The emotional rollercoaster that the Washington Nationals and their fans have been on this season has had more twists and turns than a soap opera. Yesterday’s doom and gloom regarding Stephen Strasburg has turned to optimism as manager Dave Martinez reported that the doctor’s visit in Los Angeles went well and Strasburg received an injection in his neck. If Strasburg is pain-free on Sunday, he is cleared to resume throwing immediately. Martinez called it “good news.” He did not have the details on the medication that Strasburg received in the injection which could have been cortisone. Stasburg is expected to be with he team in Miami tomorrow when we should receive more details.
With the Strasburg news, Tommy Milone will plan to pitch on Wednesday against the Mets at Nationals Park. While it is expected that the Mets will be trading into the non-waiver trade deadline, they should look like a different team when the Nationals face them next week in a quick two-game series.
Will the Nationals look different on their roster next Wednesday? That is hard to say. Right now the Nationals have made one trade since the All-Star break to clear up an excess on their roster sending Brian Goodwin to the Royals for Jacob Condra-Bogan, but you know general manager Mike Rizzo’s phone is ringing off the hook for deadline deals. With the optimistic news on Stephen Strasburg, the Nationals could go either way leading into the 4pm non-waiver trade deadline on Tuesday.
Additionally, Anthony Rendon is expected back with the Nationals this weekend after the birth of his daughter, Emma Kate Rendon, who was born last night. Congrats to Amanda and Anthony Rendon and their family.
Tonight the Nationals send Max Scherzer to the mound to face the Marlins who have righty Pablo Lopez starting for them. Seven current Nats players have faced Lopez with some good success.
Washington Nationals vs. Miami Marlins
Stadium: Marlins Park, Miami, Florida
1st Pitch: 7:10 pm EDT
TV: MASN; MLB.TV app out-of-network
Nats Radio: 106.7 The Fan and via the MLB app
Line-ups subject to change without notice:
- Adam Eaton RF
- Trea Turner SS
- Bryce Harper CF
- Matt Adams 1B
- Juan Soto LF
- Daniel Murphy 2B
- Mark Reynolds 3B
- Matt Wieters C
- Max Scherzer RHP
