Photo by Sol Tucker for TalkNats
It was looking like Erick Fedde was stepping up as a solid No. 2 starter for the Washington Nationals until he had his worst start of his season earlier in the week against the Mets. He came into that start against the Mets with his ERA down to 3.55, and it was 2.55 if you removed his one blow-up start in Arizona. Today, Fedde enters this game with a 4.60 ERA which still leads the staff, and in his 10 starts you were kind enough to remove his two blow-up games to justify that he is a good pitcher, you could make a case for that. But how long do you have to do that to make a case for Fedde? Color most as skeptical as to what Fedde really is. He is just ahead of Josiah Gray who is at 4.71 ERA for the team lead. Clearly, Fedde and the Nats need a rebound start from him today in Cincinnati.
There were no roster moves today as Dee Strange-Gordon did not return from his paternity leave. He is expected to be back tomorrow. On his way to Cincinnati, however, is Stephen Strasburg per manager Dave Martinez. That is almost a sure sign that if he feels well during his next bullpen side session that he will be activated next Wednesday or Thursday to pitch for the Nats in Miami.
Back in the lineup tonight is Yadiel Hernandez and Keibert Ruiz, and Lane Thomas will shift to centerfield and start after his three home run game yesterday. That will send Victor Robles to the bench.
Washington Nationals vs. Cincinnati Reds
Stadium: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio
1st Pitch: 6:40 pm EDT
TV: MASN; Bally Sports Ohio; MLB App (out-0f-market only)
Nats Radio: 106.7 The Fan and via the MLB app
Lineups (subject to change without notice):
Yadiel Hernandez in. Luis Garcia at SS. https://t.co/MfbM3rhWdT
— Talk Nats ⚾ (@TalkNats) June 4, 2022
