Photo by Steve Mears for TalkNats
The Washington Nationals needed a win yesterday and used the 5+ run scored formula to overcome some shaky starting pitching to get back into the W column. The Nats got some really good work from their relievers who did not allow the Padres to score more than the 5-runs that were on starter Jon Lesters ledger, and the team from D.C. put up a touchdown to win it. Since June 13, the Nats are averaging 6.2 runs per game in wins. So it really has been more about the offense.
Manager Dave Martinez decided to go with the same lineup he had last night, and the team activated Erick Fedde for tonight’s game after his stint on the IL with an oblique strain on June 24. Fedde was only active for 12 days during that stretch after he was on the COVID IL list. Normally oblique strains take longer than 12 days on the IL and it seemed to be just very minor.
The Padres are going with lefty Ryan Weathers (son of David Weathers) tonight. His repertoire starts with a 4-seam fastball that averages 94.0 MPH, and throws a slider, sinker and will mix in a few changeups.
None of the Nats players have faced Weathers before. That could be why Martinez is just going to stick with the lineup that got him a win last night. He has Alcides Escobar leading off again.
Besides activating Fedde, reliever Kyle Finnegan also came off of the IL, and the Nats corresponding moves were to see both Ryne Harper and Kyle Lobstein to Triple-A Rochester.
Washington Nationals vs. San Diego Padres
Stadium: Petco Park, San Diego, California
1st Pitch: 10:10 pm EDT
TV: MASN2, Bally Sports San Diego, MLB.TV
Nats Radio: 106.7 FM The Fan; SiriusXM® ( Streaming Internet 869)
Line-ups subject to change without notice:
1. Alcides Escobar 2B
2. Trea Turner SS
3. Juan Soto RF
4. Josh Bell 1B
5. Starlin Castro 3B
6. Yan Gomes C
7. Josh Harrison LF
8. Victor Robles CF
9. Erick Fedde RHP
