Truist Park, Atlanta, Georgia; Photo by Sol Tucker for TalkNats
These games between the Washington Nationals and the Atlanta Braves have been nailbiters until the final score was posted. The starting pitching has been bad so far by both teams. The offense has put across a lot of runs, and the difference in these games was decided in the bullpens. The Braves would have played tonight’s game without Ronald Acuna Jr., Ozzie Albies, and Nick Markakis, and a postponement probably looked strategic to move this game into early September.
Yes, the sunny weather during batting practice turned into a thunderstorm about 45 minutes before first pitch, and the Braves abruptly postponed the game.
Tarp on the field in Atlanta as heavy rains are upon Truist Park
📸 by Sol Tucker for TalkNats pic.twitter.com/E02bwqcItR
— Talk Nats ⚾ (@TalkNats2) August 19, 2020
Looking forward to the trade deadline in a dozen days, what will these teams do before the trade deadline passes?
The Braves weakness is their starting rotation which is basically Max Fried and four other guys after optioning Mike Foltynewicz and Sean Newcomb and then losing their ace Mike Soroka to an achilles tendon rupture.
The Nats have been decimated by the injury bug as well as the team is without Stephen Strasburg, Starlin Castro, Sean Doolittle,Sam Freeman, Roenis Elias plus the opt-outs of Joe Ross and Ryan Zimmerman. Even Howie Kendrick missed this series due to hamstring injuries.
For the Braves, it is fairly obvious that they have to be in the market for a top of the rotation pitcher, but aren’t several teams?
The Nats have broader needs. The Nats could use a middle of the rotation pitcher and also some bench help. With Kendrick out in this series, the Nats bench was the backup catcher plus three sub-Mendoza guys. With Wilmer Difo (.100), Josh Harrison (.176), and Michael Taylor (.182) all struggling at the plate, general manager Mike Rizzo could make some small moves that could pay large dividends especially for some change of scenery candidates.
Teams who will be selling are the Mariners, Red Sox, Royals, Giants, and Pirates. Then you have to wonder if the Orioles, Tigers, Angels, and Rangers will all wave the white flag now. Remember, 16 teams make the Sweet-16 postseason this year, and 14 go home early. That list has five teams for sure, and four maybes. Who would you think those teams would trade?
