The Washington Nationals won their last series against the Tigers, and now have the Padres in town for three games. It is another look at the Juan Soto trade as he returns in a Padres’ uniform while the Nats have MacKenzie Gore starting this game with CJ Abrams at shortstop. If only James Wood and Robert Hassell III were ready to play would this feel like a complete reunion.
For the Padres, they have Yu Darvish on the mound, and their lineup is once again missing a key part with Manny Machado on the IL. There will be no replay of a Jonathan Papelbon plunking in this one. Emotions will be tugged for fans and players. Soto was a beloved figure by most — some are miffed that he did not accept a $440 million offer — the largest guaranteed deal in North American sports history. We should know in 1 year and six months if Soto made the right decision. Gore and Abrams had no choice in the trade. They had no veto power, and weren’t offered a long-term deal to stay like Soto.
The Padres are supposed to be a postseason frontrunner, but right now they could be tied with the Nats in the standings after this game if San Diego loses. Heads could be rolling in Friar’s land if the Padres don’t get on a positive roll.
By the way, former Yankees All-Star, Bernie Williams, will be playing the Star Spangled Banner on his guitar. We covered the story of Bernie’s humanitarian efforts for rare lung diseases. Arrive early to see that. The stadium should have some extra celebrities in town as a source told us that Matthew Wolff from the golf tour will be in attendance also.
“I know your former guys are coming in, and you’ve got a lot of buddies over there. Just remember you play for the Washington Nationals now. You’re doing good. Don’t change a thing.””
— manager Dave Martinez to Gore and Abrams
The Nats starters have a combined ERA of 4.38 for 16th best in MLB as they just moved behind the Padres by 0.04.
Here is how they rank:
No. 5 Starter: Jake Irvin 5.50 ERA
No. 4 Starter: Patrick Corbin 4.47
No. 3 Starter: Trevor Williams 4.26
No. 2 Starter: MacKenzie Gore 3.69
No. 1 Starter: Josiah Gray 2.65
Here is your Baseball Savant Statcast link for the game.
San Diego Padres vs. Washington Nationals
Stadium: Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.
1st Pitch: 7:05 pm EDT
TV: MASN2
Radio: 106.7 The Fan radio and via the MLB app
Line-up subject to change (without notice):
