...
Nats lineup for second game in The Bronx. Still no Daylen Lile. LHP MacKenzie Gore vs. RHP Luis Gil.
2026 MLB schedule is out. Nats open March 26 at Cubs, home opener April 3 vs Dodgers, July 4 vs Pirates, end first half vs Yankees, open second half in Sacramento, end season vs Mets.
Whoa, congrats pal!
The #Yankees gave a rude welcoming to Brad Lord as he allowed 6 ERs in Monday night's 10-5 #Nats loss. We open the show w/ a big picture convo on Jacob Young after he was picked off, but also quite surprisingly hit a Grand Slam: www.natschatpodcast.com/episode-post...
8/26 – LAYNCE NIX OF/1B, 2011 Lefty slugger hit .250/.299/.451 with 16 HR, 44 RBI in 124 games in lone season with Nats, amassing career-best 1.5 WAR. Also played for TEX/MIL/CIN/PHI during 11-year career that included 69 HR, 249 RBI, .703 OPS.
"That wasn't a clean brand of baseball...you gotta fix the little things and it's a brand new ballgame." The Nats are focusing on playing clean baseball. They need to refocus after a 10-5 loss to the Yankees that was doomed by early mistakes. www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/n...
Daylen Lile is out for the second straight game with an illness as Miguel Cairo hopes his young #Nats team embraces the opportunity to play at Yankee Stadium. www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/l...
James Wood is making loud contact again … when he does make contact. His strikeout rate is soaring, and if it keeps up at this rate, he might challenge Mark Reynolds’ single-season MLB record. www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/w...
Game 130 on @natschatpodcast.bsky.social * Wood’s growing strikeout problem * Irvin’s rock bottom moment? * Has the bullpen actually become a strength? www.natschatpodcast.com/episode-post...
8/25 – WIL NIEVES C, 2008-10 Who? Wil Nieves! Played 199 games across 3 seasons, batting .244/.293/.315 with 5 HR, 62 RBI. First career HR was walk-off blast to beat Cubs, inspiring commercial. Spent 12 years in majors with 7 clubs.
Over the last 2 1/2 weeks, the Nationals have gone 7-2 in games started by MacKenzie Gore, Brad Lord and Cade Cavalli while going 1-7 in games started by Jake Irvin and Mitchell Parker. "It's a work in progress." www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/n...
Final: Phillies 3, Nats 2. Jake Irvin lasted only 2 1/3 innings. Bullpen posted all zeros after him. Lineup did nothing for 7 innings vs. Ranger Suarez, did a little more (but not enough) vs. Philly bullpen.
Riley Adams' surge has propelled the catcher all the way up to the No. 3 spot in the Nationals' lineup for the first time in his career. www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/a...
Nats RHP Irvin at Phillies LHP Suárez (1:35/MASN2)
Game 129 on @natschatpodcast.bsky.social * Wood’s concerning K rate * García to 1B? * Why Parker remains in rotation www.natschatpodcast.com/episode-post...
8/24 – XAVIER NADY OF, 2012 Veteran outfielder signed in spring training, made Opening Day roster, played in 40 games, batting just .157/.211/.275 with 3 HR, 6 RBI before getting released in July. Hit 104 HR with 410 RBI and .755 OPS during 12-year MLB career.
The Nationals nearly pulled off another 9th inning rally vs. Jhoan Duran. But the reason they found themselves in that position again was yet another ragged start from Mitchell Parker. www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/n...
Nats have now faced Jhoan Duran six times in the last four weeks with both the Twins and Phillies. They're batting .381 (8-for-21) vs. him. Everyone else is batting .199 vs. him this season.
Final: Phillies 6, Nats 4. They rallied from a 6-1 hole created by Mitchell Parker, and they got a Brady House double and Robert Hassell III single off Jhoan Duran in the 9th. But James Wood struck out and CJ Abrams lined out to end the game.
Add another name to the list of Nationals position players getting a crash course at first base: Luis García Jr. www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/g...
Nats LHP Parker at Phillies RHP Nola (6:05/MASN2)
Could PJ Poulin have imagined 3 weeks ago, after the Tigers DFA'd him, he'd be closing out the Nationals' 5-4 win at a sold-out Citizens Bank Park last night? "Uh, I mean ... no. This has been like the best three weeks of my life." www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/p...
Game 128 on @natschatpodcast.bsky.social * Crews, Lile take down Duran * The future at the catching position * Thoughts on Cavalli after 4 starts * The unexpected closer www.natschatpodcast.com/episode-post...
8/23 – PATRICK MURPHY RHP, 2021-22 Reliver was claimed off waivers from Blue Jays, went 0-2 with 5.55 ERA, 1.685 WHIP in 23 games across parts of two seasons. Pitched in Japan last season, Korea this season.
There may be no more imposing scene in baseball right now than Jhoan Duran entering a darkened Citizens Bank Park. The young Nationals confronted it tonight with their most impressive rally of the season and arguably their best win in a very long time. www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/n...
They’re playing “Free Fallin’” at Citizens Bank Park.
Final: Nats 5, Phillies 4. Dylan Crews and Daylen Lile delivered the tying and go-ahead runs off Jhoan Duran. PJ Poulin then recorded 6 outs to close out their most impressive win in a long time.
Nats RHP Cavalli at Phillies RHP Walker (6:45/MASN2)
Nationals will honor Bob Carpenter on Sat., Sept. 27 with a pregame ceremony, the unveiling of his name below the broadcast booth and a “See! You! Later!” T-shirt giveaway for fans.
8/22 – DANIEL MURPHY 2B/1B, 2016-18 Signed for 3 years, $37.5 million after breakthrough Oct 2015 with NYM, enjoyed best years of career in DC, finishing second in MVP race in 2016. Over 342 total games, batted .329/.380/.550 with .930 OPS (second in club history to Juan Soto).
MacKenzie Gore & the #Nats quickly fell behind 3-0, but Brady House & the offense flipped the game on their way to a 9-3 win over the #Mets: www.natschatpodcast.com/episode-post...
The Nats just went 4-3 against the Phillies and Mets. And after a 9-3 win over New York, Miguel Cairo likes what he's seeing from his young team. "The kids, they're playing ball ... They're expecting to win every time they come to the ballpark." www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/n...
Nats just went 4-3 vs the Phillies and Mets. And the bullpen just threw 8 1/3 scoreless innings the last 2 days.
With more consistent playing time, Riley Adams and Drew Millas are starting to see better results. They'll continue to audition for long-terms spots as the Nats wait to see if Keibert Ruiz can return to the field this year. www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/a...
Nats lineup for finale vs. Mets. A lot of righties against Sean Manaea, including Brady House. MacKenzie Gore makes his 26th start.
Left-handed hitters, including the hitless Schwarber, Harper and Soto, are 1-for-11 against Shinnosuke Ogasawara as a reliever. Have the Nats stumbled into something here? www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/o...
Game 126 on @natschatpodcast.bsky.social * Offensive improvement * Ogasawara’s future in pen? * Thoughts on House’s lack of playing time www.natschatpodcast.com/episode-post...
8/21 – MICHAEL MORSE OF/1B, 2009-12 Acquired from SEA for Ryan Langerhans, became key member of Nats lineup for three seasons. In 378 games, batted .294/.343/.514 with 67 HR, 208 RBI, winning over fans with walk-up song “Take On Me.” Went on to win 2014 World Series with SF.
One by one, four inexperienced Nationals relievers performed like seasoned veterans, coming together to deliver 3 2/3 innings of scoreless ball to secure a 5-4 win over the Mets. www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/n...
Final: Nats 5, Mets 4. The lineup scored 5 off Kodai Senga. Brad Lord was sharp until the 6th. The bullpen then churned out 3.2 scoreless innings to preserve a 1-run lead.
On tomorrow's minor league debut for No. 1 pick Eli Willits, and why Brady House isn't in tonight's lineup for the 4th time in 9 games: www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/w...
Nats RHP Lord vs Mets RHP Senga (6:45/MASN)
Can confirm the Nats are promoting No. 1 overall pick Eli Willits to Single-A Fredericksburg, per a source familiar with the move. The 17-year-old will make his pro ball debut soon. @spencernusbaum.bsky.social first reported the news.
Why last night’s matchup meant so much to Miguel Cairo, Carlos Mendoza and the nation of Venezuela. www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/c...
Game 125 on @natschatpodcast.bsky.social * Worked by Peterson again * What to do about Irvin * Gray finally facing live hitters www.natschatpodcast.com/episode-post...
8/20 – NYJER MORGAN OF, 2009-10 Acquired with Sean Burnett from Pirates for Lastings Milledge and Joel Hanrahan, “Tony Plush” was an electric leadoff man in first season before crash and burn the next year. In 185 total games with Nats, hit .280/.339/.347 with 58 SB.
