WEATHER ALERT
Bryce Harper hears boos at Nationals Park. His three hits help the Phillies beat the Nats 4-0
Read full article: Bryce Harper hears boos at Nationals Park. His three hits help the Phillies beat the Nats 4-0Bryce Harper doubled twice and singled in a run to back Aaron Nola’s 5 2/3 scoreless innings, helping the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Washington Nationals 4-0.
Ronald Acuña Jr. joins exclusive 40-40 club with 40th home run of the season for Braves
Read full article: Ronald Acuña Jr. joins exclusive 40-40 club with 40th home run of the season for BravesRonald Acuña Jr. has joined baseball’s exclusive 40-40 club by hitting his 40th home run of the season for the Atlanta Braves to go along with his 68 stolen bases.
Marlins finish sweep of Nationals 4-2, move 10 over .500 for first time since 2011
Read full article: Marlins finish sweep of Nationals 4-2, move 10 over .500 for first time since 2011The Miami Marlins completed a three-game sweep Sunday, defeating the Washington Nationals 4-2 to move 10 games over .500 for the first time in 12 years.
Braves lose Max Fried on opening day, beat Nationals 7-2
Read full article: Braves lose Max Fried on opening day, beat Nationals 7-2The Atlanta Braves overcame the early exit of NL Cy Young Award runner-up Max Fried because of a bad leg with the help of four hits by Travis d'Arnaud and beat the Washington Nationals 7-2 on a sunny, chilly opening day.
Baseball’s new rules to speed up games get mixed reception
Read full article: Baseball’s new rules to speed up games get mixed receptionPlayers have largely been pleased with Major League Baseball's rollout of several new rules this spring, but fans getting their first look in person have mixed reviews.
Schwarber hits 2 HRs; Phils split with Nats to lead Brewers
Read full article: Schwarber hits 2 HRs; Phils split with Nats to lead BrewersKyle Schwarber has hit two of Philadelphia’s five homers in the first four innings to help the Phillies get a much-needed win as they try to end an 11-year playoff drought, salvaging a split of a day-night doubleheader with an 8-2 victory over the Washington Nationals in a rainy Game 2.
Wainwright, Molina tie battery record in Cards' loss to Nats
Read full article: Wainwright, Molina tie battery record in Cards' loss to NatsYadier Molina homered twice on a day he paired with St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright to tie the major league record fof 324 starts by a battery in an 11-6 loss to the Washington Nationals.
Corbin ends Nats' starting pitcher wins drought, beats Reds
Read full article: Corbin ends Nats' starting pitcher wins drought, beats RedsMajor league losses leader Patrick Corbin ended Washington’s record 43-game drought without a starting pitcher earning a victory as the Nationals beat the Cincinnati Reds 3-2 to avoid a series sweep.
Blocking the plate call on review helps Nats top Padres 4-3
Read full article: Blocking the plate call on review helps Nats top Padres 4-3San Diego and new slugger Juan Soto repeatedly failed to come through in the clutch against his former club, and the last-place Washington Nationals beat the wild-card-chasing Padres 4-3.
Nats beat NL West-leading Dodgers for 2nd straight night
Read full article: Nats beat NL West-leading Dodgers for 2nd straight nightLuis Garcia hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning and the last-place Washington Nationals rallied past the Los Angeles Dodgers 8-3 for their second straight win against the NL West leaders.
Ohtani, Rendon rally Angels past Nationals 5-4 in 9th
Read full article: Ohtani, Rendon rally Angels past Nationals 5-4 in 9thShohei Ohtani hit a tying, two-run double in the ninth inning, Anthony Rendon followed with a game-ending single against his former team and the Los Angeles Angels beat the Washington Nationals 5-4.
Nats angered by Kapler's late aggression in Giants' 7-1 win
Read full article: Nats angered by Kapler's late aggression in Giants' 7-1 winAustin Slater smacked a three-run homer as part of a seven-run second inning against struggling Washington starter Patrick Corbin, and the San Francisco Giants cruised past the Nationals 7-1.
Pads beat Nats 10-4, complete game suspended after shooting
Read full article: Pads beat Nats 10-4, complete game suspended after shootingFour San Diego relievers combined to toss four scoreless innings and the Padres defeated the Washington Nationals 10-4 in the completion of a game that was suspended the previous night because of a shooting outside the stadium.
Birthday boy Turner ties mark with 3rd cycle, Nats top Rays
Read full article: Birthday boy Turner ties mark with 3rd cycle, Nats top RaysTrea Turner completed his record-tying third career cycle by hitting a sixth-inning triple for the Washington Nationals, accomplishing the feat on his 28th birthday in a 15-6 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays.
Lester gets 1st win for Nats, Lindor 5 RBIs at Mets split
Read full article: Lester gets 1st win for Nats, Lindor 5 RBIs at Mets splitJon Lester pitched shutout ball into the seventh inning to gain his first win for Washington, Kyle Schwarber backed him with four RBIs on a pair of home runs and the Nationals beat the New York Mets 6-2 to split a day-night doubleheader.
Swanson stays hot with 2-run HR as Braves top Nationals 5-0
Read full article: Swanson stays hot with 2-run HR as Braves top Nationals 5-0Dansby Swanson continued his power surge by hitting a two-run homer in Atlanta’s four-run sixth inning and the Braves beat Patrick Corbin and the Washington Nationals 5-1.
Altuve's birthday HR answers boos, Astros top Torres, Yanks
Read full article: Altuve's birthday HR answers boos, Astros top Torres, YanksJosé Altuve responded to jeering fans by marking his 31st birthday with a go-ahead, three-run homer off Chad Green in the eighth inning, and the Houston Astros beat the New York Yankees 7-4 to avoid a three-game sweep.
Turner homers, Dodgers beat Nats 1-0 on champs' ring day
Read full article: Turner homers, Dodgers beat Nats 1-0 on champs' ring dayJustin Turner homered in the sixth inning, and the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrated their World Series championship ring ceremony day with a 1-0 victory over the Washington Nationals.
COVID-hit Nats make many moves before 1st game of season
Read full article: COVID-hit Nats make many moves before 1st game of seasonStarting pitchers Jon Lester and Patrick Corbin, closer Brad Hand and four position players expected in the lineup have been put on the 10-day injured list by the Washington Nationals.
Scherzer faces deGrom in spring game, rematch on opening day
Read full article: Scherzer faces deGrom in spring game, rematch on opening dayScherzer will make his Nationals-record sixth opening day start April 1, facing the New York Mets in Washington. The original lineup released by Washington before the game featured a designated hitter; that was revised to include Scherzer batting for himself. DeGrom struck him out, part of his 4 2/3 scoreless innings with three hits and five Ks. YANKEES 8, BLUE JAYS 3Gerritt Cole struck out eight in five innings, allowing one run in his fourth spring start for New York. BRAVES 11, RAYS 1Atlanta starter Max Fried gave up three hits and struck out five over six innings.
'I hit a brick wall': Sluggishness led to surgery for Lester
Read full article: 'I hit a brick wall': Sluggishness led to surgery for Lester(AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File)Jon Lester could tell something wasn’t right. “There would be times where I would run out in the fifth, sixth, seventh inning and feel like I hit a brick wall. “Just thinking that maybe I needed to do a little extra in the weight room. “The big thing is kind of your brain telling you: You can do something or you want to do something. “It’s like, ‘OK, if I miss one (start), they’ll be able to pick me up,’” Lester said.
Springer, Bauer, Lindor lead list of big names on new teams
Read full article: Springer, Bauer, Lindor lead list of big names on new teamsThe reigning World Series champions already had a pair of Cy Young Award winners in Clayton Kershaw and David Price. Darvish has twice finished runner-up for a Cy Young Award, including last season when he was 8-3 with a 2.01 ERA in 12 starts. Lester is a three-time World Series champion, winning twice with Boston and once with the Cubs. He’s part of a rotation led by three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer, 2019 World Series MVP Stephen Strasburg and lefty Patrick Corbin. Bradley was a Gold Glove winner in 2018 when the Red Sox won the World Series.
Seeing is believing: Bauer shuts eye, pitches shutout ball
Read full article: Seeing is believing: Bauer shuts eye, pitches shutout ballBauer wound up pitching three scoreless innings with the creative approach, striking out three while allowing two hits and a walk. Known for speaking his mind and going his own way, Bauer said he regularly shuts one eye during bullpen sessions and other workouts. METS 6, ASTROS 1 (6)Jacob deGrom pitched two scoreless innings in his spring debut, striking out three and allowing one hit. AdBLUE JAYS 7, PHILLIES 1 (7)Newcomer Tanner Roark made his first start for Toronto, allowing one hit in two scoreless innings. Jorge López threw three scoreless innings with three strikeouts.
Easy does it: MLB pitchers prepare for usual 162-game grind
Read full article: Easy does it: MLB pitchers prepare for usual 162-game grindNationals general manager Mike Rizzo said Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021, that Strasburg is in preparation mode not in rehabilitation mode at spring training after having surgery in 2020. So the familiar feel of February spring training has pitchers eager to unleash fastballs, spin a few breaking balls and get ready for the 162-game long haul. “Spring training is 50 days long,” Seattle Mariners manager Scott Servais said. But young pitchers — many of whom didn't throw many innings last season — will have to be watched closely. He practiced on the first day of spring training Wednesday but an MRI later revealed the break.
Lefty Jon Lester finalizes $5M, 1-year deal with Nationals
Read full article: Lefty Jon Lester finalizes $5M, 1-year deal with NationalsFILE - In this Sept. 26, 2020, file photo, Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jon Lester throws to a Chicago White Sox batter during the first inning of a baseball game in Chicago. A person with knowledge of the deal has confirmed to The Associated Press that left-hander Lester and the Washington Nationals have an agreement in principle in place for a one-year contract. Lester and the team had an agreement in principle in place last week, pending the successful completion of a physical exam. Lester pitched 61 innings across 12 starts in the truncated 2020 season, going 3-3 with a career-high 5.16 ERA for the Cubs. Lester is owed a $10 million buyout by Chicago: $2 million on each Dec. 31 from 2022 through 2026.
AP source: Jon Lester, Nats agree to deal, pending physical
Read full article: AP source: Jon Lester, Nats agree to deal, pending physicalFILE - In this Sept. 26, 2020, file photo, Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jon Lester throws to a Chicago White Sox batter during the first inning of a baseball game in Chicago. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity on Monday night because the contract was not yet official. 4 starter in Washington, slotting into a rotation that is led by three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer, 2019 World Series MVP and lefty Patrick Corbin. Lester pitched 61 innings across 12 starts during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, going 3-3 with a career-high 5.16 ERA for the Cubs. Lester is owed a $10 million buyout by Chicago: $2 million on each Dec. 31 from 2022 through 2026.
No days off puts stress on pitchers in Division Series, LCS
Read full article: No days off puts stress on pitchers in Division Series, LCS(AP Photo/David Dermer)NEW YORK – Postseason games come at an unprecedented pace starting Monday in this year of the pandemic. Teams could play the Division Series over five straight days, take a single day off and then contest the League Championship Series on seven consecutive days. The last to pitch for seven straight days was San Francisco’s Steve Kline from July 31 to Aug. 6, 2007. The League Championship Series has had a 2-3-2 format since 1985, with days off between Games 2 and 3, then another between Games 5 and 6. To start twice in the Division Series, Game 1 pitchers would have to come back on three days' rest.
Harper's 2 HRs help Phils top Nats 12-3, eliminate champs
Read full article: Harper's 2 HRs help Phils top Nats 12-3, eliminate champsPhiladelphia Phillies' Bryce Harper, left, celebrates his home run with third base coach Dusty Wathan during the sixth inning of the team's baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020, in Washington. With Harper leading the way, and homers from Andrew McCutchen, Didi Gregorius and Andrew Knapp, too, the Phillies beat the Nationals 12-3 Wednesday night. “We’re at the part of the season where I need to be on the field," Harper said. TRAINER’S ROOMPhillies: 1B Rhys Hoskins (left elbow) is unlikely to be activated off the injured list before the regular season ends, Girardi said. UP NEXTPhillies: Off on Thursday, then finish the regular season with a three-game series at Tampa Bay that opens Friday.
Strasburg hurt as Nationals beat Orioles 15-3 for 'split'
Read full article: Strasburg hurt as Nationals beat Orioles 15-3 for 'split'Strasburg threw only 16 pitches before leaving with hand issue in the first inning of Washington's 15-3 rout of the Baltimore Orioles on Friday night. Martinez said Strasburg was feeling numbness in his thumb and that the sensation originated in the wrist. The Nationals withstood the injury to Strasburg after rebounding from a defeat that took five days to decide and weathering a lengthy rain delay. His first outing came against the Orioles in a game that was suspended Sunday at Nationals Park and completed Friday at Camden Yards with Baltimore winning 6-2. Orioles: Asher Wojciechowski (0-1, 3.95) makes his sixth career appearance against the Nationals, still looking for his first win against them.
Strasburg hit hard in debut; O's-Nats suspended after rain
Read full article: Strasburg hit hard in debut; O's-Nats suspended after rainWashington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg throws during the second inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles in Washington, Sunday, Aug. 9, 2020. Baltimore strung together a double, four singles and a walk, including Hanser Albertos two-run double and Anthony Santanders two-run single. We are not making any firm announcement, but I would imagine he is going to take the mound on Tuesday, Rizzo said. UP NEXTOrioles: Open a three-game series at the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday. That will be followed by series at Baltimore and Atlanta.
Minus Strasburg, Nats top Yanks 9-2 on Robles' 3 hits, 4 RBI
Read full article: Minus Strasburg, Nats top Yanks 9-2 on Robles' 3 hits, 4 RBIWashington Nationals' Victor Robles celebrates his two-run home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees at Nationals Park, Saturday, July 25, 2020, in Washington. Filling in for Strasburg, Erick Fedde allowed a pair of runs in four innings, including Giancarlo Stantons second homer in two games. With Max Scherzer and other Nationals starting pitchers although not Strasburg sitting somewhat spread out about 10 rows behind home plate, Fedde was followed by four relievers, who gave up three hits across five scoreless innings. The biggest was Robles two-run double. Robles added a two-run homer in the fourth, then singled in the sixth.
Yanks don't let Nats toot own horn, beat 2019 champions 3-2
Read full article: Yanks don't let Nats toot own horn, beat 2019 champions 3-2(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)WASHINGTON Gleyber Torres helped the New York Yankees prevent the Washington Nationals from tooting their own horn. Torres had started 2020 by going 0 for 7 before delivering hits in three consecutive at-bats Sunday. But with one out in the seventh, Torres took Corbin deep on a first-pitch fastball to make it 2-1. Honestly, I really dont know what theyre planning on doing with that thing, Martinez said about the trumpet. On Monday, Washington RHP Anbal Snchez faces RHP Trent Thornton.
Batter Up! Baseball, soundtrack of summer, is back - sort of
Read full article: Batter Up! Baseball, soundtrack of summer, is back - sort ofThe Los Angeles Dodgers play the Los Angeles Angels at sunset during the fifth inning of a preseason baseball game, Tuesday, July 21, 2020, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Batter Up! Baseball, soundtrack of summer, is back - sort of
Read full article: Batter Up! Baseball, soundtrack of summer, is back - sort ofThe Los Angeles Dodgers play the Los Angeles Angels at sunset during the fifth inning of a preseason baseball game, Tuesday, July 21, 2020, in Los Angeles. Rather than keeping players and club personnel sealed in a bubble environment, baseball teams will fly around the country, raising more health concerns. Fans won't be permitted at Nationals Park or at Dodger Stadium when Los Angeles plays San Francisco - or at any field. Going to be 2020 coronavirus baseball, Yankees star pitcher Gerrit Cole said. Its that sound, its the summer sound.___AP Baseball Writers Ronald Blum and Janie McCauley and AP Sports Writers Howard Fendrich and Joe Reedy contributed to this report.
AP source: Yankees vs champ Nationals in DC on opening day
Read full article: AP source: Yankees vs champ Nationals in DC on opening day(AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)NEW YORK Gerrit Cole could make his New York Yankees debut in a tasty opening-day treat for fans, facing Juan Soto and World Series champion Washington at Nationals Park. The Yankees and Nationals are set meet when the virus-delayed season begins next month, a person familiar with the game told The Associated Press on Saturday. He pitched the Houston Astros past the Nationals 7-1 last October for a 3-2 edge in the World Series. The Yankees and Nationals met twice this year, including New Yorks 6-3 win on March 12 on the final day before MLB stopped spring training because of the virus outbreak. The Yankees are hopeful that slugger Aaron Judge has fully recovered from a rib injury that bothered him during spring training in Florida.