The Washington Nationals offense came alive last night with 11-runs scored, and that was a welcomed sign leading into this afternoon finale of this 4-game series. The Nats are looking for a split as the team waits to see if they will be facing Justin Verlander — or will he be traded before the game starts?
Last night’s drubbing of the Mets’ pitching coupled with a trade by the Mets of Max Scherzer to the Texas Rangers just overwhelmed the CitiField crowd that showed their displeasure by booing just about anything that agitated them. There are plenty of articles today on how the largest team payroll in MLB history has officially gone into “sell” mode and Verlander and others could go before Tuesday’s trade deadline.
Speaking of the trade deadline, the Nats No. 1 trade chip, Jeimer Candelario, proved he was “alive and well” after he seemed to jam his arm and shoulder on Friday night after an awkward slide into second base. One reputable D.C. media account on Twitter at the time declared him with an “injury” but Candy said he was fine after the game, and last night had a huge 2-3 night with a walk and a HBP to prove he wasn’t fibbing.
“You’re always surprised when especially a team like the Mets that has so many good players, and all of a sudden they decide the trade was imminent with [Scherzer]. I can say to the Rangers that they’re getting a quality starter, a guy that’s going to go out there and give them everything he’s got. He’s definitely going to help Texas. As you all know, I love Max. He’s done some unbelievable things for us here in D.C., and I wish him well. I’m glad we don’t have to face him again.”
— manager Dave Martinez said
The Nats starting pitchers have a combined ERA of 4.60 for 19th best in MLB.
Here is how they rank:
No. 5 Starter: Patrick Corbin 5.07
No. 4 Starter: Jake Irvin 4.96
No. 3 Starter: Trevor Williams 4.47
No. 2 Starter: MacKenzie Gore 4.42
No. 1 Starter: Josiah Gray 3.27
Here is your Baseball Savant Statcast Link for the game.
Washington Nationals vs. New York Mets
Stadium: Citi Field, Queens, New York
1st Pitch: 1:40 pm EDT
TV: MASN
Radio: 106.7 The Fan radio and via the MLB app
