All of a sudden the Los Angeles Angels are in the Wild Card hunt and sporting a winning streak. What is different with these Angels? They are playing with a renewed sense of urgency. They also made some roster changes and one of those changes was a DFA and full release of Danny Espinosa who then became a free agent.
The Nationals made some roster moves today by optioning pitcher AJ Cole back to Triple-A Syracuse for catcher Pedro Severino. It was also reported that Brian Goodwin won’t play today and he could go on the 10-Day DL with an injured groin. Dusty Baker just needs healthy bodies right now as he is playing with a short bench. The healthy position players on the 40-man roster are few, but calling up another player would require a roster move. Mike Rizzo still has to make room on the 40-man roster once Jayson Werth and Koda Glover are brought back up. The Nationals will also need to clear a roster spot when they recall Stephen Strasburg on Saturday to start in San Diego.
Tonight it is the battling lefties between Gio Gonzalez and Tyler Skaggs. There are only two Nationals players who have faced Skaggs before — Daniel Murphy and Anthony Rendon.
Other significant news is Trea Turner took live batting practice on the field today. We were told by a source that Trea Turner will head to the Nationals facility at West Palm Beach on Wednesday night to continue his rehab before he is sent to a minor league facility.
So this is kinda good news. Trea Turner hitting on the field for the first time post-injury. pic.twitter.com/mCmEveTPc1
— Dan Kolko (@masnKolko) August 15, 2017
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim vs. Washington Nationals
Stadium: Nationals Park
1st Pitch: 7:05 pm EDT
TV: MASN, FOX Sports – West, MLB.TV
Nats Radio: 106.7 FM The Fan; SiriusXM® Sirius 215 XM 186 (Internet 869)
Line-ups (subject to change without notice):
Howie leads things off tonight against the Angels. pic.twitter.com/kVpfEf7MtN
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) August 15, 2017
