Photo by Lynn G. for TalkNats
There is just 50-games remaining in the regular season, and the Nats have to start a long winning streak to gain some ground in the Wild Card race. Easier said than done, but the results in the last two weeks will not get it done most likely. The team is 59-53 and going .500 the rest of the way is an 84 win season which will not get it done. The target must be closer to 89 wins which will require a 30-20 finish which means this team has to basically win every remaining series which is not realistic which is why you need some long winning streaks.
The Nationals still have some unknowns with Max Scherzer, Howie Kendrick, and Roenis Elias on the 10-day IL. In addition, they must get some of their regulars some additional rest. Tonight, Anibal Sanchez takes the mound for the Nationals. The Giants have the lefty rookie Conner Menez in his second career start.
The Nationals might be making a roster move as they signed Asdrubal Cabrera to a major league deal after he was a DFA from the Texas Rangers. The Nats will have to clear a 40-man spot as well as send Adrian Sanchez down. Fortunately, the Rangers are responsible for the remainder of Cabrera’s $3.5 million deal less the prorated league minimum the Nationals would be responsible for.
Facing a lefty tonight, the Nationals could use a righty first baseman which they really do not have which probably means they could go with Matt Adams or Gerardo Parra.
Washington Nationals vs. San Francisco Giants
Stadium: Oracle Park, San Francisco, California
1st Pitch: 9:45 pm EDT
TV: MASN2, NBC Sports Bay Area, MLB.TV
Nats Radio: 106.7 FM The Fan; SiriusXM® ( Streaming Internet 869)
Line-up subject to change (without notice):
