Nats Chat

Wood Walks-off the Losing Streak Jun 20, 2025

The Nats finally snapped their long skid and it all came on the back of James Wood in the 4-3 win over Colorado in 11 innings. Al & Tim discuss the burgeoning superstar as the 22-year old went deep twice and knocked in all four runs. Wood is up to 20 homers and he is tied for 5th in the NL.

(14:30) Trevor Williams had a decent outing as he only allowed two runs in just over five innings of work. The bullpen stepped up by only giving up one Rockies run and Cole Henry came through with two clutch strikeouts in the top of the 6th. Jose A. Ferrer also pitched well as he had two punch outs while recording five outs.

(17:15) Davey Martinez got emotional in his postgame press conference and it stemmed from a Wednesday night phone call from Keibert Ruiz.

(23:20) The Nats begin their West Coast road trip at Dodger Stadium on Friday evening. MacKenzie Gore will take the mound opposite Clayton Kershaw in the series opener.

(29:00) Part 2 of Tim's conversation with Bob Kendrick, President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, about the legendary "Cool Papa" Bell. Hear the origin of the greatest nickname in Baseball history.

11th Straight Loss Jun 19, 2025

The Nats dropped their 11th in a row on Wednesday night in a 3-1 loss to the visiting last place Rockies. Al & Mark make immediate note that they are just one game away from the tying 2008 franchise mark of 12 consecutive defeats.

(06:00) James Wood's RBI double in the bottom of the 7th was the only extra base hit of the evening for Washington.

(09:45) Mitchell Parker allowed a leadoff double, but did not give up a run in the 1st inning. Parker only gave up one run off of a solo homer in six innings of work.

(15:00) Reaction to Mike Rizzo's Wednesday morning appearance on "The Sports Junkies" on 106.7 the Fan. The GM gave Davey Martinez a vote of confidence and often cited the 2019 World Series title as part of the rationale. ***Audio courtesy of 106.7 the Fan

(31:10) Bob Kendrick, President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, joins Tim to talk about Cool Papa Bell. Wednesday at Nationals Park was Negro Leagues Night and Bell was inducted into the franchise's Ring of Honor in 2010. Cool Papa Bell's career lasted from 1922- 1946 and was enshrined into Cooperstown in 1974.

Rockies Club 7 Homers Amid A Chorus of Boos Jun 18, 2025

The nightmarish home stand continued on Tuesday night in the Nats 10th consecutive defeat. Mark & Al are dumbfounded after the 10-6 loss where Colorado hit five homers in a span of eight hitters in the late innings. Will a major change happen soon in the clubhouse?

(16:00) Cole Henry was the main culprit for the Rockies avalanche in the top of the 7th as he allowed four runs without a recording a single out. Jackson Rutledge also struggled in that frame as he ceded back to back homers.

(20:05) Michael Soroka lasted six innings, but did issue three "hit by pitch". Soroka gave up a pair of homers and has given up ten in just nine starts this season.

(24:00) The offense totaled six runs, but most of that came later after already trailing 10-1. Brady House had a pair of hits and his first career RBI while Nathaniel Lowe & Luis Garcia Jr. each homered in the final frames.

(28:10) When is the last time the home crowd booed the Nationals?

(31:00) Josh Whetzel, Voice of the Rochester Red Wings, provides his weekly update from AAA. Hear the latest on Drew Millas, Cade Cavalli, Nasim Nuñez, and more.

Finnegan Blown Save Means 9th Straight Loss in House's Debut Jun 17, 2025

The Nats losing streak extended to nine games on Monday night as victory slipped through their fingertips in the 6-4 defeat. Mark & Al begin with Kyle Finnegan, who inherited a one run lead in the top of the 9th, but allowed a pair of Rockies homers, the only home runs he has given up this season.

(09:00) Brady House went 0 for 3 with a walk in his MLB debut. House was the #11 overall pick in the 2021 Draft and had a OPS of .872 this season thus far in AAA-Rochester. House looked comfortable defensively and Davey Martinez said pregame that House will be the everyday 3B.

(14:40) Daylen Lile hit his first career MLB homer in the bottom of the 5th in his first game since returning from AAA. Lile swapped roster spots with Robert Hassell III after Sunday's defeat.

(18:00) James Wood's 2-run HR in the bottom of the 5th put Washington ahead 4-3 until the fateful 9th inning. Wood is now up 18 homers on the season; which is tied for 5th most in the NL.

(20:15) Riley Adams got the nod at catcher and is now 0 for his last 30 at the plate. His OPS is down to a paltry .325 and the catching situation continues to worsen for the franchise.

(23:15) Jake Irvin gave up a 2-run HR in the top of the 1st and his opening frame ERA is a shocking 10.84; surprisingly more than his Mitchell Parker. Irvin ended his evening with six innings of work off of five hits.

(27:15) A discussion on recent Washington Post stories covering the angst within the franchise during this brutal stretch.

(36:30) A Nats Chat Flashback from July 19th, 2023 when Brady House was promoted to AA-Harrisburg after a brief stay at High-A Wilmington.

Swept by Miami Jun 16, 2025

Sunday was a low point as the Nats lost their 8th consecutive game after getting swept by the last place Marlins. Mark & Al chime in after the 3-1 defeat that drops the team to 30-41 on the season and now only one game ahead of Miami in the NL East,

(07:30) Davey Martinez was asked about his Saturday comments about the coaches & players in his pregame session with reporters prior to Sunday's game. Mark was on-hand and relays his analysis of what Martinez had to say.

(18:45) The offense only scored run, but they did uncharacteristically draw four walks. Martinez shuffled up the lineup by moving CJ Abrams to 3rd in the the order with Alex Call in the leadoff spot.

(24:10) MacKenzie Gore pitched fine, but did not have his A+ stuff. Gore gave up a pair of runs on six innings of work while striking out five Marlins. Gore retook the lead for MLB lead in strikeouts with 119 strikeouts, two ahead of Boston's Garrett Crochet.

(29:35) Mark proposes an idea on who he would like to maybe see become the full time DH as the offense continues struggle.

(32:00) Wilson Ramos signed a one day contract prior to the game in order to officially retire as a National. Ramos is widely considered the best catcher since the team moved to Washington. Ramos also was behind the plate for all three No-hitters in Nationals history.

****(36:05) After taping, reports came out that Brady House was being called up along with Daylen Lile. Tim comes on to react to the news about House and discuss why Robert Hassell III & Jose Tena are being sent down to AAA.

Martinez Passionately Defends Coaches After 7th Straight Loss Jun 15, 2025

The Nats had another 9th inning rally that came up short in Saturday afternoon's 4-3 loss to the Marlins. Mark & Al have a lot to react to after the 7th consecutive defeat and give blunt assessments on the State of the Rebuild.

(11:45) Davey Martinez made an empassioned plea about his coaching staff in his postgame press conference. Martinez made news by saying "It's never on the coaches" in response to a question by the Washington Post. Did Davey throw his players "under the bus" within his postgame comments?

(21:00) Mark asked veteran Josh Bell for his response to the comments by Martinez. The hosts examine his answer that seemed to not include a direct show of support.

(25:00) Washington trailed 4-1 entering the bottom of the 9th and came 90 feet shy of tying the game. Jacob Young was brought in as a pinch-runner, but questionably did not tag from 3rd on Amed Rosario's flyout to LF. Important to keep in mind that James Wood was on-deck in the situation.

(31:10) Trevor Williams had a solid outing and allowed only a pair of Miami runs. Williams has made 14 starts this season and his ERA sits at 5.71.

(33:40) Luis Garcia Jr. made a crucial error in the top of the 8th when he dropped a seemingly routine fly ball. His poor defense this season is put under the microscope as he ranks among the worst 2Bs thus far.

(39:30) MacKenzie Gore takes the mound on Father's Day afternoon to try and end the team's skid. Gore currently trails only Boston's Garrett Crochet for the most strikeouts in MLB.

Parker Hit Hard in 6th Straight Loss Jun 14, 2025

Friday night was a long one in Navy Yard as the Nats lost their 6th consecutive game. Mark & Al discuss the 11-9 defeat to visiting Miami, on an evening that saw a 2+ hour rain delay and the final out made at about 12:30AM.

(04:30) Mitchell Parker's rough stretch continued as he gave up six runs in just over three innings of work. Davey Martinez was critical of Parker's fastball approach afterwards as the lefty's ERA is now up to 4.84.

(09:00) Jose A. Ferrer had a poor showing in the top of the 8th when giving up three Miami runs. It was particularly deflating because this came after a big Nats inning that saw them cut the deficit to just one run after scoring five runs in the bottom of the 7th.

(13:45) The offense did have their best game in awhile by scoring nine runs off of 16 hits. Everyone in the lineup had at least one hit.

(14:30) James Wood had three hits and crushed his 17th homer of the season that went an estimated 451 feet. CJ Abrams & Keibert Ruiz joined Wood in gathering a trio of hits on Friday night.

(17:20) Nelly did indeed perform his postgame concert and it began at roughly 1:15PM. Mark says that many in attendance waited through the long delay to see the concert.

(21:25) Trevor Williams takes the mound on the quick turnaround for the 1PM game on Saturday as Washington looks to avoid their 7th straight defeat.

Rabid 9th Inning Rally Falls Short in New York Sweep Jun 13, 2025

The Nats lost their 5th straight on Thursday afternoon to get swept by the first place Mets. Al & Tim gather after the Nationals scored all their runs in the top of the 9th in the 4-3 defeat, but stranded two runners after Keibert Ruiz grounded into the final out.

(13:00) New York starter Kodai Senga exited early after getting injured while fielding a play at 1B. After the game he was placed on the 15-day IL due to a hamstring issue. Senga is having an excellent season and is sporting a 1.47 ERA.

(16:15) Michael Soroka gave up a 3-run HR in the bottom of the 1st to Jeff McNeil. Soroka only ceded three hits, but two of them went over the fence.

(24:30) Wilson Ramos will officially retire as a National on Sunday afternoon. Ramos played in Washington from 2010-2016 and was a big part of multiple division titles.

(28:45) The Nats begin a seven game homestand on Friday night against a pair of last place teams. This weekend they host Miami and then the Rockies come to Navy Yard on Monday for a four game series.

David Peterson Throws a Complete Game Shutout for the Mets Jun 12, 2025

The Nats lost their fourth in a row after bring shutout by Mets starter David Peterson on Wednesday night. Mark & Al focus on the scuffling offense, which has completely lost its groove since their hot trip out West.

(05:45) James Wood had two of the six hits, but has only one homer in the month of June.

(09:30) Riley Adams got the start behind the plate against the lefty Peterson. It seems like his playing time has ticked up this month as Keibert Ruiz's continues to struggle.

(17:40) Darnell Coles is back under the microscope during this stretch of little run support. Coles has been the team's hitting coach since the 2022 season.

(24:00) Jake Irvin gave up four runs on a pair of homers in just five innings of work. Irvin had three consecutive poor outings and his ERA has gone from 3.42 to 4.21 in the process.

(30:00) Washington is now seven games under .500, but does remain in 3rd place in the NL East.

(34:10) Josh Whetzel, the Voice of the Rochester Red Wings, provides his weekly update on AAA. Hear the latest on Brady House, Cade Cavalli, Daylen Lile, and more.

Bullpen Coughs Up Gore's Lead Jun 11, 2025

The Nats suffered maybe their worst loss of the season on Tuesday night in the series opener at the Mets. Al & Tim recap the 5-4 loss in extra innings, where the Nationals could not hold onto a two-run 8th inning lead. Jose A. Ferrar allowed a pair of runs to tie the game and ultimately Jeff McNeil ended the affair with a RBI single to leadoff the bottom of the 10th.

(08:50) MacKenzie Gore struck out six Mets in as many innings of work on 89 pitches. Gore regained the lead for the most strikeouts in all of MLB from Garrett Crochet with 114 during the outing. Gore gave up a HR to Juan Soto and there seemed to be words exchanged between the two players who were once traded for each other.

(18:35) The offense showed up early to lead 3-0 entering the middle of the 2nd. CJ Abrams had a big game by doubling twice and connecting on a solo HR to put Washington on top 4-2 in the 5th.

(20:00) One of Abrams' double brought in a run, but the moment ended with Jose Tena getting thrown at home. Tena should not have been sent by Ricky Gutierrez with James Wood was waiting on-deck with two outs.

(22:45) Andres Chapparo had a pinch -hit double in his 1st Big League at-bat of the season. Tim expresses his frustration though that Chapparo took Nasim Nuñez's roster spot as opposed to Brady House.

Nuñez Sent to AAA After Loss to Texas Jun 09, 2025

The Nats dropped Sunday's rubber match to the visiting Rangers by a score of 4-2. Mark & Al begin with the scuffling offense, which only scored 10 runs in the six game homestand.

(02:00) Help might be on the way as Nasim Nuñez was sent to AAA shortly after the defeat. As of our taping time, the corresponding move is expected to be either Brady House or Andres Chaparro from Rochester. House was the franchise 1st round draft choice from 2021 and did not play for the Red Wings on Sunday afternoon, which was quite noticeable given the circumstances.

(14:10) Keibert Ruiz only played in one game this weekend, the one time they faced a RHP. Davey Martinez pregame cited a troubling stat in terms of the constant chase rate for the veteran catcher. Ruiz's WAR is a very poor 0.1 so far this season.

(20:40) Trevor Williams only lasted 4.1 IP and gave up two runs off six hits. This came the same day that Cade Cavalli tossed five shutout innings for AAA Rochester. Is it time for Cavalli to take Williams' spot in the rotation?

(30:00) The short outing for Williams led to the need for five relievers. Jose A. Ferrer nailed down five outs and wiggled out of a jam in the top of the 6th. Cole Henry gave up a homer, his 2nd straight day of not pitching well.

(33:10) The Nationals open a three game series on Tuesday at the Mets, who have the best record in the NL.

Rangers Return deShutout Favor Jun 08, 2025

The Nats got a taste of their own recent medicine as Texas blanked them 5-0 on Saturday afternoon on South Capitol Street. Al & Mark run through some of the recent offensive slumps as the team has only scored nine runs in their past six games.

(05:00) Nathaniel Lowe went 1 for 3 in facing his former team. Lowe's OPS is a troubling .650, much lower than when it was .785 at the end of April. His last homer came on May 16th in Baltimore.

(09:45) Jacob deGrom was dominant on Saturday in seven shutout frames and looked like the pitcher we remember from the Mets. The two-time Cy Young winner has undergone a pair of Tommy John surgeries.

(15:40) Mitchell Parker continued his trend of struggling in the 1st inning, but then settled in from there. Hear what Davey Martinez said when asked by Mark about the possibility of using an "Opener".

(24:00) It was not Cole Henry's day as he issued three walks and a balk. Eduardo Salazar has the roughest afternoon as he allowed three runs in the top of the 8th to let the game get out of reach.

Call Homers off of Corbin in Speedy Shutout Victory Jun 07, 2025

The Nats blanked the visiting Rangers 2-0 on Friday night in the quickest game in stadium history. Mark & Al begin with a familiar name as Patrick Corbin returned to D.C. and only allowed a pair of runs in eight innings of work. Corbin needed just 89 pitches and the last time he tossed eight innings was May 4th, 2022 in Colorado.

(4:15) The official scorer determined the game length as 1 hour, 50 minutes and Mark feels that it should be one minute shorter. The official start time was 6:45PM and Mark says the final out came at 8:34PM. The official time ties the fastest game in franchise history as opposed to it being the stand-alone record.

(14:35) Jacob Young singled in his return to the lineup and Daylen Lile was sent back to AAA to make roster space. Lile hit .194 in 31 at-bats in his brief stint in Washington.

(18:20) Michael Soroka ended his outing well unlike previous ones as he struck out seven Rangers in six scoreless innings of work.

(22:45) Brad Lord tossed another scoreless inning in a high leverage spot in the top of the 7th. Kyle Finnegan notched his 18th save of the season; which is tied for the 2nd most in all of MLB.

(25:40) An update on Josiah Gray, who had surgery last summer. Gray only made two starts season and his last appearance on the mound came on April 4th, 2024.

(31:00) Arizona Ace Corbin Burnes will need "Tommy John" surgery after injuring his elbow last weekend vs. the Nats. Burnes is in his first year of a six year/ $210 Million contract.

Happ & the Cubs Take the Series Finale Jun 06, 2025

The Nats dropped Thursday's rubber match 7-1 to the visiting Cubs as Ian Happ knocked in four runs. Al & Mark sort through the sloppy affair, another example of poor defense & base running in defeat.

(04:30) James Wood has a hard luck 0 for 4 evening despite every ball he hit having an exit velocity over 97 MPH.

(09:20) Why is Davey Martinez not bothered by base running miscues?

(12:45) Jake Irvin allowed three runs in five innings of work. Irvin immediately gave up a 2-run homer to Pete Crow-Armstrong; emblematic that he too has 1st inning struggles like some of his teammates.

(17:35) Jackson Rutledge gave up a 2-run Happ HR in the top of the 6th and his season has gone sideways a bit recently.

(25:00) A familiar face will take the mound on Friday night when Patrick Corbin gets the start for Texas vs. Michael Soroka. Corbin is pitching better for the Rangers than he did last year in Washington, but the hosts explain why a regression to the mean might be around the corner for the veteran lefty.

Gore Strikes Out 7 in Shutout Win Jun 05, 2025

The Nats blanked the Cubs 2-0 on Wednesday night at Navy Yard. Mark & Al recap MacKenzie Gore's sterling outing where he struck out seven in as many innings worked. Gore regained sole possession for the most strikeouts in MLB this season with 108.

(07:25) What are the chances that Gore starts the All Star Game next month in Atlanta for the NL? Paul Skenes is currently the likely leader in the clubhouse on that front.

(14:00) Brad Lord stepped up in nursing the 1-0 lead in the top of the 8th. Lord has not allowed a run in six consecutive appearances. Kyle Finnegan took over for him in the 9th and notched his 17th save of the year.

(17:35) The offense was carried by bench guys in the victory as the RBIs belonged to Amed Rosario & Nasim Nuñez. Rosario homered in the bottom of the 7th to put Washington on the board and Nuñez doubled in the 8th for some insurance.

(24:10) An update on Mason Thompson, who is working his way back from a 2nd Tommy John surgery.

(30:00) Josh Whetzel, the Voice of the Rochester Red Wings, gives the latest on Brady House, Cade Cavalli, and more from AAA.

Cubs Pull Away in the 5th Jun 04, 2025

The Nats lost 8-3 to the visiting Cubs on Tuesday evening to open their six game home stand. Al & Tim start with Trevor Williams; who was taken out in the pivotal top of the 5th and was charged with five runs allowed. Williams threw a shutout last week, but this outing was in line with his season that sports a 6.03 ERA in a dozen starts.

(07:30) Five bullpen arms were needed and the first one used struggled the most. Andrew Chafin relieved Williams in the 5th and walked two of the three hitters he faced. Jackson Rutledge interestingly was used in the top of the 9th in mop-up duty.

(11:45) The offense scored three runs right away, but did nothing in the final six frames. Luis Garcia Jr. had a trio of hits and had a RBI single in the bottom of the 1st.

(15:30) Jose Teña did not properly handle a grounder in the top of the 4th and it led to a big inning for Chicago to tie the game.

(19:00) MacKenzie Gore will take the mound on Wednesday vs. the Cubs. Gore is tied with Boston's Garrett Crochet for the most strikeouts at 101.

(23:25) ESPN's Jeff Passan handicapped every team and where they fit into the eventual Trade Deadline. Al & Tim respond to what he wrote about Kyle Finnegan and the Nats organization.

Parker's 1st Inning Woes Continue in Loss Jun 02, 2025

The Nats four game win streak was snapped in Sunday afternoon's 3-1 loss in Arizona. Mark (From Phoenix) & Al open with DBacks Ace Corbin Burnes leaving the game in the top of the 5th due to a potential elbow injury. Burnes will have a MRI on Monday just a few minths after signing a 6-year/ $210M deal.

(07:30) James Wood was hitless, but both team doubles came from the new guys in Robert Hassell III & Daylen Lile. Nathaniel Lowe's RBI single in the 5th was the only source of offense.

(09:30) Mitchell Parker struggled yet again the bottom of the 1st and all three Arizona runs came in that frame. Should the team experiment going with an Opener in future Parker starts to try and right the ship? Parker's ERA in the 1st inning is astonishingly over 10.50 this season and roughly 3.50 in all other innings.

(19:45) The three relievers used combined for three scoreless frames. Eduardo Salazar escaped a jam in the bottom of the 6th his first appearance since he replaced Jorge Lopez on the roster.

(22:00) The Cubs come to D.C. on Tuesday and are tied for the best record in the NL. The hosts note that Chicago is far ahead of Washington despite the two franchises beginning their rebuilds at the exact same time in the summer of 2021.

(25:05) If the Nats are in the Wild Card hunt ahead of the Trade Deadline, will they be buyers? The Deadline this season is on Thursday July 31st at 6PM.

10-Run 1st Inning Leads to 4th Straight Win Jun 01, 2025

The Nats won their fourth straight on Saturday night by defeating Arizona 11-7. Mark (From Phoenix) & Al marvel over the team's 10-run opening inning that set a tone for the entire evening. No homers were hit and the first 11 batters safely reached base.

(9:40) James Wood's biggest impact came defensively as he nailed a runner out at the plate to stymie a Dbacks rally in the bottom of the 8th.

(11:30) Are the Nationals a good offensive team?

(15:45) Jackson Rutledge really struggled as the first pitcher to relieve Michael Soroka. Rutledge gave up three runs in the bottom of the 6th that cut the lead to four runs.

(19:00) Jorge Lopez was DFA'd prior to the game and is the third veteran reliever that was signed in the off-season to have already been let go. Davey Martinez said before the game that Washington "was not the right fit" for Lopez.

(28:05) A shoutout that leads to an extended conversation about the future contractual situations of young stars like James Wood.

Wood & Bell Each Go Deep in Arizona Win May 31, 2025

The Nats beat the Diamondbacks 9-7 on Friday for their 3rd straight victory. Mark (From Phoenix) & Al gather early in the morning after Washington moves past Atlanta for 3rd place in the NL East.

(05:30) James Wood slugged his 16th homer of the season and it is the 3rd time he has left the yard on this road trip. The last time someone in the franchise hit 30+ homers was Juan Soto in 2019.

(08:30) Josh Bell crushed a homer for the 3rd straight evening and is beginning to turn his season around. His shot went 430 feet; above the pool at Chase Field.

(10:45) Robert Hassell III collected a pair of hits and made an impressive throw to the plate to nail Eugenio Suarez. "Bobby Barrels" already has three multi-hit games since making his debut on May 22nd.

(18:00) There multiple instances of great defensive play, including a crucial leaping catch at the wall by Daylen Lile to keep the game tied in the bottom of the 3rd. Luis Garcia Jr. also turned a nifty 4-3 Double Play to help Brad Lord get out of a jam.

(22:10) Kyle Finnegan notched his 16th save of the season; which is 3rd most in all of MLB.

(23:40) Jake Irvin really struggled and allowed four runs in the 1st inning. His season has taken on a seesaw approach, but his ERA is still under 4.00 at 3.93.

(28:30) The Nats are 14-12 in May and this is the first month that they will be over .500 since August 2023.

Bell's Homer Caps 10th Inning Barrage May 30, 2025

The Nats took the series in Seattle by scoring seven runs in the top of the 10th for a 9-3 victory. Mark (From T-Mobile Park) & Al discuss the Nationals eighth victory in their past eleven games. They are just a half game back of the Braves for 3rd place in the NL East.

(05:20) Luis Garcia Jr. had four hits that included a 2-run extra inning double to give Washington breathing room.

(07:00) Josh Bell homered for the second straight game; his 8th of the season. Bell's 3-run shot firmly put the game out of reach and gave the Nats a seven run lead.

(10:00) James Wood didn't go deep, but did begin the scoring with a 2-run double in the top of the 6th. The Mariners brought in their lone lefty to face Wood and he still managed to come through with a big hit.

(17:30) MacKenzie Gore struck out eight hitters in six innings of work on 95 pitches. Gore now has 101Ks on the season to lead Baseball; seven ahead of Zack Wheeler.

(23:10) Four relievers were needed and it was a big evening for Jose A. Ferrar, who retired all five batters he faced. Kyle Finnegan pitched the bottom of the 10th, his first action in a week due to shoulder fatigue.

(27:15) An extended conversation on Keibert Ruiz's defensive struggles behind the plate.

Wood's Mammoth Homer Highlights Williams' Shutout May 29, 2025

The Nats crushed the Mariners 9-0 on Wednesday night on an evening where they hit four homers. Mark (From Seattle) & Al note how the team continued its pattern of the early innings dictating the rest of the way as they hit Back to Back home runs in the top of the 2nd.

(06:00) James Wood hit a moonshot for his 15th homer of the season. Wood's OPS is at .949 and is the 5th highest in the NL.

(12:10) Robert Hassell III hit his 1st career Big League homer. Hassell had a big evening as he collected a trio of hits in the victory.

(14:45) Josh Bell also homered and had three hits in the victory. There is added pressure on Bell as Andres Chaparro has been activated in AAA.

(20:30) The embattled Trevor Williams had a great outing as he tossed six scoreless frames on just 76 pitches. It was good timing for Williams as Cade Cavalli pitched well in AAA on Wednesday afternoon.

(28:00) MacKenzie Gore will take the mound on Thursday night in the rubber match. Gore leads all of MLB with 93 strikeouts so far this season; one ahead of Detroit's Tarik Skubal.

Asleep in Seattle May 28, 2025

The Nats were routed 9-1 in Seattle on Tuesday to begin their six game road trip. Mark (From T-Mobile Park) & Al convene after the Nationals fell to 24-30; putting them on pace for just 72 wins this season. Mariners starter Logan Evans cruised through the lineup as he only needed 88 pitches to last eight innings.

(09:15) James Wood clubbed his 14th homer of the season and was the only source of offense for the team. However, Wood struck out three times and the hosts explore why he tallies so many Ks.

(16:10) Mitchell Parker struggled again on the mound and gave up a trio of homers. Parker's troubles began right away as he gave up Back to Back HRs in the bottom of the 1st, continuing his recent trend of not pitching well in the opening inning.

(25:15) Extended discussion of Ken Rosenthal's scathing piece of the Nationals rebuild woes in The Athletic.

(39:30) Josh Whetzel, the voice of the Rochester Red Wings, swings by for his weekly AAA update. Hear his latest on Cade Cavalli, Yohandy Morales, Brady House, and more.

Nats Drop the Rubber Match May 26, 2025

The Nats fell 3-2 on Sunday afternoon to the visiting Giants. Al begins with the sluggish offensive performance, that was punctuated by the curious decision to pinch-hit Josh Bell for Amed Rosario in the bottom of the 9th. James Wood had a RBI double, but the bats only collected five hits in total.

(07:30) Alex Call and Robert Hassell III each had disappointing outfield defense in the pivotal top of the 3rd. Most notably, Call lost a fly ball in the sun at the wall that turned into a Sam Huff homer instead of an out.

(12:15) Michael Soroka had a solid outing, but still was tagged with the loss. His six innings of work is the most he has pitched in five starts this season.

(15:00) Al answers a listener email. Feel free to send your thoughts to natschatpodcast@gmail.com.

Irvin Blanks the Giants May 25, 2025

The Nats shutout the Giants on Saturday afternoon 3-0 for their seventh win in the past nine games. Mark & Al have plenty of praise for Jake Irvin, who tossed eight scoreless innings and tied a career high with seven strikeouts. Irvin's ERA is down to 3.42 and his WHIP is an impressive 1.10.

(10:45) Jorge Lopez surprisingly pitched the 9th instead of closer Kyle Finnegan. Mark explains what is going on with Finnegan and why he did not enter the game on Saturday.

(16:35) James Wood hit a 2-run HR in the bottom of the 1st for an early lead. Wood has homered in seven of the eleven games in which he has been the DH.

(21:00) The final out came on a diving catch by Daylen Lile in RF. Lile started for the second straight day and had a single in the win.

(24:00) The team is playing better, but still remains four games below .500. The hosts close the show by looking at the organization's big picture as we are almost one-third of the way through the season.

Shutout Despite Gore's Great Outing May 24, 2025

The Nats five game win streak was snapped in Friday night's 4-0 loss to the visiting Giants. Mark & Al focus on MacKenzie Gore's status as he exited in the middle of an at- bat in the top of the 7th. Davey Martinez said afterwards that Gore is fine and it simply was a "Charley Horse" from a comebacker that Gore fielded in the bottom of the 2nd.

(07:00) Gore struck out nine Giants to extend his MLB lead to 93Ks on the season. The only run charged to the lefty was the leadoff batter in the top of the 7th, who came across the plate after Gore had left the mound. Gore was much more pitch efficient on Friday night as he was at 83 pitches through six innings of work.

(13:35) Daylen Lile singled on the first pitch he saw as he hit 9th and played RF in his MLB debut. Lile was called up from Rochester due Jacob Young being placed on the 10-day IL with a sprained left shoulder. Lile spent April in AA-Harrisburg and immediately made an impact when given the opportunity in AAA.

(23:10) The offense could not get anything going as CJ Abrams & James Wood combined for an 0 for 8 effort. Luis Garcia Jr. was the only Nat to collect two hits against San Francisco's Landon Roupp and crew.

(25:40) Four relievers were needed and none excelled. Zach Brzykcy allowed a pair of runs in an inning of work and his ERA is up to 11.12 in seven Big League appearances.

Hassell III Scores in Extras to Seal 5th Straight Win May 23, 2025

The Nats won their 5th straight on Thursday night as they outlasted the Braves 8-7 in extra innings. Mark & Al focus on the completely flipped script for the Nationals in the past week; as they recently had lost seven games in a row. Amed Rosario was the 10th inning hero as his pinch-hit RBI single ended the affair.

(07:20) Robert Hassell III had quite the MLB debut as he singled in his first at bat, stole a base, collected two hits, and scored the winning run on Rosario's RBI single. Hassell got the nod in CF and hit 7th in the lineup.

(10:00) Dylan Crews is on the IL due to an oblique injury; not a back issue. Jacob Young did not play on Thursday and it is unclear if too might be headed to the IL as he has not played since crashing into the Camden Yards wall on Saturday.

(16:00) James Wood' big game was overshadowed, but nonetheless impressive as he reached base four times. Wood' big hit of the night came in the bottom of the 2nd on his 3-run double to take a 5-2 lead.

(17:10) Keibert Ruiz had a big eveningin front of his parents, who saw him play in person for the first time in his professional career. Ruiz's family traveled to D.C. from his native Venezuela for the occasion.

(20:00) The bullpen mostly came through in their heavy workload on Thursday night. Six relievers were needed to toss over six frames and only allowed two runs in the process. Kyle Finnegan though did blow the save in the top of the 9th, but in his defense Jose Tena committed a crucial error to extend the game.

(28:10) Trevor Williams had another poor start as he was yanked in the 4th inning. Williams was charged with five runs allowed and his ERA is now up to 6.39. Will he get moved out of the starting rotation?

NATS & BRAVES RAINED OUT: DOUBLEHEADER IN MID SEPTEMBER May 21, 2025

Tim gives a quick update on what you need to know as the Nats & Braves game was officially postponed at about 5PM on Wednesday.

4th Straight Win & Hassell III Getting Called up Due to Crews' Injury May 21, 2025

The Nats won their 4th straight on Tuesday night as they topped the visiting Braves 5-3. Al & Mark have a lot to get to as Dylan Crews homered in the victory, but was removed mid-game because of a back issue, and that means Robert Hassell III is getting called up from AAA-Rochester. Hassell is one of the pieces from the 2022 Juan Soto trade with the San Diego Padres.

(05:50) Jacob Young did not play for a second straight game due to crashing his shoulder into the Camden Yards' wall on Saturday. It is unclear if Young or Crews will be headed to the IL, and that likely will be decided after Crews' MRI on Wednesday morning.

(10:00) Hassell's OPS is at .742 this season with four homers. He had a pair of doubles on Tuesday night in Syracuse prior to getting informed that he is headed to Washington.

(14:30) The Nats offense continued their recent string of hot starts by scoring three runs right away against Atlanta's Spencer Strider. They totaled eight hits in the win, but also had multiple terrible base running mistakes.

(18:10) Mitchell Parker's outing was marred by a bad top of the 2nd where he gave up all three of his runs. It was the 5th consecutive Parker start that was not classified as "good".

(20:15) The bullpen teamed up for nearly four scoreless innings. Kyle Finnegan punctuated the effort with a clean 1-2-3 inning for his 15th save of the year, which leads all of MLB.

(26:10) Per the Washington Post, the team's Chief Revenue Officer and the Chief Marketing Officer left their positions earlier this month. What does that mean in the bigger picture or isolated personnel moves?

Nats Club 5 Homers in Sweep of the O's May 19, 2025

The Nats continued to hammer Orioles pitching in their 10-4 win on Sunday afternoon. Mark (From Camden Yards) & Al discuss the Nationals first series sweep since mid July last season. Washington also dominated the Battle of the Beltways this year by winning five of the six meetings.

(03:30) The offense combined for five homers on Sunday and the team now has 50 home runs in 48 games this season. CJ Abrams went deep in both the 1st & 2nd innings to lift his OPS this season to an impressive .942.

(08:00) The other homers came from Dylan Crews, Luis Garcia Jr., and Josh Bell. The team's increase in power this season leads to the hosts evaluating the hitting coach Darnell Coles, who is in the 4th season with the organization.

(14:05) Michael Soroka earned the win after 5.2 IP and allowing three runs in the process. It is Soroka's first recorded victory since July 21st, 2023 while pitching for the Braves.

(19:10) Brad Lord only lasted an inning in relief of Soroka despite inheriting a big lead. Al points out that not only is Lord a reliever instead of a starter right now, he isn't being utilized that often for long relief.

(26:15) Washington has a well deserved day off on Monday before opening a three game series in Navy Yard vs. the Braves on Tuesday. Thursday is a pitching matchup worth circling as Chris Sale takes on fellow lefty MacKenzie Gore.

6-Run 1st Inning Leads to (Mostly) Easy Win May 18, 2025

The Nats immediately jumped out to a 6-0 edge on their way to Saturday's 10-6 victory at Camden Yards. Mark (From Baltimore) & Al convene after the Nationals third win in the past four days and their 2nd in a row at the Orioles.

(04:30) Jacob Young crashed into the wall in the 7th and exited the game. X-rays were negative and it seems like no major injury was incurred.

(08:00) Washington dominated Kyle Gibson in the opening inning by batting around and scoring six runs. The first out did not come until the 7th hitter and Young concluded the hit parade with a RBI triple.

(12:20) Keibert Ruiz had a pair of hits, including a RBI double. Ruiz's OPS is .700 and is playing better defense than last season.

(15:45) Despite entering the bottom of the 9th with a 10-2 lead, Kyle Finnegan had to warm up while Zach Brzykcy mightily struggled to get the final three outs.

(18:15) Update on Derek Law, who has been on the IL all season due to right forearm inflammation.

(22:00) Jake Irvin gave up five hits and allowed two runs in just over six innings of work. Irvin's ERA currently sits at 3.88, but Al notes the continuing trend of his declining velocity.

(26:30) Brandon Hyde was fired as Orioles Manager on Saturday morning as they are in last place. Hyde & Davey Martinez worked together for years in Chicago, including when the Cubs won the 2016 World Series. Hyde took over in Baltimore; one season after Martinez came to D.C.

Wood Homers in the "Nasim Nuñez Game" May 17, 2025

For the second time in three days, the Nats rallied late for a comeback win. Mark (From Baltimore) & Al gather after the Nationals 5-4 victory at Camden Yards to open the weekend series.

(05:45) James Wood tied the game twice and the first came following a curious decision by Orioles Manager Brandon Hyde to pitch to Wood with a base open in the top of the 6th. Wood went deep in the top of the 8th for his 12th home run of the season. Nathaniel Lowe also homered in the affair in the the top of the 2nd.

(08:00) Nasim Nuñez had by far the best game of his Big League career. Nuñez most importantly beat out an infield single for the go-ahead run in the 9th, but also flashed some leather in the outfield of all places. The only reason that Nuñez started was due to a fluky injury on Thursday night by Amed Rosario in his hotel room as he suffered a laceration.

(16:00) A bizarre outing for MacKenzie Gore as he recorded nine strikeouts, but gave up ten hits on over 100 pitches in less than four innings of work. Hear Mark explain why this is one of the strangest starts he has ever seen.

(22:30) A good night for the bullpen as they teamed up to only allow one run in over five innings of work. Jorge Lopez earned his 6th win of the season, which in a major statistical oddity has him tied for the most wins this season in all of MLB.

Abrams Homers in Atlanta Defeat May 16, 2025

The Nats lost 5-2 in the Atlanta series finale on Thursday afternoon. Al Galdi hosts solo and begins with a wide angle lens look at CJ Abrams' future, as it is growing more appropriate to talk about Washington signing him to an extension ahead of his Free Agency after the 2028 season. Abrams homered in the 8th inning, his second dinger this week, and his average currently sits at .317.

(11:35) Trevor Williams only lasted 4.1 IP and fell apart once he faced the Braves lineup for a 3rd time. Williams' ERA is now up to 5.91 and it is fair to wonder if he should flip places with Brad Lord in the bullpen.

(14:40) Davey Martinez explains why Jose Tena got the start at 3B while Amed Rosario was at 2B. Luis Garcia Jr. has been out all week after just having a child.

(18:00) Al reads an email from an exasperated fan, who is asking for a purge of veterans that are not playing well.

(23:00) Jim Callis, senior writer MLB Pipeline, gives Nats Chat an exclusive look at who the Nationals might pick at #1 overall in July's Draft. **** (This is a replay from earlier this month)

Late Inning Rally Snaps the Skid May 15, 2025

The Nats were on their way to another loss, but rallied for a 5-4 victory on Wednesday night in Atlanta. Al & Mark hop on after the losing streak ends at seven games; their longest of the season.

(04:00) Offensive contributions came from the youthful trio of CJ Abrams, James Wood, and Dylan Crews. Wood's RBI double in the top of the 8th gave Washington the lead for good. Abrams had a pair of hits and is hitting .311 so far on the season.

(11:30) Jose Tena got another start at 2B while Luis Garcia Jr. is on Paternity Leave. Tena was then moved to 3B late in the game when Nasim Nunez took over at 2B.

(16:45) Mitchell Parker started off well, but ultimately gave up four runs in 4.2 IP. Parker was removed from the game after taking a come backer in the knee and was relieved by Jackson Rutledge.

(23:50) Brady House & Robert Hasell III both homered on Wednesday night in AAA Rochester. It is time to keep House on your radar as there is a decent chance that he is called up by next month.

(30:00) Mark reacts to Tuesday's breaking news that Pete Rose and others have been removed from the Permanent Ineligible List. Mark gives insight to what the upcoming process will be for Rose to determine whether or not he gets inducted into the Hall of Fame.

7th Loss in a Row May 14, 2025

The Nats lost 5-2 in Atlanta on Tuesday night for their 7th consecutive defeat. Al & Tim run through the rotten state of affairs and wonder if any big changes are on the horizon as Washington is now nine games below .500 (17-26) through 43 games.

(09:30) CJ Abrams homered on the first pitch of the game, his 5th of the season, and his OPS is up to .880.

(10:45) Dylan Crews struck out to end the game on a questionable call. Crews' struggles at the plate are continuing as his batting average currently sits at .181.

(17:30) Michael Soroka only lasted four innings on 81 pitches. Brad Lord relieved him and didn't do well as he allowed the Braves to take the lead for good, but also did not get much help from the defense behind him.

(22:05) Cole Henry tossed a scoreless inning and has not given up a run in the month of May. Henry only has one bad outing this season, when he gave up 5 runs in the series finale vs. the Mets in late April.

(28:00) Pete Rose was removed from MLB's Permanently Ineligible list by Commissioner Rob Manfred and this could lead to him eventually getting into Cooperstown.

(34:00) The weekly AAA report from Josh Whetzel, the voice of the Rochester Red Wings.

Finnegan Not Used in Walk-off Loss May 13, 2025

The Nats rallied in the top of the 9th, but couldn't make it to extras in Monday night's 4-3 loss in Atlanta. Mark & Al dig into the decision to not use Kyle Finnegan in the bottom of the 9th, where it was tied 3-3. Jackson Rutledge initially stayed in the game, but then was relieved by Andrew Chafin as opposed to Finnegan. The All-Star closer has not pitched since Game 1 of last Tuesday's doubleheader.

(15:30) Jake Irvin gave up three runs off of seven hits in six innings of work. Al points out the troubling trend regarding Irvin's strikeouts, as he only had one on Monday night.

(20:35) James Wood chopped his 1th homer of the season, but it was another quiet day at the plate for his teammates. Washington went 0 for 7 with RISP and struggled against Braves starter Grant Holmes.

(27:10) The six game losing streak is now the longest in MLB and it seems that they are playing form behind every game. Michael Soroka takes the mound against his original team on Tuesday night.

Gore Can't Stop the Skid May 12, 2025

The Nats were swept by the Cardinals on Mother's Day Sunday as they lost the series finale 6-1. Mark & Al address the growing elephant in the clubhouse after the 5th straight loss: Is the seat getting hotter for Manager Davey Martinez?

(12:05) Nathaniel Lowe's solo homer was the only source of offense in defeat. The bats were so quiet this weekend, that the only other Washington runs scored in the entire series were off of Dylan Crews' 2-run HR on Saturday. Hear Mark point out how much better Cardinals pitcher Miles Mikolas is against the Nationals than he is against most other opponents in the past few seasons.

(17:30) Dylan Crews made a beautiful diving back-handed catch in the top of the 9th and it is an example of his great outfield defense since getting called up.

(23:10) MacKenzie Gore gave up a 1st inning homer and four runs overall in just shy of seven innings of work. Gore's exit was a tad curious as it seemed like he asked out of the game with two outs and about to face the 9th hitter.

(31:00) Jarlin Susana, the highly rated AA pitcher , has been placed on the 7-day IL due to a Grade 1 UCL sprain. Susana was part of the trade package in the 2022 Juan Soto trade to the Padres.

(35:00) Cade Cavalli has been optioned to AAA and was pulled in the 3rd inning on Saturday. Mark explains the ramifications of Cavalli's roster status and most importantly when he might take the mound for the Nationals this year.

Martinez Expresses Frustration After 4th Straight Loss May 11, 2025

The Nats rallied late with the bases loaded, but a CJ Abrams pop up resulted in a 4-2 loss on Saturday afternoon to the Cardinals. Al discusses the 4th consecutive defeat for Washington just after winning three in a row earlier in the week.

(04:20) Davey Martinez was critical of the team after the game for issuing too many walks and conversely not drawing enough of them. Abrams swung on the first pitch against embattled St Louis closer Ryan Helsley with bases jammed in the bottom of the 9th with two outs and down two runs.

(09:00) Dylan Crews slugged his 5th homer of the season to put the Nationals on the board in the bottom of the 8th. His OPS currently sits at .571.

(11:30) Trevor Williams gave up all four runs in the top of the 2nd. Williams is currently staying in the rotation as Brad Lord is being moved back to the bullpen.

(15:00) The 'pen was unscathed in three innings of work and Al highlights how well Cole Henry has mostly been performing.

(16:30) Al reads some of the plethora of emails we received for feedback on the new MASN+ streaming app.

(22:15) A special interview with Perry Giannis, President of Expos Fest, an annual gala in Quebec, that is to support a great cause. Perry tells Tim why he thinks there needs to be more momentum for Felipe Alou to get inducted into the HOF and why Jose Vidro's number was retired at the event.

Fedde Tosses A Complete Game Shutout at Nats' Expense May 10, 2025

Erick Fedde, a former 1st Round pick for the Nats in 2014, shutout his old club on Friday night in D.C in the Cardinals 10-0 victory. Mark & Al evaluate Fedde's masterpiece, where he only gave up six hits on 109 pitches. This is the second time Fedde dominated his original team as he did so last May in a seven inning effort for the White Sox. (12:05) While we are here, Patrick Corbin threw a good outing on Friday night for Texas. Corbin has a ERA of 3.13 for the Rangers this season and Mark tries to lend an explanation for the better numbers this season. (17:30) Mitchell Parker had a third consecutive poor start as only has lasted four innings. Parker had immediate trouble as he walked the first two St. Luis batters he faced and both came across to score that frame. (26:40) The relief pitching struggled again and after the game Lucas Sims was released. Sims only recorded two outs in the top of the 8th and issued four walks that led to three Cardinal runs. He leaves his brief time with the organization with a 13.86 ERA.

Pitching Implodes in the 6th May 07, 2025

The Nats led 3-0 entering the top of the 6th, but in less than a half hour they yielded eight Guardian runs on their way to an 8-6 loss. Mark & Al evaluate Michael Soroka, who initially seemed to have an excellent outing coming off the IL, but his scoreless effort turned into being tagged with four Cleveland runs. Soroka took the mound in the 6th after needing only 67 pitches prior to that frame.

(9:25) Jorge Lopez & Andrew Chafin each struggled mightily in the nightmare inning, including a run scoring wild pitch. The low key positive came from Cole Henry, who tossed three scoreless innings to keep the game in striking distance.

(13:30) The offense scored six runs off of 13 hits, but Davey Martinez was critical of their 4 for 19 effort with RISP in his postgame press conference.

(23:00) What is swirling in GM Mike Rizzo's head regarding the state of the bullpen?

(31:30) Washington hosts St. Louis & Erick Fedde on Friday night. Fedde has made seven starts this season and is sporting a 4.78 ERA.

Comeback in Game 1 & Routed in Game 2 May 07, 2025

The Nats opened the doubleheader vs. Cleveland with their 3rd straight win, but that momentum was halted just a few hours later. Mark & Al reluctantly begin again with the bullpen, who overall had an awful Tuesday at the ballpark. They inherited a 6-2 lead in Game 1, but the Guardians immediately scored six runs in the top of the 7th. The offense bailed them out and then Kyle Finnegan notched his 100th career save.

(7:10) The Nationals were trailing when Brad Lord departed Game 2, but the 'pen still managed to give up five runs in only three innings of work. Lucas Sims allowed three runs and his ERA is now up to 12.34.

(14:30) Jake Irvin continued his season long trend of having his roughest inning in the top of the 1st. Irvin was pulled in the 6th and Al offers a suggestion of how the organization should consider handling his future starts.

(17:30) Lord had a good outing, but all signs are pointing to him moving back to the bullpen once Michael Soroka returns from the IL on Wednesday. Lord began the season as a reliever before he was thrust into the rotation due to surrounding injuries.

(27:00) The offense came through with ten hits in the Game 1 victory. James Wood went deep with a 2-run shot for his 10th homer of the year. Dylan Crews had a RBI double to tie the game in the bottom of the 7th; shortly after the bullpen coughed up the lead.

(29:30) The bats were quiet in Game 2, Riley Adams solo HR was the only source of scoring. Josh Bell returned to the lineup after missing three straight games and went hitless in the cleanup spot. The bright spot came from CJ Abrams as he drew a trio of walks in the leadoff spot. Abrams has played at a level where he might return to the All-Star Game this summer.

(36:40) Josh Whetzel, the Voice of the Rochester Red Wings, gives Nats Chat an exclusive report on what is happening at AAA.

MONDAY NIGHT RAINED OUT: DOUBLEHEADER TUESDAY May 06, 2025

The Nats and Guardians were rained out on Monday and will play a traditional doubleheader on Tuesday starting at 3:35PM.

Gore Strikes Out 9, Garcia Jr. Homers, & Finnegan Nails Down the Save May 05, 2025

The Nats won their first road series of the season after a 4-1 victory over the Reds on Sunday afternoon. Mark (From Cincinnati) & Al note the bullpen having a solid weekend and instilling a bit more confidence as of late.

(04:40) MacKenzie Gore extended his MLB lead for strikeouts this season by whiffing nine Reds in the series finale. Gore fought through muddy conditions to make it through the bottom of the 5th as the rain intensified in what was his last inning of work.

(13:00) Three Nationals relievers combined for four scoreless frames after Gore departed. Jorge Lopez tossed two innings on his way to earning the win. Lopez has five consecutive scoreless appearance and all of them have come in high leverage situations.

(16:10) Luis Garcia Jr. hit the go ahead solo homer to give Washington a 2-1 lead in the top of the 7th. Garcia hit two homers on the road trip and his OPS this season is at .642.

(20:00) The Nats begin a three game series vs. Cleveland on Monday night in Navy Yard. There is some mystery as to who will start on Wednesday afternoon as it could either be Trevor Williams or Michael Soroka. Brad Lord is slated to start the middle game on Tuesday evening.

(26:30) Jim Callis from MLB Pipeline previews the options for the Nationals this summer when they select the top pick in the Draft on July 13th.

15 Hits Lead to an 11-6 Win May 04, 2025

The Nats totaled 15 hits on their way to an 11-6 triumph at the Reds on Saturday evening. Mark (From Cincinnati) & Al note Amed Rosario's biggest game yet since joining the team as he had four hits and a 3-run homer in the 6th to put Washington ahead for good.

(07:00) Riley Adams had a big game with both the bat and his arm. Adams came through with a late 2-run single and threw out a pair of base stealers. Adams only has 22 at bats so far this season in the backup catcher role.

(11:15) Trevor Williams had another rocky outing as he gave up four runs off of nine hits in just over five frames. Williams' ERA is up to 5.86 and his spot in the rotation is under closer scrutiny as Michael Soroka is poised to return soon from the IL.

(16:20) Andrew Chafin excelled in his organizational debut as he recorded two strikeouts in relief of Williams to keep the 7-4 lead in tact through six innings. Mark relays his colorful impression of the veteran lefty who is full of personality.

(23:00) MacKenzie Gore takes the mound on Sunday in the series rubber match. Gore currently leads all of MLB w/ 59 strikeouts this season in seven starts.

Parker Struggles in Defeat May 03, 2025

The Nats fell 6-1 in Cincinnati on Friday evening to open the three game set. Mark (From Cincy) & Al discuss Mitchell Parker's second consecutive poor outing as he allowed five runs off of four walks in only four innings on the mound. Parker this past week has been struggling with control and looks like a different pitcher than the one that began the season.

(06:40) Michael Soroka struck out 11 Iron Pigs in only five innings of work in his AAA rehab outing in Rochester. He is expected to return to the big league rotation in the near future.

(9:45) Jackson Rutledge tossed a scoreless bottom of the 8th and quietly is sporting a 2.38 ERA. Will he start to pitch in more high leverage situations moving forward?

(13:10) Reds hurler Hunter Greene dominated Washington as he collected a dozen strikeouts in only six innings of work. Greene now has 55Ks this season, 3rd most in the majors, trailing league leader MacKenzie Gore by four strikeouts.

(16:30) Josh Bell homered and the exited the game early due to tweaking his hamstring.

(19:40) Trevor Williams is slated to start on Saturday, but there is heavy rain in the Cincinnati forecast.

Lord Earns 1st Win on Broad Street May 02, 2025

The Nats snapped their three game skid with a 4-2 victory on Thursday night at the Phillies. Mark (From Philadelphia) & Al open with the eventful top of the 6th where Washington scored all of their runs. Luis Garcia Jr. not only had a RBI single, but also stole home on a double steal for the final insurance run.

(08:10) Keibert Ruiz knocked in Nathaniel Lowe on what was ruled a three base error by Bryce Harper, but should it have been scored as a triple?

(12:45) Brad Lord lasted five innings and recorded his first Big League "W". The timing is rather interesting as his rotation spot is at stake if Michael Soroka returns from the IL in the near future.

(18:45) The bullpen came through for Lord as three relievers combined for four scoreless frames. Jose A. Ferrer tossed two innings, Jorge Lopez pitched the 8th, and Kyle Finnegan bounced back with his 10th save of the season, the 2nd most in the NL.

(25:00) The Nationals made their first bullpen transaction post Opening Day as they signed veteran Andrew Chafin and DFA'd Colin Poche. Chafin has been in the majors since 2014 and has a career ERA of 3.42. The lefty pitched well for AAA-Toledo last month before signing a major league deal with the Nats.

(30:00) The road trip moves this weekend to Cincinnati for a three game set. Mitchell Parker will start the opener on Friday night vs. Hunter Greene. The Reds are 17-15 overall and are in 2nd place in their division.

Irvin Gives Up 6 Runs in Philly Loss May 01, 2025

The Nats lost 7-2 on Wednesday night for their 3rd straight defeat. Mark (From Philadelphia) & Al begin with an update on James Frisbie, one of the Nationals batting practice pitchers, who collapsed on the field at the beginning of the day's workouts. He received immediate medical attention and is apparently "feeling better".

(04:30) A look at the Nats in April as they end the opening month at 13-18 overall.

(06:45) Jake Irvin gave up a pair of homers, including a 3-run shot in the bottom of the 1st to Kyle Schwarber. Irvin has allowed eight homers so far on the season in seven starts and has shown signs of diminishing velocity.

(15:45) Josh Bell went 0 for 4 and struck out three times on Wednesday. His OPS is now down to .503 and the hosts evaluate what to do regarding Bell's struggles at the plate.

(24:00) Nathaniel Lowe had a RBI double hitting out of the cleanup spot. Lowe has likely been the team's 2nd best hitter so far and his OPS sits at .762.

Finnegan's Blown Save Ruins Comeback Effort Apr 30, 2025

The Nats lost a heartbreaker in Philadelphia as what briefly looked like a thrilling comeback victory turned into a 7-6 walk-off loss. Mark (From Citizens Bank Park) & Al start with the seesaw 9th inning that was initially a 5-2 Phillies lead at the start of the frame.

(12:45) Discussion on how this ballpark has an aptitude of quirky games due to its odd dimensions.

(16:30) MacKenzie Gore gave up a pair of homers and struck out six in his outing. Gore returns to the MLB lead for strikeouts this season just ahead of Zack Wheeler, his foil on Tuesday night.

(19:30) The offense scored two off of Wheeler and came through with six extra base hits on the evening. The highlight came in the four run top of the 9th when Nathaniel Lowe hit a go-ahead 3 run homer for a brief 6-5 edge.

(22:45) Mark points out that Washington had the bases loaded in four separate at bats and struck out every time.

(28:40) A special report on Cade Cavalli's short rehab outing in AAA, from Josh Whetzel, the voice of the Rochester Red Wings.

Trounced by 2 Touchdowns Apr 29, 2025

Monday was an ugly one in Navy Yard as the Mets routed the Nats 19-5 to split the series. Trevor Williams allowed five runs in just over five innings of work, but the bullpen really imploded in the loss. The 'pen then combined to give up 14 runs in less than four innings on the mound. Cole Henry especially had a rough afternoon, as New York plated five runs off of him in the top of the 7th.

(13:30) The offense only scored in the bottom of the 8th in this one. Among the scoring was James Wood's 9th homer of the season, putting him just one back of the MLB lead. Nathaniel Lowe also went deep and this leads to a discussion about the trade that brought him over to Washington this offseason.

(22:45) Al & Tim look at the recent emergence of MASN+, the new direct to consumer streaming option of Nationals & Orioles baseball. What does this mean for the team's broadcast rights long terms?

Furious Comeback Win Capped by Alonso Throwing Error Apr 28, 2025

The Nats had their second walk-off win of the weekend as they overcame a six run deficit on Sunday afternoon for a thrilling 8-7 victory over the NL East leading Mets. Riley Adams hit a 3 run HR in the bottom of the 7th to put Washington just one run back. The offense then ncame through with two runs in the 9th and yet again it was CJ Abrams coming across for the winning run.

(11:30) Dylan Crews began the team's scoring with a solo homer to continue his hot stretch. Crews has six hits in the past three games and has gotten a hit almost everyday since April 15th.

(16:00) The much maligned bullpen kept its momentum as of late alive. The 'pen combined for four innings of scoreless work, including a clean inning by the lefty Colin Poche.

(19:30) Mitchell Parker had a disastrous first inning as he allowed five runs and saw the Mets bat around. As bad as his start was, he was able to settle down and fight his way to complete five innings and save the bullpen for a few frames.

(25:00) Evaluating where the Nationals are at after this recent stretch.

Shutout by the Mets Apr 27, 2025

The Nats were blanked 2-0 by the Mets on Saturday afternoon in D.C. Al & Mark evaluate the wasted opportunity as their solid pitching performance did not get any help from the offense. The bats produced only singles in their seven hits in defeat.

(05:45) Jose Tena singled but most importantly had another good day at 3B in the field. Tena has been filling in at the hot corner due to Paul DeJong's trip to the IL and has markedly improved on defense since last season.

(09:35) Brad Lord's started last four innings, but was interrupted by a brief early rain delay. Lord gave up a 2 run HR to Francisco Alvarez, the only source of scoring on Saturday. Lord began the season a reliever, but has filled in as a starter during Michael Soroka's stint on the IL.

(16:00) The bullpen combined to toss five scoreless frames in the loss. Encouragingly, Lucas Sims threw one inning and only needed nine pitches in the process.

(22:10) Mitchell Parker will take the mound on Sunday and believe it or not, but he leads all of MLB in pitcher WAR so far this season.

(24:15) Juan Soto went for 0 for 4 on Saturday and is hitting .235 thus far. Soto has not homered since April 15th, but the Mets do have the best record in baseball.

Nats Rally for a Walk-off Win Apr 26, 2025

The Nats came out on top in a seesaw affair as they walked off the Mets 5-4; snapping New York's seven game winning streak. Al & Tim have plenty to recap from the exciting evening in DC, including the Nationals pulling off a triple play for the first time in Navy Yard.

(05:45) CJ Abrams scored the winning run in dramatic fashion as he came around all the way from first base on a James Wood single. Abrams also tripled earlier in the game; his first hit since returning form the IL.

(08:05) Dylan Crews had one of his best games yet as he scored three runs in the win. Crews manufactured an early run by capitalizing on a mental mistake by Brandon Nimmo that unexpectedly put him in scoring position. Crews also tripled in the 9th as Juan Soto was unable to make the play in RF.

(13:45) Jake Irvin was excellent as he pitched into the top of the 8th and did not allow a run through the initial seven innings. Irvin had a slow start to the season and has been able to drop his ERA down to 3.19.

(18:00) Jose A. Ferrar allowed three runs after taking over for Irvin in the top of the 8th. Kyle Finnegan gave up the big hit of the inning as Crews could not make a diving grab that led to a bases clearing triple by Mark Vientos.

(26:00) Brady House hit his 4th homer of the AAA season and his OPS is at .877.

Bats Too Quiet to Complete the Sweep Apr 25, 2025

The Nats lost 2-1 to the Orioles on Thursday to stymie their attempt at a series sweep. Al & Mark convene to discuss the disappointing offensive performance as they only mustered five hits and one drawn walk. James Wood & Dylan Crews each were 0 for 3 in the defeat.

(04:00) CJ Abrams returned from the IL and went 0 for 4 after resuming his leadoff role. Will he stay there or will James Wood get another chance at the top of the order?

(11:15) It was hard luck loss for MacKenzie Gore as he only allowed a pair of runs in six innings of work. Gore struck out eight Orioles and moved ahead of Zack Wheeler for the MLB lead in that category.

(15:30) Washington had a solid performance by their bullpen. Cole Henry handled the final two innings and continued his stretch of not having yet given up a run. Henry was formerly a promising starter in the organization before needing thoracic outlet surgery (TOS) a few years back.

(23:10) Juan Soto and the Mets come to DC for a four game series beginning Friday night. New York has won seven consecutive games and have the best record in baseball.

(26:00) An update on Paul DeJong, who will have surgery on his broken nose. DeJong was hit in the face last week in Pittsburgh and has been on the IL since.

Wood & Bell Go Deep in Narrow Win Apr 24, 2025

The Nats topped the Orioles 4-3 on Wednesday night for their fourth win in the past five games. Mark & Al leadoff with James Wood, who immediately hit his 8th homer of the season, tying him for the NL lead. It was the hardest hit homer by a National in Navy Yard in the Statecast Era (2015-present).

(07:20) CJ Abrams played all nine innings on Wednesday in his second rehab start in Harrisburg. There is a chance that he will return to Washington's lineup in Thursday's series finale. Hear what Davey Martinez's reply was to Mark's question about which lefty bat will be in the leadoff spot when Abrams is back.

(11:15) Josh Bell also homered in the 1st inning, his 4th of the year. Bell is still struggling at the plate as his OPS sits at a disappointing .577.

(15:00) Trevor Williams only gave up one run in five innings of work. Williams has made five starts thus far and after a slow start, he has thrown back to back solid outings.

(19:45) Four relievers combined to take over after Williams departed. They inherited a 3-1 lead and the O's tied up it in the top of the 8th before Luis Garcia Jr.s go ahead sacrifice fly. Kyle Finnegan then completed the save, he is nine for nine this year and leads the NL.

(26:30) Andrew McCutchen recently tweeted that he knows Jorge Lopez was not intentionally throwing at him last week in Pittsburgh. So why were Davey and Lopez each suspended?

Crews Homers in Parker's Shutout Apr 23, 2025

Tuesday was a fun one in Navy Yard as the Nats blanked the Orioles 7-0 to open the three game series. Al & Mark heap plenty of praise upon Mitchell Parker, who lasted eight frames for the first time in his career, and retired the final 17 Baltimore hitters he faced. Parker's ERA sits at 1.73 through five starts this season.

(12:30) The offense broke out with 10 extra base hits and 14 hits overall. Nathaniel Lowe & Dylan Crews each went deep and three players each had a trio of hits in the victory (James Wood, Keibert Ruiz, and Jose Tena). The team so far has hit 25 homers in 23 games, a more prolific pace than in years past.

(18:30) Tena's big night leads to a discussion on the status of Brady House, who is playing 3B in AAA. House was the team's 1st Round Pick in 2021.

(23:00) A brief recap of CJ Abrams' rehab assignment in Harrisburg on Tuesday night.

(25:10) Colin Poche only faced the minimum three Orioles hitters even though he was pitching with a seven run lead. Poche walked the first two batters he saw and that immediately forced Cole Henry to get up and ready in the bullpen. Poche's ERA is currently at a staggering 15.00.

(31:15) Josh Whetzel, the Voice of the Rochester Red Wings, shares the latest from AAA. Hear about lefty reliever Konnor Pilkington, who is having a good start to 2025.

Doubleheader Split for a Series Win Apr 21, 2025

The Nats split their doubleheader on Sunday after winning Game 1 by a score of 3-2 before losing the nightcap 3-1. Mark (From Coors Field) & Al start with the offense, which only mustered four runs in 18 innings of action. Dylan Crews though continued his hot weekend by getting a hit in each game, manufacturing a run in Game 1 and by stealing his 6th base of the season in Game 2.

(08:45) We point out Luis Garcia Jr.'s struggles this far as his OPS is at .569. He only has one homer in 2025 and his batting average sits at .209.

(13:15) Jake Irvin pitched well in the victory as he struck out nine in just over six innings of work. Brad Lord started Game 2 and lasted four frames while only surrendering a pair of runs to keep Washington in it.

(17:20) The bullpen certainly had a much better day on Sunday than on Saturday. The highlight came in Game 1 as Jose A. Ferrer & Kyle Finnegan combined for the final eight outs. Finnegan is 8 for 8 on saves this season and at 96 career saves; he is 2nd all time in Nationals history behind Chad Cordero.

(27:00) The Nats open a seven game home stand on Tuesday when the Orioles come to Navy Yard for three games. CJ Abrams has been on the IL since April 12th and there is a chance he could return to the lineup vs. Baltimore at some point.

INFORMAL NATS CHAT HANGOUT AT WALTERS THIS WEDNESDAY AT 5PM PRIOR TO NATS/O'S

Crews Homers Twice & Bullpen Barely Hangs on Apr 20, 2025

The Nats emerged victorious on Saturday in Colorado, but a 12-2 lead turned into a 12-11 escape act. Mark (From Coors Field) & Al run through the dizzying afternoon that saw four Washington homers, a dominant outing by MacKenzie Gore, and the bullpen allowing eight Rockies runs in the bottom of the 7th.

(05:30) Dylan Crews had his best game yet in the majors as he went deep twice and snagged a great catch in the bottom of the 8th. Crews knocked in four runs, which is thus far a career high.

(07:35) James Wood slugged his 7th homer of the season out of the leadoff spot. Wood is currently tied for the NL lead in homers with four others players including Kyle Schwarber. Wood was lifted in the middle of the game for Alex Call for defensive reasons and Al vehemently explains why he disagrees with this decision by the manager.

(17:00) It got lost in the shuffle of the late game dramatics, but MacKenzie Gore was fantastic on Saturday afternoon. Gore tied a career high with 13 Ks on 104 pitches in six frames and now leads the majors with 45 strikeouts this year.

(22:30) The bullpen inherited a 12-2 lead entering the bottom of the 7th and an inning later Colorado was now behind 12-10. Lucas Sims only recorded one out yet gave up four runs and his ERA this season is up to 15.26. It still is better than Colin Poche's 19.29, this after he surrendered a pair of runs while also only securing one out. What can be done to fix this?

(37:10) Jorge Lopez's suspension was reduced from three to two games. He will be eligible for Game 2 of Sunday's doubleheader.

(40:00) INFORMAL NATS CHAT HANGOUT AT WALTERS ON WEDNESDAY APRIL 23RD AT 5PM UNTIL FIRST PITCH AGAINST THE ORIOLES.

Davey Surprisingly Suspended Prior to Shutout Defeat Apr 17, 2025

The Nats were dealt a curve ball Thursday morning when they learned shortly before the matinee that Davey Martinez was immediately suspended for one game as a result of Jorge Lopez throwing inside on Andrew McCutchen on Wednesday night (Lopez appealed his three game suspension). Mark (Live from Pittsburgh) & Al discuss how curious of a decision MLB made in opting to suspend Davey. All of this began with Paul DeJong getting hit in the face on Tuesday night, which resulted in him landing on the IL with a fractured nose.

(14:00) The offense was quite anemic in 1-0 loss on Thursday afternoon. Nathaniel Lowe was the only member of the lineup to have multiple hits. Washington only scored four total runs in the final three game of this series in Pittsburgh.

(17:30) Trevor Williams' best outing of the season was wasted as he only allowed one run in his five innings of work. The bullpen for only the 3rd time this season was not charged with a run. Lucas Sims had an encouraging appearance as he tossed a scoreless bottom of the 6th.

(23:40) The final leg of the road trip moves to Colorado for a three game series. The weather forecast calls for potentially three inches of snow in Denver on Friday, so a doubleheader this weekend is possible.

(26:00) Terry Byrom, Voice of the Harrisburg Senators, provides an update on the Nats AA affiliate. Hear the latest on prospects such as Daylen Lile, Yohandy Morales, and Jarlin Susana.

Benches Clear Before Pirates Slam Dooms the Nats Apr 17, 2025

The Nats lost 6-1 on Wednesday night in Pittsburgh. Mark (Live from PNC Park) & Al recap the hectic bottom of the 7th that saw the benches & bullpens clear shortly before an Oneil Cruz Grand Slam broke the game open. Jorge Lopez was ejected after throwing inside on Andrew McCutchen and that was presumed to be retaliation for Paul DeJong getting hit by a pitch in the face on Tuesday night.

(13:10) The Cruz Grand Slam came against Eduardo Salazar who relieved the ejected Lopez. Salazar has had a bad series and his ERA this season is a staggering 7.56. Salazar has options remaining and is a candidate to be demoted in the near future.

(17:00) Mitchell Parker had a fourth straight quality start to begin his 2025. The lefty only allowed one run in six innings of work on Wednesday. Parker's ERA is an extremely impressive 1.85 and has been the team's best pitcher so far.

(20:10) Davey Martinez confirmed that DJ Herz has undergone Tommy John surgery and is out for the year. Herz was placed on the IL just a few days prior to Opening Day.

(23:00) The hosts reset the ever increasing increasing amount of injuries within the organization.

Irvin Blanks the Pirates Apr 16, 2025

The Nats ended their three game skid with dominant pitching in Tuesday night's 3-0 victory in Pittsburgh. Mark (From PNC Park) & Al have plenty of praise for Jake Irvin, who lasted seven frames and only allowed three hits. This was Irvin's 4th outing of the season and by far his best. (07:00) Following a pregame meeting, the bullpen responded with two scoreless innings by Jose A.Ferrar & Kyle Finnegan. Finnegan is 6 for 6 in save opportunities and trails only San Diego's Robert Suarez for the league lead. (12:45) James Wood led the game off with a towering 445 foot home run. Wood has six homers already this season and is tied for the 2nd most in the majors, trailing Tyler Soderstorm of the Athletics who has hit eight home runs. (17:00) Dylan Crews went 1 for 3 while hitting 7th and playing RF. Alex Call was the odd man out of the lineup as Jacob Young got the nod in CF. (22:05) Nasim Nunez continued to do a solid job filling in for the injured CJ Abrams at SS. Nunez gave Washington insurance with a 2-run single in the top of the 6th at the end of a 10 pitch plate appearance. (24:30) Paul DeJong exited the game early after getting hit in the face during an at-bat. He was sent for a CT scan and it is unclear whether or not he is headed to the IL. (28:00) A quick update on Andres Chaparo, who was placed on the IL the day before Opening Day due to an oblique strain. (31:45) Josh Whetzel, the Voice of the Rochester Red Wings, provides an update from the Nats AAA affiliate.

Bullpen Gets Rocked in Pittsburgh Apr 15, 2025

The Nats dropped their third game in a row as they were routed 10-3 on Monday night in Pittsburgh. Mark (Live from PNC Park) and Al run through the woeful bullpen totals, which is becoming a theme to the season. Colin Poche was the first pitcher to emerge from the 'pen, but allowed a pair of runs to lift his ERA to an eye-popping 16.62. Jackson Rutledge & Eduardo Salazar then later combined to give up five runs. It should be noted that the bullpen received zero help from the defense behind them.

(15:20) Brad Lord made his 2nd start since being moved out of the bullpen. Lord only lasted 57 pitches and allowed four runs in under five innings of work.

(19:00) An update on Cade Cavalli after he appeared with the team in Miami over the weekend. Cavalli is currently rehabbing at the team;' facility in West Palm Beach, Florida.

(20:10) Paul Skenes only lasted six frames vs. Washington and gave up a pair of runs. The Nats did not draw any walks on Monday night after gaining a ton of free passes in the Miami series. Nasim Nunez, who got the start at SS, doubled and it was the team's only extra base hit. What kind of playing time does Nunez get while Abrams in on the IL?

(25:15) Dylan Crews had a bit of a spotlight on him because he was facing the only man drafted ahead of him in the 2023 Draft (Skenes). Crews went 0 for 4 after missing the past two games due to Alex Call taking his spot in the lineup.

Marlins Take the Series Rubber Match Apr 14, 2025

The Nats were routed 11-4 on Sunday afternoon in Miami for their 2nd straight defeat and it was their largest margin of loss so far this season. Al begins with MacKenzie Gore, who's pitching line saw four runs scored off of eight hits in six innings of work. Gore threw 105 pitches, another example of the lefty's pitch inefficiency.

(05:40) Jorge Lopez & Lucas Sims combined to surrender seven runs, while only retiring the Marlins. Sims' ERA is up to 12.79 so far this season; he was a reliever that the team signed to a one year deal at the beginning of Spring Training.

(07:40) Cole Henry was called up prior to the game and pitched the bottom of the 8th. Henry was originally a starter in their minor league system and is coming off of thoracic outlet syndrome surgery.

(11:00) The Nats drew 20 walks this weekend and combined for eight of them on Sunday. James Wood walked three times in the loss and Alex Call had one in the leadoff role.

(13:30) Dylan Crews did not play for a 2nd straight day in what seemed to be in favor of giving the at-bats to Call. His OPS thus far sits at .625.

(15:00) Keibert Ruiz had an inexplicable base running gaffe in top of the 5th. Ruiz got thrown out trying to steal 3rd base with only out and the game tied, which killed the rally with the heart of the order up.

(17:30) Washington faces Paul Skenes for the first time on Monday night in Pittsburgh.

Abrams to the IL Before Loss in South Florida Apr 13, 2025

The Nats did not have effective pitching in their 7-6 loss on Saturday afternoon in Miami. Al recaps the not so pretty totals for Trevor Williams, who allowed six runs off of eight hits, before getting pulled in the bottom of the 5th. Williams so far on the season is sporting a 7.36 ERA.

(06:00) The bullpen did not allow a run on Friday night for the first time all season, but that luck did not carry over into Saturday. Colin Poche allowed. Marlins run across, but the trio of relievers that followed him did not allow a further run. Al points out the grisly stats so far for the lefty Poche, who pitched for Tampa Bay last year.

(10:05) Washington's offense only had singles despite scoring six runs. Keibert Ruiz had three hits while hitting third in the order and leads the team with a .985 OPS.

(13:00) Alex Call drew a pair of walks in the loss and has walked a staggering nine times out of 37 plate appearances this season.

(17:15) CJ Abrams has been placed on the 10-day IL due to a hip flexor strain. Abrams left Friday night's game early after re aggravating the injury that kept him out of the lineup earlier in the week.

(20:00) A special listener birthday shoutout. To learn more about the opportunity, email us at natschatpodcast@gmail.com.

Lowe's Go-Ahead Pinch-Hit Double Lifts the Nats in Miami Apr 12, 2025

The Nats trailed 4-0, but stormed back for a 7-4 victory on Friday night in Miami. Mark & Al have plenty of offensive highlights to address, but begin with an update on CJ Abrams, who exited the game early due to a hip flexor strain.

(07:00) The Nats had more extra base hits than they did singles in the win. The most pivotal one was Nathaniel Lowe's pinch-hit 3 run double that gave Washington a 5-4 lead in the 8th. Lowe was a late scratch from the starting lineup due to illness and later persevered through a 10 pitch at bat for the big hit.

(10:45) James Wood homered for the fourth time in the past four games. Wood hit a towering shot in the top of the 9th to give the Nats much needed insurance.

(12:40) Bell put Washington on the board with a 2 run HR in the top of the 6th. Bell was moved to 1B after Lowe was a late scratch and that ultimately led to Alex Call taking over in LF for the DHing James Wood. Call took advantage as he drew four walks and had a RBI double for the final run.

(20:00) Mitchell Parker did not have a good outing, but the team is nonetheless 3-0 when he starts this season. Parker gave up four runs in the bottom of the 5th and his poor defensive mechanics were a major culprit.

(24:30) The bullpen finally had a game without surrendering a run in 2025. Lucas Sims walked the tightrope in his lone inning and Kyle Finnegan overcame a leadoff double to secure the save.

(28:45) This was game one of a ten game road trip in three different cities. They can reach .500 with a victory on Saturday vs. Sandy Alcantara as they currently sit at 6-7.

Dodgers Snap the Win Streak at 4 Apr 10, 2025

The Nats fell behind right away and lost to the Dodgers 6-5 on Wednesday afternoon to halt the win streak. Mark & Al begin with Jake Irvin, who had one of odder outings you will ever see. Irvin gave up four runs to the first four batters up, but then retired 18 of the final 21 Dodgers he faced.

(12:00) The bullpen unfortunately continued their stretch of giving up a run every game this season. Eduardo Salazar took over for Irvin, but gave up a pair of runs in the 7th to give the Los Angeles the lead for good.

(15:15) The offense quickly overcame the early four run deficit after Luis Garcia Jr.'s RBI double in the bottom of the 3rd. They collectively showed patience at the plate by drawing seven total walks. CJ Abrams hit a leadoff homer, his 4th time going deep this season.

(19:30) Do you prefer James Wood in LF or at DH? Wood played LF on Wednesday and drew two walks while going 0 for 3 at the plate.

(25:20) Washington is off on Thursday and on Friday in Miami they embark on a 3 city/ 10 game road trip with no off days in between.

(27:30) We remember a member of the 2005 Nationals Tony Blanco, who tragically passed away this week in the Dominican Republic in the nightclub accident that also claimed Nelson Cruz's sister & former MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel.

Wood Homers Twice in 4th Straight Win Apr 09, 2025

The Nats won their 4th straight on Tuesday night as they routed the Dodgers 8-2. James Wood stole the show as he went deep twice and knocked in five runs while serving as the DH. Wood has homered three times in two games after entering series with just one homer.

(09:45) Keibert Ruiz had a pair of hits while slotted at 3rd in the lineup. Ruiz has at least one hit in nine out of the ten games in which he has played in so far this year.

(11:15) Dylan Crews also had two hits and has five of them this week after having a terrible opening week at the plate.

(15:30) It was a true team effort by the pitching staff in order to get all 27 outs. Brad Lord tossed three scoreless frames to open the game and later Orlando Ribalta also threw three innings. Lord not only pitched well, but he struck out Shohei Ohtani in both meetings.

(25:30) Washington is now 5-6 after standing at 1-6 just a few days ago. The Nationals are 4-1 on the homestand and have won multiple series in a row.

Finnegan Notches the Save for the 3rd Straight Day Apr 08, 2025

The Nats have now won three in a row after defeating the defending World Series champion Dodgers 6-4 on Monday night in Navy Yard. Mark & Al discuss MacKenzie Gore's solid outing where he only allowed a pair of runs in six innings of work. Those two LA runs came off of a Shohei Ohtani 2-run HR, part of his evening where he was a double shy from the cycle.

(10:00) Kyle Finnegan not only got the save, but took care of the final five outs. He has recorded the final out in three consecutive days and in all likelihood will be unavailable on Tuesday.

(17:10) James Wood homered for the first time this season to put Washington ahead 5-2. Wood was removed in the top of the 9th for defensive purposes by Jacob Young even though Wood was on deck if the Dodgers forced a bottom of the 9th.

(22:10) Keibert Ruiz had a RBI double to extend the lead to 6-2. Ruiz's strong start to the season continues as his OPS is currently at .981.

(25:00) There were more instances of runners getting thrown out on base and three Nats have been tagged out at home in the past two days. This has an ongoing issue over the past few seasons.

(30:30) Brad Lord will start for the injury plagued pitching staff on Tuesday and Jackson Rutledge will likely come into relieve him. Lord was a starter in the minors and transitioned to a reliever during Spring Training. This is a chain reaction to Michael Soroka getting placed on the IL shortly after DJ Herz did as well.

(36:20) Josh Whetzel, the Voice of the AAA-Rochester Red Wings, provides an update on Brady House, Robert Hassell III, Darren Baker, and more.

Nats Beat Burnes to Take the Series Apr 07, 2025

The Nats won the series rubber match 5-4 on Sunday afternoon against the Diamondbacks. Al credits Washington's offense for getting to Arizona ace Corbin Burnes, who only lasted five innings. The bats came out early as they put up four runs in the opening three innings.

(06:00) Paul DeJong had a pair of hits and drove in as many runs. DeJong was slotted 8th in the order and is hitting .240 so far in the young season.

(08:45) Dylan Crews hit right behind DeJong and also had two hits on Sunday. Crews had a good weekend series with three total hits and a stolen base. Hear what Davey Martinez had to say about the reasons for his recent success.

(13:00) Trevor Williams earned the win by striking out six in five frames. The bullpen picked up the slack behind him as they only allowed one run; at the expense of Jorge Lopez. Kyle Finnegan notched the save for the second straight day.

(19:30). Shohei Ohtani and the defending World Series Champion Los Angeles Dodgers will come to Navy Yard on Monday night for a three game series.

(21:45) The closing highlight of Alex Ovechkin's record breaking 895th career goal is courtesy of John Walton and Ken Sabourin on the Capitals Radio Network.

Nats Hold Off Arizona Apr 06, 2025

The Nats halted their four game skid with a 4-3 victory on Saturday afternoon over Arizona. Al & Mark have plenty of praise for Mitchell Parker, who has started both games that the Nationals have won this season. Parker cleanly fielded a tough comebacker at the end of his outing, notable because of how poorly he fielded his position last season.

(10:00) The bullpen was handed a three run lead with three innings to go and did just enough to prevail. Kyle Finnegan recorded his 2nd save of the season while navigating through traffic on the bases. The final out of the game was a first in franchise history as Riley Adams threw out an attempted steal of 2nd base in order to end the affair.

(16:45) James Wood had a hot start on Saturday as he made a nifty catch near the wall and then hit a 2 run double in the bottom of the first. Wood was slotted in the 5th spot in the lineup, a rarity for him.

(21:00) Josh Bell had a triple in the win. You read that right.

(24:50) Answering a listener email about the possibility of Amed Rosario getting reps at 3rd base in expense of Paul DeJong for offensive purposes.

(28:00) There was some question as to who would start on Sunday as it was the injured Michael Soroka's turn in the rotation, but instead Trevor Williams moves up on full rest due to the day off on Thursday. There had been speculation that Brad Lord could move out of the 'pen, but instead the organization opted to figure out the vacant spot on Tuesday night after MacKenzie Gore pitches on Monday.

Another Nats Loss Despite 3 Homers Apr 05, 2025

The Nats slow start continued in a 6-4 loss on Friday night against visiting Arizona despite scoring three runs in the bottom of the 1st. Mark & Al open the episode by breaking down Jake Irvin's start that only lasted five frames. Irvin allowed seven hits and four runs on just 86 pitches while being unable to early hold onto the early lead.

(10:30) Jose A. Ferrar gave up a pair of runs in the top of the 7th to give the Arizona lead for good. Ferrar has really struggled so far as he ceded multiple runs in three of out of his four appearances this year.

(17:00) The Nationals scored four runs off of three homers on Friday night. CJ Abrams & Luis Garcia Jr. homered right away and Nathaniel Lowe's blast briefly tied the game in the bottom of the 6th. Mark points out how that even though they have a fair amount of homers so far, the team's lack of drawing walks have been a major culprit.

(26:35) The 2005 Nationals will be inducted into the franchise's Ring of Honor this weekend. This was the first season in Washington after the Expos moved to D.C. and they surprisingly opened the year with a 50-31 record while playing at RFK Stadium.

**Closing highlight courtesy of John Walton and Ken Sabourin on the Capitals Radio Network.

Swept in Canada Apr 03, 2025

The Nats were swept in Toronto and dropped the finale 4-2 on Wednesday afternoon. Mark & Al start with the top of the 9th where a late Nationals rally was stymied by pinch- runner Jacob Young getting thrown out trying to steal 2nd base. (11:20) Dylan Crews hit 9th on Wednesday and Amed Rosario was slotted 2nd. Crews continued his awful offensive start to the season as he is now 0 for 18. However, Crews made multiple excellent defensive plays in CF, showing that he can hang in there when not swinging the bat well. (17:05) MacKenzie Gore did not continue his Opening Day momentum as he allowed nine hits in just five innings. Gore's 95 pitches resurrected the fact that he has struggled with pitch efficiency in his career. (23:10) The bullpen had a solid day and Brad Lord made yet another appearance. Orlando Ribalta was the real bright spot as he tossed two scoreless frames. (29:30) Mark relays the vibe in the clubhouse after the 1-5 start. (33:30) Tim Shovers interviews author & veteran Will Bardenwerper about his new book "Homestand: Small Town Baseball and the Fight for Soul of America"

Williams Allows 10 Hits in Toronto Loss Apr 02, 2025

The Nats fell 5-3 in Toronto on Tuesday night to drop to 1-4 on the season. Mark (Live from Canada) & Al begin with the bad pitching luck for starter Trevor Williams & flame throwing reliever Jose A. Ferrer. They both were victims to instances such as infield hits and defensive miscues behind them. Hear what franchise record Williams is quietly threatening Max Scherzer for.

(17:45) The Nats offense had another subpar night in scoring just three runs. Dylan Crews, who has been struggling at the plate, rested in favor of Alex Call in RF. Call rewarded his manager's confidence with a pair of hits while hitting 8th in order.

(21:00) CJ Abrams was by far the biggest bright spot for Washington as he filled up the box score in a franchise SS type of performance. Abrams had a trio of hits, two of which were doubles, and made a tremendous defensive play up the middle.

(25:35) Keibert Ruiz knocked in a pair of runs and continues to impact every game. Ruiz drew a walk and has a five game hitting streak to start the season.

(29:05) The Nats will have MacKenzie Gore on the mound on Wednesday in their hopes to avoid the sweep. Should we be caught up in the 1-4 record?

Soroka Departs Early in Defeat + AAA Update Apr 01, 2025

The Nats lost their first road game of the season 5-2 in Toronto. Michael Soroka struggled in his franchise debut and ended on a sour note as he departed early due to an injury. The prognosis afterwards was not serious and has been classified as a right biceps cramp.

(10:50) If the news on Soroka ends up being worse than initially expected, who takes his spot in the rotation? There is no easy and immediate answer to this one.

(16:40) The only source of offense for Washington came off back to back homers in the top of the 6th. So far the team has hit eight home runs in just eight games. CJ Abrams homer was the first hit of the day off of Blue Jays starter Bowden Francis.

(21:00) Dylan Crews terrible start at the plate continued on Monday as he went 0 for 4 to remain without a hit so far in 2025. Crews struck out twice in this loss and has done so in 10 out of 15 at bat this season.

(28:10) Four relievers appeared for the Nats and they combined to only allow one run. Brad Lord pitched for the 2nd straight day.

(36:05) Josh Whetzel, the voice of the AAA Rochester Red Wings, gives an update on the series in Buffalo. Among the players mentioned: Andrew Alvarez, Trey Lipscomb, and Jackson Rutledge.

Parker & a Pair of HRs Power the Win Mar 31, 2025

The Nats earned their first victory of the season on Sunday as they defeated the Phillies 5-1. Mark & Al have plenty of positives to run through and begin with Mitchell Parker, who continued the good starting pitching to begin the Washington season. Parker pitched into the 7th and didnt allow any runs.

(10:00) The two Nationals homers on Sunday came from new additions to the lineup in Josh Bell & Nathaniel Lowe. The team combined for six home runs in the opening series.

(13:45) Paul DeJong came through with a trio of hits, two of which were doubles. DeJong entered the day without a hit through two games while starting at 3B.

(19:40) Keibert Ruiz caught all three game this series and hit cleanup in the order.

(22:05) The bullpen only gave up one run, but it sure made things interesting in the top of the 9th. Brad Lord made his Major League debut in the final frame, which came across as a curious decision. Kyle Finnegan came in for Lord to preserve the win in just five pitches.

(29:00) The Nats begin their first road trip of the season on Monday when they open a three game set in Toronto with Michael Soroka making his franchise debut on the mound.

Bullpen Gets Clobbered Mar 30, 2025

The Nats were easily beaten by the Phillies 11-6 on Saturday afternoon in Navy Yard. Mark & Al spend plenty of time on the bullpen, which has performed poorly in both games so far this season. Jake Irvin departed a tied game after five innings and four relievers combined to give up nine runs following his exit. The 'pen is not only giving up a bunch of runs, but they are issuing a ton of walks along the way.

(22:00) Keibert Ruiz homered for the second straight game and briefly put Washington ahead 2-0. Ruiz also added a double and has had success from both sides of the plate this week.

(24:05) Amed Rosario had a trio of hits including a homer. Rosario hit 5th in the order and got the start at 2B over Luis Garcia Jr. in order to face the lefty starter.

(27:10) Nathaniel Lowe went deep for the first time as a National and has flashed solid leather so far at 1B.

(29:00) Dylan Crews mad a great play in the field, but went 0 for 5 with 5 Ks while hitting 2nd in the lineup.

(35:30) In depth discussion on the new City Connect uniforms that were worn on Saturday.

Gore Strikes Out 13 but Bullpen Falters on Opening Day Mar 28, 2025

The Nats bullpen let them down on their way to a season opening 7-3 loss in extra innings vs. the visiting Phillies. Mark & Al start with a major positive for Washington as MacKenzie Gore set a franchise Opening Day record with 13 strikeouts. Gore was fantastic as he did not issue any walks and only gave up one hit.

(10:30) Keibert Ruiz homered off of Zack Wheeler and threw out a runner trying to steal 2nd base. Davey Martinez mentioned pregame that Ruiz lost weight in the offseason and he was pleased with his Spring.

(17:00) Jacob Young was caught stealing despite James Wood at the plate with a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the 6th inning.

(21:15) Opening Day was not a good one for the Nationals bullpen as five relievers combined to allow seven runs in just four innings of work. Colin Poche really struggled in his first outing with the Nats as he gave up four Philadelphia runs in the top of the 10th to put the game out of reach.

(27:45) Derek Law will begin the season the 15-Day IL due to right forearm inflammation. Mark explains what led to him not being ready to pitch for Washington on Opening Day.

(32:00) The Nationals were dealt bad news this week as DJ Herz was added to the 60-Day IL and is getting a 2nd opinion on his sprained elbow ligament that could lead to Tommy John surgery. Al notes that this continues a troubling pattern of a pitcher getting a significant injury at some point in Spring Training.

2025 Season Preview Mar 21, 2025

The Nationals season begins on Thursday March 27th at 4:05PM vs. the visiting Phillies. Mark & Al get you set for the 21st season of Washington Nationals baseball.

(00:00) Nats moved to town 20 years ago

(10:00) Minor league prospects to monitor: Robert Hassell III & Brady House

(14:10) Brad Lord surprisingly contending for a bullpen spot

(17:45) Nationals return their Rule 5 Pick Evan Reifert back to Tampa Bay

(21:30) How to measure success in 2025

(30:10) More homers this season as a team?

(35:45) Evaluating the base running and stolen base threats

(38:15) A look at the pitching staff

(43:00) Season predictions

(52:45) Expectations for attendance

5th Starter Still Undecided Mar 13, 2025

Spring Training is currently in its "Dog Days" phase as Opening Day in Navy Yard is two weeks away. Al & Mark open with a quick update on CJ Abrams, who exited Wednesday's game early due to cramping in both quads, but is expected in Thursday's lineup.

(05:00) All signs pointing towards MacKenzie Gore to start on Opening Day vs. the Phillies.

(12:30) DJ Herz, Mitchell Parker, & Shinnosuke Ogasawara vying for the 5th spot in the starting rotation.

(21:15) Update on bullpen depth.

(23:30) Roster battles for final utility player.

(29:15) Josh Bell's potential job security at DH.

(34:05) Jackson Rutledge to the bullpen.

Early Look At the Top of the Lineup Mar 06, 2025

March has arrived and Opening Day is just a few weeks away. Mark & Al focus on key parts of the roster in the lead to March 27th vs. the Phillies. Jacob Young is an odd spot in 2025 as even though he came within an eyelash of winning the Gold Glove last season, the crowded outfield depth is making it so that he has to prove himself again that he is worthy of being an everyday CFer. (10:00) Mike Rizzo said this week that this is the deepest pitching staff in organization history and even doubled down on the claim. (16:10) Jarlin Susana, the 20 year-old pitching prospect that was acquired in the Juan Soto trade, was sent to minor league camp despite registering 100+ MPH on the radar. (18:45) Caleb Lomavita, the catching prospect drafted at 39th overall last summer, in his first Spring Training. How much pressure will he put on Keibert Ruiz? (28:00) The hosts look at the potential top of the lineup for the Nationals. Will James Wood definitely hit 3rd or could he start the season in the cleanup spot? (31:30) Could Ahmed Rosario start over Luis Garcia Jr. when a lefty is on the mound? (34:05) Stone Garrett cleared outright waivers and has been to AAA-Richmond. Garrett was DFA'd in order to make room for Kyle Finnegan last week.

EMERGENCY POD: MASN Dispute Suddenly Resolved Mar 04, 2025

The Nats and Orioles stunned the Baseball world on Monday morning by suddenly announcing that the never ending argument over MASN argument has been figured out. The Nationals now finally have autonomy over their broadcast rights and come 2026 they are a free agent on the airwaves. Al & Tim dive into what this means for the future of the franchise, the ownership situation, and what their next options might look like.

Kyle Finnegan Back + Robert Hassell III Discussion Feb 26, 2025

(23:45) Robert Hassell III homered this week and has stood out so far in Grapefruit League play. Hassell was one of the highly touted prospects that was part of the Juan Soto trade, but has dealt with injuries and has yet to make it the Majors. Where does he fit into the crowded outfield?

(33:30) Mark's shares his observations from the team first four Spring Training games that included Jake Irvin tossing a scoreless inning in his first outing of 2025. This also includes a handicap of who will earn the 5th Starter's role for the beginning of the season.

(40:00) The Nats & Orioles announced they will conclude Spring Training against each other at Nationals Park on Monday March 24th at 1PM. This seems like a sign we are headed to an "Era of Good Feelings" between the two teams.

Veteran 3B Option Added + Talking $$$ Feb 21, 2025

Grapefruit League play has yet to start, but the Nats have been down in West Palm Beach for over a week. Mark (Live from Florida) & Al begin with the recent signing of veteran infielder Paul DeJong, who might end up being the team's Opening Day 3B. DeJong hit 24 homers last season while playing for both the White Sox & Royals.

(14:00) Washington added right-handed relief pitcher Lucas Sims, who is coming off a down season. Sims did however have a solid 2023 season for the Reds that saw his ERA finish at 3.10. Will he part of the "A Bullpen"?

(19:40) Kyle Finnegan surprisingly remains a Free Agent after being non-tended from the Nationals at the end of last season. If he stays unsigned this Spring, might he return to old his team?

****(23:20) Reaction to Mark Lerner's comments to the Washington Post, that includes explanation on the team's recent spending approach and the family's long-term plans with the franchise.

(42:00) Speculating on who might be the Opening Day Starting Pitcher. MacKenzie Gore or Jake Irvin?

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Pitchers, Catchers, and CJ Abrams Report to Camp Feb 14, 2025

The Nationals opened up camp this week in Florida as Davey Martinez begins his 8th season at the helm. Mark (Live from West Palm) & Al open with how 2025 might have elevated pressure for Martinez compared to recent seasons.

(05:40) CJ Abrams reported early to camp after his 2024 ended on a very sour note. Abrams was demoted to AAA the final week of the season after being out late at a Chicago casino just a few hours before an afternoon game. Abrams made the All-Star Game last summer and led the team in WAR (3.4).

(13:15) Travis Sykora is out until May due to recent hip surgery. He is the organization's top ranked pitcher and last season pitched in Low-A Fredericksburg.

(16:00) An update on Cade Cavalli who only made three minor league appearances last season as he aims to return from "Tommy John" surgery. Cavalli last pitched in Washington in August 2022.

(18:30) GM Mike Rizzo spoke with reporters and addressed the limited spending this past off-season. We run through all the transactions made the past few months and what they will mean for this season. Will the team add a bullpen arm or two this Spring Training?

(34:40) More than five guys have been slated as "Starters" and the hosts sort through the current hierarchy within the rotation.

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Josh Bell's Return Among the Recent Moves Jan 06, 2025

Al & Mark convene during the early January snow storm to discuss the roster moves that were made in late December. The Nationals recently acquired 1B Nathaniel Lowe from Texas in exchange for Robert Garcia and also signed Josh Bell. Will there be more moves to address offense for the 2025 season? Bell was previously with Washington and was part of the Juan Soto trade to San Diego in 2022.

(14:50) The Nats inked a pair of pitchers in Trevor Williams & Mike Soroka. Williams returns for his 3rd season with the team and Soroka is a veteran who has battled many injuries over his career. What does it mean for DJ Herz's spot in the starting rotation?

(22:00) Where does Cade Cavalli fit into this season's plans?

(23:30) An update on the bullpen as there are still roster spots to be filled.

(31:00) Corbin Burnes recently signed a $210M six-year deal with Arizona and many expected the total to be higher. Burnes pitched last season in Baltimore and was considered the top available free agent starting pitcher. What does it say about the starting pitching market compared to previous years?

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Nats Win the #1 Overall Pick During A Quiet Winter Dec 12, 2024

The MLB Winter Meetings just wrapped up in Texas and the Nationals have not yet made an offseason splash. Mark & Al begin with the pleasant surprise that Washington won the lottery and will have the top pick in next summer's Draft.

(05:30) Mike Rizzo said on TV that it is time "hit the gas" despite the team not signing anyone thus far. Is it too early to panic and think it will be another quiet winter?

(09:00) Juan Soto signed a massive contract with the Mets, but it seems like the Nationals were nowhere in the hunt. The Winter Meetings began on Sunday night with the shock that Soto and the Mets reportedly agreed to a 15 year/ $765 Million contract.

(26:10) Given how Soto's value ballooned on the Free Agent market, should the Nats consider signing James Wood to a long term extension now?

(31:45) Max Fried and the Yankees agreed to an 8 year deal this week and other pitcher's deals have exceeded initial expectations of what the market was expected to be. How does this affect Rizzo's approach?

(37:20) Kyle Finnegan will not return to the team in 2025 and it was a very curious move. Why did they not tender Finnegan considering they didn't trade him before the summer's deadline?

(44:00) Washington acquired Evan Reifert in the Rule 5 Draft. Reifert is a RHP that comes from the Tampa Bay organization and now will likely be on the team's Opening Day roster.

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Juan Soto is Now a Free Agent Nov 02, 2024

The World Series is now behind us and Juan Soto's Free Agency has arrived. Mark & Al begin with a nod to Nationals October legend Daniel Hudson, who announced his retirement shortly after the Dodgers won the title, Hudson was warming up in the bullpen when Walker Buehler closed out Game 5.

(05:00) Will the Nats be active on the Free Agency market for the first time in awhile? Will it be a Buyer's Market for the non elite players?

(14:10) We give an early handicap of the Soto Sweepstakes now that the Yankees season is over.

(28:20) Comparing Soto's Free Agency situation to the scene six years ago when Bryce Harper & Manny Machado's signings took longer than anticipated.

(33:45) Corbin Burnes is the top pitcher on the market. Will the Nats be in the chase for the righty?

(40:15)Trevor Williams and Jacob Barnes are Free Agents? Will they return to Washington?

(45:00) November will likely be a bit sleepy and the Winter Meetings are scheduled for December 9th-12th in Dallas.

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Season Ends With a Loss Sep 30, 2024

The Nats lost 6-3 on Sunday afternoon to the Phillies to finish the season at 71-91 overall. Mark & Al bridge the end of 2024 to the outlook of the 2025 season.

(16:10) Dylan Crews closed out his season on a high note with a triple, two singles, and a stolen base. Crews ended up with 119 Big League at-bats after getting called up in late August.

(19:30) Luis Garcia Jr. homered on Sunday to fittingly wrap-up his best season so far. Al points out that he was Washington's best 2B this year since peak Daniel Murphy.

(26:00) Jake Irvin had a rough outing as he allowed six runs in less than five innings of work. His ERA finishes at 4.41, which is much higher than where he was at at the end of June (3.03).

(32:15) A look ahead at what moves might need to be made to improve the pitching staff and at 1B.

JOIN US AT WALTER'S ON OCTOBER 4TH FROM 6:30-8:30PM FOR OUR PODCAST PARTY.

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Gore & Wood Lead the Way Over Philly Sep 29, 2024

The Nats topped the Phillies 6-3 on Saturday afternoon in front of a sellout crowd for their 71st victory; tying last year's total. Mark & Al recap MacKenzie Gore's stellar final outing of the season where he tossed six shutout frames. Gore's season ends with a 3.90 ERA, a stark improvement from where he began September (4.45). It is the best end of season ERA for a Nats starter with 20+ starts since... 2019.

(16:45) James Wood had a big day as he tripled and homered in the win. Wood has nine homers on the season and already has four career triples.

(22:10) The top of the 8th concluded with benches clearing following Bryce Harper's at-bat vs. Jose A. Ferrer. Keibert Ruiz was involved in the mix and Mark gives his observations from how everything unfolded. Harper continues to get booed by fans in Washington even though he is now in his 6th season in Philadelphia.

(33:00) Derek Law is close throwing 90 IP this season and is roughly three frames away from setting a franchise record for usage by a reliever.

(38:00) Jackson Rutledge was recently called up after DJ Herz ended his season. Will he pitch on Sunday in the season finale?

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Stone Garrett Immediately Homers in Easy Win Sep 28, 2024

The Nats clubbed the Phillies 9-1 on Friday night to end their four game skid. Mark & Al recap Stone Garrett's "too good to be true" evening as he fell a triple shy of the cycle in his first Big League game since August of last season. Garrett broke his leg last year and spent the bulk of this season with AAA-Rochester.

(13:30) Trevor Williams tossed five shutout innings in his 2nd start since returning from the IL. The hosts look at what the chances are that he is back in the team's rotation next season. His ERA after 13 starts is 2.03, the lowest of his career.

(21:00) Mike Rizzo spoke with the media prior to the game and among the topics addressed were CJ Abrams, offseason spending, and more.

(27:00) Luis Garcia Jr. won the Nationals Player of the Year Award as voted on by the media. Garcia led the team in OPS and was 2nd in homers with 17. What would have happened if the vote had gone to Abrams instead?

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Corbin's Final Start Sep 27, 2024

The Nats were swept on Thursday afternoon by the Royals in a 7-4 loss. Al hosts solo to send off Patrick Corbin after his final start in a Washington uniform. Corbin gave up four runs, but did retire the final 10 batters he faced before Davey Martinez lifted him in the top of the 6th. The crowd applauded and Corbin tipped his cap back as a way to wrap up his six year tenure in D.C.

(16:00) Kyle Finnegan took the loss after allowing three runs in the top of the 9th. Al looks back at the recent decision to not trade Finnegan ahead of the MLB Trade Deadline.

(21:10) The scoreless inning streak immediately ended from a Juan Yepez RBI in the bottom of the 1st inning. The other batch of offense came off Luis Garcia Jr.'s 17th homer of the season, a 3-run shot.

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Shutout for the 18th Time Sep 26, 2024

For the third straight game the Nationals couldn't plate a run in their 3-0 loss to Kansas City on Wednesday night. Mark & Al dive into the continuing offensive ineptitude as the team is now 8-14 in September.

(07:00) The lack of runs leads to re-visiting the conversation about the decision in August to bring back the entire coaching staff in 2025.

(14:10) DJ Herz only allowed one run in his start of the season. Herz was called up in early June to replace the injured Trevor Williams and ended the year with an ERA of 4.16

(22:45) Cade Cavalli was at the stadium on Wednesday and Mark gives an update after the right hander met with the media. How much was this missed season due a to "dead arm"?

(31:00) Thursday afternoon will be Patrick Corbin's final start in a Washington uniform and it will be interesting to see how the home crowd receives him when he exits the game.

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Shutout for the 17th Time Sep 25, 2024

The Nats rough September continued on Tuesday night as they were blanked 1-0 by the visiting Royals in extra innings. Mark & Al convene after back to back shutout defeats and the team has now lost seven of their past eight games.

(07:10) Dylan Crews went 0 for 4 and struck out 3 times. Crews' average is now down to .196 after his first month in the majors.

(15:30) Stone Garrett was called up from Rochester to replace Andres Chaparro, who was placed on the Paternity List. Over a year ago Garrett had a gruesome leg injury at Yankee Stadium and has spent the bulk of this season in AAA.

(22:45) Mitchell Parker's final start of the season was a strong one as he did not allow a run and make an excellent defensive stab. Parker ended up making 29 starts with Washington after getting called up in mid April.

(30:00) The organization handed out its end of the year minor league awards and Elijah Green won Defensive player of the Year. Green played CF for the Fred Nats, but the former 1st Round pick (2022) has struggled mightily at the plate.

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Shutout for the 16th Time Sep 23, 2024

Following a two hour rain delay, the Nats were blanked 5-0 on Sunday afternoon in Chicago. Before we get into the show, we are excited to announce that WE WILL BE RETURNING FOR A 5TH SEASON AT NATS CHAT in 2025.

(06:00) Jake Irvin allowed a trio of early Cubs homers and he has now given up 29 of them this season. Irvin is now at 10-13 with an ERA at 4.22 and afterwards was critical of how mentally handled the delay start to the game.

(16:30) The offense outhit Chicago, but yet again did not score due to the lack of homers. Dylan Crews snapped an 0-19 slump and only had one hit in the final five games of the road trip. Crews is at 98 at bats since being called up and his OPS is now down to .599.

(22:00) Washington has six games remaining all home at this upcoming week. They host Kansas City and Philadelphia for 3 games apiece and both teams still have October implications. It has been a rough September for the Nationals as they are 8-12 this month.

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Abrams Stunningly Demoted Prior to Gore's Gem Sep 22, 2024

The Nats ended their five game skid on Saturday afternoon, but the major news of the day came beforehand. Mark (From Wrigley Field) & Al dive into the shocking news that CJ Abrams was optioned to the minors and will not play the rest of the season. There were reports that Abrams was out at a Chicago casino until 8AM on Friday morning, just a handful hours prior to 1st Pitch. Abrams will spend the next week at the team's facility in West Palm Beach since AAA-Rochester's season ends on Sunday.

(24:00) Almost lost in the shuffle from the busy Saturday, MacKenzie Gore took a no hitter into the bottom of the 7th. Gore struck out nine Cubs and navigated through a trio of walks issued. His ERA is at 4.04 and he has one start remaining next week in D.C.

(30:00) Five Washington hitters had multiple hits in the win. Joey Gallo hit his second HR of the series and he now is up to nine on the season, a far cry from last season's 23 homers with the Twins.

(34:00) Kyle Finnegan pitched the 9th and it was his first appearance in a week. The Nats are at 69 victories and need to go 3-4 down the stretch to exceed last season's win total.

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Williams Pitches Well in Defeat Sep 21, 2024

The Nats lost their fifth in a row on Friday afternoon, but there were positive items to focus on amid defeat. Mark (From Chicago) & Al gather after the Nationals 3-1 loss at Wrigley Field that keeps the team stuck at 68 wins. Trevor Williams had a solid outing after returning from a long stint on the IL; he only allowed one run in five frames in his first appearance since May 30th. Williams has one start remaining and these outings might serve as a de facto tryout for 2025.

(17:00) The only Washington run came off of James Wood's 8th HR of his rookie year. No National has hit 30 HRs in a season since Anthony Rendon & Juan Soto in 2019.

(20:10) Crews went 0 for 3 and has not had a hit in three straight games. He is hitting just .211 so far in the majors and his OPS is at .621.

(23:00) A long form discussion on if ownership will spend money this offseason? What will Mike Rizzo be authorized to do?

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Skid Extends to 4 Sep 20, 2024

The Nats lost 7-6 on Thursday night in Chicago for their 4th consecutive defeat. Mark (From Wrigley Field) & Al react to Washington falling to 17 games below .500 for the first time this season.

(05:00) CJ Abrams had a magnificent game as he had four hits, two of which were doubles, and a pair of stolen bases.

(12:45) Darren Baker got his first career start at a stadium that he grew up at and he responded with a trio of hits. Baker sang "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" at The Friendly Confines when he was a four year old child when his dad was the Cubs Skipper.

(16:05) Jacob Young was thrown out trying to steal 2nd Base and exited early due to a shoulder injury. Young was replaced in the lineup by Joey Gallo, who later connected with a three-run homer.

(23:20) Patrick Corbin took the loss in what will likely be his second to last start in a Nationals uniform. Corbin has a slew of statistics that show he is yet again one of the worst starting pitchers in Baseball.

(33:00) Josh Whetzel, the Voice of the Rochester Red Wings, gives an update on the AAA team in their final week of play. Hear the latest on players such as Brady House, Trey Lipscomb, and Robert Hassell III.

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Swept & Shutout Sep 19, 2024

The Nats were pummeled 10-0 on Wednesday night to conclude the sweep at the hands of the Mets. Mark (From Citi Field) & Al convene after Washington finished a paltry 2-11 vs. New York this season and the Mets maintain a two game lead over the Braves from the NL's Wild Card spot. The Nationals remain stuck at 68 wins and need to go 4-6 the rest of the way to exceed last season's win total.

(14:00) DJ Herz was cruising through the initial innings, but the wheels came off in the bottom of the 4th. New York scored 9 runs in the frame and 7 of them came at the expense of the lefty. The big inning was a very costly one to Herz as it raised his ERA by over half of a run (4.30).

(21:00) Jose Quintana threw 7 scoreless innings for the third time this season against Washington. The offense only mustered three hits and two of them came from CJ Abrams.

(27:15) It was a big day in Single-A as Travis Sykora won Carolina Pitcher of the Year, then pitched well on the mound for the Fred Nats, and the evening finished with a League Championship.

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Crushed in Queens Sep 18, 2024

The Nats were blown out 10-1 on Tuesday night at the Mets. Mark (From NYC) & Al react to Mitchell Parker's rough outing, that saw him allow five runs in under four innings of work and make yet another mental error in the field. Parker did not properly cover 1st base on a grounder to the right side and Mark explains the severity of this deficiency for Parker's long term career outlook. Parker's ERA is up to 4.44 after making 28 starts in his rookie season.

(16:00) Zach Brzykcy was one of the call-ups from Rochester, but has struggled mightily since making the majors. Brzykcy allowed three runs in an inning of work and is in danger of being sent back to AAA. Tanner Rainey meanwhile threw a scoreless inning and has really improved his performance in the past few months.

(20:10) Dylan Crews had three of the teams' four hits while hitting in the 7th spot. CJ Abrams was back in the lineup, but was removed early amid the rout.

(26:00) The Nationals are just 2-10 this season against the Mets with one game remaining on Wednesday night. DJ Herz will face New York, who currently lead Atlanta by two games for the final playoff spot.

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Irvin's Gem Gets Spoiled Late Sep 17, 2024

The Nats lost 2-1 at the Mets in ten innings on Monday evening to begin their final road trip of the season. Mark (From Citi Field) & Al react to the splendid start by Jake Irvin, who brought a shutout into the bottom of the 8th. Irvin made a spectacular defensive play to end the 4th inning and had a memorable reaction afterwards.

(13:10) Kyle Finnegan was not used, but did warm up in the bullpen in case the Nationals took the lead in top of the 10th. Why didn't he pitch the bottom of the 10th regardless?

(18:30) CJ Abrams missed his 4th straight game due to his lingering shoulder impingement. Davey Martinez said pregame that he was available to pinch-hit, but he ultimately did not.

(23:00) Why did Ildemaro Vargas bunt in the 10th?

(29:00) Washington cemented its fifth consecutive losing season on Monday night. Would they have started the Rebuild a year earlier if 2020 was a normal season?

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Wood Leaves the Yard Twice in Victory Sep 16, 2024

The Nats held off the Marlins 4-3 on Sunday afternoon to close the season series with a dominant 11-2 record against Miami. Al & Tim put in perspective how many positives emerged from the victory; that showed the potential for the near future.

(04:00) James Wood crushed a pair of homers and now has seven in his rookie season. Both of the blasts had exit velocities that exceeded 100 MPH.

(12:10) CJ Abrams missed a third straight game due to a shoulder impingement. Nasim Nunez got the start again at SS and drew a walk, the only time he made it on base this series.

(16:00) MacKenzie Gore had a solid start for the fourth time in the past five outings. Gore struck out five Marlins in six innings of work and his ERA dropped a bit to 4.17. Gore likely has two starts remaining in this season.

(25:00) The Nats are now four wins away from surpassing last season's win total. However, this will be their 5th straight October sitting at home.

(28:45) Tim makes his case to Al as to why batting average is being overly dismissed in the modern age.

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Ruiz's Big September Continues in Win Sep 15, 2024

The Nats beat the Marlins 4-1 for the second consecutive day and they have now beaten Miami in ten out of twelve meetings this season. Mark & Al recap the 67th win of the year; and Washington needs to go at least 5-9 down the stretch to exceed last season's win total of 71.

(06:00) Keibert Ruiz has another good game this month as he had a RBI single, double, and a stolen base. Ruiz is the only player on the team to steal third base twice this season and both of them have come recently.

(10:15) The Nationals hit a trio of homers on Saturday afternoon despite only scoring four runs. They came from Joey Gallo, Jose Tena, and Juan Yepez in the victory.

(17:00) CJ Abrams did not play for the second straight day and Davey Martinez referred to his ailment as a shoulder impingement. Nasim Nunez took his place at SS and had a throwing error in the field.

(21:20) Patrick Corbin pitched well and earned his sixth victory of the season in six innings of work. Corbin likely has two starts remaining before his contract expires.

(24:30) Trevor Williams will likely be activated soon and they might go a to six-man starting rotation down the stretch.

(28:25) Kyle Finnegan notched his 38th save of the season, 2nd most in the NL.

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Garcia Jr. Clears the Fences in Win Sep 14, 2024

The Nats defeated Miami 4-1 on Friday night for their 66th win of the season. Mark & Al recap DJ Herz's solid outing, which dropped his ERA to 3.70. Herz only threw 87 pitches and struck out five Marlins in five innings of work.

(13:30) Dylan Crews had an impactful opening inning with both his glove and his speed. Crews made a spectacular catch for the second consecutive game, beat out a routine grounder for an infield single, and stole two bases.

(18:45) Luis Garcia Jr. hit his 16th homer of the season to give the Nationals a 3-1 edge. His OPS this year is .765, which exceeds last season's .689.

(27:30) Washington only made two September call-ups (Darren Baker & Zach Brzykcy) and neither has seen a lot of playing time. Mark gives an update on Stone Garrett and why he likely won't be up in the majors this month.

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Bad Defense & A Blown Lead Sep 13, 2024

The Nats led early but faltered 6-3 on Thursday evening against the visiting Marlins. Mark & Al run through the sloppy totals that saw no base runners in the later portion of the game and the defense commit a trio of errors. Jose Tena was charged with his 9th error in just the past 25 games and it seems clear that he is not a long term option at 3B. The bullpen did not get the benefit of the doubt from the defense behind him, but allowed four Miami runs in the final couple of innings.

(17:30) Mitchell Parker lasted into the top of the 7th and only needed 76 pitches to do so. Parker did not make the team coming out Spring Training, but has made 27 stars so far this season.

(24:00) Dylan Crews had a solid evening as he had a RBI single and made a spectacular catch defensively.

(27:45) CJ Abrams committed his 17th error of the season but he had a double and stole a base.

(32:00) The chances that Tena and Andres Chapparo each get a shot at DH in 2025.

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Irvin Continues His Dominance Over Atlanta Sep 12, 2024

The Nats beat the Braves 5-1 on Wednesday to give them their 65th victory of the season, with 17 games remaining. Al & Mark convene after the Nationals finish the successful season series against Atlanta, winning eight out of thirteen meetings.

(04:00) Jake Irvin took a no-hitter into the 6th inning and only allowed one run during the evening. Irvin faced the Braves four times this season and only gave three earned runs in those match-ups. Irvin has thrown over 172 innings this season and might flirt with 190 frames tossed by the end of the season.

(19:00) CJ Abrams slugged his 20th homer of the season to become the fifth player in franchise history to join the 20/20 plateau. The offense had a big night as they collected eleven hits off of Atlanta starter Max Fried.

(27:45) Keibert Ruiz's RBI single gave Kyle Finnegan the final batch of insurance runs. Ruiz's OPS is at .983 for this month and he is aiming to end his long season on a high note.

(30:30) Jose Tena was moved to 2B and Ildemaro Vargas took over at 3B. Tena produced at the plate and this was an indication that Washington will need to be flexible with his possible defensive future.

(36:00) High-A Wilmington's season is over and that likely includes Jarlin Susana. Susana had more strikeouts than innings pitched this season, 157 Ks in 103.2 IP. What are the chances he could be in the majors in late 2025?

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Gore Gets Crushed by the Braves Sep 11, 2024

The Nats were clobbered and shutout 12-0 on Tuesday night vs. visiting Atlanta. Mark & Al have an ugly evening to recap as the Braves are desperately vying for Wild Card contention this week in the two game series.

(04:00) MacKenzie Gore was awful and allowed seven runs in under four innings on the mound. This start was a setback for the young lefty, who was coming off of three consecutive solid outings. The hosts look big picture at the situation moving forward with Gore as confidence in him being the Ace of the future is waning.

(15:00) The bullpen had a heavy workload in the loss and Ildemaro Vargas got the call to pitch the 9th inning. Are you in favor a mercy rule to avoid such instances in the future? This is 5th time in the past few years that Vargas has been used in relief.

(22:10) Trevor Williams made a rehab start for Harrisburg and will do so again on Sunday. It is the franchise's hope that he is able to return to the majors in the final few weeks and help ease the workload for the young arms. Williams last pitched on May 30th before placed on the IL due to a right flexor strain.

(26:15) Jose Tena committed his 8th error in just 24 games while at 3B, but also had a double at the plate This leads to a look at if Brady House will be in the majors by early next season at the hot corner.

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Leadoff Homer for Abrams in Defeat Sep 09, 2024

The Nats lost 7-3 on Sunday afternoon in Pittsburgh to finish their two city road trip. Mark (From PNC Park) & Al leadoff with CJ Abrams, who returned to the top spot in the order and promptly homered to begin the game. Abrams is up to 19 home runs this season, surpassing last year's total.

(07:30) Keibert Ruiz doubled on Sunday and his September is off to a scorching start. Ruiz is coming off a decent August, where his OPS was at .662.

(14:00) Andres Chaparro doubled in the 9th and has nine of those in under a month with the team. The negative this series for Chaparro were the six strikeouts he had in the four game set.

(21:10) Washington needed Patrick Corbin to throw 100 pitches after the long doubleheader and he delivered upon that request. He also gave up four runs in the 1st inning and seven overall to the Pirates.

(28:00) The Nats have 19 games left and need 8 wins to finish with 72 victories, one more than in 2023. Next up is a two game series in Navy Yard against a desperate Braves squad beginning on Tuesday night.

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Nats Sweep the Doubleheader Sep 08, 2024

The Nats took both ends of the day/night twinbill in Pittsburgh to lift their win total to 64, which is just seven fewer than last season. Mark (From PNC Park & Al begin with DJ Herz, who tossed five no hit innings during Game 1 on Saturday afternoon. Mark explains the thinking behind removing Herz after only 87 pitches.

(09:00) Dylan Crews filled the box score with a homer, double, walk, two runs scored, two RBIs, and a pair of stolen bases. Crews already has three homers in under two weeks of play. These were Crews' first games in Pittsburgh since the Pirates passed over him in last summer's draft.

(11:45) Kyle Finnegan's first save of the afternoon was an adventure that ended with a 6-4-3 double play to preserve the 5-3 win.

(15:00) CJ Abrams inexplicably didn't complete the tag in a rundown in the bottom of the 8th of Game 2. This led to the Pirates briefly taking a two run lead before Washington's 9th inning rally.

(19:30) The Nats scored four runs in the top of the 9th and batted around on their way to an 8-6 victory. The big hit belonged to Ildemaro Vargas, who's 2-run go ahead single put his team ahead for good. The rally began with Juan Yepez and many young hitters contributed to the late comeback.

(27:10) Mitchell Parker struggled right away and was removed in the bottom of the 4th. Parker has not pitched well recently and has admitted that he has been "out of sync".

(32:00) Kyle Finnegan is now up to 36 saves and the 40 plateau is very well within reach. Chad Cordero owns the franchise record with 47 saves from the 2005 season.

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Irvin Loses in Pittsburgh Sep 06, 2024

The Nats squandered an early lead and lost 9-4 in Pittsburgh on Thursday night and now are season worst 16 games below .500. Mark (From PNC Park) & Al examine Jake Irvin's disappointing outing that saw him allow six runs in only five innings of work. This is the second straight start that Irvin was done in by the big inning (vs. the Cubs over the weekend) and continues his recent downward trend on the mound. This leads to a discussion on who might get the nod to start on Opening Day.

(15:30) The bullpen also didn't pitch well and the low point came in the bottom of the 6th. The Pirates scored three runs in the frame and they came via a passed ball and multiple walks with the bases loaded.

(21:00) Nasim Nunez got the start at SS instead of CJ Abrams. Nunez had two hits from the 9th spot in the lineup and the hosts wonder if he is an example of some of the "Rule 5" deficiencies. Nunez has very few plate appearances this season, but is impressively 10 for his last 19.

(32:10) Andres Chaparro quickly put Washington up 3-0 with a 3-run HR on Thursday. Chaparro has shown flashes of power at the plate since joining the organization at the Trade Deadline.

(34:20) Juan Yepez had a pair of hits his OPS is .796 since getting called up two months ago.

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10th Inning Goes South for the Nats Sep 05, 2024

The Nats lost to the Marlins for the first time this season on Wednesday evening. Al & Tim recap the 4-3 loss that ended on a walk-off Miami single by Xavier Edwards in the bottom of the 10th. Washington's bullpen could not hang onto the 3-2 lead they inherited in the 8th inning and they allowed three runs in nearly four innings of work.

(08:00) MacKenzie Gore was dominant and took a Perfect Game bid into the 6th. Gore struck out nine Marlins and only issued one walk in the outing. This is Gore's third consecutive solid start after he hit a rough patch over the summer.

(14:30) All the Nationals run came in the top of the 8th and the highlight was James Wood's go-ahead RBI double.

(18:00) Who is the 2024 team MVP? Luis Garcia Jr.? Jacob Young? Someone else?

(21:45) Dylan Crews drew a pair of walks while hitting leadoff and meanwhile CJ Abrams went hit-less from the 7th spot in the order. Abrams has been really scuffling lately and it seems like Crews might be new leadoff man.

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Gallo & Ruiz Homer in Miami Win Sep 04, 2024

The Nats started their road trip on the right note with a 6-2 victory in Miami on Tuesday night. Mark & Al open with Keibert Ruiz, who was a triple shy of the cycle in the win. Ruiz hit his 13th homer of the season in the top of the 6th to give Washington a four run lead.

(12:00) Jacob Young reached base four times and he has raised his OPS by 54 points in less than a month.

(19:15) Joey Gallo slugged a 3-run HR to put the Nationals on top 4-0. It was Gallo's first time going deep since June 3rd and was only his 6th of the season.

(25:00) Patrick Corbin continued to pitch well for the 3rd consecutive outing and struck out 8 Marlins in the process. Will Corbin extend his career into 2025?

(35:15) Cade Cavalli threw off a mound on Tuesday in Miami but it sounds like he likely won't return to the mound this season. The hope seems to be that he will be ready for Spring Training and his only appearance in the majors thus far came in August of 2022.

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Smoked & Swept Sep 02, 2024

The Nats were blown out on Sunday afternoon 14-1 by the Cubs to complete the three game sweep. Al & Mark discuss the poor defense, that saw three more errors (two by Jose Tena). The Nationals have 61 wins and need 11 more to improve on their win total from last season and there are 25 games remaining.

(07:00) Washington was charged with three errors and it easily could have been five. Davey Martinez expressed his displeasure at the poor team defense afterwards.

(14:10) Mitchell Parker committed his fifth error of the season and only has had a dozen defensive opportunities. Why is he so bad at fielding the position thus far?

(25:00) Darren Baker, son of Dusty, singled on the first pitch he saw in his MLB debut in the bottom of the 9th. Baker was drafted in the 10th round of the 2021 MLB Draft and was hitting .285 this year for Rochester.

(34:05) Derek Law is expected to be activated and join the bullpen in Miami on Tuesday. The Nationals are oddly enough off on Monday's Labor Day Holiday.

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Cubs Get to Herz in the 5th Sep 01, 2024

The Nats fell 5-3 on Saturday afternoon against the Cubs to conclude August at 61-75 overall. Mark & Al recap DJ Herz's outing against his former organization, who traded him to the Nationals last summer in exchange for Jeimer Candelario. Herz was outstanding in the opening four frames, but the wheels came off in the top of 5th, where he allowed four Chicago runs.

(09:00) Drew Millas committed a crucial error in the top of the 7th in a rare start behind the plate. Millas did well offensively however as he came through with a pair of singles.

(12:10) Dylan Crews best play of the game came in the top of the 8th when he threw out Seiya Suzuki at the plate. Crews meanwhile with the bat came away with a just single in the loss.

(17:45) Jose Tena continued his surge at the plate with a trio of singles, but was one of the two Nationals who made an out on the bases in the bottom of the 6th. Tena was called up three weeks ago and is hitting .305 in that span.

(30:00) Jacob Young didn't have the best game with his glove, but did appropriately double in the final game of the month. His OPS was .769, much higher than July's .540

(31:20) Washington is calling up infielder Darren Baker from Rochester. Baker is Dusty's son and is best known for JT Snow saving from a home plate collision in the middle of the 2002 World Series.

(38:00) An update from AA courtesy of Terry Byrom, the Voice of the Harrisburg Senators.

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Crews Goes Deep in Defeat Aug 31, 2024

The Nats rally fell short in their 7-6 loss to the visiting Cubs on Friday evening. Al hosts solo and begins with Dylan Crews, who hit his 2nd career HR in the bottom of the 3rd. Crews struck out in the bottom of the 9th for the final out; stranding two runners.

(07:00) CJ Abrams was moved down in the lineup to the 7th spot and responded with an 0 for 3 night with a walk. Hear Davey Martinez's pregame explanation as to why he dropped Abrams in order.

(14:20) Jake Irvin had a disastrous top of the 2nd where he allowed all seven Chicago runs. Irvin had a bad August as his ERA for the month was 6.61 and for comparison in June his ERA was 2.31.

(22:00) Al answers a listener email wondering about the future of ownership. Will the stadium get a corporate title sponsor in the near future?

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Crews Homers & Doubles in Win Over the Yanks Aug 29, 2024

The Nats beat the Yankees 5-2 on Wednesday night to take the series in D.C. Mark & Al chronicle the first career HR for Dylan Crews and it came in just his third game. Crews would later add a double to stuff the box score and serve as stark reminder to fans that brighter days are ahead. Crews hit leadoff and is expected to do so when Washington is facing a lefty starter.

(09:30) James Wood had a pair of hits but more impressively stole three bases on Wednesday night. Wood has 11 stolen bags since being called up in early July.

(16:00) MacKenzie Gore had a second straight solid start as he only allowed two runs in six innings of work. One important note though is that Gore didn't toss a clean inning in the outing.

(19:15) Kyle Finnegan had an adventurous top of the 9th but did record his 34th save of the season. Finnegan is in 2nd place in the NL for saves, but it will be difficult to overtake the Cardinals' Ryan Helsley (40).

(24:00) The Nationals had a series of bad base running on one play in the bottom of the 8th that you have to see or hear to believe. Why do they continually make so man mistakes on the base paths?

(32:10) CJ Abrams was given a day off to reset prior to this weekend vs. the Cubs.

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Corbin Outduels Gerrit Cole Aug 28, 2024

The Nats doubled up the Yankees 4-2 on Tuesday night behind Patrick Corbin's six shutout innings. Mark & Al wonder if this is Corbin's most impressive appearance since Game 7 of the World Series. Oddly enough, the pitcher that notably never entered that Game 7 (Gerrit Cole), was the losing pitcher in this affair.

(5:00) Dylan Crews singled off of Cole for his first career hit and then later added another single, stolen base, and run scored. Crews was slotted lower in the lineup (7th) due to facing a right-handed starter.

(13:20) Andres Chaparro and Jose Tena went back-to-back off Cole to give the Nationals a 3-0 lead. It was the first career HR for Chaparro and it came against the organization that signed him in 2015.

(17:00) Corbin struck out six including Juan Soto and Aaron Judge. Will Corbin get a job somewhere next year after an outing after this?

(22:20) The defense turned one of their best double plays of the season (6-4-3) and it was crucial for Jose A. Ferrer to emerge out of the top of the 7th unscathed.

(25:45) Kyle Finnegan had a bit of drama along the way but he did notch his 33rd save of the season, which is 2nd most in the National League. The hosts look ahead toward his looming Arbitration this off-season.

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Crews Draws a Walk in Losing Debut Aug 27, 2024

Dylan Crews debuted in front nearly 33K fans but the Nats lost 5-2 on Monday night in D.C. against the AL leading Yankees. Mark & Al evaluate Crews' evening as he went 0 for 3 but did a draw walk in defeat. Mark also explains the best he can as to why Davey Martinez did not hold a postgame press conference.

(10:00) Aaron Judge stole the stole... with his glove. Judge made two excellent plays n the field and one of them resulted in a double play at the expense of James Wood.

(16:30) Jacob Young homered for the third time this season while hitting 9th. Young has played so well defensively, that he forced Washington to put Crews in RF, which was unexpected in Spring Training.

(25:15) Mitchell Parker only lasted for four innings on 83 pitches. Parker also dropped a routine toss while covering 1B for his fourth error on the season.

(29:00) Tanner Rainey tossed a perfect inning to retire Juan Soto, Judge, and Giancarlo Stanton on just four pitches.

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Sweep Avoided in Georgia Aug 25, 2024

The Nats topped the Braves 5-1 on Sunday afternoon to clinch a winning record over their division rivals this season (7-4 thus far). Mark (From Cobb County) and Al evaluate the importance of that stat is in terms of measuring where the organization currently sits.

(05:00) DJ Herz tossed five scoreless innings and struck out eight. Herz has made seven starts in the majors this year and his ERA is at 3.84.

(08:30) Eduardo Salazar recorded five outs out of the bullpen and has not allowed a run in ten appearances this month. Salazar was acquired off the waiver wire in June after Seattle let him go.

(12:00) Jacob Young had a pair of hits and scored a run in the victory. The hosts note that in a less competitive year, Young would firmly be in the NL Rookie of the Year race.

(20:30) CJ Abrams had an up and down performance on Sunday. Abrams had two RBI singles, but committed an error for the third consecutive day. Abrams seems off in the field and there are growing concerns at where this is headed.

(25:00) Drew Millas came through with a pair of hits and will probably stay with the club as the backup catcher this week. The team needs to open a roster spot for Dylan Crews and that likely will be Riley Adams.

(28:15) Crews will make his debut on Monday night vs. Juan Soto, Aaron Judge, and the New York Yankees. What will the attendance look like?

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Abrams Commits Another Error in Loss Aug 25, 2024

The Nats led early on but lost 4-2 on Saturday night in Atlanta. Mark (From Cobb County, GA) & Al begin with the team's decision to call up Drew Millas instead of Dylan Crews to replace the injured Alex Call this weekend. The organization decided not to alter the date of Crews' debut after Call was placed on the IL due to a partial tear of the plantar fascia in his left foot.

(08:30) All the offense came from Jose Tena's first career MLB homer. Tena had a trio of hits and so far is hitting .400 since joining Washington two weeks ago.

(11:45) CJ Abrams had another costly error and it occurred in the pivotal bottom of the 6th. Something seems off with Abrams on defense recently.

(18:00) Jake Irvin exited the game after 83 pitches and the bullpen did not come through. Irvin gave up a pair of runs in just over five innings of work and Mark notes why he feels Irvin should have been left in the game longer as opposed to bringing in Robert Garcia.

(23:20) Jacob Young was picked off on Saturday after making two outs on the bases on Friday night. We have run out of commentary on this team problem that continues on a near daily basis.

(26:30) This was the 1,000th game managed by Davey Martinez since he took over before the 2018 season. There has not been any pressure on Davey during the Rebuild, but that is expected to change come next season.

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Crews Coming to D.C. on Monday Aug 24, 2024

Friday was a busy one for the Nationals as it began with news that Dylan Crews will make his MLB debut on Monday night and it ended with the team falling 3-2 in Atlanta. Mark (From Cobb County, GA) & Al evaluate how Alex Call's injury could affect the team's plans this weekend in the outfield.

(09:00) Crews will face the Juan Soto and the Yankees in his first game in the majors on Monday night in D.C. Crews began the year with AA-Harrisburg, but has been with AAA-Rochester since June 18th. The timeline of announcing that Crews will debut at home in three days mirrored how the organization handled the James Wood promotion earlier this summer.

(18:10) As for the actual game, the Nats lost in gut punch fashion as CJ Abrams' throwing error in the bottom of the 10th led to the Braves narrow victory.

(25:00) The Nats ran into more outs on the bases despite getting nine hits off of NL Cy Young front runner Chris Sale. Hear a possible reason why Abrams and Luis Garcia Jr. were not in the lineup against the star lefty.

(31:20) The biggest bright spot on Friday for Washington was MacKenzie Gore's very good outing vs. the Braves. Gore was pitch efficient and only allowed one run in six innings of work. It was Gore's best start on the mound since all the way back on July 1st vs. the Mets.

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Corbin Earns 100th Win of Career Aug 23, 2024

The Nats beat the Rockies 8-3 on Thursday afternoon to take the series in D.C. Mark & Al have more good James Wood things to discuss as he drove in two runs and lifted his OPS to .837. The NL Rookie of the Year race is already very crowded, but Wood is putting himself in fringe contention.

(08:00) Keibert Ruiz's RBI double continued his strong August performance. His OPS this month is at .855, which is significantly better than his season's total (.631).

(12:15) Luis Garcia Jr. had a pair of hits and he is making a case as the team's MVP this season. Garcia's average is up to .296 and he is quietly competing for the NL Batting title.

(18:25) Juan Yepez's hit a 3-run HR to put the game out of reach in the bottom of the 8th. Yepez is coming off some rest after Joey Gallo was activated onto the roster.

(21:00) Patrick Corbin lasted six innings and earned the 100th win of his career. Davey Martinez congratulated the veteran lefty and made sure to note that the World Series title doesn't happen without his contributions.

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Parker Handles the Rockies Aug 22, 2024

The Nats beat visiting Colorado on Wednesday 6-1 behind Mitchell Parker's superb pitching. Al & Mark examine Parker's outing, where he only needed 83 pitches to make it through seven innings. Parker has been volatile this summer as his results have been all over the map, but this was a nice bounce back start.

(09:00) Tanner Rainey finished the victory on the mound after making a rare 9th inning appearance. Rainey's ERA was at 7.77 on June 27th but now is at 5.40 just under two months later.

(14:10) James Wood gathered three hits, but was tagged out during a botched double steal in the 5th. Wood has had at least three hits in a game four times since he was called up from Rochester in early July.

(22:00) Dylan Crews had four hits on Wednesday in Rochester's win. The hosts compare his situation to the patient approach that worked out with James Wood for the organization.

(24:20) Luis Garcia Jr. clubbed a crucial 3-run HR to extend Washington's advantage to 5-0. Garcia leads the team in OPS and is near CJ Abrams for most homers on the team (15 for Garcia/ 18 for Abrams).

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Held to 1 Run + Crews Update from Rochester Aug 21, 2024

The Nats opened their brief home stand with a 3-1 loss to Colorado, who is in last place in the NL West. Mark & Al have another listless offensive performance to run through as the team returns to 14 games below .500. CJ Abrams homer was the only highlight and Luis Garcia was the lone member of the lineup to come through with multiple hits.

(07:30) Joey Gallo is back in Washington after missing over two months due to a hamstring injury. It is unclear how much Gallo will play while guys such as Andres Chaparro and Juan Yepez are on the roster.

(16:00) DJ Herz overcame a difficult opening inning to end up with a respectable start. Herz struck out seven hitters and so far this season he has 75 Ks in just over 60 IP.

(23:15) Mitchell Parke will take the mound on Wednesday and he is emblematic of how up and down the young arms of the staff have been recently.

(30:00) Dylan Crews homered on Tuesday night and it feels like his promotion to the majors could come any day now.

(32:30) Josh Whetzel, the Voice of the Rochester Red Wings, gives an update from AAA. Names discussed include Crews, Brady House, Darren Baker, and Brad Lord.

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Nats Homer Thrice in Win Aug 19, 2024

The Nats were able to leave Philadelphia with a victory after Sunday's 6-4 triumph. Al & Tim have a mammoth James Wood homer to discuss that served as 9th inning insurance. It was the first time Wood pulled a home run since getting called up from the minors.

(10:15) Keibert Ruiz continued his strong August with a game tying homer, his third of the series. Alex Call also went deep as he settles into life as the everyday RFer.

(14:20) CJ Abrams was originally slated for a day off, but decided to play in order to end the losing streak.

(20:00) Jake Irvin's outing ended on a sour note due to ceding back-back HRs in the bottom of the 6th. Irvin gave up three homers on Sunday and this has become a recent trend for him.

(24:05) Jacob Barnes extended his streak of scoreless relief appearances to eight and has been flying under the radar. Kyle Finnegan took over for him in the 9th and notched his 31st save of the season, the 2nd most in the National League.

(28:15) Answering a listener email about Dylan Crews' offensive performance this season in Harrisburg and Rochester. When will he be sent to Washington?

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Wheels Come Off for Gore in the 6th Aug 18, 2024

The Nats long weekend in Philadelphia continued after their 5-1 loss on Saturday evening. Al & Tim take stark notice that the season continues to decline as they are now 14 games below .500 and there are still six weeks remaining.

(09:00) The offense only mustered two hits, but one of them was an Alex Call solo HR. It was another night with no hits for CJ Abrams and he is mired in an 0 for 14 slump.

(12:45) MacKenzie Gore's outing was going well as he only had given up one run through five innings of work. That all changed in the bottom of the 6th as the Phillies scored four more runs off of the lefty. Gore has now struggled in nine of his past ten stars and questions persist on how to handle the situation.

(21:00) Before the game it was announced that Derek Law is headed to the IL due to a right elbow flexor strain. Law is expressing confidence that he will be back soon, but his absence leaves a rather large void in the current "A Bullpen".

(27:00) For the 2nd straight season, the Nationals were delayed by a half hour due to Philadelphia's Wall of Fame Ceremony. Why did they advertise it as a 6:05pm start, when the reality was not until 6:35pm?

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Turner Walks-Off the Nats Aug 17, 2024

Trea Turner got the game winning hit against his old team as the Nats lost 3-2 in Philadelphia on Friday night. Al & Mark recap the hectic ninth inning which began by the score of 2-0 with the Phillies leading. Kyle Finnegan pitched the final frame, but was not the beneficiary of good defense behind him.

(12:45) Patrick Corbin only gave up a pair of runs, but was relieved in the bottom of the 5th. Corbin's ERA this season is at 5.92, which is not as bad as his ERA in 2022 (6.31).

(18:00) CJ Abrams went 0 for 5 while hitting behind lead-off hitter Alex Call in Friday's batting order. Abrams was rightfully an All-Star, but Al points out that his success so far this year is limited to largely April & June.

(22:10) Another good game for James Wood as he gathered a trio of hits and reached base four times. However, he was caught stealing for the 6th time in only 12 attempts so far.

(30:00) The hosts sift through all the nitty gritty as the team weighs what is next for Dylan Crews. There is an avenue to call him up for the final month or so without taking away his rookie status for 2025. The next home game for Washington is on Tuesday night against Colorado.

(34:05) Crucial start for MacKenzie Gore on Saturday evening vs. the potent Philly lineup. There are increasing calls to send Gore to AAA as he has struggled mightily this summer.

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Parker Gets Shelled in Philly Aug 16, 2024

The Nats were pounded 13-3 on Thursday night in Philadelphia to open up a four game set. Al & Mark run through the grisly box score totals for Mitchell Parker who allowed nine runs in just three plus innings on the mound. The last bad outing for Parker came on July 24th vs. the Padres as part of his up and down season. Weston Wilson of the Phillies tripled off of Parker on his way to hitting for the cycle.

(12:30) The Nationals committed three errors in the loss and the final one was the biggest surprise. Just one inning after making an outstanding catch, Jacob Young whiffed on the ball in the outfield in the bottom of the 7th. Mark explains what led to the very out of character mistake by Young.

(24:10) Keibert Ruiz was the bulk of the offense as he clubbed a pair of homers in defeat. Ruiz has struggled this season, but is swinging a hot bat in August.

(30:00) Hear an explanation of the details involved in the decision of when to call Dylan Crews up to Washington. Will he be in the Big Leagues this month? Learn how the new "PPI" is involved in all of this.

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Entire Coaching Staff Returning Next Season Aug 15, 2024

The Nats lost 4-1 on Wednesday night in Baltimore, but the news of the day came before the game. Mark (From Camden Yards) & Al react to the surprising news that this week the full coaching staff already signed their 2025 contracts. Did anyone see this coming in mid-August?

(11:00) This means that Hitting Coach Darnell Coles will be coming back for a 4th season with the organization. The initial fan reaction to this was not positive on social media. How much does Victor Robles' turnaround hurt the defense of Coles staying in the job.

(21:00) As for the actual game, the offense did not carry over their success from the previous evening. Alex Call drove in the only run and was the lone member of the lineup with multiple hits (both doubles).

(24:15) DJ Herz pitched decently as he only allowed a pair of runs in six innings of work. Herz is making the case as of late to be the team's most reliable starting pitcher right now.

(31:20) The Nationals and Orioles split their two game series this week; just like when they met in D.C. in May. The Nats begin a four game series in Philadelphia on Thursday night and will have to immediately face Zack Wheeler.

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Chaparro Doubles 3 Times in Winning Debut Aug 14, 2024

The Nats beat the Orioles 9-3 on Tuesday as Andres Chaparro and James Wood combined for seven hits. Mark (From Baltimore) & Al start with Chaparro, who gathered three doubles in his Big League debut. Chaparro has turned heads in the organization since being acquired just hours before the Trade Deadline. Last week during his brief stay with Rochester, Chaparro homered in four straight games.

(08:00) Wood came through with four hits in his first game played in his native state of Maryland. Wood has reached the four hit milestone twice already and his OPS this month is 1.044.

(15:00) The offense had fourteen hits overall and three of them came from CJ Abrams. The shortstop is now up to 21 stolen bases this season and trails Jacob Young for the team lead with 27.

(20:00) Harold Ramirez was DFA'd before the game to make way for Chaparro's arrival. Ramirez spent two months with Washington after the Rays parted ways with him in June.

(27:10) Jake Irvin threw a solid outing as he only allowed a pair of runs in six innings of work. Irvin was in need a of a good start after giving up a combined nine runs in his two previous appearances.

(32:00) Chaparro played at 1B on Tuesday, but it is unclear which infield position he projects long term. The hosts name a pair of AL East outfielders to keep your eye on this Winter for the Nationals at 1B.

(35:15) Cade Cavalli has arrived at the team facility in West Palm Beach, FL. Mark weighs in on the chances for him to make a major league start at some point later this season.

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Gore's Struggles Again But Mark Catches a Foul Ball Aug 11, 2024

The Nats were unable to complete sweep as they fell 6-4 on Sunday afternoon against Anaheim. Mark & Al though begin with the first ever foul ball to reach to the Nationals Press Box and it was corralled by Mr. Zuckerman. The Shirley Povich Press Box is one of the highest perches in all of Baseball and no foul balls had reached inside that level until this game.

(08:00) MacKenzie Gore was bad again and he has not pitched well since July 1st. Given his recent struggles, should his next start in the rotation get skipped? Gore needed 29 pitches in the opening inning and only lasted five frames.

(19:00) The bullpen colectively allowed just one run, but issued seven walks in only four innings on the mound. Jordan Weems was the biggest offender as he walked four batters, including one for a run, after returning to the team this weekend.

(26:00) Nasim Nunez started every game in this series as CJ Abrams sat out out of the starting lineups due to back spasms. Abrams was a late scratch on Friday night and it will be telling to see if he plays on Tuesday night in Baltimore. His only appearance this weekend was him pinch-running and ultimately scoring the winning run on Saturday night in the bottom of the 10th.

(31:10) Jacob Young homered in the bottom of the 8th for the team's first run. It was Young's first homer since June 16th and he has struggled at the plate. What are the chances he is able to improve his hitting?

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Tena Gets Called Up and Walks It Off Aug 11, 2024

The Nats went to extra innings for the third straight day on Saturday and emerged with a 5-4 victory over the visiting Angels. Al & Tim begin with James Wood, who homered and doubled in the win. Wood is hitting .344 this month, which is much better than the .245 he sported in July.

(08:30) Prior to the game Jose Tena was called up from AAA-Rochester and immediately started at 3B. Tena ended up the hero as his 10th inning hit brought in CJ Abrams for the winning run. Tena was recently acquired in the Lane Thomas trade with Cleveland, where he had limited Big League experience.

(11:45) Tena swapped roster spots with Trey Lipscomb, who was sent down to Rochester for the 4th time this season. This comes just one month after it seemed Lipscomb had the 3B for the rest of the season, but he has not performed well at the plate.

(14:20) Alex Call had two hits on Saturday and has had five multi-hit games since recently getting called up from Rochester. Call also flashed the leather as he had an outfield assist.

(19:00) The bullpen tossed six scoreless innings in relief of Patrick Corbin. Derek Law pitched the 9th and the 10th as Kyle Finnegan was given the night off.

(24:00) The Nationals will go for the sweep on Sunday morning. The series finale will start at 11:35AM as part of the new national Roku streaming package.

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Rendon Ovation Precedes Walk-off Nats Win Aug 10, 2024

Friday night was a banner evening for the Nats organization, capped off with a 3-2 win in extras over the visiting Angels. Al & Mark begin by updating you on the highlights that occurred across the team's minor league affiliates on Friday. They then shine a spotlight on Alex Call, who had walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the 10th; his 3rd hit of the day.

(08:00) The Nationals past met its future when James Wood had an infield single at the expense of Anthony Rendon. It seemed like Rendon did not realize how much speed Wood has when running down the line.

(12:30) Washington benefited from good pitching all night between Mitchell Parker, Jacob Barnes, and Kyle Finnegan. Parker is seriously making a case as the team's best starting pitcher this season and his ERA currently sits at 3.83.

(22:00) CJ Abrams was a late scratch and Nasim Nunez filled at SS. Nunez was dealing with cramps late in the game as Mark points out the odd circumstances surrounding his roster status and what that might mean.

(24:00) Rendon received a standing ovation from the crowd as it was his first time returning to Navy Yard since the 2019 World Series. Rendon had three singles, but did strikeout in the top of the 10th. Amazingly, the Angels have used more players at 3B since signing Rendon than the Nationals have in that time frame.

(30:00) Who was better at 3B at their peak? Rendon or Ryan Zimmerman?

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Nats Commit 4 Errors in Rainy Loss Aug 09, 2024

Thursday was a long afternoon in Navy Yard that featured a pair of rain delays before the Giants outlasted the Nationals 9-5 in extra innings. Mark & Al parse through the terrible Washington defense late in the game, which was due to more than just the wet field conditions, evidenced by San Francisco not committing any errors on their end.

(09:00) James Wood misplayed a ball in the top of the 4th and his defense has been disappointing so far in LF. Why does he look so uncomfortable out there?

(14:00) The game was tied at two entering the top of the 9th, before the affair took on an entirely new trajectory. Kyle Finnegan had a really bad inning, that not only saw three Giants runs, but also included him not backing up an errant throw. Mark points out that the weather did affect Finnegan's array of pitches in the outing.

(24:00) Lost in the shuffle, Luis Garcia Jr. sent the game into the 10th with a 3-run HR as he was down to his final strike. This homer concluded a wild 9th inning that saw both team plate three runs.

(30:00) The Nats host the Angels this weekend and more rain is in the forecast on Friday. The team did not have an off-day this week and are in need of one after using seven relieverson Thursday.

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Irvin Allows 3 Giants Homers in Defeat Aug 08, 2024

The Nats lost 7-4 to the Giants on Wednesday night as the rain mostly held off. Mark & Al though begin with the announcement that the Annual Nats Chat Podcast Party will be at Walter's Sports Bar in Navy Yard on..... Friday October 4th from 6:30-8:30pm.

(04:00) Emblematic of the organizational decline in pitching, Jake Irvin did not pitch well for the fourth time in his past six starts. Irvin gave up three homers and he has allowed a startling ten homers in the past month.

(17:00) Alex Call was all over on the place on Wednesday while coming through with two hits from the second spot in the order. Call made multiple nice plays in the outfield, but he did hit into a game ending double play with the bases loaded.

(23:00) Juan Yepez homered in the loss while slotted third in the batting order. Yepez has been up from AAA for a little over a month and his OPS is .a whopping 903 in that stretch.

(30:00) Trey Lipscomb got the start at 3B, but was pinch hit later in the game. Lipscomb is really struggling at the plate and has not a multi hit day since July 12th. Could he be replaced by the newly acquired Jose Tena, who is currently at Rochester?

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Wood, Abrams, & Ruiz All Go Deep in Win Aug 07, 2024

The Nats overcame an early four run deficit to knock off the Giants 11-5 on Tuesday evening in Navy Yard. Mark & Al have plenty of praise to shower on James Wood as he homered and scored four times in the victory. Wood already has 23 RBI since getting called up to the majors, which is five more than Nick Senzel had in his time with Washington, despite Senzel having almost one hundred more at-bats than the rookie this season.

(11:30) CJ Abrams' 3-run HR gave the Nationals the lead for good at 5-4 in the bottom of the 2nd. You need to watch the highlight of this homer as Abrams somehow hit a pitch above his eyes over the fence.

(14:00) Keibert Ruiz doubled and homered on Tuesday night to continue his strong start to August. The hosts discuss how important the final few months of the season are for the catcher.

(18:00) Alex Call had a pair of RBI doubles and also drew a walk. Call has produced at the plate since getting promoted from AAA in late jUly.

(23:00) MacKenzie Gore had an awful beginning to this game as he immediately allowed four San Francisco runs. Gore has not pitched well in seven of his past eight starts and his trajectory is a growing concern. To his credit though, Gore did last five innings before handing it off to the bullpen.

(31:00) The Nats moved up Thursday's game vs. the Giants to 12:05PM from the original 4:05pm start time. There is a lot of rain in the D.C. forecast for the next few days.

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Another Low Scoring Loss Aug 06, 2024

The Nats lost 4-1 to the visiting Giants on Monday night to begin the four game series. Mark & Al point out how the offense has scored less than two runs in 22 of their 62 defeats thus far this season. The Nationals have hit the fewest homers in all of MLB this year, even less than the woeful White Sox.

(06:00) CJ Abrams went 0 for 5 in the leadoff spot and his August is off to a slow start. Abrams' OPS was at .857 at the end of June, but it now currently sits at .769.

(17:10) Is Hitting Coach Darnell Coles' job on the line in the final few months? We've received many emails and tweets on the topic and this leads to discussion on Victor Robles' recent success in Seattle.

(24:00) Patrick Corbin was tagged with the loss as San Francisco quickly took a 4-0 lead vs. the lefty. Corbin's ERA is now up to 5.88 and hopes of it falling below 5.00 seemed to be dashed.

(29:25) We shine a spotlight on a pair of pitchers at the Single-A level. Travis Sykora, who recently threw five no-hit innings for the Fred Nats, and also Jarlin Susana of the Wilmington Blue Rocks.

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Parker & Garcia Jr. Fuel the Win Aug 04, 2024

The Nats held off the Brewers 4-3 on Sunday afternoon to take the series. Mark & Al have more praise for Luis Garcia Jr. who homered for the second straight day. Garcia Jr. had to fight for the starting 2B job in Spring Training, but at this point seems to be a lock for Opening Day 2025.

(10:30) James Wood came through with a 3-run triple to give Washington a 4-0 lead. Wood has only been with team for a month, but already has 20 RBIs. For comparison's sake, Wood has 9 more RBIs this season than Joey Gallo, who has 31 more at-bats than the rookie.

(17:00) Mitchell Parker tossed six scoreless innings against a lineup that a few weeks ago scored five runs against him. Parker's ERA is at 4.06 in his rookie season.

(23:15) Robert Garcia allowed three runs in the top of the 8th and the bullpen clearly is weakened since the July trades. Could Jackson Rutledge be tried out as a reliever in the final few months?

(29:00) The home stand continues on Monday as the San Francisco Giants come to town for four games. Blake Snell is slated to pitch on Wednesday; coming off a No-Hitter.

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Garcia Jr. Homers in Skid Snapper Aug 04, 2024

The Nats scored four runs right away and rode the momentum towards a 6-4 victory over the Brewers on Saturday afternoon to end their five game losing streak. Al & Mark convene after the weather surprisingly held off and the game was able to played on time and without any delay.

(06:00) Luis Garcia Jr. hit third and rewarded Davey Martinez with a big afternoon. Garcia had three hits including a solo homer to give his team a five run lead as he was a triple shy of the cycle. The hosts use this opportunity to praise Garcia for his solid season and reflect on the recent obstacles he overcame within the organization.

(12:00) Alex Call was part of the four run opening inning as he came through with a RBI single. Call has been very impressive at the plate in his brief time up at the majors this season.

(16:30) DJ Herz earned the win by only allowing one run in five innings of work. Herz has pitched well since he returned from AAA and has exceeded expectations after the organization traded for him last summer.

(24:00) Kyle Finnegan recorded the final four outs after taking over for Joan Adon in the 8th. Is the plan to keep Adon in a set-up role for the final few months?

(32:00) Josiah Gray was at Nationals Park on Saturday shortly after having season ending surgery. Mark relays what Gray told reporters before the game.

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Nats Drop Their 5th Straight Aug 03, 2024

The Nats lost 8-3 to the Brewers on Friday night to start their ten game home stand. Al hosts solo after the Nationals fifth consecutive defeat, which puts them at a season worst 12 games below .500. Jake Irvin pitched into the 6th and was charged with four runs after giving up six hits. Five relievers were needed to cover the final 10 outs and Jose A. Ferrar gave up a pair of runs in less than an inning of work.

(06:00) There was more bad news about Cade Cavalli as he has yet to ramp up in West Palm Beach as was previously scheduled. Cavalli underwent Tommy John surgery 16 months ago, but it seems increasingly unlikely he will pitch in the majors this season.

(11:00) The offense did briefly overcome an early 3-0 deficit, but did not score vs. the Brewers bullpen. CJ Abrams homered on the two year anniversary of the Juan Soto trade with the Padres that brought Abrams to D.C.

(16:00) Al reads a couple of listener submitted emails that have to do with Darnell Coles' job status as hitting coach and also a check in on the state of the Rebuild.

(29:00) Jason Prill, the Voice of the Lynchburg Hillcats, gives us a scouting report on Alex Clemmey and Rafael Ramirez Jr. These were two of the three prospects acquired from the Guardians organization in exchange for Lane Thomas.

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Swept in Arizona Aug 01, 2024

The Nats lost 5-2 on Wednesday afternoon in Phoenix for their fourth consecutive defeat. Mark (From Arizona) & Al dig into MacKenzie Gore's so-so start where he gave up three runs in just five innings of work. Gore's ERA is at 4.54, which is much higher than the 2.91 ERA that he brought into June.

(12:00) Keibert Ruiz exited the game early after getting hit in the groin while behind the plate. Ruiz flew home with the team, which is noteworthy because in 2022 he was unable to travel with his teammates following a similar injury.

(17:00) As they have a habit of doing, the offense did their best in late innings as they almost fully trimmed the four run deficit. Luis Garcia Jr. capped a great month with a RBI single and James Wood had a pair of hits in the loss.

(20:00) Jacob Young made a fantastic catch after coming off a rare day on the bench. It is time to start promoting Young's candidacy for a Gold Glove Award.

(28:00) The Nationals open a ten game home stand on Friday night by hosting the Brewers. As of now Joe Ross is not slated to take the mound, but he will be on full rest by Sunday.

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Finnegan Stays & Nats Embarrassed in Arizona Jul 31, 2024

The Nats made one final trade in the closing minutes of the trade deadline on Tuesday evening. Mark (From Phoenix) & Al though begin with a player not dealt away, All-Star closer Kyle Finnegan, and react to Mike Rizzo's comments on why the right-hander stayed in Washington. The hosts layout the potential scenarios that are next for Finnegan as he is under team control in 2025.

(14:00) Dylan Floro was sent to Arizona in exchange for corner infielder Andres Chaparro as their final move before the deadline. Chaparro is having a strong offensive season in AAA and might project to a future DH. Floro was signed to a one year deal in the off-season and in four months with the Nationals his WHIP was at a solid 1.05.

(19:00) There were rumors online that the Nats were vying to trade for Cardinals OFer Dylan Carlson. Any truth to them?

(22:00) The Nationals made four trades this month (Harvey, Thomas, Floro, and Winker) and the hosts discuss the best acquisitions made by the organization.

(25:00) As for the game on Tuesday, it was the worst loss in franchise history as they lost 17-0 at the Diamondbacks. Patrick Corbin had another awful outing by allowing eleven runs in only three innings of work.

(35:30) Travis Blankenhorn was called from AAA_Rochester to fill an open roster. Blankenhorn briefly played in Washington last season and is likely a place holder until Dylan Crews eventually gets promoted.

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Thomas Traded Before Finnegan Blows Big Lead Jul 30, 2024

It was a busy Monday that began with Lane Thomas getting traded to Cleveland and ended with Kyle Finnegan giving up five runs in the bottom of the 9th in Arizona for a gut punch 9-8 loss. Mark (From Phoenix) & Al start with Finnegan, who imploded on the eve of the Trade Deadline, an outing that ended with Corbin Carroll's walk-off 2-run HR. Any surprise that Davey would risk injury to Finnegan due to trade implications?

(15:00) Mitchell Parker bounced back from two rough starts with a decent outing on Monday night. Parker had allowed eleven combined runs in his two previous appearances on the mound.

(18:00) Alex Call, recently called up from AAA, homered in the top of the 1st while taking over for Thomas in RF. Harold Ramirez also had a pair of hits, including a RBI double, while hitting third in the new look order.

(22:00) Thomas was sent to the Guardians in exchange for three prospects. The headliner in the haul is LHP Alex Clemmey, who was taken in the 2nd round last summer. Mark also then explains why Wood is still playing LF after the trade.

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Walk-off HR Stops the Sweep Effort Jul 29, 2024

Paul Goldschmidt's solo homer walked off the Nats 4-3 on Sunday afternoon in St. Louis. Mark (From Busch Stadium) & Al start by wondering if Dylan Floro should have returned to the mound with the game tied in the bottom of the 9th. Floro had been in the game since the 7th after escaping a jam set up by Robert Garcia. It was the first homer that Floro allowed all season.

(07:00) The Trade Deadline is at 6pm Eastern on Tuesday July 30th. The Nationals have made two trades so far, but a cloud of uncertainty is hanging over the team during this road trip.

(14:00) Get to learn more about Tyler Stuart, the AA pitcher that Washington acquired from the Mets in exchange for Jesse Winker.

(18:00) DJ Herz struck out eight Cardinals in just five innings of work. Herz has only allowed a pair of runs in each of his past two outings since called back up to the majors.

(21:00) Lane Thomas extended his on base streak to 25 games. Thomas is very much on the trade block as questions remain on who should play RF long term.

(31:00) CJ Abrams is having an All-Star season, but not a good July. Abrams had a fantastic April & June, but has mightily struggled in both May and this current month.

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Winker Traded During Easy Win Jul 28, 2024

Following a two hour rain delay, the Nats crushed the Cardinals 14-3 on Saturday night. Mark (From St. Louis) & Al begin with the reports that Jesse Winker was traded to the Mets in the middle of the game and as of taping it is unclear what the compensation will be. The Nationals signed Winker in February to a minor league deal after he struggled mightily last season in Milwaukee.

(11:00) James Wood had his best game yet at the plate as he doubled twice, had four hits, and reached base five times. Wood had multiple hits that had an exit velocity of over 100 MPH.

(14:00) Harold Ramirez replaced Winker in the middle of the game (coincidence says Davey Martinez) and came through with a trio of hits. He is hitting .308 since joining Washington this month.

(22:30) Jake Irvin had a second straight decent outing following a few clunkers before the All-Star Break. Irvin did not give up any runs until the bottom of the 6th when he gave up a 2-run HR.

(27:00) The Phillies acquired Angels closer Carlos Estevez in exchange for two highly rated prospects. What is the trade market looking like for Kyle Finnegan?

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Nats Rally in St. Louis Jul 27, 2024

The Nats overcame multiple three run deficits to emerge with a 10-8 extra inning victory on Friday night in St. Louis. Mark (From Busch Stadium) & Al convene after Jacob Young's bases loaded triple in top of the 10th put the Nationals on top for good. It was only the third extra base hit this month for the recently struggling CFer.

(09:00) Juan Yepez had a big evening from the cleanup spot against his former team with three hits and a game tying sacrifice fly. Yepez has had a hit in all but one of the 17 games he's played in since getting called up from AAA-Rochester.

(16:00) MacKenzie Gore did not pitch well again, but was able to make it through five innings. Gore has had four consecutive poor starts and his ERA has escalated to 4.51.

(23:00) Jacob Barnes earned the win after tossing a scoreless 9th inning. Mark points out that Barnes might have an elevated role in the bullpen after the Trade Deadline.

(28:00) Kyle Finnegan recorded the final three outs on an evening where there were many trades across the sport. Craig Kimbrel has been struggling as of late for Baltimore, would the Nats and Orioles make a trade in this new era of new Camden Yards ownership?

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Cease No-Hits the Nats Jul 25, 2024

The Nats were on the wrong side of Dylan Cease's No-Hitter on Thursday afternoon as they were swept and shutout by the Padres 3-0. Al & Tim wonder if this season's offense is the worst one in franchise history. They have not scored a run in 12 out of their 56 losses this year.

(11:00) James Wood did not have a good game as he misplayed a ball in the 1st inning that led to all three San Diego runs, committed a throwing error in the 2nd, and struck out three times. Should Wood continue to play LF instead of RF?

(14:30) A brief rain delay began just nine minutes after the game began. Patrick Corbin returned after the delay to last seven innings and the hosts wonder if there is any chance he could be traded by next week. Milwaukee Brewers a willing trade partner?

(26:00) MacKenzie Gore will start Friday night in St. Louis. This is an important outing for the lefty as he has struggled recently.

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Padres Clobber Parker + Gray Has Tommy John Surgery Jul 25, 2024

The Nats remain win-less in five meetings with the Padres this season as they were crushed 12-3 on Wednesday evening in Navy Yard. Mark & Al recap Mitchell Parker's rough start as he allowed six runs in only three innings of work. Parker has had three bad outings this month and last earned a win over a month ago.

(12:00) Jordan Weems allowed five runs in the top of the 4th; when the game became a laugher. Weems is having a bad season and the hosts wonder what his future is with the team. The contest was so out of reach that Ildemaro Vargas pitched in the 9th, but he did make a fantastic catch on a hard hit comebacker.

(20:00) Juan Yepez hit a 2-run HR to briefly Washington a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the 1st. Yepez has safely had a hit in all 15 games since being called up from AAA.

(23:30) James Wood went 0 for 4 but yet again had the top exit velocities in the game. Wood is hitting balls hard, but the results do not bear that out.

(29:00) After the game it was revealed that Josiah Gray had Tommy John Surgery and also an Internal Brace Procedure due to his partially torn UCL. Gray likely won't return to the mound until the final portion of the 2025 season.

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Shutout by San Diego Jul 24, 2024

The Nats were blanked 4-0 by the visiting Padres on Tuesday night to end their three game win streak. Mark & Al marvel at how the Nationals have somehow already been shutout 11 times this season. The offense only mustered five hits and did not draw any walks in the loss.

(07:00) Jacob Young attempted a bunt early in the game with Trey Lipscomb on 2nd base. The hosts air their grievances over this decision, which is not a rarity for Davey Martinez. Lipscomb doubled in the game, but it was only his fourth extra-base hit of the season.

(11:00) The only member of the lineup with multiple hits was Juan Yepez. He has gotten a hit in all 14 games he's played in the majors since being called up from AAA.

(18:30) DJ Herz returned to the rotation and had a solid outing in defeat. He did not allow a run until the 5th, but then gave up Back-to-back HRs.

(26:00) Five bullpen arms were used after the team had Monday off. Derek Law and Jacob Barnes each allowed a run in their appearances. If Kyle Finnegan gets traded next week, will Robert Garcia take over as the closer?

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Wood's Blast Leads to a Sweep Jul 22, 2024

The Nats beat the Reds 5-2 on Sunday afternoon to complete a series sweep and James Wood was the hero at the plate. Mark & Al open with Wood's 3-run HR that broke a 2-2 tie. Wood hit 7th over the weekend after recent scuffles and the round tripper was his first extra base hit in over two weeks.

(09:00) The two guys that Wood brought in on the homer were Keibert Ruiz and Ildemaro Vargas. Ruiz singled in the 8th and Vargas followed with successfully laying down a bunt single.

(14:00) Jake Irvin bounced back with a strong seven inning outing. Irvin only allowed two runs and struck out seven Reds in the process.

(17:00) For the third consecutive day Kyle Finnegan recorded the save, his 28th of the season. Finnegan had a whirlwind week between the late notice on being an All-Star and appearing in every game over the weekend.

(24:00) The Trade Deadline is less than ten days away and the Nationals are six games below .500.

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Nats Rally Past the Reds Jul 21, 2024

The Nats beat the visiting Reds 5-4 on Saturday night for their second straight win. Mark & Al discuss the comeback that was capped by Jacob Young's RBI single in the bottom of the 8th to break the tie. Washington won despite difficult circumstances as the bullpen was needed from the 3rd inning onward.

(09:00) Harold Ramirez hit his first homer as a National in the bottom of the 1st. Ramirez had a dozen home runs last season with Tampa Bay.

(18:00) James Wood was dropped in the lineup into the 7th spot and responded with an 0 for 4 evening and committed and error. Trey Lipscomb is really struggling himself as he went hit-less on Saturday. His OPS is a very low .540 this season in the majors.

(21:00) MacKenzie Gore was bad for the 3rd consecutive outing. Gore only lasted two innings and needed 48 pitches to get out of the opening frame. Is Gore the next Gio Gonzalez in terms of high pitch counts?

(30:00) An update on Cade Cavalli and what is next for him in his rehab.

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Ruiz & Yepez Homer in the Win Jul 20, 2024

The Nats started off the post All-Star break portion of the season with an 8-5 victory on Friday night over the visiting Reds. Mark & Al begin with Juan Yepez, who hit his first homer in a Washington uniform. Yepez has had at least one hit in all 11 games since getting called up from AAA-Rochester.

(10:00) James Wood singled but did strike out three times in the victory. Wood already has 23 Ks and has gone eight straight games without drawing a walk.

(18:00) Patrick Corbin earned the win after only allowing one run in six innings of work. Corbin has five quality starts this season, which is as many as MacKenzie Gore.

(22:00) Jose A. Ferrer, fresh off a long stint on the IL, was given mop up duty in the 9th, but could not properly corral the seven run lead. Derek Law relieved him, but Kyle Finnegan was then needed to nail down the final out.

(28:00) Josiah Gray will have season ending UCL surgery next week. He will likely now miss the bulk of two seasons and he has not pitched since early April.

(38:00) Mike Rizzo met with the media before the game and had interesting comments regarding the possibility of trading Finnegan and Lane Thomas before the July 30th deadline.

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Irvin Throws a Clunker Going into the Break Jul 15, 2024

The Nats lost 9-3 in Milwaukee on Sunday for their final game headed into the All-Star break. Mark (From American Family Field) & Al examine Jake Irvin's second consecutive bad start. Irvin threw a shutout on July 4th, but has not pitched well since being snubbed for the All-Star Game. Irvin only lasted four innings and allowed six earned runs in the process.

(13:00) Eduardo Salazar was impressive in his first outing from the Nationals 'Pen. Will he take over Hunter Harvey's spot for the rest of the season?

(17:00) Juan Yepez was the only member of the lineup with multiple hits and also swiped a bag. Al poses the question - is Meneses' replacement the next Meneses? Yepez has a ten game hitting streak since coming from AAA-Rochester.

(20:00) James Wood had a RBI single in the loss. Wood only has two extra base hits since being called up and they came in the same game, which was a rout of the Cardinals.

(25:00) There is expected to be an update this week on Josiah Gray. He has been shutdown ever since experiencing elbow discomfort. If Gray gets Tommy John Surgery, then he might not return to the mound until 2026.

(32:00) Tim Shovers recaps the three Nationals Draft picks from Sunday night. Washington selected Wake Forest SS Seaver King at #10 overall.

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Harvey Traded After Big Comeback Win Jul 14, 2024

The Nats overcame an early five run deficit to win 6-5 on Saturday afternoon in Milwaukee. Mark (Live from Wisconsin) & Al have a busy day of news to sort through as a trade was made after the game, but begin with CJ Abrams' Go Ahead 2 run HR in the top of the 9th. It was a no doubt home run and it came when the Nationals were trailing by a run.

(08:30) Luis Garcia Jr. came off the bench to homer, single, and score the tying run on Saturday. Garcia has hit four homers in his past nine games; giving him a career high 11 on the season.

(19:00) Mitchell Parker had a terrible start as he allowed five runs in less than an inning of work. The bullpen though picked up the slack big time as five pitchers combined to throw over eight scoreless frames.

(24:00) Following the victory, Hunter Harvey was traded to Kansas City in exchange for third base prospect Cayden Wallace and the #39 overall pick in this weekend's MLB Dradt. The hosts explain why this move was a very savvy one by Mike Rizzo.

(31:00) A look at what the organizational hierarchy is at 3B after the Wallace acquisition.

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Rutledge & the 'Pen Snap the Skid Jul 13, 2024

The Nats beat the Brewers 5-2 on Friday night in Milwaukee to end their five game losing streak. Mark (Live from Wisconsin) & Al have plenty of offensive positives to sort through as the bats came through with a dozen hits. Jesse Winker was booed by the Brewer fans due to his poor season with them last year, but responded with a homer and a RBI single.

(08:00) Juan Yepez singled and doubled in the win and has good numbers through one week with the Nationals. Yepez already has five doubles in just eight games since getting called up.

(16:00) CJ Abrams had an up and down evening in the field as he committed an error but also had a spectacular diving catch in the 7th.

(19:00) Jackson Rutledge was one out away from qualifying for the victory after getting his first Big League start this season. Mark relays what he saw from the young right-hander in his outing. What's next for Rutledge?

(25:00) Four relievers combined for over four innings of work in the triumph. Robert Garcia struck out three Brewers and Kyle Finnegan notched his 24th Save of the season.

(30:00) Joan Adon was optioned back to Rochester after only throwing one inning this week.

(33:00) Jim Callis, Senior for Writer for MLB Pipeline, gives a quick preview of who Washington might draft at #10 overall on Sunday night.

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Losing Streak Reaches 5 Jul 12, 2024

The Nats were swept 7-0 at the Mets on Thursday afternoon and they now have lost five games in a row. Al & Tim examine the losing streak as it simply feels like the team needs the All-Star Break to arrive. This is the tenth time this season they were shutout and the second time this week.

(10:00) Lane Thomas reached base five times and had a pair of singles. There is increasingly the possibility that he will be traded away ahead of the July 30th trade deadline.

(15:00) MacKenzie Gore allowed four runs in just under five innings of work on Thursday. Gore has struggled in three of his past four outings and has not exceeded five innings on the mound since June 14th.

(22:00) Jackson Rutledge will start on Friday night in Milwaukee. Rutledge's only appearance in the majors this season was during a doubleheader in Chicago.

(27:00) More emails from listeners regarding Juan Soto's impending Free Agency.

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Now Nine Games Below .500 Jul 11, 2024

The Nats lost 6-2 on Wednesday night at Citi Field for their fourth straight defeat. Al & Mark wonder if this latest stretch is indicative of where things are headed or just a tough portion of the schedule due to the lack of days off.

(06:00) Derek Law continued his trend of not holding inheriting runners after taking over for Patrick Corbin in the bottom of the 6th. The hosts put into perspective how much Law has struggled under those circumstances this season.

(14:00) Corbin is quantitatively the worst starting pitcher in the majors as he has the highest WHIP. Corbin allowed four runs and only lasted 73 pitches vs. the Mets.

(19:00) Juan Yepez had a RBI single and has been consistently playing 1B since he and Joey Meneses swapped roster spots last week. Yepez is 7 for 24 since being promoted from Rochester.

(24:00) Ildemaro Vargas got the start at 3B and Trey Lipscomb was given the night off. This is noteworthy because last week it seemed like 3B was Lipscomb's job until Brady House eventually makes his way to Washington.

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Mets Get to Irvin This Time Jul 10, 2024

Jake Irvin had a bad Tuesday as it began by getting snubbed again for an open All-Star spot and it ended with him giving up six runs in the Nats 7-5 loss at the Mets. Al & Tim discuss how all the runs Irvin gave up came with two outs, including Brandon Nimmo's 3-run HR in the bottom of the 2nd. Irvin last week tossed eight shutout innings vs. New York on July 4th.

(11:00) The Nationals offense was no match for Jose Quintana, but did score all five runs against the NY bullpen. They scored three runs in the top of 9th and it was consequential as it forced closer Edwin Diaz to record the final out.

(20:00) We dig into a listener email that wonders if Juan Soto will consider returning to D.C. this offseason.

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Sloppy Shutout Loss Jul 09, 2024

The Nats were blanked 6-0 on Monday afternoon by the Cardinals to wrap up their eight game home stand. Mark & Al recap a sluggish defeat as the team has only had one day off since June 18th. There are six games remaining until the All-Star Break.

(06:00) CJ Abrams committed two errors one day after being named an All-Star. James Wood went 0 for 4, but did have a diving catch in CF.

(10:00) Mitchell Parker had solid outing on the mound, but not with the glove. Parker misplayed a bunt and did not properly cover 1B on a separate play. He did last seven innings and only allowed one earned run on 91 pitches.

(18:00) Prior to the game Joan Adon was called up from Rochester in place of LHP DJ Herz. Adon threw the 9th inning, but did give up two St. Louis runs. Adon recently has been pitching out of the bullpen in AAA and Herz is expected to return to the majors later this summer.

(25:00) Time is running out for Trevor Williams to be on the trade block. Williams had been on the IL since June 4th due to a right flexor muscle strain.

(27:00) Jake Irvin is facing the Mets on Tuesday night just a few days after getting snubbed from the All-Star Game. Irvin last week on July 4th tossed eight shutout innings when facing New York.

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Abrams the All-Star & House Moves Up to AAA Jul 08, 2024

The Nats lost 8-3 to the Cardinals on a scorching Sunday afternoon in the nation's capital. Al & Mark begin the show by discussing how the pitching staff is clearly fatigued during this stretch of 17 games in 17 days. DJ Herz did not have a good outing as he allowed five runs in less than five innings of work. Herz was lifted after 102 pitches and four relievers were needed behind him.

(14:00) James Wood singled and drew a pair of walks in the loss. Wood so far has been walked six times in seven games and this seems like this might become a pattern for the rookie.

(20:00) CJ Abrams is the team's lone representative at this month's All-Star game. Abrams leads the Nats in almost every offensive statistical category including OPS at .859. Mark notes that CJ has been Washington's lead-off hitter for a full calendar year now.

(24:00) Jake Irvin however was snubbed from the National League roster and Al points out how this is a mistake. Irvin ranks 4th in WHIP in the NL and is tied for 2nd in pitching WAR.

(31:00) Brady House has been promoted to play 3B at AAA-Rochester one day after Trey Lipscomb was promoted back to the Nationals. Could House be on the 2025 Opening Day roster?

(36:00) Bob Kendrick, President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, join Nats Chat for the fourth consecutive year. Bob tells Tim about Mamie "Peanut" Johnson, the only female pitcher in Negro Leagues history. Mamie lived for many years in the DMV before passing away in 2017.

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Wood's First Homer Comes in Easy Win Jul 07, 2024

James Wood went deep for the first time in his MLB career and the Nats crushed the Cardinals 14-6 on a humid Saturday afternoon. Mark & Al begin with Wood, who drove in five runs in the victory as the team's third hitter. Wood hit a 3-run homer in the bottom of the 2nd to put the Nationals up 7-0.

(12:00) The offense clobbered Lance Lynn as they gathered 11 hits off of him in less than three innings of work. Luis Garcia Jr. continued his recent surge with a trio of hits and Keibert Ruiz was a triple shy of the cycle.

(17:00) Trey Lipscomb is back in Washington after Nick Senzel was "DFA'd". Lipscomb was recently sent back to Rochester for the third time this season, but the current plan is for Lipscomb to be the primary 3B in the majors. The organization seems to be in a "youth movement" after recent roster changes.

(25:00) MacKenzie Gore had a disappointing start as he gave up five runs and was lifted in the top of the 4th. Gore was staked an early nine run lead but needed 90 pitchers in a short span, therefore it was a missed opportunity to give the tired bullpen a lot of rest.

(32:00) Joan Adon has been pitching out of the bullpen in AAA for the past few weeks. The host examines whether or not the Nationals have potential plans of calling him up to be a long man out of the 'pen.

(35:00) All-Star rosters will be announced on Sunday evening. Who will make it from the Nats? Finnegan, Abrams, or Irvin?

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Finnegan's Blown Save Leads to Another Extra Inning Loss Jul 06, 2024

The Nats led 5-0 early on, but ended up losing to the Cardinals 7-6 in 11 innings on a hot Friday night in D.C. Al & Mark react to the overworked bullpen, which allowed a run in each of the final four frames. Kyle Finnegan blew the save opportunity after giving up a solo HR to Wilson Contreras to tie the game in the top of the 9th. Washington lost in rather cruel fashion as Riley Adams allowed a passed ball following Contreras swinging at strike 3 in the top of the 11th, which brought in the go ahead run.

(14:00) The offense gathered 14 hits, but committed multiple base running blunders. Jesse Winker had two himself, but was easily tagged on a failed bunt attempt late in the game.

(19:30) Luis Garcia Jr. homered and collected four hits on Friday. Garcia already has hit a career high in homers this season with ten.

(24:00) The replacement for Joey Meneses, Juan Yepez, got the start at 1B after being promoted from AAA-Rochester. Yepez singled and drew a walk, but did strikeout twice.

(28:00) Patrick Corbin lasted five innings and was pulled after 91 pitches on a very muggy evening.

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Irvin's July 4th Gem + Meneses to AAA Jul 04, 2024

The Nats staged a thrilling win on July 4th in D.C. as Jesse Winker's pinch-hit Solo homer lifted the home team to a 1-0 triumph over the Mets. Mark & Al marvel at Jake Irvin's best start yet as he tossed eight shutout innings and point out that he seems to be rounding into the form of an "Ace". The only blemishes on Irvin's day was the walk he issued in the 2nd and the single he allowed in the top of the 3rd. Irving ended the dominant outing by retiring 17 straight New York hitters.

(14:00) Derek Law was the only reliever needed as he threw a clean top of the 9th to earn the save. Law had a dramatic entrance into the game as he rode the bullpen cart while holding an American flag.

(17:00) The game was scoreless until Winker's home run in the bottom of the 8th. Winker came into to replace Harold Ramirez, who was 0 for 3 as Thursday's DH.

(25:00) Joey Meneses hit cleanup in the game and then afterwards was optioned to AAA-Rochester. Meneses has been with the Nationals ever since Juan Soto was traded in early August 2022. Meneses' OPS this season is just .597 and is far lower than last year when it ended at .722. What is next for the 32-year-old right handed hitter?

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Garcia & Wood Lead the Comeback Win Jul 04, 2024

The Nats overcame a 5-0 deficit to beat the Mets 7-5 on Wednesday evening to end their three game skid. Al & Tim begin with Luis Garcia Jr., who slugged a pair of homers in the victory. Garcia hit a 3 run HR in the bottom of the 6th and then added insurance in the bottom of the 8th with a Solo shot. He has nine homers so far this season, already equaling his career high.

(07:00) James Wood's first career RBI put the Nationals ahead for good in the bottom of the 7th. He immediately followed it up with a stolen base.

(15:00) Riley Adams is back in D.C. and fellow catcher Drew Millas was optioned back to Rochester. This comes after the two swapped roster spots a month ago and Adams was expected to work at 1B while in AAA.

(21:00) Mitchell Parker gave up the most runs of any outing so far and a trio of homers in the process, but did make through six innings.

(25:00) Hunter Harvey pitched for the third straight day and recorded a crucial strikeout of J.D. Martinez to preserve the lead. Kyle Finnegan took over in the 9th and notched his 23rd save of the season, the second most in the NL.

(35:00) The Nats will continue their July 4th tradition on Thursday by hosting an 11:05AM game. Jake Irvin will take the mound as Washington looks for the series split.

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Deja Vu in the 10th Jul 03, 2024

Tuesday night ended eerily similar to Monday as the Mets offense teed off against the Nats bullpen in the top of the 10th. Mark & Al meet after the 7-2 loss to discuss New York scoring five runs off of Robert Garcia in extra innings. Hunter Harvey struggled again as he allowed the tying run in the top of the 8th.

(16:00) DJ Herz had a solid outing as he had ten strikeouts and didn't issue any walks. Herz has made six starts since being called up and two of them have reached the double digit strikeout plateau.

(21:00) James Wood went 0 for 3 and drew a walk in his second game with Washington. Wood was caught stealing at a costly time in the bottom of the 9th when the game was tied. Wood only so far has faced lefties and that will change on Wednesday evening (Christian Scott).

(27:00) CJ Abrams was picked off for the 9th time this season.

(30:00) Josiah Gray's rehab has been shut down due to elbow discomfort and is expected to have a new MRI this month. Gray has been on the IL since early April and has only made a pair of starts this season. Hear Mark explain why "the red flags are all over the place" in terms of Gray potentially having to get surgery.

(33:00) Cade Cavalli has been sick with the flu and that is why his rehab has also been put on pause.

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Wood Debuts Before Extra Inning Loss Jul 02, 2024

James Wood made his much anticipated debut on Monday night as the Nats lost to the Mets 9-7 in ten innings in D.C.. Mark & Al start with Wood who singled, reached on an error, and drew a walk in the affair. Wood was slotted sixth in the lineup and played in LF in his first MLB game.

(14:30) The offense totaled 11 hits and almost staged a major comeback in the bottom of the 10th. Following the six run Mets 10th, the Nationals scored four runs and had the go ahead run at the plate.

(20:00) It was not a good night for the bullpen, but an especially bad appearance for Hunter Harvey as he gave up five runs in the top of the 10th. Harvey's ERA is now 4.24, much worse than when it was 2.68 on June 19th. The hosts express concern with Harvey's recent performance this summer.

(28:00) MacKenzie Gore brought a shutout into the 6th and struck out eight Mets. Gore was lifted in that frame because of a very high pitch count and Al puts in perspective just how much of a continued issue that stat is for the lefty.

(31:00) A discussion on the attendance figure of 26,719.

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Shutout in St. Pete Jul 01, 2024

The Nats were blanked 5-0 on Sunday afternoon to drop the series in Tampa Bay. Mark (From Tropicana Field) & Al look ahead to Monday as James Wood will make his much anticipated MLB debut in D.C. vs. the Mets. Where will he hit in the lineup?

(12:00) The offense only came through with three hits and combined for 16 strike outs on Sunday. Joey Meneses was the main culprit as he struck out in all four at bats and his OPS entering July is .597.

(15:00) Patrick Corbin gave up a pair of homers and four runs in the loss. Meanwhile, Josiah Gray struggled in AAA-Rochester as he allowed seven runs in just three innings. This means that Gray will make at least one more start in the minors before returning to Washington.

(25:00) The Nationals begin an eight game home stand on Monday after going 3-6 in the three city road trip. The final game before the All Star Break is on Sunday July 14th.

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Irvin Only Allows One Hit in Eventual Rout Jun 30, 2024

The Nats routed the Rays 8-1 on Saturday afternoon to snap their four game losing streak. Mark (From Tropicana Field) & Al convene after Jake Irvin bolstered his All-Star credentials by only allowing one hit in six innings of work. Irvin made six starts in June and gave up more than two runs in only one of those outings.

(10:00) Despite the big lead, both Hunter Harvey and Kyle Finnegan threw an inning on Saturday. The hosts note this as the team will not have an off-day until the All Star Break begins on July 15th.

(13:30) The offense collected thirteen hits and broke the game open with a six run top of the 7th. CJ Abrams homered and Al points out that his June is even better than his scorching April. Luis Garcia had a trio of hits and reached base four times in the victory.

(25:00) Josiah Gray is pitching in Rochester on Sunday as opposed to rejoining the Nationals. Why does he need at least one more outing in the minors?

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Wood Reportedly Coming to D.C. on Monday Jun 29, 2024

The Nats lost 3-1 at the Rays on Friday night, but the main news of the day came in the afternoon. Mark (From Tropicana Field) & Al begin with the reports that James Wood will be promoted from AAA and will join the Nationals on Monday when they host the Mets. Wood played Friday night for Rochester and the hosts wonder if he should still be in the lineup in the minors this weekend.

(09:00) Jesse Winker made a fantastic diving catch in the 1st inning but afterwards left the game. He is expected to be OK, but this came after most people have eyed Eddie Rosario as the player that most likely will have his roster spot taken by Wood. Rosario has an OPS of .555 so far this season and his batting average is .183.

(17:00) Jacob Young had a busy Friday night as he doubled twice, stole a base, scored the lone run, committed an error, and made a base running blunder. It seems the plan is for Young to stay in CF with Wood in LF next week.

(24:00) CJ Abrams yet again was picked off and it leads to wonder how much criticism should be levied at Gerardo Parra, first base coach, for this continued problem.

(28:30) Mitchell Parker had an so-so start as he allowed six hits and two runs in five innings of work. Jordan Weems pitched a scoreless bottom of the 8th and has not given up a run in five of his past six appearances.

(35:00) We close with a look at 3B Brady House who is currently in AA-Harrisburg. Where does he fit into the organization's plans?

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Short Outing for Herz as Nats Get Swept Jun 27, 2024

The Nats lost 8-5 in San Diego on Wednesday afternoon completing a three game sweep. Al & Tim discuss how this series was a humbling one for Washington as they now are four games below .500 in the standings. All the runs they scored came in the top of the 9th against the back end of the Padres bullpen.

(6:00) Lane Thomas doubled in the game and continued his stretch of consistently getting on base in the month of June. Al notes that there is a potential decision for the team to make next month on Thomas ahead of the trade deadline.

(15:00) DJ Herz was lifted in the bottom of the 4th after the lefty allowed six hits and four runs. Herz has made five starts this month and will likely stay in the rotation because Josiah Gray will make at least one more start in AAA.

(24:00) Tanner Rainey gave up a grand slam in the bottom of the 8th to make it an eight run deficit. This was the first instance of Rainey pitching on consecutive days for the Nats since April 20th.

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Early Fireworks Ends in a Loss Jun 26, 2024

The Nats lost 9-7 in San Diego on Tuesday night in a game that saw the benches clear in the bottom of the 1st inning. Al & Tim examine the circumstances that led to Keibert Ruiz and Jurickson Profar getting into each other faces before Profar's at bat. MacKenzie Gore then hit Profar with a pitch, but was not ejected from the game.

(14:00) Gore only lasted five innings and allowed five runs in the outing. Gore has not had a stellar June as in three of five starts this month he has given up at least four runs.

(18:00) Profar hit a grand slam in the bottom of the 6th when facing Derek Law to extend the Padres lead to 9-4. Law inherited all the runners from Dylan Floro, who struggled in less than an inning of work. The back end of the 'pen did pitch well in the final few frames (Jordan Weems & Tanner Rainey).

(21:00) CJ Abrams had three hits and reached base five times, but inexplicably made two outs while on base.

(28:00) Josiah Gray thew six innings for AAA-Rochester and only allowed one run. It is unclear if Gray's next start will come in the minors or with Washington.

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Harvey Blows it in the 10th Jun 25, 2024

The Nats lost 7-6 on Monday night in San Diego after Hunter Harvey allowed four runs in the bottom of the 10th. Al & Tim start with Harvey's blown save as he could not hold onto the 6-3 lead that he inherited. A win would have put Washington at .500 on the season, but they instead fall to 38-40.

(08:00) The Nationals had five extra base hits, four doubles and Nick Senzel's 2 run HR in the top of the 10th. CJ Abrams and Joey Meneses each had a trio of hits and prior to extras Meneses drove in all the team's runs.

(15:00) Patrick Corbin overcame a tough 2nd inning to last seven innings on Monday. It is performances like this one that complicate the situation in the rotation once Josiah Gray returns. Who wins out between Corbin and DJ Herz?

(23:00) Harold Ramirez, recently picked up from waivers, is now on the major league roster and Trey Lipscomb was sent back to AAA. Lipscomb has now been optioned to Rochester three times this season.

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Nats Rally in a Coors Field Pitchers' Duel Jun 24, 2024

The Nats came from behind in the 9th to win 2-1 on Sunday afternoon in Colorado to take the series. Mark (From Denver) & Al begin with Kyle Finnegan, who was able to quickly move on from Saturday night's rough ending with his 22nd save of the season, which is the 2nd most in the National League.

(12:00) Jake Irvin had another very good outing as he struck out ten hitters for the second time this season. Irvin has pitched himself into contention to be an All-Star next month.

(20:30) The offense didn't register a hit off of Kyle Freeland until the top of the 6th and didn't plate any runs until the final frame. Lane Thomas and Joey Meneses had the big hits in the 9th inning and the other two hits in the win came from Jacob Young.

(28:45) The Nationals trail the Padres by just a half game in the wildcard standings and have a three game series beginning Monday night at Petco Park.

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Walked Off by the Clock Jun 23, 2024

The Nats became the first team to ever lose on a pitch clock violation Saturday night in Colorado. Mark (From Denver) & Al convene after Kyle Finnegan made MLB history in an ominous way in Washington's 8-7 loss. This is not too much of a surprise as he leads all pitchers in pitch clock infractions this season and it came after the bullpen had a rough night as three relievers combined to allow four runs in the final three frames.

(14:00) It was another night of poor base running as the Nats made a blunder and were thrown out three times trying to steal. The top of the 7th was particularly egregious as two runners were thrown out; thus costing the Nationals a big inning.

(20:00) Jesse Winker laid down a sacrifice bunt, which of course was not popular with Al. He also was ejected a few innings later for arguing with the home plate umpire and the hosts note that Winker did not make a wise decision.

(26:00) Keibert Ruiz was curiously replaced by Drew Millas after drawing a walk in the 7th. Millas made a nice defensive play later in the game and it seems like the backup catcher is getting increased playing time.

(32:00) Mitchell Parker lasted six innings and gave up four runs for the first time since getting called up. The low point of his outing was a three run homer that he allowed early in the game.

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Rout of the Rockies Jun 22, 2024

The Nats crushed the Rockies 11-5 on Friday night in Coors Field to move to just one game below .500. Mark (From Denver) & Al have a lot of offensive contributions to sort through as four members of the lineup collected a trio of hits.

(05:00) Drew Millas was one of them and it included his first homer of the season. CJ Abrams returned to the field after a missing a few games (due to a cyst on his left wrist) and had a pair of doubles in the victory.

(09:30) Lane Thomas was a homer shy of the cycle and his OPS this month is at .912. Jacob Young also had three hits and flashed leather as well in the field.

(19:00) DJ Herz had a brief outing as he was removed in the bottom of the 4th. The positive note from his start is that he struck out five hitters and did not issue a walk.

(24:00) Tanner Rainey recorded the final six outs and has been pitching better lately as he has not allowed a run in five June appearances.

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Series Loss to the Diamondbacks Jun 20, 2024

The Nats lost 5-2 to the Diamondbacks on Thursday afternoon. Al breaks down another disappointing offensive performance for the team (1:31) before discussing catcher Keibert Ruiz's poor season at the plate and behind the dish (8:42). He also talks about an unlucky start for MacKenzie Gore (11:40) and briefly discusses Jordan Weems' tough recent stretch of relief (15:48).

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Bats Do Enough to Beat Snakes Jun 20, 2024

The Nats beat the Diamondbacks 3-1 on Wednesday afternoon in D.C. Mark & Al break down a good start from Patrick Corbin and question if it might be his last start for the Nats. They also discuss the stellar performance from the bullpen this season (7:26). On the offensive side, they talk about Jesse Winker's great season and why he is the most likely player to be traded ahead of this year's deadline (10:51) as well as dissect the important role Ildemaro Vargas has held for the 2024 Nats (16:05). They end the show by discussing a rare starting lineup appearance for Rule 5 draftee Nasim Nunez (18:40).

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Crews to Triple-A as Arizona Shuts Out Nats Jun 19, 2024

The Nats lost to the Diamondbacks 5-0 on Tuesday evening as James Wood returned to the AAA lineup while Dylan Crews made his Rochester debut. Mark & Al discuss the prospects' progress so far and break down when we might see them in the majors. They also discuss a bad offensive performance from the Nats (13:45) and what might have been Jake Irvin's worst start of the season (17:01). They end the show by talking about updates on Josiah Gray and Cade Cavalli's rehab assignments and touching on the passing of baseball legend Willie Mays (21:55).

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Parker Stymies Miami in a Sweep Jun 17, 2024

The Nats defeated the Marlins 3-1 on Sunday afternoon to complete a three game sweep and move to 7-0 this season vs. their divisional foe. Al & Mark have another dominant outing from a young pitcher to dissect as Mitchell Parker only allowed one run in six innings of work. So far during this solid stretch of pitching, Parker's biggest issue seems to be fielding as he misplayed an infield hit that led to Miami's lone run.

(10:30) Who has the biggest upside between Jake Irvin, DJ Herz, and Parker? The organization is in a rare position right now of quality starting pitching that came from within the organization.

(20:00) The bullpen also was in control all weekend and Kyle Finnegan tossed a scoreless top of the 9th for his 20th save of the season.

(23:00) Lane Thomas homered every game during the sweep and Jacob Young joined the party on Sunday as he clubbed his first career HR. However, it was another game with multiple outs made on the bases by Washington.

(37:00) Jim Callis, Senior writer for MLB.com, gives a few names the Nationals might consider in next month's draft.

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Herz Strikes Out 13 Marlins in Shutout Win Jun 16, 2024

The Nats blanked the Marlins 4-0 on Saturday afternoon for their seventh win in the past eight games. Mark & Al dive into DJ Herz, who in his third ever MLB start, had one of the best pitching performances in franchise history. The lefty lasted six innings, fanned 13 hitters, issued zero walks, and only allowed one hit in is first career victory.

(07:00) Washington has had four young pitchers perform well at the Major League level this season in Jake Irvin, Mitchell Parker, MacKenzie Gore, and now DJ Herz. Al points out how important this is in terms of the rebuild.

(18:00) Jesse Winker left the game early after hurting his right knee and will get a MRI. It is likely that his roster replacement will be Harold Ramirez, recently claimed off waivers from Tampa Bay.

(26:00) Joey Meneses and Lane Thomas each homered on Saturday. The Nationals is 11-8 since Thomas returned to the lineup and the conversation leads to seeing just how valuable he is to the team.

(37:00) Josh Whetzel, the Voice of the Rochester Red Wings, gives an update from AAA.

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Gore Spins a Gem Amid Flared Tempers Jun 15, 2024

The Nats routed the last place Marlins 8-1 on Friday evening in D.C. Al is solo behind the mic and gives a detailed analysis of what happened in the dugout between Nick Senzel and MacKenzie Gore. It did not escalate to the same level as Jonathan Papelbon/ Bryce Harper, but was reminiscent of the 2015 incident.

(09:30) Gore dominated Miami as he struck out ten batters. Gore was able to complete seven innings on 103 pitches as he earned his sixth victory of the season.

(12:30) The Nationals scored seven runs in the bottom of the 3rd just one inning after the dugout fracas. Washington had eight hits in their big inning including a 3 run HR by Lane Thomas and a pair of hits by CJ Abrams.

(19:30) DJ Herz will stat vs. the Marlins on Saturday afternoon for his third career MLB start. Herz is auditioning to stay in the rotation ahead of Patrick Corbin.

(25:00) An update from Terry Byrom, the Voice of the AA-Harrisburg Senators.

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Win Streak Snapped at Five Jun 14, 2024

The Nats lost 7-2 in Detroit on Thursday afternoon to end their five game winning streak. Mark (From Comerica Park) & Al begin with the faltering bullpen as they allowed five runs in the bottom of the 7th. Derek Law and Robert Garcia combined to give up six runs while recording just four outs.

(12:00) Patrick Corbin had a no decision and was only charged with one run in just over five innings of work. This leads to a discussion on the rehab for both Josiah Gray and Cade Cavalli. Gray is taking the mound on Friday for AA-Harrisburg and Cavalli is currently on pause.

(17:00) The Nationals tied a franchise record with six sacrifice flies in a three game series. Ildemaro Vargas on Thursday had two of them, which were the only runs that the team scored in defeat.

(24:00) Lane Thomas was ejected in the middle of an at-bat and it seems like Thomas got a raw deal from the home plate umpire.

(30:00) All three Washington starting pitchers this weekend vs. Miami will be lefties.

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Fifth Straight Win Jun 13, 2024

The Nats beat the Tigers 7-5 on Wednesday evening for their fifth win in a row, their longest win streak in three years. Washington is currently just one game back in a crowded NL wildcard race. Mark (From Detroit) & Al examine another solid outing by Jake Irvin as he only allowed one run in six innings of work.

(08:00) A hat tip to Keibert Ruiz for being part of the success of the pitching staff so far this season while serving as catcher.

(16:00) CJ Abrams doubled and homered in the victory. His OPS for the month of June is at .882, much higher than what he had in May (.520).

(19:00) Jesse Winker reached base four times and currently has the 11th highest on base percentage in all of baseball for this season.

(26:00) The Nationals tallied their 100th stolen base of the season as a team on Tuesday. Jacob Young currently leads the squad with 17 stolen bases and five players have reached double figures already.

(30:00) Joey Meneses started at 1B after Joey Gallo was moved to the IL. Trey Lipscomb was the player called up from AAA-Rochester to take Gallo's spot. This is Lipscomb's third stint at the majors this year and Al discusses why he hopes that he stays at this level for the rest of the season.

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Bullpen Steps Up in Detroit Jun 12, 2024

The Nats won 5-4 in ten innings on Tuesday night in Detroit for their fourth consecutive victory. Mark (From Comerica Park) & Al begin with the clutch bullpen effort that combined for over five innings of shutout work. Hunter Harvey and Kyle Finnegan were responsible for the final nine outs.

(06:30) Mitchell Parker might have had his worst start yet as he was removed in the 5th inning. Parker did himself no favors as he committed a simple error that precipitated four unearned Tigers runs. Emblematic of Parker's difficult start was that his first "swing & miss" pitch did not come until the 4th inning.

(15:00) It was a quirky night for the offense as they scored five runs off just five hits, but went 0 for 5 with runners in scoring position. CJ Abrams tripled and then scored on a foul ball for a sacrifice fly, one of two sacrifice flies that Lane Thomas had on Tuesday night.

(19:00) Joey Gallo left the game early due to hurting his left hamstring. There is a good chance that he lands on the IL and an infielder might be called up from AAA-Rochester to take his roster spot.

(24:00) Joey Meneses has quietly not been in the lineup a lot lately and only started in three games during the homestand. Al points out his lower usage as the team figures out what to do with the Gallo injury at 1B.

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Third Straight Win Over the Braves Jun 10, 2024

The Nats topped the Braves 8-5 on Sunday afternoon to end the weekend with three consecutive victories. Mark & Al discuss the Nationals second series win over Atlanta in just the past few weeks.

(05:00) Keibert Ruiz had a big day as he hit a 3 run homer and knocked in four runs. Ruiz's home run was part of a seven run inning for Washington in the bottom of the 4th while facing a rookie pitcher (Hurston Waldrep).

(16:00) DJ Herz had a short outing and Mark analyzes what he has seen from the lefty so far. Before the game it was announced that Patrick Corbin's next start was pushed back a few days and won't pitch in Detroit. Is this a sign that he is on way from being out of the rotation?

(23:00) Kyle Finnegan was unexpectedly needed to record the final three outs as Jordan Weems struggled with a six run lead in the final inning. Weems had a bad homestand and his ERA for the year is at 7.13.

(29:00) Sean Doolittle was elevated for the weekend as the pitching coach Jim Hickey was away. Will the positive press that Doolittle is garnering lead to him getting other job offers after the season?

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Bats Wake Up Against Morton Jun 09, 2024

The Nats defeated the Braves 7-3 on Saturday afternoon in D.C. for their second straight win. Mark & Al have a dozen hits to sort through as the offense scored in five of the initial six frames on Saturday. It was the second time in the past few weeks that the Nationals handed a loss to Atlanta starter Charlie Morton.

(07:00) Nick Senzel had a pair of doubles and hit a late homer to give Washington a comfortable lead. Al points out how Senzel's offensive production has floated below the radar this season.

(17:00) MacKenzie Gore earned the win but it was another inefficient outing in terms of pitches thrown. Gore was charged with two runs in five innings of work and was replaced after his 99th pitch in the top of the 6th. Mark explains whether or not Gore is on a pitch count for this season.

(24:00) Kyle Finnegan was not used and three relievers combined to record the final twelve outs. Dylan Floro threw a scoreless 8th and his ERA is at 1.15.

(29:45) The horse co owned by Jayson Werth won the Belmont Stakes on Saturday (Dornoch) despite being listed at 17-1 before the race.

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Irvin Beats Sale Jun 08, 2024

The Nats beat the Braves 2-1 on Friday to end their four game losing streak. Al & Tim recap Jake Irvin's six shutout innings that came on 96 pitches. Irvin's ERA is at 3.12 and he has put himself into contention to make next month's All Star game.

(10:00) The bullpen held onto the lead despite a few sloppy mistakes late in the game. Hunter Harvey returned to the mound just one day after giving up a trio of runs against Atlanta. Kyle Finnegan notched his 17th save of the season, which ranks fourth in MLB. Nick Senzel helped turn a pivotal double play to keep the lead intact for Finnegan in the final frame.

(17:00) Both of the Nationals runs came in the bottom of the 4th and it was propelled by the running game. That element was prevalent for Washington early in the season, but has tapered off in the past month, as evidenced by CJ Abrams getting his first stolen base on Friday night since May 4th.

(25:00) A wide angle lens view of the season so far that leads an examination of Keibert Ruiz's contract.

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Braves Get the Best of Harvey Jun 07, 2024

The Nats scored first but ultimately fell 5-2 on Thursday night vs. the visiting Braves for their fourth straight defeat. Mark & Al have another mediocre showing from the offense to parse through as the only production came from Back to Back homers in the bottom of the 6th (CJ Abrams & Lane Thomas). Jesse Winker was the only member of the lineup to come through with multiple hits as the team collected just six in total.

(09:00) Jacob Young made a great sliding catch in the middle of the game. It was additionally noteworthy as Victor Robles dropped a routine fly ball in his second game with the Mariners on Thursday.

(14:00) Mitchell Parker was facing Atlanta for the second time this summer and had a no hitter going until the top of the 6th. Parker then gave up a pair of runs after Adam Duvall homered off of him to tie the game in the 7th. Parker has made ten starts so far this year and has not allowed more than three runs in any outing.

(19:00) The game was tied 2-2 after entering the top of the 8th and Hunter Harvey had a rare bad outing that let the Braves pull away. It is the first appearance that Harvey allowed multiple runs in since April 23rd.

(24:00) How much heat is there now on hitting coach Darnell Coles? The organization has not made a mid season change in that role since July of 2013 when Rick Eckstein was removed.

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Swept by the Mets Jun 06, 2024

The Nats were clobbered 9-1 on Wednesday afternoon for a third consecutive loss to the visiting Mets. Al & Mark begin with Davey Martinez being openly critical of CJ Abrams and his role as the team's leadoff hitter. Abrams went 1 for 7 this series and his OPS is .739 on the season. Abrams also denied the opportunity to speak with the media after the game.

(14:00) The offense was only able to muster one run and that came via "Small Ball" late in a rout. There were also two more outs made on the bases as Jesse Winker was caught stealing and Luis Garcia Jr. had bad luck on a hard liner.

(17:00) It was another bad Patrick Corbin outing as he was charged with six runs. What are the chances he loses his rotation spot this summer?

(27:00) No off day for Washington as the Braves come to town on Thursday for a four game set. They have not a day off since Thursday May 23rd and will have to wait for this upcoming Monday to rest.

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Williams to the IL & Herz Loses Debut Jun 05, 2024

The Nats lost 6-3 to the Mets on Tuesday night in D.C. for their fourth loss in the past five game. Mark & Al evaluate the news that Trevor Williams is headed to the 15-day IL due to a right flexor muscle strain (same injury as Josiah Gray). Williams' ERA so far this season is just 2.22 in 11 starts.

(06:00) The nod instead went to DJ Herz, a lefty that was called up from AAA Rochester. Washington acquired Herz last summer as part of the Jeimer Candelario trade with the Cubs. Herz pitched into the the 5th and allowed four runs in his debut. The hosts look into why Herz is ahead of Jackson Rutledge in the pecking order.

(14:00) Quick update on Josiah Gray as he threw a simulated game on Tuesday. Gray has been on the IL since April 9th.

(17:00) Kyle Finnegan surprisingly pitched the top of the 9th as the Nationals were trailing 5-2 and allowed a run. Why did he appear in the game in that sort of situation as opposed to Tanner Rainey?

(21:00) CJ Abrams and Jacob Young were each back in the lineup on Tuesday evening. Young had a an excellent game at the plate as he reached base four times and knocked in a pair of runs. This segment leads to an extended conversation on the state of the team's offense.

(34:00) The Nats look to avoid getting swept on Wednesday afternoon as Patrick Corbin will take the mound, but there is rain the forecast.

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Gore Gets Rocked & Rally Falls Short Jun 04, 2024

The Nats opened the homestand with a 8-7 loss on Monday night to the Mets. Al & Mark recap the game that felt like it was from Pre Pitch Clock era as it lasted almost three and a half hours. MacKenzie Gore's pitching didn't help as he allowed six runs in just over four innings of work. It was first the bad start that Gore has had since May 5th, when he also gave up six runs.

(09:00) The bullpen also struggled in the series opener as Dylan Floro and Jacob Barnes each gave up a run. Tanner Rainey pitched the 9th and it was his first appearance on the mound since May 21st.

(17:00) CJ Abrams and Jacob Young were both out of the lineup and at least one of them might have to head to the IL in the near future. The offense collected 11 hits without them and it included a Joey Gallo HR.

(20:00) Lane Thomas played CF again and had his fourth outfield assist of the season. Is he the best outfield arm that the franchise has ever had?

(27:00) Drew Millas got the start behind the plate but went 0 for 4 and made the final out in the process. Millas came to bat in the bottom of the 9th and strick out with the tying runner standing at 3B.

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Irvin & the Nats Avoid the Sweep Jun 03, 2024

The Nats avoided the sweep with a 5-2 victory on Sunday afternoon in Cleveland to conclude a winning road trip. Mark (From Progressive Field) & Al have another very good Jake Irvin outing to discuss as the young right-hander lasted six innings and threw 98 pitches. Irvin has allowed three runs or fewer in six of his past seven starts.

(05:00) Mark gives the latest on CJ Abrams and Jacob Young, both of which did not play on Sunday. Abrams hurt his shoulder on Friday night and Young exited Saturday with a swollen hand after being hit by a pitch.

(12:00) The bullpen used three arms to finish off the win and the hosts note that there has less relief pitcher usage recently. This is a difficult stretch as the next scheduled off day is not until June 10th.

(16:00) The offense came through with an early four run in the top of the 2nd. Joey Meneses had a RBI double and Ildemaro Vargas, in the lineup for Abrams, collected a RBI single. Lane Thomas had a good afternoon while playing CF as he had two RBIs.

(20:00) Nick Senzel was picked off and the Nationals have now been picked off eight times in the past ten games!

(23:30) Drew Millas and Riley Adams swapped roster spots on Sunday. Adams had a bad game on Saturday behind the plate and the stated reason for the demotion is to get him more at bats and to get work at 1B.

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Sloppy in a Bizarre Defeat Jun 02, 2024

The Nats lost 3-2 on Saturday afternoon in Cleveland for their second straight defeat. Mark (From Ohio) and Al have plenty of sloppy Washington play to sort through, both defensively and on the bases. All of the Guardian runs came in quirky ways when facing Mitchell Parker, including Jose Ramirez scoring from second base on a wild pitch.

(14:00) This season has had plenty of instances of poor base running by the Nationals and Saturday was no different. There was a miscommunication involving the third base coach (Ricky Gutierrez) and yet another player was picked off. The team has been collectively picked off seven times in the past nine games.

(20:00) Jacob Young was hit by a pitch in the third inning and a lot ensued from there. Hear the complicated explanation that led to a Davey Martinez ejection and Young being removed from the game due to swelling in his hand.

(32:00) CJ Abrams was a late scratch from the lineup and Mark explains the situation surrounding that.

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Beaten in Cleveland Jun 01, 2024

The weary traveling Nats lost 7-1 on Friday night in Cleveland. Mark (From Progressive Field) & Al open with the crummy logistics that preceded the Nationals for this series opener as they did not make it to their hotel room until 5 AM after flying in from Atlanta. Davey Martinez gave the team off from "BP" for additional rest.

(06:00) Washington only collected four hits and Luis Garcia Jr. had three of them. Garcia cooled off a bit at the plate in May as opposed to April (.253 vs. .311).

(10:00) Keibert Ruiz missed a tag on a play at the plate that brought in an early Guardians run. This leads to extended discussion on Ruiz's defense so far this season.

(15:30) Not a banner night for the bullpen as they allowed five runs in just two innings of work. The bulk of trouble belonged to Jacob Barnes and he was responsible for three runs while only recording one out. Why didn't Tanner Rainey pitch the bottom of the 8th when the game was out of reach?

(25:30) Patrick Corbin struck out five and allowed a pair of runs in six innings of work. Corbin continues the team's stretch of solid starting pitching.

(28:00) An update on where things stand with Victor Robles and his recent "DFA".

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More Good Pitching Down South May 31, 2024

The Nats won 3-1 on Thursday night to take three out of four games this week in Atlanta. Al & Tim begin with what has become a familiar starting point for this podcast.... solid team pitching. Trevor Williams earned the victory as he lasted into the 6th and four relievers combined for a scoreless effort. The final six outs were recorded by the dynamic duo of Hunter Harvey & Kyle Finnegan.

(17:00) Joey Meneses had the hit of the night with a two run double in the top of the 3rd and came through with five hits during this series. Meneses is hitting .246 this month, which is much better than his April (.200).

(20:00) Jacob Young reached base multiple times and also stole his 17th base of the season. Young's speed created a lot of havoc on Thursday and led to a Braves throwing error.

(26:30) We read a pair of listener submitted email questions. Send us yours to natschatpodcast@gmail.com.

(33:00) As Josh Gibson's stats are very much in the sports news this week, we play a segment from our podcast's interview with Bob Kendrick in June of 2021 about Gibson. Kendrick is the President of the Negro Leagues Hall of Fame in Kansas City, MO.

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Gore Strikes Out Ten in an Atlanta Win May 30, 2024

The Nats beat the Braves 7-2 on Wednesday night to move to 25-29 on the season, putting them on pace for 75 victories this season. Mark & Al have another solid starting pitching performance to discuss as MacKenzie Gore earned the win and did not issue a walk along the way. Gore's ERA so far this season is 2.91 through 11 starts.

(14:00) The bullpen threw nearly four innings, but didn't need to use Kyle Finnegan. Hunter Harvey recorded four outs and pushed his WHIP down to 0.92.

(17:00) Lane Thomas had a big game as he hit a 3 run HR, doubled, singled, stole a pair of bases, and drew a walk.

(24:30) Joey Gallo was in the news on Wednesday and also had a bunt single in the top of the 8th. (https://www.tmz.com/2024/05/28/hayden-hopkins-expecting-child-mlb-player-joey-gallo-not-mark-davis/)

(28:30) Major League Baseball has officially elevated Negro League statistics and the legendary Josh Gibson now owns multiple major records in baseball history. Gibson played a portion of his career in Washington D.C. while with Homestead Grays.

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No Run Support for Irvin May 29, 2024

Jake Irvin was excellent on Tuesday night in Atlanta, but the Nats were shutout 2-0. Mark & Al begin with Irvin who struck out a career high ten batters in six innings of work. This game continued a season long pattern of Irvin not getting a lot of support from his offense. Should he have returned to the mound for the 7th after he through 90 pitches?

(12:00) Max Fried was also superb as he tossed eight scoreless frames. The Nationals continued making costly outs on the bases, including CJ Abrams getting doubled off to stymie a 1st inning rally. Jesse Winker also was picked off and it seems to be a daily occurrence for the team.

(24:00) James Wood was placed on the 7-day IL due to right hamstring tightness. Wood has not played since he was lifted in the middle of Rochester's game on Thursday night. Will Wood make it to D.C. before the All Star Break?

(27:00) Victor Robles has not yet been claimed on waivers after being DFA'd by Washington on Monday. If someone else does pick him up, will it be in the minors?

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Nats Double Up the Braves May 28, 2024

The Nats opened the road trip with an 8-4 Memorial Day victory in Atlanta. Al & Tim have a crowded box score to sort through as the team collected fifteen hits and six Nationals had a multi hit afternoon. Lane Thomas was one of them as he had a pair of hits in his first game since returning from the IL. Thomas had been out since April 24th due to a sprained left MCL.

(07:00) Keibert Ruiz had multiple hits for the fourth consecutive game and his batting average has shot up by 53 points since Friday afternoon (.210).

(11:00) Victor Robles was the odd man out after the return of Thomas. Robles was DFA'd and the man that was chosen over him (Jacob Young) had a trio of hits in the win. What exactly went wrong for Robles?

(21:00) Mitchell Parker had a shutout going until the bottom of the 7th. The hosts make the argument that he has been the most pleasant surprise so far in 2024.

(27:30) Derek Law was the only reliever to struggle, but did induce a rally ending double play in the bottom of the 7th. The final six outs were recorded by the dynamic duo of Hunter Harvey & Kyle Finnegan.

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Pen Can't Hang On for the Sweep May 27, 2024

The Nats led 5-4 entering the top of the 8th, but the Mariners jumped on the bullpen to hand Washington a 9-5 defeat on Sunday afternoon. Mark & Al have a different Dylan Floro conversation than the day before as he gave up a pair of runs and took the loss. It was the third consecutive day that Floro took the mound and it was his worst outing of the season.

(10:00) The offense came through with two homers as they came from Joey Gallo and CJ Abrams. It was the first homer for Abrams since April 29th.

(14:00) Keibert Ruiz had two hits on Sunday and had six hits in the weekend series as he is playing better as of late.

(16:30) Victor Robles started in CF and stole a base late in the game. Lane Thomas is expected to return from the IL on Monday and thus Sunday could have been Robles' final game with the franchise.

(20:00) Patrick Corbin and the Nationals fell behind 4-0 early and the lefty made it through six innings, which has become his norm this year.

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Nats Defeat the Mariners Again May 26, 2024

The Nats beat the Mariners 3-1 on Saturday afternoon in D.C. for their second consecutive victory. Al & Mark have another fine outing by Trevor Williams to recap as he only allowed one run in five innings of work. Williams gave up a solo homer to Julio Rodriguez and it is only the second home run hit off of him this season.

(9:00) The bullpen was nearly flawless as they only allowed one base runner in the final four frames. Dylan Floro earned the win after throwing a scoreless top of the 7th and his ERA is remarkably at 0.35 so for this season. Kyle Finnegan notched his 14th save of the year and the first for him since facing the White Sox on May 14th.

(17:30) Mark explains a stark moment where Davey Martinez out managed his Seattle counterpart Scott Servais and it involves Ildemaro Vargas.

(22:30) Keibert Ruiz had another multi hit day as he singled, doubled, and came through with a RBI sacrifice fly. Four of his past seven hits have been for extra bases in this recent stretch.

(28:00) Cade Cavalli had another rehab stint in West Palm Beach and struck out eight hitters in four innings of work.

(32:00) Mitchell Parker is getting an extra day of rest as the team is monitoring his workload. Are Jake Irvin and MacKeznie Gore under the same scrutiny?

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Gore & Trio of Homers Beat Seattle May 25, 2024

The Nats beat visiting Seattle 6-1 on Friday evening to open the three game series. Al & Tim begin with MacKenzie Gore who lasted seven frames for just the 2nd time in his career. Gore struck out eight Mariners and did so on just 98 pitches. He might be on the way to an All Star season as we approach Memorial Day.

(09:00) Hunter Harvey and Dylan Floro each threw scoreless innings to preserve the victory for Washington. Is this the best early season bullpen in team history?

(14:00) The offense came through with three home runs in the win. Luis Garcia Jr. hit a 3 run HR, Keibert Ruiz went deep for the third time this season, and Eddie Rosario's solo homer came at the expense of former Nats pitcher Austin Voth.

(26:00) James Wood was pulled in the middle of AAA-Rochester's game on Thursday and it fueled tons of speculation on social media. It turns out it was due to due to right hamstring tightness and Wood was not in the lineup on Friday.

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Offense Sputters Again May 23, 2024

The Nationals lost the series rubber match to the Twins 3-2 on Wednesday afternoon in D.C. Mark & Al run through another collectively dismal day for the team's offense. Joey Gallo made the final out and went hit-less in the loss. Gallo is hitting just .126 so far this season and 3 for 21 since returning from the IL.

(09:00) CJ Abrams has had a rough May and Davey Martinez criticized his current approach at the plate after the game. Abrams is hitting .205 this month after hitting .305 in April.

(18:45) Lane Thomas will be back in Washington in the near future and the hosts discuss whether this could mean a "DFA" is coming for Victor Robles.

(20:30) Jake Irvin had a solid outing as he only allowed a pair of runs in 6 IP. Irvin has made ten starts this season and his ERA is currently below 4.00.

(28:00) The Nats are off on Thursday and open a home series on Friday night vs. Seattle. Will James Wood get called up before then?

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Minnesota Crushes Corbin May 22, 2024

The Nats were shutout 10-0 on Tuesday night by visiting Minnesota and it is the 3rd time in the past week that they didn't score a run in defeat. Al & Mark begin with a familiar refrain, the one where they recap terrible start by Patrick Corbin. He allowed eight runs and his ERA is now at 6.29. Mark does explain though why he feels Corbin's time might actually be running out in the starting rotation.

(10:00) A look at where both Josiah Gray and Cade Cavalli are in their rehabs.

(15:00) Tanner Rainey did not give up a run in the top of the 9th, but he did hit two batters.

(17:00) The offense only gathered three hits and Jacob Young had two of them. CJ Abrams went 0 for 3 and he is hitting .263 so far this season.

(21:30) The latest on all of the top Nationals prospects including Dylan Crews, Brady House, and James Wood. Will Wood get called up to Washington before the calendar hits June 1st? Crews is hitting .315 in the month of May and House hit his 9th homer of the season on Tuesday.

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Bats Wake Up to End the Skid May 21, 2024

The Nats routed the Twins 12-3 on Monday night in Navy Yard to end their five game losing streak. Mark & Al have a lot of positive offensive statistics to sift through for a change as they collected fourteen hits and hit a pair of homers (Luis Garcia Jr. & Jesse Winker).

(04:30) Eddie Rosario continued his hot May as he had two hits, scored three runs, stole a base, and scored all the way from 1B on an errant throw to the outfield.

(10:30) Keibert Ruiz singled and doubled in the victory while hitting in the bottom part of the order. He now has four hits in the past four games despite hitting just .165 on the season.

(18:20) Mitchell Parker earned the win as he struck out seven Twins in six innings of work. Parker ended the outing on a good note as he wriggled out of a jam shortly after allowing a two run home run to Carlos Correa.

(27:00) Dylan Floro threw a scoreless top of the 9th and his ERA is a jaw dropping 0.38 on the season.

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Swept in Philly May 19, 2024

The Nats lost 11-5 on Sunday afternoon in Philadelphia for their fifth consecutive defeat. Mark (From Philly) & Al discuss the Nationals being on the wrong end of a sweep and a disappointing 2-7 road trip.

(05:00) One positive of the day was that the offense ended their almost week long homer drought as Eddie Rosario and Jesse Winker each cleared the fences. The team has left the yard very few times in the past couple of weeks, but Rosario has nonetheless done so five times.

(12:00) Lane Thomas was seen running the bases in pregame workouts as he has been on the IL since April 24th due to a sprained left MCL.

(17:00) Trevor Williams had his worst outing of the season as he did not last five innings. Williams was not pitch efficient as he needed 97 pitches to get through just 4.1 IP.

(21:00) Tanner Rainey took the mound for the first time since May 4th and did not have a good outing as it included allowing three runs, issuing back to back walks, and giving up a homer to Alec Bohm. Was this his final ever appearance in a Nationals uniform?

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One Out Away But a Loss in Extras May 19, 2024

The Nats led 3-2 in the bottom of the 9th but ultimately lost 4-3 in ten innings in Philadelphia on Saturday evening. Mark (From Philly) & Al examine the final two frames that saw Kyle Finnegan blow the save in the 9th and take the loss in the 10th. Finnegan retired the first two batters in the bottom of the 9th, but then gave up a game tying solo homer to Kody Clemens (yes, he is Roger Clemens' son).

(07:00) The game ended on a Bryce Harper sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 10th . There were runners on 2nd and 3rd and Al asks Mark if Davey Martinez should have intentionally walked Harper and faced Alec Bohm instead.

(16:00) MacKenzie Gore pitched very well and went into the bottom of the 7th. He did not reach 100 pitches in the outing, which is an improvement from a pitch efficiency standpoint. He has not yet given up more than three earned runs in any start so far this season.

(22:00) The offense collected 11 hits, but still only came through with three runs. The team has now gone five consecutive games without hitting a homer. CJ Abrams & Ildemaro Vargas each had a trio of hits on Saturday and Vargas' average is at .320 for the year.

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Nats Drop Their 3rd Straight May 18, 2024

The Nats fell 4-2 in Philadelphia on Friday night and have dropped three straight games on the road trip. Mark (From Citizen's Bank Park) & Al yet again go over a struggling offense that only collected four hits. Oddly enough, all four hits were doubles. One of them came from Joey Gallo, who was just called up from AAA following his rehab stint.

(12:30) Trey Lipscomb was the player sent down to AAA make room for Gallo on Friday afternoon. It is the second time this season that Lipscomb has demoted from Washington. Should Joey Meneses have been the player sent to Rochester instead?

(23:00) Jake Irvin took the loss after giving up four runs in five innings of work. He threw a wild pitch and also hit two Phillies batters during the start. Mark notes how Irvin was profusely sweating during the outing.

(29:00) Cade Cavalli will soon open his rehab window down in Florida. Mark explains what this means and when he might return to the mound in D.C.

(32:00) An update on Josiah Gray who has been on the IL for over a month.

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Blanked Again by the White Sox May 16, 2024

The Nats dropped the rubber match in Chicago as they were shutout for the second straight game in a 2-0 defeat on Wednesday afternoon. Mark (From the South Side) & Al discuss the batting order, which did not include many regulars and had Ildemaro Vargas hitting 3rd. Among those not in the starting lineup were CJ Abrams, Jesse Winker, Luis Garcia Jr., and Eddie Rosario.

(06:00) Keibert Ruiz went 0 for 4 and struck three times. This season has been a rough one for Ruiz and his OPS is at a startling .393.

(13:00) Mark gives an update on Lane Thomas after watching him run the bases during pregame warmups. He has been out three weeks with a sprained knee.

(17:20) Patrick Corbin was dealt the loss as he gave up a pair of runs off of six hits in 5.2 IP. Three bullpen arms behind arm did record the final eight outs without ceding a run.

(27:00) GM Mike Rizzo was on 106.7 The Fan and was not shy about the defense's recent struggles. Vargas committed an error on Wednesday and this came a day after the team made three in the same inning.

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Fedde Shutout Caps the Doubleheader Split May 15, 2024

The Nats and White Sox split their doubleheader on Tuesday in Chicago. Mark (From the South Side) & Al begin with Game 2, where former National Erick Fedde threw seven scoreless innings in the 4-0 shutout vs. his old team. Fedde pitched in South Korea in 2023 and was non tendered by Washington in November of 2022.

(07:00) The Nats registered ten hits in their 6-3 victory in Game 1 as Joey Meneses had four of them. The last time he had that many hits in a game was September 1st, 2022 when he hit a walk-off homer vs. Oakland.

(11:00) Trey Lipscomb had a trio of hits in the win and stole a pair of bases. He did however commit his seventh error of the season as he did not play well defensively at 3B.

(18:30) Eddie Rosario won NL Player of the Week and followed that up with a hit in each game on Tuesday.

(20:00) Trevor Williams gave up his first homer of the season and had a no decision in his Game 1 outing as he did not have the benefit of good defense behind him. Mitchell Parker took the loss in Game 2 as he ceded three runs in five frames.

(33:00) Al was mystified at how empty Guaranteed Rate Field was during Game 1. Mark gives a firsthand account of just how few people were in the stands.

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Robles' Miscues Lowlight the Loss May 13, 2024

The Nats lost 3-2 in Boston on Sunday afternoon to lose the weekend series. Al & Tim scratch their heads at the mistakes made by Victor Robles as he dropped a routine fly ball and the next inning had inexplicable base running that led to a crucial out. Davey Martinez noted afterwards that he considered removing Robles from the game.

(13:00) Robles was not the only cuprit on the bases as the Nats made multiple outs that way on Sunday. Nick Senzel was picked off in the top of 7th and Jacob Young was thrown out trying to steal 2nd for the final out of the game.

(16:00) Eddie Rosario homered again as he continued his red hot start to the month of May. He is 10 for his last 22 with four homers mixed in there.

(22:00) MacKenzie Gore struck out nine hitters and overall pitched well despite the loss. All of the runs he gave up came in the wacky of the bottom of the 2nd. Gore tossed a career high 111 pitches on in six frames.

(30:00) The Nationals move their road trip to the White Sox for a three game series. Chicago is in last place, but recently won four straight.

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A Loss in Boston but Impressive Outing by Irvin May 12, 2024

The Nats lost 4-2 in Boston on Saturday afternoon to return to .500 through 38 games. Al begins with Davey Martinez's decision to pitch Robert Garcia for the entirety of the bottom 8th as a tied game became 4-2 before the end of the frame.

(05:00) Jake Irvin lasted a career high seven innings and exited the game when it was tied 2-2. Irvin struck out six and threw 103 pitches in the outing. Al notes how big it is that it seems that Irvin can be a long term rotation piece as it shows the improvement in the franchise's player development.

(09:30) How much credit should we give Sean Doolittle for the pitching staff's performance thus far? He was hired in the off season as a "Pitching strategist".

(14:00) The offense had just two solo homers and only once had a runner in scoring position. Eddie Rosario homered for the third time in May and he is hitting .409 this month after hitting .053 in April.

(20:00) James Wood homered twice in Game 1 of a doubleheader on Saturday. Wood has seven homers on the season and five of them have come this week.

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Corbin Earns the Win in Fenway May 11, 2024

The Nats are back above .500 as they began their road trip with a 5-1 victory in Boston on Friday night. Al & Mark have a Patrick Corbin vwon to open with as he only allowed one run five innings of work. Corbin gave up seven hits, but was the beneficiary of great defense by Victor Robles early in the affair.

(10:00) It was another busy night for the bullpen as five arms came on in relief to toss four shutout frames. Harvey made his 19th appearance of the season, which is more than half of the team's games thus far.

(17:00) All of the Nationals runs came with two outs against them. Leading the charge was "Mr. May" AKA Eddie Rosario as he continued his total reversal from April. He had a pair of hits, stole a base, and scored two runs with some heads-up base running.

(21:00) Robles had two hits and had a stolen base. Robles played RF in his first game back since landing on the IL early in the season as Jacob Young was in CF.

(30:00) Jake Irvin takes the mound on Saturday afternoon and the Nats currently are in 3rd place all by themselves in the NL East.

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Outlasted in Extras May 09, 2024

The Nats rallied in the bottom of the 9th and 11th, but came up short on Wednesday night in a 7-6 loss to the Orioles in 12 innings. Al & Mark catch their breath after one of the best ever "Battle of the Beltways" as the Nationals held their own this week against the top record in the American League.

(08:00) Eddie Rosario homered in the 9th and had two hits in the loss. Rosario only had three hits in all of April, but already has six hits thus far in May.

(16:00) Keibert Ruiz has been scuffling big time lately, but came through with two hits on Wednesday. It was his first multi hit game since March 30th in Cincinnati.

(18:00) Mitchell Parker allowed a pair of runs in 5.2 IP in his 5th MLB start. The best part of his stat line was that 53 of his 77 pitches were for strikes.

(21:20) A staggering seven relievers were used as a day off awaits Washington on Thursday. Every available arm in the bullpen was used except for Tanner Rainey.

(27:00) James Wood homered twice on Wednesday in Scranton and Davey Martinez reiterated that the organization will be patient before calling up the team's top ranked prospect.

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Over .500 in Shutout Fashion May 08, 2024

For the first time in almost three years, the Nationals are over .500 on the season as they now are 18-17 after shutting out the visiting Orioles 3-0 on Tuesday night. Mark & Al put in perspective just how long it has been since the team has had a winning record, which is all the way back in early July 2021.

(05:10) Trevor Williams continued his excellent start to the season as he struck out eight O's in his 5 IP. His ERA is 1.96 after seven starts in 2024 and Williams has not surrendered a homer.

(12:45) Four relievers combined to only give up one hit in the final four frames of the victory. Robert Garcia, fresh off the IL, threw a 1-2-3 top of the 6th. Kyle Finnegan notched his 12th save of the season, which leads all of baseball.

(18:00) The Nats drew six walks and collected six hits in the victory. What stood out the most on Tuesday was that they stole four bases and three of them came against Baltimore starter Corbin Burnes.

(24:10) Victor Robles returned to the active roster, but Jacob Young got the start in CF. Davey Martinez mentioned that Robles might see action in RF as Young has played well this season.

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Nats Overcome an Early Five Run Deficit May 06, 2024

The Nats beat the Blue Jays 11-8 in a wild affair to capture the weekend series on a Sunday afternoon in Navy Yard after trailing 6-1 early in the game. Mark & Al have a lot to get to, but begin with Luis Garcia who had three crucial hits and knocked in four runs. Garcia homered twice in the series and is now hitting .337 so far this season.

(12:00) Jesse Winker slugged a 3 run HR to put Washington ahead 7-6 in the bottom of the 4th. Winker also doubled on Sunday for his first multi hit game since April 27th.

(15:00) Eddie Rosario had his biggest hit yet since joining the team as he clubbed a 2 run HR to break the 8-8 tie and put the Nationals up for good. Rosario's averaged is now .117 and raised 34 points over the weekend series.

(22:00) Davey Martinez used six relievers on Sunday as the team finally have an off day coming up. The final seven outs came from the trusty duo of Hunter Harvey and Kyle Finnegan.

(25:00) MacKenzie Gore only lasted three innings and committed one of the three errors charged to the team. Gore needed 76 pitches to get his nine outs as he gave up six runs, including a grand slam to Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

(33:00) The Orioles come to D.C. on Tuesday for a quick two game series. Baltimore has the AL's best record and the Nats will have another opportunity to get back over .500.

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Sloppy Defense in Loss to the Jays May 05, 2024

The Nats lost 6-3 to visiting Toronto on a soggy Saturday afternoon. Al recaps the defeat as the Nationals yet again miss an opportunity to move above .500. The defense was bad as they committed four errors and all four runs that Jake Irvin allowed were unearned. Nick Senzel had two throwing errors in the loss and Trey Lipscomb also struggled at 1B.

(10:00) Tanner Rainey tossed a scoreless top of the 9th inning. It ends a string of three consecutive outings of giving up at least one run.

(13:10) A consolation prize for the offense on Saturday was that they drew five walks. Al notes the increase in walk percentage for this franchise this season.

(16:00) Eddie Rosario earned his first hit at Nationals Park this season and his batting average is now up to .096.

(19:00) MacKenzie Gore takes the mound on Sunday afternoon in the series rubber match, weather permitting.

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A Rally Turns Into a Rout May 04, 2024

The Nats beat the visiting Blue Jays 9-3 on Friday night after initially trailing 3-0 in the 2nd inning. Al & Mark begin with Luis Garcia Jr., who did not start but flipped the game with a pinch hit 3 run HR in the bottom of the 7th to grab the lead. Garcia has been platooned as of late, but he is hitting .300 on the season.

(13:30) Jacob Young exited the evening early due to back spasms. Young hit lead-off as Davey Martinez decided to tinker the lineup after the series loss in Texas.

(18:45) CJ Abrams had an excellent game in the field as he made multiple highlight plays. Mark notes his defensive progress over the past year.

(27:45) Hunter Harvey tossed a scoreless top of the 8th and Al points out that it is already his 15th appearance of the season as the Nationals have only played 32 games.

(33:00) Weather permitting, Washington on Saturday afternoon will attempt to go over .500 for the first time since July 1st, 2021. Jake Irvin is slated to oppose fellow right hander Kevin Gausman.

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Blanked in Texas May 03, 2024

The Nats were shutout 6-0 in Thursday afternoon's rubber match in Arlington to return to a game under .500. Mark (From Texas) & Al discuss the Nationals bats staying cold as they only scored two runs in the entire series. The offense collected just four hits in the loss and Eddie Rosario (.086) was one of the starters that did not get one.

(17:00) Mitchell Parker took his first MLB loss as he gave up three runs off of six hits in 5.1 IP. Mark explains that Parker did not get all the help possible from his defense early on in the outing.

(21:00) The game was 3-0 until the bottom of the 8th when Matt Barnes allowed three runs and his ERA currently sits at 6.75.

(24:30) Victor Robles has played CF in AAA-Rochester for the past few days and tripled. Might he be called up for this weekend vs. Toronto?

(25:30) This week the Nats faced Wyatt Langford, who the Rangers selected one pick after Dylan Crews last summer. This leads to a discussion about Crews' MLB timetable as he has been OK so far this season with AA-Harrisburg.

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Williams & 'Pen Shutout the Rangers May 02, 2024

The Nats blanked the Rangers 1-0 on Tuesday night to return to .500 through 30 games. Mark (Live from Texas) & Al start with Trevor Williams, who is now 3-0 on the season in six outings. Williams lasted 5 IP and did not allow a run despite loading the bases in multiple innings.

(12:30) The bullpen tossed four scoreless innings and it included Dylan Floro taking the mound in the 7th. Is he the new 7th inning guy in the "A Bullpen?". Kyle Finnegan notched his tenth save of the season, which is tied for the MLB lead.

(16:30) Alex Call had the game's lone RBI and it was his first in the majors this season. The offense had five hits on the night and has not yet drawn a walk in this series.

(19:30) Jacob Young was barely thrown out trying to steal 2nd and it ends his streak of 25 consecutive successful stolen bases to begin his career.

(25:40) It is the Nationals first 1-0 victory on the road since.... 2017!

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Only 3 Hits in Defeat to Close Out April May 01, 2024

The Nats four game win streak came to a halt on Tuesday night in Arlington as they fell 7-1 at the Rangers. Mark (From Texas) & Al begin with the slumping Eddie Rosario, who went 0 for 3 in the loss and is hitting just .088 so far this season. Rosario was signed during Spring Training to a minor league deal after playing the past few years in Atlanta.

(9:30) Keibert Ruiz also went 0 for 3 and is hitting .143 so far. Ruiz does not have a hit since returning the lineup last Thursday vs. the Dodgers.

(14:00) MacKenzie Gore gave up two runs in 5 IP and struck out seven Rangers. Gore has only allowed two runs or fewer in four of his six starts so far this season.

(20:00) Tanner Rainey really struggled again as he gave up three runs in the bottom of the 8th. His ERA is at 9.32 and his velocity is noticeably lower than it used to be. As hard as it is to say to this 2019 contributor, will he be DFA'd soon?

(25:00) April is over and the Nationals came very close to finishing over .500 as they sit at 14-15. Mark gives his observations from the opening month of the season.

(30:00) Owen Ranger, who covers the Harrisburg Senators for "Nats Report", gives an update on the team's prospects in AA.

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Nats At .500 After the Sweep Apr 30, 2024

The Nats beat the Marlins 7-2 on Monday night to complete the four game sweep on the road and they are now exactly at .500 for the season. Mark and Al begin with CJ Abrams who slugged his 7th homer of the year, rare territory for this franchise. This leads to a conversation on whether or not a long term extension with the shortstop is in the works.

(15:30) The Nats had a trio of doubles and Nick Senzel was one of them as he continued his scorching stretch. He came very close to going deep again and his slugging percentage is at .641.

(18:15) Jacob Young had an incredible series as he scored nine runs and stole six bases in Miami. He is the first player to accomplish that feat in over 100 years!

(22:45) Jake Irvin earned the win as he pitched six frames and only allowed a pair of runs. This was nice bounce back outing for Irvin after he gave up a dozen hits to the Dodgers last week.

(30:30) Washington moves their road trip to Texas as they face the defending World Series champions. A victory on Tuesday would give the Nats their first winning April in the Davey Martinez Era.

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Senzel Homers Twice in the Comeback Win Apr 29, 2024

The Nats beat the Marlins 12-9 on Sunday afternoon after falling behind 6-0 in the 1st inning. Al & Tim recap the big comeback on what is fittingly the ninth anniversary of the famous "Dan Uggla Game", one of the more memorable rallies in team history. It was the Nationals third straight victory and they go for the sweep on Monday night.

(05:00) The scoring for Washington began in the 4th and that is when Nick Senzel hit the first of his two homers in the game. Senzel has homered four times in the team's past four games.

(08:00) Jacob Young had another excellent game as he had three hits, stole two bases, and scored two runs while playing CF.

(16:30) Alex Call had another a very impactful game just one day after getting promoted from Rochester. Call scored three times and had an outfield assist. Hear why Tim refers to him as a "AAAAA Player".

(19:30) Patrick Corbin allowed seven runs and saw Miami bat around in the opening inning. Will this be the season that he loses his spot in the rotation?

(28:00) Hunter Harvey recorded a five out hold and Kyle Finnegan notched his 9th save of the season. Derek Law struck out three Marlins in two innings of work.

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Nats Slam the Marlins Apr 28, 2024

The Nats trounced Miami 11-4 on Saturday afternoon for their second consecutive win over the Marlins. Al recaps the easy road victory as the offense totaled 11 hits and slugged a trio of homers.

(03:00) Jesse Winker hit a grand slam that gave Washington a 6-1 edge in the middle of the game. He also had an infield single that brought in Jacob Young, who scored four runs on Saturday while also stealing a pair of bases.

(11:00) Mitchell Parker had a short outing as he only lasted four frames. He gave up six hits, but only allowed one run that came in on a wild pitch. He threw 82 pitches in the afternoon, which is the most he's thrown yet with the Nationals in three starts.

(14:00) The bullpen initially combined for four scoreless frames, but the bottom of the 9th did not go well for Tanner Rainey in mop up duty. He gave up three runs and has struggled mightily this season.

(15:30) Joey Gallo was placed on the IL due to a AC sprain in his left shoulder. Alex Call takes his roster spot and it was another time that the franchise decided not to bring up James Wood.

(22:00) Tim is joined by the President of "Expos Fest", Perry Giannias for an explanation of what the annual event is as they held it last weekend. Many Expos alumni were in attendance including Pedro Martinez and Moises Alou. Expos Fest supports a wonderful charitable cause and and one can visit exposfest.com to learn more information.

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Meneses Drives in All 3 Runs in the Win Apr 27, 2024

The Nats beat the Marlins 3-1 on Friday night in Miami to end their three game skid. Al & Mark have another episode of praise for Trevor Williams as he only allowed one run in five innings of work. He has not had a bad outing in his five starts so far this season.

(11:40) The bullpen used three pitchers and threw four shutout frames while issuing zero walks. Derek Law did the bulk of the work as he tossed a pair of innings and came away with the win.

(15:45) All eight of the Nationals hits were singles and the biggest came from Joey Meneses as his 2 run single in the top of the 8th broke the tie. Meneses has eleven hits in the last week an his average has gone from .192 up to .256.

(22:00) Joey Gallo struck out three times and has done so in three consecutive games. He leads MLB in strikeouts and only has three homers on the season.

(27:15) Cade Cavalli drove to Miami from his rehab in West Palm and revealed that he is hoping to return to the mound in mid May in the minor leagues. He has been out since Spring Training last year after undergoing Tommy John Surgery.

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Yamamoto Outduels Gore to Sweep the Nats Apr 26, 2024

The Nats were swept by the visiting Dodgers on Thursday afternoon as they came up on the wrong side of a pitcher's duel. Mark & Al begin with MacKenzie Gore's noble effort in defeat as his only blemish was allowing an early Solo HR. Gore also threw over 100 pitches, a rarity for him thus far. L.A.'s starter however, the highly paid Yoshinobu Yamamoto tossed six shutout frames.

(12:00) The offense could only muster one run and it came on a Joey Meneses RBI single in the bottom of the 8th. Among those struggling at the plate, Joey Gallo is hitting just .129 this season. Eddie Rosario is also well below the "Mendoza Line" so far this year. The good news though is that Meneses had a trio of hits in this game and his first extra base hit since the second game of the season.

(19:10) Keibert Ruiz was reinstated from the IL and played for the first time since April 8th. Davey Martinez did praise Riley Adams for how well he played while Ruiz was out of the lineup for an extended time.

(25:00) Mark gives an update on Dylan Crews, who has not been in Harrisburg's lineup for over a week.

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Routed by L.A. Apr 25, 2024

The Nats were clobbered 11-2 by the visiting Dodgers on Wednesday evening. Mark & Al examine the rough start by Jake Irvin as he allowed a dozen hits and six runs in 4.2 IP. This came a week after he tossed six shutout frames against this same lineup at Dodger Stadium.

(11:00) It was another night that needed five bullpen arms and the final two did not perform well. Tanner Rainey and Jacob Barnes combined to give up five runs in the final two innings to put the game completely out of reach. This resurfaces the conversation on the need for a long man in the 'pen.

(20:00) Lane Thomas was placed on the 10-day IL with a sprain of the left MCL. His roster replacement was Trey Lipscomb, who was called back up less than ten days after being sent down to AAA. Lipscomb played 1B on Wednesday and that sent Joey Gallo to the outfield.

(28:00) The Nationals had very good injury luck last season, but that does not seem to be repeating itself in 2024. We close with a conversation on James Wood and comparing him to the situation with the scuffling Jackson Holliday in Baltimore.

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Bullpen Struggles in Loss to the Dodgers Apr 24, 2024

The Nats lost 4-1 to the Dodgers on Tuesday night in D.C. Al & Mark open with the multiple costly base running miscues that Washington committed, especially the instance that came in the bottom of the 9th. Did third base coach Ricky Gutierrez throw up the "stop sign" too late for Luis Garcia Jr.?

(09:00) Lane Thomas injured his leg on a stolen base attempt in the bottom of the 5th. He initially stayed in the game and a few innings he was removed. Thomas will get a MRI on Wednesday morning....... could this lead to James Wood getting called up to fill the likely vacant roster spot?

(18:30) The bullpen allowed all four runs in just four innings of work. Five more arms took the mound out of the 'pen in this game, in what seems to be the norm for the team this season. Hunter Harvey ceded a pair of runs and was tagged with the loss.

(25:20) Patrick Corbin tossed a scoreless outing in 5.1 and only allowed three hits.

(30:00) Mark gives an update on both Keibert Ruiz and Josiah Gray.

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Parker Blanks the Astros Apr 22, 2024

The Nats shutout Houston 6-0 on Sunday afternoon to capture the series. Mark & Al sing the praises of Mitchell Parker, who tossed seven shutout frames in just his 2nd career start. Have they found a "Diamond in the Rough"?

(15:30) The offense came through with 11 hits and immediately scored three runs off of Hunter Brown. Luis Garcia Jr. continued his strong April as he had a trio of hits and knocked in two runs.

(20:40) Keibert Ruiz will likely make a rehab appearance with AA Harrisburg on Tuesday as he hopes to return soon from an extended absence due to influenza. The last game he appeared in was April 8th in San Francisco.

(24:30) A look at the upcoming schedule as the Dodgers come to D.C. on Tuesday. The hosts note how few divisional games are upcoming as they don't face the Braves until late May and no Mets 'til early June.

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Meneses Walk Off Single in Extras Caps the Comeback Apr 21, 2024

The Nats topped the Astros 5-4 in 10 innings on Saturday afternoon in D.C.. Mark relays to Al what the atmosphere was like at Nationals Park as this was centerpiece of the 2019 World Series Anniversary Weekend.

(05:00) Joey Meneses had three hits and most importantly came through with a RBI single to end the game while DHing. His batting average went up from .182 to .217 due to Saturday's performance.

(10:30) Jesse Winker tied up the game with a 2 run single in the bottom of the 9th. One of the runners that it brought in was CJ Abrams, who homered in the bottom of the 1st as he returned to the lead-off spot.

(15:30) Lane Thomas had a outfield assist to throw out Jose Altuve at home to conclude the top of the 10th. Mark gives a detailed an in person perspective of the crucial defensive play.

(18:00) It was another strong outing for Trevor Williams who is sporting an ERA below 3.00 through four starts this season. If you look at the numbers, he has been Washington's best pitcher thus far. Veteran listeners won't be surprised what suggestion Al has for the franchise regarding Williams.

(26:00) A round-up of the bullpen from the victory as five arms were utilized. Tanner Rainey threw a scoreless top of the 9th as he pitched for the second straight day.

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Short Outing for Gore vs. the Astros Apr 20, 2024

The Nats lost 5-3 to the Astros on Friday evening in D.C. Al & Tim discuss MacKenzie Gore only lasting four innings as he needed thirty-seven pitches to get out of the top of the 2nd.

(09:00) Riley Adams homered and has continued to produce at the plate while Keibert Ruiz has been out due to the flu. Will Adams see more time at DH when Ruiz returns?

(14:30) Davey Martinez was ejected in after the 8th inning following Ildemaro Vargas getting caught stealing. Martinez felt there was obstruction by Houston's Jeremy Pena, but that particular call at 2nd base can not be challenged. This came with CJ Abrams up at the plate and two outs while trailing by three runs.

(19:00) Joey Meneses is hitting .182 and only has one extra base hit. Is he in danger of getting sent down?

(25:00) This was the beginning of the World Series anniversary weekend and Tim relays his observations of the scene at the stadium. Spotted at the ballpark on Friday night behind home plate were Anibal Sanchez, Kurt Suzuki, and Brian Dozier.

(35:00) The Voice of the Harrisburg Senators Terry Byrom gives an update on Dylan Crews and the rest of team in AA.

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Irvin & 'Pen Shutout the Dodgers Apr 18, 2024

The Nats blanked the Dodgers 2-0 on Wednesday afternoon to finish their road trip out West with a winning record. Mark (From LA) & Al recap Jake Irvin's excellent outing as he tossed six shutout frames in the victory. One lingering question after his start though was should he have returned for the 7th, given that he only threw 73 pitches?

(10:00) Three members of the bullpen combined to preserve the shutout. Kyle Finnegan notched his 7th save of the season while throwing a 1-2-3 bottom of the 9th and he is tied for the MLB lead in the saves category.

(14:00) CJ Abrams led the game off with his 5th homer of the season while facing a pitcher making his MLB debut (Landon Lack). More than half of Abrams' hits so far this season are extra base ones ( 10 out of 18).

(22:00) The victory gave Davey Martinez his 400th win as Nationals manager.

(25:00) Brian Dozier told "The Sports Junkies" on 106.7 The Fan that he believes Stephen Strasburg will be in attendance for this weekend's 5th World Series anniversary festivities. Does Dozier have the scoop or is he mistaken?

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Betts Goes 5 for 5 in Win Over the Nats Apr 17, 2024

The Nats lost 6-2 on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium as Mookie Betts went 5 for 5 against Patrick Corbin and the bullpen. Mark (From LA) & Al discuss Corbin starting the season at 0-3 as he gave up nine hits and five runs in 6.1 IP. This leads to a discussion on the chances of Corbin losing his rotation spot at some point during the season.

(10:30) The only runs Washington scored came off of Jesse Winker's 2 run HR. Winker is currently 3rd in the NL in OPS, only trailing Betts and Atlanta's Marcell Ozuna. He also leads all of MLB in On Base Percentage (.500). Winker has struggled the past few seasons, but in 2021 he hit .305 /w a OPS of .949.

(18:45) Joey Meneses was not in the lineup for another day. Meneses has struggled so far this season as he is hitting .204 w/ an OPS of .522.

(20:30) Jacob Young started again and stole a base. He is a startling 19 for 19 on stolen bases to begin his career.

(27:00) The Nationals announced on Tuesday the members of the 2019 World Series roster who will be part of the festivities at this weekend's 5th Anniversary celebration with the Astros in town. The hosts react to Stephen Strasburg not being listed among the attendees despite his recent official retirement.

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Mitchell Parker Earns the Win in His Debut Apr 16, 2024

The Nats bounced back with a 6-4 series opening victory on Monday night at Dodger Stadium on Jackie Robinson Day. Mark (From LA) & Al begin with praise for Mitchell Parker, who won his MLB debut while facing the loaded Dodgers lineup. It is shockingly the first Nationals pitcher to win his debut since Stephen Strasburg back in 2010. Mark runs through the laundry list of past pitchers who could not pull off the feat in the past 14 years.

(09:00) Four bullpen arms were used and no walks were issued. Kyle Finnegan threw a clean bottom of the 9th to notch his 6th save of the season.

(14:00) CJ Abrams went deep and he is blossoming into a star. His OPS currently stands at 1.004 and he has nine extra base hits so far this season.

(17:30) Luis Garcia Jr. hit a crucial three run HR to extend the Nats lead to 6-2 in the victory. So far this year he is hitting .318 and his strong offensive production has been one of the pleasant 2024 surprises thus far.

(23:30) There were a flurry of roster moves before the game and it included the reinstatement of Nick Senzel and Trey Lipscomb being sent down to AAA. Mark points all the factors that led to the roster crunch that resulted in Lipscomb returning to Rochester.

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Big Lead Squandered in Oakland Apr 15, 2024

The Nats led 6-1 in Oakland but it all fell apart in the 6th inning and they ultimately lost 7-6. Mark (Live from the Oakland Coliseum) & Al recap the disappointing series finale.

(04:36) Derek Law gave up four runs despite retiring the first batter he faced in the bottom of the 6th. This blighted Trevor Williams' final line as two of the three runs he ceded came with Law on the mound. This was another game with many bullpen arms used, as the team sent out 13 relievers collectively over the weekend.

(12:00) Riley Adams caught every game this series as Keibert Ruiz remains out to illness. This hosts note that it turned out to be a mistake in not keeping Drew Millas on the roster as his replacement Amos Willingham never took the mound.

(17:20) The lineup was shuffled and Lane Thomas came through by homering, part of his 3 hits and 3 RBIs on the afternoon while hitting 5th. Jacob Young occupied the lead off spot and delivered with a pair of hits. This leads to Mark giving an update on Victor Robles and hamstring strain.

(23:00) Mitchell Parker will make his MLB debut on the mound on Monday night at Dodger Stadium. Parker was a 5th round pick from the 2020 Draft. He has made one start this year for Rochester and was promoted to AAA in mid September in last season.

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Gore Strikes Out 11 A's in the Win Apr 14, 2024

The Nats beat the Athletics 3-1 in California on Saturday afternoon as MacKenzie Gore tied a career high with 11 strikeouts. Mark (Live from Oakland Coliseum) & Al discuss the southpaw's sterling outing that saw five shutout innings on 90 pitches.

(08:45) CJ Abrams had a pair of hits including a RBI triple and Al notes that it seems like the team's success is directly correlated to Abrams' performance. The triple scored Jacob Young and Mark points out how just how lighting quick both of them are when running the bases.

(13:40) Luis Garcia Jr. also had two hits, one of which was a RBI double to give Washington a 2-0 lead and also flashed leather in the bottom of the 9th. Garcia is hitting .333 so far on the young season and it is to his benefit as Nick Senzel might return to the roster in the near future.

(16:05) Riley Adams had the rare assignment of catching a day game after a night affair as Keibert Ruiz remains out of the lineup due to illness. If Ruiz is sick, why is he in the clubhouse and dugout around the team as opposed to his hotel room?

(21:00) Five relievers combined to give up just one run in four frames and they totaled seven strikeouts. Robert Garcia led the way with a trio of Ks in one inning of work.

(25:30) Who will start on Monday night at Dodger Stadium in place of Josiah Gray?

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Irvin Pitches Well but a Walkoff Loss Apr 13, 2024

The Nats lost 2-1 in Oakland on Friday evening in 10 innings of play. Mark (Live from Oakland Coliseum) & Al begin by noting that this is the final season in this particular stadium as the team will temporarily relocate to Sacramento next year, before ultimately settling in Las Vegas.

(04:40) Jake Irvin only allowed a solo homer in 6 IP on just 74 pitches for his best start of the season thus far.

(08:00) Jesse Winker went 4 for 4 and was the lone source of offense as he clubbed a solo homer to tie up the game in the top of the 9th. Winker was signed to a minor league deal, but so far has been the team's best outfielder.

(15:00) Trey Lipscomb made a base running error to begin the top of the 10th thus nullifying the ghost runner.

(21:30) Keibert Ruiz missed another game due to illness (flu like symptoms) as Riley Adams starting behind the plate on Friday night. Drew Millas was called up on for Wednesday in San Francisco, but was sent back down afterwards because it was originally thought that Ruiz would be ready for the opener in Oakland.

(24:00) Prior to the game Davey Martinez gave an update on Josiah Gray, that he has full range of motion and will start rehabbing soon. Mark adds who who might possibly take Gray's spot in the rotation when the Nationals play at Dodger Stadium in a few days.

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No Sweep for Corbin & the Nats Apr 11, 2024

The Nats lost 7-1 on Wednesday afternoon in San Francisco, ending their three game win streak. Al & Mark (Live from Oracle Park) recap a quiet day for the bats as they only mustered four hits in defeat. The only run came from Joey Gallo, who now has a trio of homers on the young season.

(05:30) Catcher Drew Millas was called up and started behind the plate, replacing Joan Adon on the roster. Millas stepped in for Keibert Ruiz who wasn't feel well, but immediately was sent back down to the minors after the game. Since Adon is not with the Nats, who will take that rotation spot on this road trip?

(13:00) Patrick Corbin took the loss as he allowed seven runs off 11 hits. Corbin's ERA after three outings is 8.44.

(20:00) A discussion on how the bullpen hierarchy is shaping up through a dozen games.

(24:00) As the Orioles have called up heralded prospect Jackson Holliday, will James Wood get promoted to Washington in the near future? We do the best we can to explain the complicated wrinkles involved in the decision and a summation of the Player Prospect Incentive (PPI).

(30:20) Yohandy "Yo Yo" Morales has moved into the top 10 rankings on MLB Pipeline. Morales is an infielder who currently is at AA-Harrisburg and was drafted in the 2nd round last summer out of the University of Miami (FL). Due to Brady House at 3B, Morales very well could end up playing 1B for the franchise.

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Another Win But Gray to the IL Apr 10, 2024

The Nats held on 5-3 in San Francisco on Tuesday night for their 3rd straight victory. Mark (Live from SF) & Al though begin with the news from pregame that Josiah Gray is headed to the 15 day IL with a right elbow/ forearm flexor strain. Despite the news, there were some positive indications from both Gray and Davey Martinez that this does not necessarily mean season ending surgery or anything of that magnitude.

(11:45) Taking Gray's place in the rotation was Joan Adon who serviceable in his four innings of work. Mark explains why Adon was called up from AAA-Rochester instead of Jackson Rutledge.

(16:00) Kyle Finnegan recorded a four out save, but sure made it interesting in the 9th inning as he loaded up the bases with no outs. Finnegan ultimately escaped by inducing a game ending double play to preserve the Nationals win.

(23:00) CJ Abrams returned to the lineup after missing the past three games and certainly delivered. He homered and knocked in a trio of runs on his two hit evening. The hosts take this is opportunity to note how Abrams is truly blossoming into a star.

(27:00) Jacob Young continues to impress while filing in for Victor Robles as he stole three bases and also connected with a pair of hits. A startling stat in the early season is that four Nationals have already stolen three bases in a single game and they have only played 11 games thus far.

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Lipscomb & Co. Spoil Snell's Giants Debut Apr 09, 2024

The Nats cruised to an 8-1 victory on Monday night in San Francisco to begin their west coast road trip. Mark (Live from Oracle Park) & Al begin with the Nationals offense knocking Blake Snell out of the affair after just three innings of work with his new team. The reigning NL Cy Young winner did not sign with the Giants until mid March and therefore missed the bulk of Spring Training.

(05:00) CJ Abrams missed a third straight game, but Mark notes that he did take infield practice in pregame. Abrams has a bone bruise in his pinky finger which likely came on a slide on Friday evening.

(06:30) Trey Lipscomb had the best game of his young career as he had not only had three hits, but also stole three bases, one of which was a steal of home on an impromptu double steal. This was well timed for Lipscomb after struggling in his first home stand.

(11:30) Lane Thomas continued his surge as he clubbed his first homer of the season, part of his three hit evening. Thomas is 7 for his past 11 after scuffling to begin the season.

(14:50) Ildemaro Vargas drew a trio of walks while filling in again for Abrams at SS. The hosts point out how the veteran consistently steps up when given the opportunity.

(19:30) Trevor Williams is 2-0 to begin his season as he only allowed one run in 5 IP on 81 pitches. Last season Williams did not record his 2nd victory until late May in what was a rough season for the right hander.

(23:30) Matt Barnes pitched the final three outs in poetic fashion as he is a UConn alum, shortly after the Huskies defeated Purdue to capture the Men's Basketball National Title.

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Nats Avoid the Sweep + Team Issues Statement on Strasburg Apr 08, 2024

The Nats ended their three game skid with a 3-2 victory over the visiting Phillies on Sunday afternoon. Al & Tim start with MacKenzie Gore's solid performance as earned his first win of 2024 in 5.2 IP of work. A trio of bullpen pitchers (Weems, Harvey, and Finnegan) then combined for ten scoreless outs.

(11:15) Lane Thomas had his best game of the season as he had a pair of hits, stole three bases, and scored the final two runs. The negative for the offense was that CJ Abrams missed a second straight game to a bone bruise in his pinky finger, which is believed to have happened on a Friday night slide.

(16:00) Jesse Winker had an excellent catch in the top of the 9th to avoid a lead-off double in what has been a strong start to his time in Washington. Luis Garcia Jr. had a RBI double and is hitting .333 thus far on the season after being sent down to the minors for portion of 2023.

(25:00) On Sunday Nationals ownership released a statement about the retirement of Stephen Strasburg, which became official on Saturday. Strasburg himself released a statement and Mike Rizzo also met with reporters before the game. Al & Tim then wonder if he is the biggest "Star" in franchise history?

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Strasburg Officially Retires Apr 07, 2024

The Nats lost 5-2 to the Phillies but afterwards in a very subtle manner, it came across the MLB.com's transactions log that Stephen Strasburg is retiring. Mark & Al react to the news that the Strasburg saga has finally been wrapped up. The next homestand will serve as the 5th anniversary celebration of the World Series title as Houston will be in town and they wonder if the timing of that weekend played a role in the eventual resolution.

(15:40) CJ Abrams was a late scratch due to a bone bruise in his pinky finger. Lane Thomas was moved up to the lead-off spot and responded with his first multi hit game of the season.

(20:00) Joey Gallo homered for the 2nd time this week and it is the 200th of his career.

(22:00) Nick Senzel seems to be on track to return to action quicker than initially expected. If Senzel returns to Washington, what will happen to Trey Lipscomb?

(29:00) Jake Irvin gave up four runs in 6 IP and took the loss. Irvin's outing was part of a troubling trend by the Nats starters who do not seem to be taking advantage of the cold weather, which typically leads more dominant pitching.

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Shutout on A Cold Friday Night Apr 06, 2024

On a chilly night in the District, the Nats were blanked 4-0 by the Phillies. Mark & Al start with the struggling offense as they only totaled two hits on the evening. One of those was squandered by poor base running as CJ Abrams tried to stretch an early single into a double.

(06:25) Lane Thomas was hitless and is mightily slumping this season. So far he is just 2 for 28 at the plate and has not had a hit since the home opener.

(10:00) Trey Lipscomb was charged with his 2nd throwing error of the year after airmailing a throw way over 1B. He also has skipped a few throws thus far and has at times been bailed out by Joey Gallo's glove work. During pregame workouts, Lipscomb was also seen getting reps in the outfield. What to make of it?

(15:00) Patrick Corbin's pitching line: 6 IP, 9 H, 4 ER, 3 BB, 6 K on 93 pitches. He had the unusual modern feat of facing the top of the Phillies order for the fourth time. The bullpen followed up with three scoreless innings despite combining to issue six walks.

(24:30) A listener submitted email asking about the scarcity of consistently great relief pitchers.

(31:00) We conclude with a discussion to an article in the Ringer about the rising injury rates for pitchers: https://www.theringer.com/mlb/2024/4/2/24118963/pitcher-injuries-crisis-mlb-study-tommy-john-ucl

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Gray Gets Hammered Again Apr 05, 2024

The Nats lost 7-4 to Pittsburgh in D.C. to drop a 2nd straight rubber match as they are now 2-4 on the season. Al & Mark recap another bad outing by Josiah Gray as he gave up four runs in the opening inning. His ERA so far this season after a pair of starts is 14.04.

(14:00) The offense totaled eight hits after trying to dig themselves out from the early deficit. Lane Thomas was for 0 for 4 and so far he is hitting just .179 on the young season.

(18:00) Joey Gallo doubled and drew a walk in what ended up being a solid series for the new National. Jacob Young started in CF shortly after being called up from Rochester as earlier in the day Victor Robles was placed on the IL due to a hamstring strain.

(20:20) A recap of the bullpen's performance and five arms were needed on Thursday. Tanner Rainey allowed two hits but didn't give up any runs for the first time this season in three appearances.

(31:00) The Phillies come to town this weekend and the hosts ends the show by noting how mediocre the division has been thus far.

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Gallo Homers as Trevor Williams Earns the Win Apr 04, 2024

Wednesday was filled with rain in the DMV, but the skies were clear enough in the early evening for a 5-3 Nationals victory over Pittsburgh. Mark & Al start with Joey Gallo as his first hit with the franchise was fittingly a solo HR. He then later added two more hits after beginning the season 0 for 12.

(08:00) Luis Garcia Jr. doubled three times and knocked in a run. It is the first time in Garcia's career that he pulled off that feat.

(11:40) CJ Abrams had another impressive performance as he had a pair of hits and knocked in two runs. His RBI single was the capper to the four runs that Washington scored in the bottom of the 2nd.

(14:30) Victor Robles exited the game early due to a left hamstring injury and will receive a MRI on Thursday. If he lands on the IL, this would mean the team needs to likely call up another outfielder to fill his spot.

(20:15) Trevor Williams threw the best outing of any Nats starting pitcher so far this season and was rewarded with a victory. He allowed two runs in 5.1 IP and it is his first victory since August 20th of last season.

(24:30) A very encouraging sign was how effective Hunter Harvey and Kyle Finnegan were in preserving the victory after some rough moments so far this season. Finnegan impressed many with his new "sweeper" pitch while notching the Save.

(30:30) The series wraps up on Thursday afternoon as Josiah Gray will take mound. Gray did not pitch well on Opening Day in Cincinnati as the Nationals seek their first series victory of the season.

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More Bullpen Woes in Home Opening Loss Apr 02, 2024

The Nats lost 8-3 to the Pirates in their sold out home opener to begin the season 1-3 for the sixth consecutive year. Mark & Al recap a second straight day filled with bullpen struggles as the game was tied at 4 entering the top of the 8th. Matt Barnes and Tanner Rainey shared responsibility for the four late Pirates runs and overall the quartet of Nats relievers gave up ten hits in the afternoon.

(12:00) MacKenzie Gore threw a so-so start as he gave up a trio of runs in 5.1 IP on 101 pitches. His pitch count was immediately high as it took over 40 pitches to get through the first two innings. Thus far this season, it seems like the Nationals starters are having sluggish beginnings to their outings.

(17:20) The offense overcame a slow start and their performance was highlighted by Riley Adams' longest HR of his career. Adams got the start behind the plate as Keibert Ruiz served as the DH.

(21:40) Victor Robles drew a pair of walks and also stole two bases on Monday. It is the first time that Robles has walked more than once in a game since April 26th last season. The hosts then explain where Robles is fitting into the organization's long term plans.

(26:00) It was Michael A. Taylor's first game at Nationals Park since the World Series believe or not. He played well for Pittsburgh in their win and received a strong ovation from the crowd during introductions and before his initial at bat.

(29:00) What to expect from attendance at Nationals Park this season? The listed crowd was over 40K for Opening Day in D.C.

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Finnegan Blows the Rubber Match Apr 01, 2024

The Nats came one out shy of winning the opening series of the season as they lost 6-5 on Sunday afternoon in Cincinnati. Mark (Live from Cincy) & Al recap the loss where a 5-3 lead with two outs in the 9th quickly turned into a Reds walk-off HR given up by Kyle Finnegan.

(07:30) Trey Lipscomb homered in just his 2nd career game and continues to impress at 3B.

(11:00) CJ Abrams also homered on Sunday, but Al takes issue with a decision for him to attempt a sacrifice bunt despite it working out.

(20:00) Jake Irvin allowed 3 runs in 5 IP in his first start of the season. This leads to a discussion of what to expect from the rotation in early April.

(25:00) The weather forecast this week in D.C. is not great for Opening Day and Monday could potentially be a long one at the ballpark if Tuesday's forecast does not improve.

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9th Inning Rally Leads to First Win of the Season Mar 31, 2024

The Nats scored 3 runs in the 9th to escape with a 7-6 victory on Saturday afternoon. Mark (From Cincinnati) & Al discuss the comeback, which involved a lot of "Small Ball". Keibert Ruiz tied the game by getting hit by a pitch with the bases loaded and Eddie Rosario continued his strong start to the season with the go ahead sacrifice fly. CJ Abrams had a excellent game as he scored a trio of runs and also stole 3 bases in the win.

(11:00) Trey Lipscomb made his Major League debut as the starting 3B and came through with his first career single and flashed the leather too. Lipscomb is the first prospect from the next wave to join the Big League team and was called up after Nick Senzel's Opening Day injury.

(16:00) Jesse Winker had a productive Saturday as the #3 hitter, coming through with a pair of hits, a run scored, and an outfield assist to throw out a runner at the plate.

(23:20) Patrick Corbin lasted 4.1 IP in allowing 4 runs and 7 hits in the final season of his long term contract. His outing began with 3 scoreless outings before the Reds offense awoke.

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Opening Day Loss: Senzel Injured & Gray Hit Hard Mar 29, 2024

The Nats were routed 8-2 on Opening Day on Thursday afternoon in Cincinnati . Mark (Live from Cincy) & Al recap the defeat that got off to an immediate negative tone as third baseman Nick Senzel broke his thumb while fielding a ground ball in warmups. Then Josiah Gray allowed seven runs before the 3rd inning was over, including allowing a pair of HRs to Nick Martini, who entered the game with only 8 career HRs.

(16:20) The offense was very ineffective as only one runner reached scoring position and zero walks were drawn. The only source of offense came from Eddie Rosario who hit a 2 run HR while starting in CF.

(23:00) It didn't take long for our first "TOOTBLAN" on the season as it came in the top of the 1st.

(29:10) Stephen Strasburg was officially placed on the 60-day IL on Thursday. Any update on a potential resolution?

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2024 Season Preview Mar 25, 2024

Mark is back from Florida and so are the Nats as Opening Day is Thursday in Cincinnati. He & Al begin start with the prospect likeliest to begin in Ohio this week and it's not James Wood or Dylan Crews. Hear all the factors that led to Trey Lipscomb escalation up the depth chart within the organization. Lipscomb is an infielder and was drafted by Washington in the 3rd round of the 2022 Draft after playing at the University of Tennessee.

(12:00) An update on the starting rotation which will include Trevor Williams and not Zach Davies. Why is Jackson Rutledge beginning his season in Triple A Rochester?

(19:00) Bullpen Roll Call. Mark explains how competitive spots were for relievers this Spring. As of now, Robert Garcia is the only lefty on the roster.

(22:00) An evaluation of where the Rebuild stands.

(29:00) Davey Martinez is entering his his 7th season at the helm for the Nats. What sort of pressure is there on Davey for this season or none at all? He signed a two year extension in August that runs through the 2025 season.

(34:15) Al poses the question - who most needs to show improvement this season?

(38:30 Both hosts give their official season prediction for the 2024 Washington Nationals.

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Gray Named Opening Day Starter Mar 20, 2024

As Opening Day approaches next week, Mark (From West Palm) & Al react to Davey Martinez giving Josiah Gray the nod to take the mound on March 28th in Cincinnati. Patrick Corbin, who started Opening Day the past two seasons, will get the ball in Game #2. MacKenzie Gore is expected to be the starting pitcher for the home opener on Monday April 1st.

(15:20) An update on the bullpen and which arms are healthy as the regular season approaches.

(19:15) A look at the outfield and first base from a defensive perspective. Eddie Rosario was recently signed to play left field and now Joey Gallo is the primary plan at 1st Why Gallo over Meneses at that spot?

(25:25) Mark runs through why he thinks there might be a defensive regression this season in the infield. Nick Senzel is expected to begin the season at third, but the long term answer at the hot corner remains in flux.

(29:00) Davey publicly scolded Luis Garcia Jr. for a base running miscue, is it indicative of how many chances he's running out of in D.C.?

(32:00) "Robo Umps" has been experimented with in Spring Training and is referred to as the ABS (Automated Balls and Strike System). This has been used recently in minor league games so many of the younger players are familiar with it. Will this be instituted at the Major League level?

(38:00) It is unclear if final cuts will be made before or after the team flies north from Florida. The final Grapefruit League game is Sunday and then on Tuesday in D.C. will be the inaugural futures game featuring prospects at 12:05pm.

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James Wood's Chances to Make the Opening Day Roster Mar 06, 2024

Opening Day is under a month away as Mark & Al convene to discuss the latest with the Nationals. James Wood has been the star of Spring Training and that is where the conversation begins. What are the chances the 21-year-old will be with the Nats on March 28th in Cincinnati?

(08:30) An update on how Dylan Crews and Robert Hassell III have looked during Grapefruit League play.

(11:30) An explanation of the complicated Prospect Promotion Initiative (PPI) that factors into the decision of whether or not to put a highly regarded prospect on the Opening Day roster.

(14:45) A look at the starting rotation and who stacks up where in the pecking order.

(25:35) There have been rave reviews for Sean Doolittle in his new role as pitching strategist, a position he was hired for in mid January. Hear a brief explanation of what his duties entail.

(30:00) Then we turn our focus to what the bullpen looks like this year. Unfortunately there will not be Mason Thompson in 2024 as he will undergo Tommy Johnson surgery.

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James Wood Goes Deep & the Lerners Aren't Selling Feb 26, 2024

The Nats have played a pair of Grapefruit League games and James Wood homered in each one. Mark & Al begin by discussing the team's #2 ranked prospect's mammoth shots in West Palm and Jupiter over the weekend. Wood is 21 years old spent the bulk of 2023 with Double-A Harrisburg. Meanwhile, Robert Hassell III tripled on Saturday night and Dylan Crews already came through with a diving catch.

(11:45) Keibert Ruiz's had a rough start to Spring as he was charged with two catcher interference calls and a passed ball. Mark explains what Keibert is working on in camp after his sub standard 2023 behind the plate.

(16:45) The Lerners have told the Washington Post that they are no longer exploring a sale of the Nats. How much does the timing of this announcement have to do with the specifics of the Orioles sale?

(31:35) Saturday was the deadline for all players to report to Spring Training and Stephen Strasburg was not among them. At the beginning of camp Mike Rizzo indicated he expected Strasburg to be in West Palm by February 24th. Mark explains the latest regarding the situation.

(40:00) Ryan Zimmerman meanwhile is helping out down in Florida. Al wonders what the future holds for "Mr. National".

(47:35) Tim Shovers speaks with Gary Sarnoff about his new book on the 1924 World Champion Washington Senators, "Team of Destiny: Walter Johnson, Clark Griffith, Bucky Harris, and the 1924 Washington Senators".

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Prospect Promise but Strasburg Drama Lingers Feb 16, 2024

Mark is down in West Palm Beach, Florida for the beginning of Nats Spring Training and relays to Al what he's seen thus far. James Wood has already reported and it is emblematic of the high profile prospects that will garner a lot of attention down at camp unlike the past few seasons.

(13:30) Despite the optimism for the future, a negative story line from the past remains as there is still a vacant locker for Stephen Strasburg. Mark explains the complicated situation that was not resolved over the offseason. Listen as to why February 24th is a particularly noteworthy day on the Nationals calendar.

(25:00) It was a very quiet Winter for the franchise but a few weeks ago did sign Joey Gallo to a minor league deal. Gallo had quite the unique stat line last season as he had more homers than singles. Yes, Al is already talking flipping him at the Trade Deadline.

(33:00) There are high profile Free Agents still on the markets that include Cody Bellinger and Blake Snell. Any chance Washington could sign one of them to a 1 year deal?

(42:00) A discussion on how the Orioles sale could affect the Nats?

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New Look Front Office Interview Jan 15, 2024

Al & Mark are back in 2024 in what continues to be a very sleepy offseason for the Nationals. The episode begins with an exciting podcast announcement as it relates to the NL East.

(12:25) We are joined by two important new additions to the organization who just came over from Baltimore. Brad Ciolek, Senior Director Amateur Scouting, and Danny Haas, VP of Amateur Scouting. A true "Inside Baseball" segment as they give a peek into the world of scouting and the exhaustive preparation head of this summer's Draft.

(37:00) Should MLB allow teams to trade Draft picks, like other sports do?

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Soto Traded Again Dec 07, 2023

The Winter Meetings wrapped up with a flurry of news as Mark has returned home from Nashville. He and Al begin by evaluating the Nick Senzel signing to a one year deal. If he primarily plays 3B, what does mean for Brady House's timeline? This comes as Jeimer Candelario agreed to terms with Cincinnati where Senzel played last season.

(10:15) The Nats acquired Nasim Nunez from the Marlins in the Rule 5 Draft. Get to learn about the young shortstop.

(19:00) Juan Soto has been traded again and he is now a New York Yankee. Nats Chat unpacks all the layers of interest as it relates to his original organization. Oh by the way, he and Trent Grisham forever remain associated together as Grisham is also on the move from San Diego to the Yanks.

(36:20) A forecast of what's coming up next for the team. Will there be any moves before Christmas?

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Winter Meetings Latest Dec 05, 2023

The MLB Winter Meetings are underway as Mark (Live from Nashville) & Al check in on the latest regarding the Nationals off-season. Mike Rizzo and Davey Martinez each addressed the media and there are indications that this could be another slow Hot Stove for Washington. How does Jeimer Candelario fit into all of that?

(19:00) The Stephen Strasburg situation was addressed and we still have not yet reached a resolution.

(26:00) An explanation as to why Joey Meneses' did not have the power we all expected throughout 2023. Will he get time at 1B next season?

(30:00) Davey did not give a ringing endorsement for Luis Garcia as the definitive 2B for 2024. Garcia was surprisingly sent down to AAA for a portion late in the season.

(37:30) New look coaching staff that includes Gerardo Parra and former veteran infielder Miguel Cairo at Bench Coach. Parra will take over as the franchise's new 1st Base Coach.

(41:30) Will any of the highly touted prospects make the Opening Day roster? Hear about the new Future's Game in D.C. in late March after the conclusion of Spring Training.

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Remembering Frank Howard + Earlier Start Times Nov 07, 2023

The Texas Rangers won their 1st World Series title to officially bring on the MLB's off-season. Al & Mark begin with a quick recap of the successful Podcast Party last month at Walter's. Thanks to all who came!

(04:00) The Nationals announced that weeknight evening games will begin 20 minutes earlier at 6:45pm. This seems to be a way to encourage more fans to be able to stay for the final few innings, but what about those who don't get off work until around 6:30pm?

(11:30) Roll call and analysis of the new members of the Nats Front Office. This includes the new senior director of amateur scouting, Brad Ciolek, who joins the organization after a successful tenure in Baltimore.

(25:00) There also was some movement among the coaching staff that includes Gerardo Parra replacing Eric Young Jr. as 1st Base Coach. Darnell Coles was retained as Hitting Coach and Jim Hickey will also return as Pitching Coach. How much of these changes are simply about money?

(39:20) Now that teams can no longer keep players on the IL, Stephen Strasburg is back on franchise's 40 man roster. Is this headed to a resolution this Winter?

(45:00) Texas won it all just two years after losing over 100 games. Arizona meanwhile made the World Series with only 84 victories as the final Wild Card team.

(50:00) A tribute to Frank Howard, one of the greatest hitters in the history of Washington Baseball. Howard passed away at age 87 and had many prolific offensive season while playing for the Senators in the late 60's/ early 70's.

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Abrams Steals Franchise Record in Closing Win Oct 02, 2023

The Nats ended 2023 on a high note as they defeated the Braves 10-9 in a Sunday Slugfest. Mark (From Georgia) & Al wrap-up the 71 win campaign; which was 16 more victories than a season ago. Washington ended up beating Atlanta 5 times and were never swept from the NL East Champs.

(05:30) CJ Abrams stole a pair of bases in the finale to surpass Trea Turner's previous franchise mark. Abrams ended at 47 swipes, which just nosed past Turner's 46 stolen bases in 2017.

(12:30) Lane Thomas concluded his season w/ a team high 28 HRs. Where does he fit into the organization moving forward as there is a lot of OF talent in the pipeline?

(19:00) Jackson Rutledge took a no decision in his 5 IP as he allowed 5 runs in his efforts. Rutledge made 4 MLB starts since getting called up from AAA Rochester and was originally drafted in the 1st Round of the 2019 Draft.

(29:10) Mark gives an overview of immediate off-season headlines to keep track of, many of which involve musical chairs in the Front Office/ Coaching changes. What sort of payroll flexibility will Mike Rizzo have as well?

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Game 161: Early 3-0 Lead Goes to Waste Oct 01, 2023

The Nats lost 5-3 on Saturday night in Atlanta despite jumping out to an early edge. Mark (From ATL) & Al examine how the offense immediately attached Spencer Strider, but then went silent after the 1st inning.

(06:25) CJ Abrams had a pair of hits and stole his 45th base of the year. He trails Trea Turner (46 - 2017) by just one stolen base for the franchise record in a single season.

(11:00) Joan Adon only lasted 4 IP in his final start of the season. Adon made 10 starts and his ERA was a woeful 6.45 with a WHIP of 1.63. What does his future look like?

(17:30) Tanner Rainey tossed a scoreless 8th inning as he finally made it back to the Washington mound for the first time in 2023. Rainey has been away since last summer as he rehabbed from "Tommy John" surgery.

(22:00) Mark relays what GM Mike Rizzo had to say to the gathering media prior to the game.

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70 Wins After 5 Homer Barrage Sep 30, 2023

The Nats out-slugged the Braves on Friday night for their 70th victory on the season. Mark ( From ATL) & Al recap the 10-6 victory that saw Washington crush 5 home runs as Dom Smith continued his scorching September with his 6th trip around the bases this month.

(07:40) Carter Kieboom went deep while getting the start in his hometown. The hosts handicap where Kieboom fits into the organizational plans and show why this past stretch might be his last real opportunity to make an impression.

(11:00) Keibert Ruiz has not had a good year defensively, but offensively his OPS of of .708 is encouraging. Ruiz has the 2nd most hits of any NL catcher (131) only trailing William Contreras (153).

(17:30) Trevor Williams only lasted 3.1 IP and his season is now over with a 5.55 ERA. He is contractually due to return to Washington next season and his rotation spot is seemingly not guaranteed for next season.

(29:00) Tyler Clippard officially announced is retirement on Friday via Instagram as he did not sign anywhere this season after pitching for Rochester in parts of 2022. Is he the best overall relief pitcher in franchise history?

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Game 159: Bats Quiet Again + Sam Holbrook Interview Sep 28, 2023

The Nats were swept in their 2 game series in Baltimore as they fell 5-1 on Wednesday night. Mark (From Camden Yards) & Al have another Nationals loss to discuss as the team is now 7-17 in September.

(06:45) Patrick Corbin took the "L" in his final outing of the season. He wraps up with a 10-15 record, ERA of 5.20, and a staggeringly high WHIP of 1.48. Corbin threw 180 IP, up from 152.2 IP.

(18:45) Jake Alu had a RBI single; which shockingly was the only run Washington scored on Baltimore all season. Unfortunately, Alu had a TOOTBLAN to immediately follow.

(23:00) CJ Abrams stole his 44th base on the season and trails Trea Turner by 2 for the franchise record (46 - 2017).

(33:00) Sam Holbrook, the home plate umpire for Game 6 of the 2019 World Series, joins Tim for a quick conversation about the infamous "Trea Turner Play".

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Gray Closes His Season w/ a Solid Outing Sep 27, 2023

The Nats lost 1-0 on Tuesday night in Baltimore, to begin their final road trio of the season. Mark (From Camden Yards) & Al though begin by honoring Brooks Robinson, the Orioles Hall of Fame 3rd Baseman, who passed away prior to the game at age 86. Robinson was an 18 time All Star and won 16 Gold Gloves (2nd most all time).

(02:00) Josiah Gray only allowed 1 run in 6 IP in what is his final start of the season. Gray dropped his ERA to 3.91 to conclude his All Star season. Al poses the question of whether or not the organization will look into an extension for Gray, similar to what Keibert Ruiz agreed to in the off-season.

(17:00) Gunnar Henderson unsuccessfully tried to steal in the bottom of the 8th with Robert Garcia on the mound. Henderson was the source of the only run scored in the game with his lead-off homer off Gray.

(26:00) Davey clarified the rotation for the rest of the way and this weekend in Atlanta and it will be Trevor Williams, Jackson Rutledge, and Joan Adon. Will Tanner Rainey get activated?

(32:00) A portion of our March 2022 interview with Sean Doolittle prior to Opening Day. Hear the full interview at natschatpodcast.com

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Rutledge Earns 1st Career Win in DH Split Sep 25, 2023

On the final day of play this season at Nationals Park, the Nats and Braves split the Sunday doubleheader. Mark & Al open with Jackson Rutledge coming away with his 1st career MLB victory in his 3rd start since getting called up. Rutledge went the minimum 5 IP and is expected to face Atlanta again next weekend.

(08:00) Lane Thomas reached the 20/20 plateau and is the first player in franchise history to accomplish that feat since Bryce Harper in 2016.

(16:10) Jacob Young had an excellent Game 1 as he had multiple RBI hits and a great catch to rob Ronald Acuna Jr. Young was recognized pregame for winning the "Nationals Way Award".

(23:00) Joan Adon took the loss in Game 2 as he allowed 4 runs and issued 4 walks. His ERA in 4 September starts is at 7.23 but he likely will pitch in Atlanta for the final series.

(30:00) The Nats have a 2 game series this week in Baltimore and the Orioles are close to clinching the AL East. Their magic number is at 3; which means it can't happen until Wednesday at the earliest.

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Doolittle Hangs 'Em Up Sep 23, 2023

The Nats lost 9-6 to the Braves on what was a very busy Friday in Navy Yard. Mark & Al start with the offense somehow going just 1 for 16 with runners in scoring position. CJ Abrams paced the lineup as he had a pair of hits, 3 RBIs, and stole his 43rd base of the season.

(10:40) Patrick Corbin immediately fell behind 3-0 and the game began by him surrendering Ronald Acuna Jr.'s 40th homer of the season. Acuna is only the 5th player to join the 40/40 club and is the first since Alfonso Soriano did it with the Nationals in 2006.

(18:10) The local media voted Lane Thomas as the team's Player of the Year for the 2nd consecutive season. Kyle Finnegan won Pitcher of the Year and Mark explains why he personally voted for Hunter Harvey instead.

(24:00) Prior to the game Sean Doolittle announced his retirement as he continued to have injury setbacks in his attempt to return to the mound. Doolittle came to Washington during the Trade Deadline in 2017 and recorded the final out for Game 1 of the World Series in Houston. Is he the best closer in team history?

**SATURDAY'S GAME HAS BEEN POSTPONED DUE TO EXPECTED HEAVY RAINS AND THE PLAN IS TO NOW PLAY A SPLIT DOUBLEHEADER ON SUNDAY 09/24/23.

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Game 154: Atlanta Cuts Irvin's Night Short Sep 22, 2023

A day after an easy win, the Nats were smashed by the visiting Braves 10-3 on Thursday evening. Al & Tim recap Jake Irvin's short outing that ended in the top of the 3rd. It matches his shortest start of the season when he also had 2.2 IP vs. Detroit back in May.

(11:00) Cory "The Janitor" Abbott struck out 8 Atlanta hitters while throwing nearly 5 innings of mop-up duty. This comes on the 14th consecutive day of play for the Nationals as they have a very fatigued bullpen.

(19:45) Alex Call homered for the only the 2nd time since August and came through with a pair of hits. The offense had another 9th inning rally in a blow loss; which feels like a familiar refrain.

(23:10) New Commanders Owner Josh Harris thew out the ceremonial 1st pitch on a "Capital Crossover" evening that brought together the two franchises. This leads to an extended discussion about the potential for a stronger relationship between the baseball & football teams in this new era of D.C. sports.

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Game 153: Thomas Hits a Grand Slam in a Rare Laugher Sep 21, 2023

The Nats pummeled the White Sox 13-3 for a rare easy victory on Wednesday afternoon. Mark & Al have plenty of fun items to discuss as the offense came through with a trio of homers and 14 hits. Lane Thomas grand slam broke the game open in the bottom of the 3rd to give Washington a comfortable 8-1 lead. CJ Abrams matched Thomas' feat of reaching base four times as he was able to draw a pair of walks in the win.

(16:30) Dom Smith homered for the 5th time this month after only having 6 dingers through August. Mark explains why he has a hunch that Smith will be back as the Nationals 1B next season.

(22:00) Josiah Gray earned the victory despite only lasting the minimum 5 IP. Gray's ERA is exactly at 4.00 as the season winds down, it was at 3.41 entering the All Star Break.

(30:45) For the 1st time since April, the Braves come to D.C. on Thursday for a 4 game series. Ronald Acuna Jr. enters with 39 homers and 67 RBIs. Nobody has reached the 40/40 Club since Alfonso Soriano did so with the Nats in 2006.

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Rutledge Impresses Before "Joey Four Bags" Comes Through Sep 20, 2023

The Nats outlasted the White Sox 4-3 on a Tuesday evening with a lot to smile about. Mark & Al open with Jackson Rutledge's solid start after he had a disappointing debut last week. Rutledge only allowed a pair of solo homers and is the first Washington rookie pitcher to make it into the 7th of his home debut since Stephen Strasburg (2010).

(10:45) Cade Cavalli talked to reporters pregame in D.C. and surprisingly revealed that he will be back on the mound in June. Mark relays his first hand account of Cavalli's comments and what to infer.

(17:00) Joey Meneses was the offensive hero with a pinch hit 3 run HR in the bottom of the 7th. It is remarkably only the 2nd pinch hit homer the team has hit all season.

(25:00) Kyle Finnegan notched the save, but it was an adventure along the way. His September ERA is a startling 9.39 and he has given up at least 1 earned run in the majority of those outings.

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Game 151: Clevinger Goes the Distance in D.C. Sep 19, 2023

The Nats began their final homestand with a 6-1 defeat at the hands of the White Sox on Monday night. Al & Tim wonder why Dom Smith & Mike Clevinger got into it in the moments after Smith's 9th inning solo HR that led to the benches briefly clearing. It was the only time that Clevinger was uncomfortable all evening; on his way to a complete game victory.

(10:00) CJ Abrams was picked off and these sort of instances seem to be quite common. Is Eric Young JR. definitely returning as 1st Base Coach in 2024?

(18:00) Joan Adon allowed 5 runs in 5 IP and it went sideways for him beginning in the top of the 5th. Adon has been in the rotation since early August and most of his outings have gone poorly.

(24:00) Al points out the better than expected attendance in 2023. We salute the fans for continuing to show up despite this streak of last place finishes.

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Game 150: Skid Ends in Milwaukee Sep 18, 2023

The Nats ended their 5 game losing streak by edging Milwaukee 2-1 on Sunday afternoon in extra innings. Mark (From **Miller Park) & Tim begin with Michael Chavis, who spearheaded a game ending double play to escape a bases loaded jam. Chavis was not in the starting lineup, but stayed at 1B after pinch running for Dom Smith in the 9th inning.

(09:20) The Brewers are on the verge of winning the NL Central, but the numbers suggest they have a similarly modest offense as the last place Nationals. Both teams for instance only have one player with over 20 HRs (Thomas/ Adames).

(16:40) Patrick Corbin only gave up 1 run in 6 IP and briefly on Sunday he found his ERA below 5.00. Mark handicaps how Corbin fits into the team's plans for his upcoming final season under contract.

(25:05) It's the first September that Washington has experienced the overlap of Nats & Commanders since the football team changed hands. Will there be a new relationship between the 2 organizations?

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Game 149: Finnegan Gives up Decisive Grand Slam Sep 17, 2023

The Nats lost again on their road trip, a 9-5 defeat on Saturday evening in Milwaukee. Mark (From Wisconsin) & Al explain how a game that seemed out of reach for awhile all of a sudden became a tied affair in the 8th inning. The Brewers struck back with a Grand Slam from Mark Canha in the bottom of the frame off of Kyle Finnegan.

(04:15) Trevor Williams had an awful start and only made it 2 innings. Should Williams stay in the rotation for the final weeks?

(23:00) Luis Garcia homered for the first time since late July off of Cy Young candidate Corbin Burnes. Garcia had a pair of hits on Saturday after entering with only 2 hits since returning to the Nationals on September 8th.

(25:30) Joey Meneses had a trio of base knocks and Mark points just how clutch he can be in certain occasions. Meneses has 157 hits on the season, as many as Matt Olson, who leads MLB in HRs (52).

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Game 148: September Swoon Continues Sep 16, 2023

The Nats lost 5-3 in Milwaukee on Friday night as they are now just 3-10 in September. Mark (From Wisconsin) & Al point out how the beleaguered lineup mightily struggled despite scoring 3 immediate runs off of Wade Miley. There was some brief confusion during a Miley vs. Lane Thomas at bat regarding pitch clock rules and Mark explains what the fuss was all about.

(16:30) Thomas hit his 25th of the year and this includes not having any in April. The last time that a National hit 30+ homers in a season came in 2019, when Anthony Rendon & Juan Soto each crossed the benchmark.

(22:00) Jake Irvin's gave up back to back HRs to the final batters that he faced and was removed in the bottom of the 5th. Irvin did not allow a run until that frame, but did issue 5 walks along the way.

(29:45) There is a chance that Tanner Rainey could join Washington before the end of the season as he has made a dozen rehab appearances since returning from Tommy John surgery. The final game for AAA- Rochester is on September 24th.

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Gray Shines in Speedy Defeat Sep 15, 2023

The Nats were shutout Thursday afternoon in Pittsburgh, but overall it was a good day for the organization. Al & Tim rehash Gray's sterling outing where he struck out 10 Pirates; serving as his season high for Ks. He potentially has 3 starts remaining and 2 of them might come against the division champion Braves. This was the quickest game of the season; clocking in at 1 hour and 50 minutes.

(19:00) A veteran listener writes in to us his strong opinion as to why he is disappointed that Mike Rizzo will be returning as GM.

(20:15) Tim gives his strong opinion as why he is very happy that Rizzo is back and extended.

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Rizzo Officially Agrees to Extension Sep 14, 2023

The Nats lost 7-6 in Pittsburgh, but on Wednesday morning the news became official that GM Mike Rizzo agreed to an extension with the franchise. Mark & Al spend plenty of time dissecting all facets to the news and what it means for the Rebuild. Hear what Rizzo had to say for the next phase, why Davey Martinez's deal got done first, and his commentary about the Lerner's. Is extending Rizzo the right call long-term?

(29:00) The Nationals turned an early 7-2 deficit into 7-5 entering the top of the 9th. Keibert Ruiz came through with a RBI infield single, but the game ended with a pair of stranded runners. Dom Smith had a big evening as he homered and doubled and his OPS has snuck up to .701.

(32:40) Jackson Rutledge pitched poorly in his MLB debut as he gave up 10 hits and 7 runs in 3.2 IP. Rutledge was drafted in the 1st Round back in 2019 and has spent part of this year in Harrisburg and Rochester.

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Jackson Rutledge, Former 1st Rounder, Getting Called Up Sep 13, 2023

The Nats lost 5-1 in Pittsburgh on Tuesday evening for their 80th loss of the season. Mark & Al begin with the news that Jackson Rutledge, RHP selected in the 1st Round of the 2019 Draft, will make his MLB debut on Wednesday night. His ERA this season is 3.71 and it comes through stints at Harrisburg and Rochester. His road to "The Show" has been a bumpy one, but lets see how beautiful it turns out.

(11:15) Joan Adon had another no so good outing as he allowed 4 runs in as many innings on 93 pitches. The worst part was the 6 walks that he issued (1 intentional) and at least two Pirates reached base every frame.

(23:00) Al takes issue with certain players who are not receiving playing time during this final month. Jake Alu has not played yet in Pittsburgh and is hitting .229 overall in his late season audition.

(27:40) Hear more details on our upcoming Podcast Party at Walter's. Friday night October 13th from 6:30-8:30pm in Navy Yard.

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Game 144: Abrams Homers Twice in Win Sep 12, 2023

The Nationals began this week's road trip on the right foot with a 6-3 victory on Monday night in Pittsburgh. Al & Tim dive into CJ Abrams' big evening as he had his 1st multi HR game of his career. Abrams is 5th in the NL among shortstops with 18 career HRs.

(15:00) Patrick Corbin took home the W for his 6.2 IP effort where he only allowed a pair of runs. Corbin leads the team with 158.1 IP, which is 17 innings more than Josiah Gray.

(25:00) Al points out that the Nats have never had a close September race, even in all the successful division title years. This includes 2019, when Washington clinched the Wildcard with relative ease in the final month.

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Game 143: Williams Allows a Hit Parade Sep 11, 2023

Amid yet another rain delay, the Nats lost 7-3 to the Dodgers on Sunday in the series rubber match. Al & Mark start with Trevor Williams. who had another poor outing in a season where his ERA sits at 5.44. Williams has given up 14 earned runs in just 2 September starts.

(13:00) Joe LaSorsa performed yeoman's effort as he came up just shy of pitching all of the final 4 innings. LaSorsa joined the team on Friday after his recent stint in Rochester.

(21:30) A check in on Carter Kieboom who has been at 3B nearly everyday for weeks. He currently is hitting .189 and is having a slow start to September.

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Game 142: Chavis Scores on Wild Pitch to End Marathon Day Sep 10, 2023

The Nats outlasted the 1st place Dodgers in extra innings for a 7-6 victory on Saturday afternoon following a 4+ hour rain delay. Mark & Al wonder if Jake Irvin is sneakily the best story of the franchise's season after he threw another solid outing on the mound. His ERA is at 4.20; which is a far improvement from when he last faced LA in late May (5.67 ERA).

(13:40) Lane Thomas returned after sitting out all week due to an ailing back and homered for the fourth consecutive game that he's played in. Thomas now has 24 HRs, which is by far the most on the team (Ruiz in 2nd place with 16 HRs).

(19:45) Lost in the shuffle of all the organizational news this week was that Luis Garcia returned to Washington after spending August in AAA. Garcia on Saturday came through with a RBI single his 2nd game back from Rochester.

(32:00) MacKenzie Gore's season was effectively ended this weekend as he was placed on the IL due to blisters. His best month of the year came in April when he allowed more than a pair of runs on only one occasion.

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Strasburg Drama Amid Defeat Sep 09, 2023

The Nats lost 8-5 on Friday night vs. the visiting the Dodgers, but that was hardly top of mind locally. Mark & Al sift through all the busy back drop currently involving the organization as it seemed like there was an endless avalanche of news reports involving the Front Office during Thursday's day-off.

(04:00) As for the game, MacKenzie Gore struggled and only lasted 4 IP as he returned from the Beareavment List. This is the 3rd consecutive outing that he did not exceed 5 innings of work and it came at a bad time as the team just began a stretch of 17 straight days with a game.

(11:00) The entirety of the offense came via the homer as Keibert Ruiz and CJ Abrams each went deep. Abrams also stole his 41st base of the season; which is 5 shy of the franchise mark set by Trea Turner in 2017.

(17:30) There has been significant drama involving Stephen Strasburg and a potential retirement ceremony that will not occur this weekend. On Friday evening, Principal Owner Mark Lerner released an eyebrow raising statement as it relates to the situation.

(33:15) There were a slew of reports this week regarding even more shake-up in the scouting department and the Front Office. Kris Kline, veteran Assistant GM & VP of Scouting Ops, was reassigned to Special Assistant to GM, which has the feel of a demotion.

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Game 140: Young Walks-Off the Losing Streak Sep 07, 2023

The Nats ended their 6 game skid by edging past the Mets 3-2 in a Wednesday evening walk-off victory. Al & Mark start with Jacob Young's decisive single over New York as he owns an 8 game hitting streak; which commenced shortly after his MLB debut.

(07:20) CJ Abrams swiped 2 more bases and joins rare franchise territory with 40+ stolen bases on the season (Trea Turner 2x, Alfonso Soriano). The most impressive part is his success rate as he only has been thrown out 3 times this season.

(16:20) Joan Adon only allowed 2 runs in 5 IP; which gave Washington a chance in the late innings. Adon did allow a run in the 1st inning; continuing a dubious streak of the starting pitching staff this entire home stand (6 games).

(25:45) More uncertainty surrounds the future of the Nationals Front Office as reportedly many long time scouts will not be retained. This comes at a tenuous time as Mike Rizzo is currently in negotiations for an extension.

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Game 139: Corbin Clobbered as Skid Reaches 6 Sep 06, 2023

The Nats lost 11-5 to the visiting Mets on Tuesday; in a game in which they immediately trailed by 4 runs. Mark & Al sing a familiar song, which is recapping a rough outing by Patrick Corbin. He has now given up 30 homers this season and the only NL pitcher who has allowed more this season is his teammate Trevor Williams (33).

(13:00) Andres Machado immediately gave up a homer to Pete Alonso upon taking the mound. Hear the jarring stat of how many times that has occurred among Washington relievers this season.

(21:00) Jacob Young filled in admirably for a resting CJ Abrams in the lead-off spot as he came up with a pair of hits. Which of the young everyday players now on the MLB roster has the best chance to stick in the Bigs?

(30:00) Lane Thomas did not play on Tuesday due to his lingering back issue. Davey Martinez revealed pregame that Thomas underwent a MRI.

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Game 138: Gray Only Lasts 4 Innings Sep 04, 2023

The Nats were swept for the third time this season by Miami and on Sunday they fell 6-4. Mark & Al note the 5th consecutive loss and that they finally will get an off-day on Monday.

(04:00) Josiah Gray had a short outing and had a nightmarish opening inning. This included allowing a solo HR, issuing 3 straight walks, and jawing at Jacob Young at the end of the frame for misplaying a fly ball in the sun. He ultimately only lasted 4 IP and it casts doubt on when he next take the mound.

(14:00) The bullpen had to fill in for 20 IP over the course of the 4 game series. The Nationals took a 4-3 lead in the middle of the game, but could not hang on. Kyle Finnegan allowed a pair of runs in the top of the 9th that led to him taking the loss.

(19:00) CJ Abrams had a crucial throwing error in the pivotal9th and this leads to an extended discussion at the infield defense. Not only its recent decline, but also how the infield projects moving forward.

(31:45) MacKenzie Gore is currently on the Bereavement List and it is TBD as to when his next start will be. The hosts explain what this list means from a baseball/ roster perspective. He is out until at least Friday and he last pitched Tuesday (August 29th).

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Longtime International Scouting Director Resigns Sep 03, 2023

The Nats rough stretch continued as they were flattened 11-5 by the Marlins on Saturday afternoon. They have dropped 6 of their past 7 and are a wretched 2-10 this season vs. the Marlins. Mark & Al though begin with the big organizational news that came pregame as Johnny DiPuglia, veteran Director of International Scouting since 2009, is resigning from his position. Is this related to the ongoing contractual negotiations between Mike Rizzo and the franchise?

(17:00) Trevor Williams had an awful outing as he allowed 4 HRs in as many innings. Williams has now given up 10 homers in his past 5 outings and his ERA now currently sits at 5.21.

(25:00) The struggles of Williams leads to a look at where Cade Cavalli fits into the organization's plans when he returns from Tommy John surgery. Will he be ready by Opening Day or will he need more time?

(34:00) Sunday will mark the 13th consecutive day that the Nationals have taken the field and this has spanned across 4 cities and 2 countries. This series has seen plenty of sloppy play; especially on the defensive side, and a much needed off-day awaits on Monday.

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Back In Last Place Sep 02, 2023

The Nats lost 8-5 in extras on Friday night to visiting Miami for their 5th defeat in the past 6 games. Adding additional insult to the evening is that the Mets beat Seattle to move back in front of Washington by a half game. Al & Mark recap the 11 inning defeat; which required 6 IP by 6 different relievers.

(17:15) The Nationals slugged 3 dingers on Friday and one of them came from Travis Blankenhorn in his first game since getting called up by Rochester. He hit 5th playing LF and this season had a OPS of .877 in AAA. Lane Thomas & CJ Abrams also went deep in the loss.

(30:00) Josiah Gray is still slated to start Sunday after a throwing a monitored bullpen session. There will be a lot of attention to his next start after he had a very poor August.

(34:30) Mike Rizzo still has not officially signed an extension despite the expectation that he will do so. Where do the negotiations stand between the GM and the franchise?

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Game 135: Marlins Pound Adon Sep 01, 2023

The Nats successful August (17-11) came to anti climatic conclusion as they lost 6-1 on Thursday night in the series opener vs. the Marlins. Al & Tim discuss the struggling offense; which only scored 1 run in the past 2 games. The lineup was dealt a tough blow pregame as Lane Thomas was a late scratch due to back tightness.

(14:10) Joan Adon allowed 5 runs in as many innings and gave up 9 hits along the way. Adon has been on opposite ends of the spectrum in his 5 Big League starts since being called up from AAA. Two of his starts saw him tease a no hitter and the other 3 outings did not go so well.

(22:40) We take an opportunity during this NL East series to evaluate how the new look MLB schedule is playing out. This season the Nationals play their divisional foes 13 times compared to when they used play them 19 times a year. Is Radical Realignment around the corner?

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Game 134: Series Streak Snapped Aug 31, 2023

The Nats long winning road trip ended with a thud as they were shutout Wednesday afternoon in Toronto. Mark (From Canada) & Al note this end a string of 5 consecutive series victories. The offense was no match for Chris Bassit, who only allowed 3 hits in 8 IP.

(08:00) CJ Abrams was 0 for 4 in the loss Al points out the surprisingly disappointing numbers for the young SS in August. His .229 average this month is far lower than when he hit .327 in July.

(15:00) Patrick Corbin gave up 10 hits in one of those starts where he couldn't stop giving up hits. Corbin leads MLB in hits allowed (183) and this was a dubious category in which he led last season.

(18:20) Tanner Rainey is rehabbing in Rochester and it is looking like he will return to Washington in September. Rainey has been out since he had Tommy John surgery in early August of last year.

(23:00) It is up in the air whether or not Josiah Gray will make his next scheduled start on Sunday vs. Miami. Gray had a very poor August and the next update will come after Friday's bullpen session.

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Game 133: Kieboom & Ruiz Go Deep in Toronto Win Aug 30, 2023

The Nats held off Toronto 5-4 for a dramatic win against the AL Wild Card contender. Mark (From Ontario) & Al begin with the bullpen that clung on to the lead, but allowed 3 runs in 4 IP. Kyle Finnegan loaded the bases with no outs while nursing a 2 run lead, but was able to emerge with his 25th save of the season.

(12:30) The Nationals hit a pair of homers on Tuesday night for all of their offensive production. Carter Kieboom homered for the 3rd time since joining the team and Keibert Ruiz left the yard for the 5th time in August.

(17:45) Jacob Young made a memorable throw from CF to home for a crucial outfield assist to end the bottom of the 8th. Young made a no hop throw that was then perfectly played from Ruiz.

(27:30) MacKenzie Gore made it through 5 IP despite a pitch count that went over 100. Gore has made 5 starts this month and his ERA during that stretch is under 4.00 (3.76).

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Game 132: Quick Hook for Gray Aug 29, 2023

Josiah Gray's rough August continued as he only lasted 2 innings in Monday night's 6-3 loss at Toronto. Al & Mark (From Canada) recap Gray's gruesome start and what seems to be wrong with his pitching mechanics. This month in five starts, the right hander's ERA is at 8.84 with 17 walks issued.

(17:30) CJ Abrams had a very electric evening (error aside) as he had a trio singles and also stole 3 bases. Abrams now has 37 stolen bases on the season and is seriously threatening Trea Turner's franchise record of 46 swipes.

(20:00) The Nats now have 3 catchers on the roster and Mark explains why dentistry plays a role in that occurrence. Keibert Ruiz returned to the starting lineup as Drew Millas was called up from Rochester.

(26:00) Joey Meneses has a legit shot at 100 RBIs this season. He currently stands at 76 as there are 30 games remaining in the season.

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Game 131: Williams Pitches Well in Defeat Aug 28, 2023

The Nats came up short in their sweep attempt as they fell 2-1 on Sunday afternoon in Miami. Al gets you up to speed on the catching situation as Riley Adams started every game this series while Keibert Ruiz has been out of the starting lineup since taking a foul ball to the mask on Wednesday in New York. It is important to note that Ruiz did pinch hit and minor league catcher Drew Millas will join the team on Monday in Toronto per Mark's report.

(05:00) Trevor Williams had a solid outing, but the 2 run HR he gave up to Jorge Soler was the difference. It was Williams 2nd straight good performance after navigating through a difficult stretch this summer.

(14:15) Al answers an email about how the team should handle this off-season now that the team is clearly more competitive. Should they be spending on the Free Agent market this Winter?

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Game 130: Rally Caps Donned in the 9th Aug 27, 2023

Facing a 2-1 deficit in the top of the 9th, the Nats rallied to come away with a 3-2 win in Miami. Al, always a pragmatic one, wonders if a .500 season is in play, believe it or not. They would need to go 20-12 over the final stretch to meet the threshold. Washington is now two games ahead of the last place Mets.

(07:30) Jacob Young pinch ran in his MLB debut and scored the tying run. Young was a 2nd round pick in the 2021 draft and played a portion of the season at four different levels.

(14:00) Jake Irvin yet again had a solid outing as he only allowed one run in 6 IP. Al throws out the notion that Irvin has possibly been the team's best starting pitcher.

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Out of Last Place Aug 26, 2023

The Nats beat the Marlins 7-4 and later on Friday night the Mets lost to lift Washington into solo possession of 4th place in the NL East. Al & Mark are astonished by yet another Joan Adon start that saw a No Hit bid make it into the 6th.

(10:00) Carter Kieboom continues to take advantage of his opportunity as he homered for the 2nd time this week. This does to be his last chance to make it within the organization.

(21:00) Alex Call had an eventful evening in Miami as he had an early game collision with Lane Thomas, was picked off, and had a RBI single. We take the microscope to Call as the franchise's outfield future is crowded & TBD.

(35:30) The latest with GM Mike Rizzo's extension is that it is expected to happen in the near future. This comes after there was speculation he might be under consideration for a similar role with the White Sox.

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Strasburg Reportedly to Retire + Series Win in Gotham Aug 25, 2023

The Washington Post broke the news on Thursday that Stephen Strasburg will officially retire as opposed to waiting out the full duration of his 7 year deal. Mark (From The Bronx) & Al marvel at just how busy the Nats news cycle has been ever since heading to Williamsport. The Little League attention, Dylan Crews to AA, Davey Martinez extension, Stone Garrett injury, and now the Strasburg news in just the past 5 days.

(10:00) The Nationals defeated the Yankees 6-5 in the matinee in order to capture their 4th consecutive series. The bottom of the 9th was a bit of an adventure, but Kyle Finnegan did just enough to notch the save.

(14:00) Alex Call is expected to get even more playing time after the Stone Garrett injury. Call stepped up on Thursday as he homered and made a dramatic catch in CF for the final out of the win.

(16:00) CJ Abrams hit a crucial HR, but did admire his work on the way out. Hear what his manager had to say afterwards regarding the incident.

(30:00) Strasburg has been on the IL all season and it is expected that he will announce his retirement in September. Mark catches you up on everything you need to know on the situation and what the bread crumbs were along the way. Al then lays out the various ways to view his legacy to the organization and the city.

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Game 127: Garrett Carted Off in Bronx Loss Aug 24, 2023

The Nats were routed on Wednesday night 9-1 at Yankee Stadium in an affair where Aaron Judge hit a trio of homers. Mark (From the Bronx) & Al begin with Stone Garrett needing to be carted off the field after his leg ran into the outfield wall. Garrett was seen covering his face with a towel in the immediate aftermath.

(14:40) MacKenzie Gore did not pitch well in this game and allowed 6 runs in just 4 IP. His defense behind him was not very good and the 2nd inning was the undoing as the Yankees scored 5 runs in the frame.

(22:00) The offense only totaled 3 hits and never had a runner in scoring position. The most disappointing aspect was that the lineup was ineffective against Luis Severino; who has had a wretched season on the mound.

(26:00) Carl Edwards Jr. has been shutdown due to a stress fracture in his throwing shoulder. This is particularly bad timing for Edwards because he is a Free Agent after the season.

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Davey Extended & Kieboom Goes Deep Aug 23, 2023

The Nats began the 3 city road trip on the right foot as they edged the Yankees 2-1 on Tuesday evening for their 20th victory in the past 30 games. Mark (From the Bronx) & Al recap Josiah Gray's strong outing in Yankee Stadium that lasted 6 IP. It is by far his best start this month and his ERA currently sits at 3.82.

(10:30) Hunter Harvey struck out both Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton during his flawless bottom of the 8th. Harvey has not missed a beat since returning from the IL.

(19:00) Carter Kieboom homered in his first MLB at bat since 2021 and was the team's starting 3B. It was his first Big League homer since August 31st of that season.

(28:00) Davey Martinez officially will receive a 2 year contract extension; which includes an option for the 3rd year. Does this indicate that the Lerner's are not planning for an imminent sale of the franchise?

(32:00) Mike Rizzo's deal is expected, but not yet official. We dive into the notion floated by Barry Svrluga of the Washington Post that the White Sox might be involved.

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Crews to Harrisburg and a Williamsport Win Aug 21, 2023

Sunday was a special day in Nationals history and it was punctuated with a 4-3 victory over the Phillies at the Little League Classic in Williamsport, PA. Mark (From Historic Bowman Field) tells Al about the unique itinerary, which lasted the entire day and night.

(07:10) The Nats jumped all over Zack Wheeler for 4 runs in the opening inning and then the bats went silent after that. Was Wheeler tipping his pitches? Mark points out why the lighting situation at the long time minor league stadium might have played a factor.

(11:45) Trevor Williams broke a string of poor outings by tossing a shutout in 6 IP. It was his first scoreless start since June 21st. As for the bullpen, Mason Thompson struggled to finish the job and Kyle Finnegan was needed for the 4th time in 5 days.

(25:00) Carter Kieboom was called up for Sunday and will remain on the roster. Will he start this week at 3B in Yankee Stadium?

(32:00) After just 14 games in Fredericksburg, Dylan Crews is being promoted to AA - Harrisburg, just a few months after being drafted. Is it realistic to expect him to in Washington by next summer?

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Game 124: Phillies Tee Off on Abbott Aug 20, 2023

The final score is uglier than it looked, but nonetheless the Nats lost 12-3 to Philadelphia, despite nursing a 3-0 lead entering the late innings. Al recaps Cory Abbott's nightmarish 8th inning where surrendered 8 runs to the Phillies to put the game well out of reach. The fatigued bullpen forced Davey Martinez to stick with Abbott, but immediately afterwards Abbott was sent down to AAA.

(14:45) The shame of the day was that Jake Irvin threw 6 shutout IP and struck out 7 in a no decision. It was his first scoreless outing since his 2nd career start in San Francisco back in May. From a big picture standpoint, him shutting out a powerful lineup was arguably more important than the actual final score.

(19:00) Lane Thomas yet again had an all around excellent game as he had an OF assist and came through with a pair of hits. Riley Adams yet again took advantage of a rare start as he also had 2 hits himself. Adams' OPS this season in limited playing time is a staggering .937 and Al puts that high level hitting in perspective.

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Game 123: Nats Get Revenge on Lorenzen Aug 19, 2023

The Nats held on to defeat the Phillies 8-7 on Friday evening in Navy Yard. Mark & Al take note of the atmosphere at the Ballpark as the lively crowd saw the Nationals counter the Phillies' 6 run top of the 4th with a half dozen runs of their own. One week after being no hit by Michael Lorenzen, Washington knocked him out after just 3.1 IP.

(10:30) Stone Garrett continued his hot month at the plate as he had 3 hits while getting the nod in RF. Mark puts in perspective where Garett fits in/might be in the outfield depth for the future. Jake Alu also had a solid night as he came through with a pair of RBI singles.

(17:00) The Nats took the lead for good after CJ Abrams slugged a majestic 3 run HR and took his time admiring his work. The moment seemed emblematic of the newfound confidence being exuded by the young SS.

(25:00) The bullpen stepped up yet again as they only allowed 1 run in 5 IP while using 6 pitchers in the process. This came in relief of Joan Adon who mightily struggled. Adon has not pitched well since his excellent start in St. Louis last month.

(37:00) Josh Whetzel, the Voice of the Rochester Red Wings, gives an update on Luis Garcia since he was demoted to AAA. Drew Millas, Carter Kieboom, and Jackson Rutledge are among those who also are featured.

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Game 122: Nats Already Match Last Year's Win Total Aug 18, 2023

The Nats hung on 10-7 over Boston to take the series rubber match on Thursday afternoon. Mark & Al put in perspective what the victory symbolizes as they won their 55th game of the season, which equals last year's output with forty games still remaining. Washington has won 6 of their past 8 series and are 6 games over .500 since the All Star Break.

(11:30) The offense broke out against Chris Sale to reach double digit runs and saw contributions from all across the lineup. Joey Menses had a pair of doubles that led to a 5 RBI afternoon. Keibert Ruiz reached base 5 times as the DH too see his scorching August continue. Other top contributors included Riley Adams, Stone Garrett, and Jeter Downs.

(18:25) Patrick Corbin pitched well as he only allowed 1 run in 6 IP. Coming off a start where he issued 7 walks, on Thursday he didn't throw any "Ball Fours". His ERA is at 4.71, which is the lowest it has been since mid May.

(27:20) The rout almost turned into a nightmare as Robert Garcia allowed 6 runs in less than an inning; which included a Grand Slam. This led to Davey Martinez having to use Hunter Harvey and Kyle Finnegan despite an earlier 9-1 lead.

(31:20) This weekend is an odd 3 game series as the Phillies will be in D.C. on Friday and Saturday, but the finale will be Sunday night in Williamsport, PA to coincide with the Little League World Series. Mark explains the itinerary for the first ever neutral site game in franchise history.

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Game 121: Gore's Gem & 4 HRs Lead the Way Aug 17, 2023

The Nats topped the Red Sox 6-2 on Wednesday evening in D.C. Al & Mark begin with MacKenzie Gore who had an excellent outing cut short due to a cut nail on a finger on his pitching hand in the 7th inning. Davey Martinez minimized the long term effect of it afterwards, calming the worries of the fans.

(12:30) The Nationals clubbed a quarter of home runs from 3 different players in the victory. Keibert Ruiz continued his torrid August with a tie breaking 3 run HR in the bottom of the 8th while hitting in the clean-up spot. Ruiz now has 15 HRs this season, the 2nd most on the current roster.

(16:30) Stone Garrett hit a pair of homers and is also having a very strong month as his slugging % is at .633. Where does Garrett fit into the franchise's long term plans; if at all?

(24:30) Another solid performance by the bullpen, but this time they did not emerge unscathed. Jordan Weems allowed 2 runs, but did step up to induce a crucial double play when relieving Gore. The conversation leads to the rehabbing Carl Edwards Jr., who has been in West Palm for awhile.

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Game 120: Gray's Lousy Stretch Continues Aug 16, 2023

Josiah Gray's rough August continued on Tuesday as his start ended after just the 3rd inning in the Nats lost 5-4 to the visiting Red Sox. Mark & Al scratch their heads as Gray's post All Star Break is nowhere near how his season began. Davey Martinez afterwards harped on the fact that Gray needs to rely more on his fastball.

(19:00) The resurgent bullpen pitched well in defeat as they threw 6 scoreless frames. Hunter Harvey returned from the IL and was immediately called upon to pitch the 9th inning instead of doing a rehab assignment in the minor leagues.

(25:45) CJ Abrams joined an exclusive franchise club as he stole his 30th base of the season. Will he ever turn into a 30/30 player?

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Another Sweep After Furious 9th Inning Rally Aug 14, 2023

For the 3rd time since the All Star Break, the Nats pulled off a weekend series sweep. This one came in epic fashion as they trailed 7-2 to begin bottom of the 9th and the affair ended with the unlikeliest of bench players coming through with the walk-off hit in Jeter Downs. Mark & Al collect their breath and then analyze all that went into the comeback victory as Downs was in the game late to replace CJ Abrams at SS, who exited early due to back spasms.

(23:20) The bullpen might get two important arms in the near future as Hunter Harvey and Tanner Rainey each showed progress in their rehab quest to return to Washington this season.

(27:00) Trevor Williams had another poor outing as he has allowed 4+ runs in as many consecutive starts. Will he remain in the rotation or are there no better options?

(37:00) Dylan Crews had a monster game on Sunday in Lynchburg as he went 5 for 5 with 2 HRs and 6 RBIs. In just over a week with the Fred Nats, he has already totaled 15 RBIs.

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Ruiz Walks-off Oakland Aug 13, 2023

The Nats rallied against Oakland on Saturday for a 3-2 victory that abruptly concluded with a Keibert Ruiz lead-off homer in the bottom of the 9th. Al & Tim dive into Ruiz's hot month; where he is slugging .605 so far in August. It was Ruiz's 16th HR of the season, good for 6th most among NL catchers.

(08:30) Lane Thomas was a late scratch in the starting lineup, but came through as a pinch hitter with the game tying RBI in the bottom of the 8th. Thomas currently has the 4th most hits in the NL (132) and the top 7 all are players from the NL East.

(12:00) Blake Rutherford finally got his 1st career MLB hit after starting 0 for 16 since getting called up. Rutherford received strong applause from the home crowd and followed it up with another hit later in the game.

(23:00) Jake Irvin pitched well and almost lasted for 7 IP vs. the Athletics. Has Irvin made his case to be in the 2024 starting rotation?

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Game 117: Trio of HRs in the Win Aug 12, 2023

The Nats beat Oakland 8-2 on Friday night behind 3 separate home runs and overcoming an early 2-0 deficit. Al & Tim begin the recap with the bullpen stepping up big time for six scoreless innings after Joan Adon exited his start in the top of the 4th due to cramping. Cory Abbott recorded four outs after having to immediately warm up and Jordan Weems threw the final two frames.

(14:30) Ildemaro Vargas equaled a career high with 4 RBIs which included a 3 run HR to break the game wide open and Jake Alu connected on his 1st career homer. Davey Martinez indicated pregame that his plan as of now is to keep Vargas at 3B and Alu at 2B.

(24:00) CJ Abrams was thrown out in the top of 1st trying to steal 2nd base; one day after setting a franchise mark for most consecutive stolen bases (25).

(32:25) Tim speaks to Paul Brunell, a lifelong Athletics fan, to hear what the current fan efforts are to keep the team from moving to Las Vegas.

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Game 116: Abrams Steals His 25th Consecutive Base Aug 11, 2023

The Nats lost 6-2 in Philadelphia to drop 3 of 4 in this week's series. Mark & Al begin by with a curious examination of Patrick Corbin's unique pitching line where he did not allow an earned run despite issuing 7 walks.

(16:40) Blake Rutherford was 0 for 2 on Thursday night and is hit-less in 16 MLB at- bats since getting called up. Rutherford has played in 5 games this month after hitting .345 this season collectively in Harrisburg and Rochester.

(20:00) CJ Abrams swiped his 25th consecutive base to set a franchise record. He has not been caught stealing since all the way back to May 3rd vs. the Cubs.

(26:10) The weekend the worst team in all of Baseball comes to D.C. in the Oakland Athletics; who are on pace for just 46 wins this season. As of now, the plan is for the A's to relocate to Las Vegas after 2024.

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Nats Get No Hit For 1st Time Aug 10, 2023

The Nats were no hit for the 1st time since they began play in 2005 as Michael Lorenzen led Philadelphia to a 7-0 defeat of Washington. Mark & Al tip their caps to the franchise almost going 20 years without being no hit; good for the longest active streak in MLB. It was just Lorenzen's second appearance with the Phillies after being traded from Detroit last week and he issued 4 walks while throwing 124 pitches.

(16:30) MacKenzie Gore was hit hard on Wednesday as he allowed six runs in just 5 IP. Gore surrendered a trio of homers; which is the most in an outing since joining the organization. His ERA is now up to 4.62 and continuing to trend upward.

(22:30) Davey Martinez announced pregame that Joan Adon will join the rotation and it will for the time include six starters. Adon is coming off a no hit bid for over the weekend, but he has struggled this season in AAA.

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Meneses HRs Twice to Split Doubleheader Aug 09, 2023

The Nats split their Tuesday doubleheader in Philadelphia to begin the 4 game series. Al & Mark recap Joey Meneses's late game heroics in Game 2 as his pair of HRs unexpectedly lifted Washington to victory. Hear Mark lay out what the first 162 games of Meneses' MLB career looks like in a stats sense; now that he has reached the unofficial milestone.

(14:30) A big part of the 5-4 win was the bullpen coming through with 4+ scoreless innings of work. Andres Machado recorded 4 of the outs and his WHIP in August so far is 0.40. Earlier this summer the Nationals DFA'd Machado, but he ultimately ended up back in Rochester before being called back up.

(26:00) Both Trevor Williams and Josiah Gray struggled in their starts and neither made it past the 5th inning. Williams has given up at least one run in eight consecutive outings and his spot in the rotation might be in jeopardy.

(32:45) An extended discussion on recent pro Philadelphia comments by Bryce Harper that seemed to be underhanded towards D.C. fans. This oddly came in response to Phillies fans rallying around a struggling Trea Turner.

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Brooms Brought Out in Cincy Aug 07, 2023

The Nationals pulled off a road sweep for the first time in almost 4 years as they doubled up the Reds 6-3 on Sunday afternoon. Mark & Al open with Davey Martinez's aggressive managing in pushing many of his top bullpen arms for a 3rd straight day. Kyle Finnegan pitched the 9th inning all weekend without giving up a run.

(10:45) CJ Abrams and Lane Thomas homered on the opening 2 pitches of the game, the first 2 ever MLB pitches thrown by Cincinnati starter Lyon Richardson. Abrams went 4 for 5 on Sunday; matching a career high from September of last season.

(17:30) Jake Alu was back in the lineup at 2B and contributed with a RBI for the fourth straight start. Ildemaro Vargas meanwhile was at 3B all weekend, should that continue to be the case?

(31:00) Paolo Espino was released by the organization to make roster space despite being on the IL. We salute Paolo's time in D.C. despite unlikely odds that led to him being part of the starting rotation for an extended time.

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Game 111: Adon Takes Perfect Game Bid Into the 6th Aug 06, 2023

The Nats won 7-3 in Cincinnati on Saturday afternoon for the 10th victory in their past 15 games. Mark & Al begin with the stunning start by Joan Adon, as he had a Perfect Game going until it was broken up with 2 outs in the bottom of the 6th. Adon was only called up due to Trevor Williams being briefly away from the team and is now expected to remain on the Big League roster.

(16:40) Tim Shovers gives a quick update on Dylan Crews debut with the Fred Nats on Saturday evening in Virginia.

(21:30) Both Keibert Ruiz and Riley Adams were in the lineup as Ruiz occupied the DH spot. The catcher tandem combined for 4 hits and Adams OPS this season is now at an eye opening .925.

(33:30) Terry Byrom, the Voice of the Harrisburg Senators, gives an update on James Wood, Trey Lipscomb and more from the AA affiliate.

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Game 110: Thomas Homers Twice in Comeback Win Aug 05, 2023

The Nats won 6-3 in 10 innings in Cincinnati to open the weekend series. Mark (Live from his Hotel Room) & Al have a lot to get to, but begin with extended discussions of Lane Thomas and Joey Meneses, who combined for 3 HRs in the victory.

(11:40) Jake Alu started at 2B and Ildemaro Vargas took over at 3B on Friday night. Alu came through with another RBI since being called up; his 3rd in as many games. Where does Jeter Downs fit into all of this?

(16:40) Mark relays what Davey Martinez had to say during Pregame about the demotion of Luis Garcia to AAA.

(26:00) The Nationals were the beneficiaries of good pitching vs. the Reds as Patrick Corbin made it into the 7th with a low pitch count, and five relievers combined for a scoreless effort in 3.2 IP. Jordan Weems continued his strong summer as came through with a pair of K's in his one inning of work.

(35:20) Dylan Crews had 3 hits on Friday in West Palm and is slated to make his Minor League debut on Saturday night in Fredericksburg. Hear where the hosts think he might be spending his September, just a few months after being drafted #2 overall.

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Garcia Sent to Rochester After Wacky Walk-off Win Aug 02, 2023

It ended up being a busy Wednesday afternoon in Navy Yard as initially the Nats had an unorthodox walk-off winner over Milwaukee by the score of 3-2. Then roughly an hour after the game; it was announced that Luis Garcia is being sent down to AAA and Corey Dickerson was unconditionally released. Mark & Al examine why Garcia will be headed to Rochester and what that means long term at 2B in Washington.

(16:50) The offense had some rather creative ways to defeat Brewers All Star Closer Devin Williams in the bottom of the 9th. Alex Call is credited with an unusual scoring, a walk-off fielder's choice grounder. Ildemaro Vargas not only scored the winning run, but had very heads-up base running along the way.

(24:30) MacKenzie Gore threw a solid outing as he allowed just a pair of runs in 6 IP. An encouraging element to his start is that he only needed 89 pitches to get through the top of the 6th; a frame where he struck out the side.

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Quiet Final Day of the Trade Deadline Aug 02, 2023

The Nats did not make any more deadlines on the final day of the MLB Trade Deadline leading up to their 6-4 loss at the hands of the visiting Brewers. Mark & Al examine why Washington did make any additional swaps and what went into the decision to retain Lane Thomas and Kyle Finnegan.

(09:30) As for the actual game; Josiah Gray had a disappointing outing where he exited after 3.2 IP. It was the top of the 4th that did in Gray as he allowed 4 runs and tossed 37 pitches in that frame alone. This was his shortest outing of the season.

(18:45) The offense had a mildly productive evening as Dominic Smith and CJ Abrams each had a pair of hits. Jake Alu, 24th rounder from 2019, came through with his 1st career RBI after getting called up from Rochester. It is expected that Alu will get plenty of opportunity at 3B after Jeimer Candelario was traded away.

(27:15) Now that August has arrived, it puts into focus that both Davey Martinez and Mike Rizzo are not under contract for next season. Will they both be back in 2024?

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Candelario Traded Away Before Victory Aug 01, 2023

The Nats rallied to top the Brewers 5-3, but just before the series began Jeimer Candelario was shipped to the Cubs in exchange for a pair of prospects. Mark & Al react to the trade and see whether or not Mike Rizzo got proper value in return for the veteran 3B. Both prospects coming from Chicago ranked in the top 20 of their system, Kevin Made (SS), and DJ Herz (LHP).

(10:15) The focus turns to 3B long term as we look sat what the MLB timetable is for Brady House, the 1st Round Pick from 2021, that recently was promoted to AA Harrisburg. Jake Alu was called up Monday from Rochester and is expected to get plenty of at bats at 3B for the rest of the season.

(18:20) The remaining potential trade chips all played well in Monday night's victory. Joey Meneses and Lane Thomas combined for all 5 Washington RBIs and Kyle Finnegan notched his 15th save of the season. Will they all remain on the Nationals come as the 6pm Trade Deadline arrives on Tuesday?

(28:30) Jake Irvin lasted 5.1 IP and Al continues to point out how much better he has been since having his spot in the rotation skipped earlier this summer.

(33:00) A quick look back at the dizzying amount of trades the Nats pulled off at 2021 Trade Deadline. They moved a total of 8 players in return for 12 prospects, including Josiah Gray and Keibert Ruiz.

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Game 106: Abrams Steals 3 Bases in Defeat Jul 31, 2023

The Nats were beaten 5-2 by the Mets to close out the long weekend series in Flushing. Mark (From NY) & Al on a disappointing day for the offense are able to tip their caps to CJ Abrams for stealing 3 more bases from the leadoff position. Abrams has successfully stolen the last 21 bags he attempted to swipe; dating all the way back to May.

(07:30) Lane Thomas did not start but was inserted mid game as a pinch hitter. It caused some raised eye brows when he was not in the lineup pregame, but Davey Martinez said it was for a scheduled day off; not due to a trade. Al points out how his slump seems to be correlated to dropping in the order to make room up top for Abrams.

(13:40) Rico Garcia was placed on the IL and Amos Willingham returned to take his roster spot. The franchise's bullpen has been beleaguered this summer by many injuries, including to that of Sean Doolittle.

(19:00) Trevor Williams only lasted 4 IP and immediately left after the game due to being added to the Bereavement List. Williams has struggled this month and his ERA is at 5.97 in 7 July starts.

(23:30) According to the NY Post, Max Scherzer will now be paid millions by three separate franchises this season; which includes Washington.

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Game 105: Offense Busts Loose in Queens Jul 30, 2023

The Nats topped the Mets 11-6 on Saturday night after jumping out to an early 8-1 lead. Mark ( Live from Citi Field) & Al convene after a busy day in Flushing as New York traded Max Scherzer to Texas in the middle of the game. The lineup feasted on Carlos Carrasco, including Riley Adams who continues to contribute at the plate in his limited playing time.

(14:45) Jeimer Candelario reached base four times as his tenure in Washington likely is over in a few days. What is Candelario's trade value like as we approach the Trade Deadline?

(25:50) Jordan Weems was one of four relievers to take the mound after Patrick Corbin and Weems had is fifth consecutive scorless outing. Of the seven runs he has allowed this month, four of which came in a single outing to skew his numbers.

(30:00) Now that Scherzer has been dealt away from New York, does this guarantee that he will enter Cooperstown wearing the Curly W? This will be the 6th team of his career that began in 2008.

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Game 104: Candelario Says He's OK After Potential Injury Jul 29, 2023

The Nats lost 5-1 at the Mets on Friday night for a 2nd straight defeat. Mark (From Citi Field) & Al start with Jeimer Candelario's potential injury while trying to extend a single into a double in the 8th inning. Candelario has had many injuries this month, as we approach Tuesday's Trade Deadline.

(06:00) MacKenzie Gore only lasted 5 IP and issued 4 walks in the process. Gore never threw a clean inning and it came to haunt him in the 5th when Pete Alonso connected on a 3 run HR off a hanging slider.

(17:00) The offense was little match for Max Scherzer as the only run came off of a Luis Garcia Solo HR. Garcia was the lone bright spot in the lineup as he tallied 3 hits. July has been a tough month for Garcia as he is only hitting .225.

(23:40) Our diehard listener in South Korea (Rich) passed along a first hand testimonial of how well Erick Fedde is pitching in the KBO and that he is a candidate for their version of the Cy Young Award.

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Game 103: Gray Scoreless Outing Precedes Late Loss Jul 28, 2023

After yet another rain delay, the Nats lost 2-1 at the Mets on Thursday evening. Mark (Live from Citi Field) & Al immediately dive into the odd situation where Kyle Finnegan had an over an hour to think about the inherited bases loaded jam in the bottom of the 8th.

(06:45) Finnegan entered the game in relief of Mason Thompson; who lost control in the middle of his outing. This has been a periodic pattern for Thompson and both of the Mets runs were charged against him.

(10:00) Josiah Gray issued a few walks and had a high pitch count, but did not allow a run in his 6 IP. Gray's ERA this year is 3.27 in 21 starts.

(17:10) The Nationals offense struggled in this series opener as they only collected 5 hits. Lane Thomas went 0 for 4 and his numbers at the plate in July have been lower than earlier this season. This leads to a discussion on where he stacks up on the open trade market.

(24:50) The Angels are going for it and are keeping Shohei Ohtani. Given their dissatisfaction with Anthony Rendon (yep), might they ironically trade for Jeimer Candelario?

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Game 102: Abrams Walks Off the the 9th Inning Comeback Jul 27, 2023

The Nats ended the successful home stand in thrilling fashion as they scored 4 runs in the bottom of the 9th to win 5-4. Mark & Al begin by wondering why Rockies Manager kept his struggling Closer Daniel Bard on the mound. Bard was out of the game though when CJ Abrams continued his magical July ride with a walk-off RBI single.

(18:00) Jake Irvin had a mixed bag outing, but did tally 7 strikeouts and made it 6 IP. The negative of the afternoon was that he allowed 3 Colorado homers. The bullpen did pitch well behind as they combined for 3 scoreless frames.

(27:35) Victor Robles was moved to the 60 day IL to help make room for the call-up of Andres Machado. The earliest Robles can return is late August as he is basically been out since early May. Where does he currently fit into the organization's long-term plans?

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Game 101: Meneses HR Caps Late Rally Jul 26, 2023

The Nats ended a very long night on a high note in the 6-5 victory over the Rockies. There were two separate rain delays that led to a conclusion just before Midnight; only 12 hours before Wednesday's series finale. Al & Mark start with the decisive 4 run bottom of the 8th where Jeimer Candelario had a RBI double and Joey Meneses was the hero with a 3 run blast. "Joey Four Bags" has been on a tear this month as he is slugging .535 in July.

(09:00) Davey made sure to get both Keibert Ruiz & Riley Adams into the lineup and was rewarded with 2 hits and a RBI double for Adams. Will there be a continued push to get both catchers at bats every day?

(17:00) Trevor Williams made it through 6 IP and ultimately gave up 4 runs. The bullpen only yielded one run; which led to Kyle Finnegan notching his 14th Save of the season.

(25:00) Yet again rain played tricks on the Nationals as the first rain delay on Tuesday evening did not have any rain. Why does it seem like it gets botched in Navy Yard multiple times a year? At least the fans were given discounts on food during the wait.

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Game 100: Win Streak Snapped + Mark's Trip to "Field of Dreams" Jul 25, 2023

**Record scratch** The Nats win streak from the weekend came to an abrupt halt on Monday night in a 10-6 loss to visiting Colorado that was marred by plenty of sloppy play. Mark & Al recap the grisly details from Patrick Corbin's outing where he ceded 10 hits and his ERA is now up to 5.01.

(11:30) Plenty of instances of poor defense in this defeat and this leads to an assessment of what the defensive chess board might look like for Washington in the next few seasons as the prospects continue to rise within the system.

(21:05) Jeimer Candelario connected on his 16th HR of the season as we are one week away from the Trade Deadline. Any chance the Nationals do not deal him?

(30:00) **Must Listen Segment** Mark recounts his special family trip over to Dyersville, Iowa to check out the real life "Field of Dreams".

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Game 99: Lane Thomas & the Nats Finally Get a Sweep Jul 23, 2023

Get out your brooms as the 2+ year sweep drought in a 3 game series is thankfully over as the Nats took care of the Giants 6-1 on Sunday afternoon. Al & Tim have plenty to revel in, but especially Lane Thomas' unforgettable day where he tied a franchise record with 4 stolen bases, 3 hits at the plate, and flashed the leather in the field multiple times. However, the conversation quickly morphs into... should they trade Lane next week before the Deadline?

(15:00) Riley Adams homered on Sunday and his OPS is well above .800 despite having fewer than 100 plate appearances. What can the Nationals do to get him more playing time?

(22:30) MacKenzie Gore had a good outing as he threw 5 shutout innings with 8 Ks and only allowed 4 hits. Gore lasted 90 pitches and then handed it off to the bullpen. This was his best outing since last month in San Diego (June 25th).

(29:00) The highlight of the sweep might be how effective the bullpen was all weekend. On Sunday, they shouldered 4 IP and only allowed 1 run in the process.

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Dylan Crews Introduced Prior to Easy Win Jul 23, 2023

Saturday was a special day at Nationals Park as it began with the introductory Dylan Crews Press Conference and was followed by a 10-1 thrashing of the Giants. Al & Tim start with all the offensive accolades for CJ Abrams, Keibert Ruiz, and Alex Call. Abrams homered on his Bobblehead night while Ruiz & Call each are slugging over .500 in July.

(21:30) Josiah Gray issued 3 walks right away, but settled down and lasted 7 IP without walking anyone else. Gray has now lasted 7 frames on 4 different occasions this season. The bullpen continued their solid series as Rico Garcia and Joe LaSorsa each threw a scoreless inning to wrap up the victory.

(29:00) Dylan Crews met with the media prior to the win and Tim asked the #2 overall pick what his expected timetable is in order to make it Washington. When should we expect him to make his MLB debut? Mike Rizzo indicated that his journey will begin in West Palm before heading up to either Fredericksburg or Wilmington.

(37:10) Crews' Agent, Scott Boras, certainly made his presence felt at the press conference with a few memorable comments. Boras also referenced some of his past high profile clients that played in Washington in the previous decade.

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Game 97: Irvin Impresses + Crews Reportedly Signs Jul 22, 2023

The Nats beat the Giants 5-3 on Friday night to begin the home stand. Al & Tim recap Jake Irvin's career best start as he struck out nine and almost made it 7 IP on 111 pitches. What is a realistic ceiling for Irvin as we move forward?

(11:10) This was not a night to complain about the bullpen as they came through unscathed for the final 7 outs. Jordan Weems came through in a 7th inning jam, and then Jose A. Ferrer & Kyle Finnegan each threw 1-2-3 frames to close it out over San Francisco. Weems has struggled at times this year, but also has shown a propensity to strike guys out.

(18:30) Lane Thomas & CJ Abrams each homered early in the victory; part of the offense's 5 extra base hits on the evening. Abrams continued his torrid stretch while hitting lead-off as his OPS this month is 1.015.

(28:45) Dylan Crews reportedly has officially signed with Washington and is expected to have his introductory press conference on Saturday afternoon. The hosts discuss what a realistic timetable for Crews might look like between now and his eventual MLB debut.

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Game 96: More Bullpen Woes Jul 20, 2023

The Nats bullpen imploded again in Chicago, this time they allowed 5 runs in the bottom of the 8th to lose 8-3. Mark (Live from Wrigley Field) & Al discuss the continued sorry state of affairs for the 'pen and on Wednesday Mason Thompson was part of the problem. During the final 2 games of the series, the relief pitching gave up 20 runs in less than 6 frames.

(13:30) Trevor Williams had a so-so outing as he allowed 7 hits in his usual 5 IP. What are the chances that a contender would seek Williams at the Deadline to fill out their rotation?

(22:00) Jeimer Candelario slugged his 15th HR of the season in the 8th inning just before Washington briefly tied the Cubs. What kind of return might the Nationals get for Candelario in a few weeks?

(28:15) While Candelario is almost a given to be dealt, it is not as clear for Lane Thomas. Hear Mark explain what Mike Rizzo is weighing while potentially shopping Thomas.

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Game 95: "B" Bullpen Gets Torched + House to AA Jul 19, 2023

The Nats led 3-0, but it was all Cubs form there in a 17-3 blowout on Tuesday night. Mark (Live from Wrigley) & Al run through the gruesome details on the "B" Bullpen as they allowed a combined 14 runs in the 7th & 8th innings. It was a particularly tough night for Our Guy Paolo; who ceded 8 runs in less than an inning of work. Will this end up as the worst Nationals Bullpen in history?

(16:00) Before the game got out of hand, Patrick Corbin had a decent start as he pitched into the 6th inning. Corbin just returned from the Paternity List and did not have his usual preparation.

(28:05) Brady House, 1st Round Pick from 2021, was promoted to AA Harrisburg after just 16 games in Wilmington. Could House get called up to Washington in 2024?

(33:10) Elijah Green, 1st Round Pick from 2022, is currently in West Palm as opposed to Fredericksburg as he rehabs a wrist injury. Green has not played in a few weeks and his strikeout rate (42%) is of concern.

(37:10) We play the scouting reporting that Jim Callis, Senior Writer for MLB.com, gave on Dylan Crews prior to the Draft. The Nationals took Crews #2 overall a few weeks ago and he is expected to sign in the near future.

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Game 94: Candelario & Ruiz Homer in Wrigley Win Jul 18, 2023

The Nats topped the Cubs 7-5 to begin their three game series at Wrigley Field. Mark (From Chicago) & Al examine Jeimer Candelario's immediate impact in his return to the lineup by homering right away. Candelario had missed action over the weekend due to a bone bruise in his thumb.

(07:40) Keibert Ruiz was picked off, but made up for it with a 2 run shot in the 7th for a 7-3 lead. Ruiz played nice defense on Monday night, including some crucial picks on low pitches in the 9th by Kyle Finnegan.

(10:15) Stone Garrett made his presence felt in the lineup as he collected 3 hits including a double that Cody Bellinger lost in the Friendly Confines. Garrett is slugging .552 in July despite sharing time in LF.

(22:10) MacKenzie Gore's stat line does not convey how he really pitched on Monday as he gave up a pair of 2 run HRs in his final frames. Gore lasted until the 7th, which was crucial given how limited the bullpen is during Hunter Harvey's trip to the IL (elbow strain).

(38:00) Hear Ben McDonald's scouting report of Dylan Crews. This full interview is available in our Game 88 recap.

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Game 93: More Rain and Injuries Jul 17, 2023

The Nats lost the series rubber match on Sunday 8-4 in St. Louis as there was a rain delay for the third consecutive day. Al & Mark (Live from Busch Stadium) begin with the pair of crucial injuries that the team is currently dealing with for closer Hunter Harvey and Jeimer Candelario. Harvey's velocity was down and Saturday and this led to him being scheduled for a MRI back in D.C. Candelario tried pregame to be able to play despite his bone bruise, but instead Ildemaro Vargas played again at 3B. The timing of these injuries are also relevant as the MLB Tradeline is around the corner (August 1st).

(18:45) More bad pitching for the Nationals as Josiah Gray allowed 10 hits and the taxed bullpen didn't do much better. Josiah Gray might have had a sterling All Star debut, but that momentum did not carry over on Sunday.

(26:00) CJ Abrams tripled and doubled on Sunday and collected six hits in the weekend series. His OPS is at .719 for the month and has a batting average in July at .395.

(36:00) The road trip moves to Wrigley Field for three straight evenings with MacKenzie Gore taking the mound on Monday night.

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Games 91 & 92: Split in St. Louis Jul 16, 2023

A long Saturday at Busch Stadium resulted in the Nats winning Game 1 (7-5 extras W) and dropping Game 2 (9-6 L) vs. the Cardinals. Mark (Live from St. Louis) & Al run through the busy start to the series, which has seen plenty of rain delays. Jeimer Candelario did not play in either affair due to his thumb bone bruise and this is a cause for concern due to the looming Trade Deadline (August 1st).

(10:15) CJ Abrams had four hits in these two games and has looked comfortable since being moved into the lead-off spot in the order as he is hitting .385 in the month of July. Joey Meneses meanwhile had a good day at the plate, continuing his momentum from last week vs. Texas.

(21:45) Jake Irvin only lasted 3 IP on the mound in Game 2 and did not aid an already fatigued Bullpen. The "A" Bullpen was primarily used in the Game 1 victory; which led to a Paolo Espino appearance on Saturday night in Game 2.

(32:30) The Nationals now have two of the top five prospects in the post Draft rankings. Dylan Crews is listed at #4, just ahead of James Wood at fifth, and Paul Skenes #6. Listen for an explanation as to why Washington will not be able to draft in the Top 10 next summer.

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Rain in St. Louis Suspends Action Jul 15, 2023

The Nats were only able to make it until the bottom of the 3rd on Friday night in St. Louis. Trevor Williams allowed a Solo HR in the bottom of the 1st to stake the Cardinals a 1-0 lead before the tarp was rolled out . Tim gives a quick scene setter of the now busy Saturday that awaits the Nationals in Missouri.

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Superstar LSU Outfielder Dylan Crews The Pick at #2 Jul 10, 2023

**SPECIAL DRAFT EDITION**

The Nationals picked the highly decorated Dylan Crews with the #2 overall pick in the MLB Draft. Al & Mark analyze the pivotal pick of the star outfielder, who just won a National Championship, hit .426, and took home the Golden Spikes Award. Crews' teammate Paul Skenes was unavailable to Washington; as Pittsburgh selected the pitcher at #1.

(15:00) What's next for Crews? What's a realistic timetable until he gets called up to the Big Leagues?

(26:20) The Nats beat the Rangers Sunday afternoon 7-2 in the series rubber match. Joey Meneses homered for the fourth time this weekend and is 8th in the NL in hits. Dom Smith and Stone Garrett each homered as well and CJ Abrams had 3 hits from the lead-off spot.

(38:00) Patrick Corbin threw a fantastic start as he allowed only 1 run in 7 IP. Corbin pulled the very rare feat of striking out four consecutive Texas hitters who are headed to the All Star Game. Could Corbin actually be a trade chip at the Deadline?

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Game 89: Early HR Barrage Snaps The Skid Jul 09, 2023

The Nats ended their five game losing streak as they jumped out early on Texas pitching for an 8-3 victory. Mark & Al begin with Joey Meneses, who homered for the 3rd time in under 24 hours, and also added a RBI double. Meneses now has more homers in this series (3) than the rest of his entire combined season (2).

(07:45) Jeimer Candelario was only able to serve as DH, but immediately delivered with a 1st inning 3 run HR to set the afternoon tone. Candelario remains on the outside of the All Star Game despite being top 2 in WAR among all of NL 3Bs.

(16:00) CJ Abrams had a pair of hits on Day 2 as serving as the lead-off hitter. Hear Mark handicap the reasons why the young SS has been given this opportunity.

(24:20) Jake Irvin continues to pitch well ever since having his spot in the rotation skipped last month. Irvin really stepped up on Saturday as he kept pitching following the 1 hour+ rain delay. Irvin's ERA in his past 5 starts is at an encouraging 3.58.

(31:30) One last MLB Draft conversation before Sunday night. If both LSU stars are available at #2.... who will Washington select?

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Game 88: Meneses HRs Twice + Ben McDonald Interview Jul 08, 2023

The Nats dropped their 5th game in a row as they were beaten 7-2 by visiting Texas. Al & Tim evaluate Washington's 15th home loss in the past 16 games; which is becoming a bit of a head spinning stat. The lineup was tweaked as CJ Abrams occupied the lead-off spot and it sounds like this will be an ongoing experiment. Lane Thomas moved to the 2nd spot in the order, but went 0 for 4.

(09:45) Joey Meneses touched eight bags while homering twice; thus doubling his season total. It was his first time going deep in exactly two months, when he hit one on May 7th in Phoenix.

(15:45) Jeimer Candelario was out of the lineup on Friday one day after exiting early due to taking a fastball to the kneecap. Candelario was still sore after working out in the batting cage and is TBD for the rest of the weekend series.

(19:00) The Nationals only used two pitchers, but that seemed to be more of a product of a tired bullpen instead of their actual pitching performance. Trevor Williams lasted 6 IP, but allowed 4 runs and threw well over 100 pitches on his way there. Joan Adon threw the final 3 innings, but gave up a HR to the first batter he saw, just after he was promoted from AAA Rochester.

(31:30) Tim speaks with Ben McDonald, the perfect person to give you scouting reports on Paul Skenes & Dylan Crews. Ben himself was a Star pitcher at LSU and then drafted by the Orioles at #1 overall in 1989. Hear Ben's up close expertise on these two as the MLB Draft approaches this Sunday evening.

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Game 87: Rain Delay Shortens Gore's Outing Jul 07, 2023

The Nats were swept by the Reds and Thursday's finale was a 5-4 extra inning defeat for their 14th loss in their past 15 home games. Mark & Al recap the odd affair, that saw a nearly two hour rain delay in the top of the 2nd; thus prematurely ending MacKenzie Gore's start. This is his final schedule start until the All Star Break and his ERA is now at 4.42.

(10:15) The rain delay caused the afternoon to become a Bullpen Game and the "A" Bullpen took the mound in addition to a few others. Hunter Harvey threw a perfect top of the 9th, but in the 10th immediately surrendered a 2 run HR to Nick Senzel. This does create plenty of complications for this weekend's upcoming series vs. Texas.

(20:00) Keibert Ruiz went 0 for 5 while DHing and his OPS is a troubling .639. What to make of him at the moment at the plate? Why isnt' Riley Adams getting more chances at 1B?

(25:50) Alex Call homered, stole a base, and walked twice. Call's HR briefly gave the Nationals the lead and this came one day after returning from Rochester.

(28:00) Mark gives an update on Jeimer Candelario, who left in the 10th inning after taking a fastball to the kneecap while up to bat.

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Game 86: Cruz & the Reds Blast the Nats Jul 06, 2023

The Nats were trounced 9-2 on Wednesday night vs. the Reds for their 3rd straight home loss. Mark & Al recap the unusual kerfuffle regarding the blast knob at the end of Elly De La Cruz's bat that ultimately led to his towering HR in the 5th inning. Mark was the designated pool reporter for the evening and relays what he was told form the Umpires afterwards.

(08:40) Josiah Gray had a poor outing on the heels of making the All Star Game over the weekend. Gray only lasted 5 IP and was plagued by his typical high pitch count.

(16:20) Joe La Sorsa gave up 4 runs in two innings; which included a run scoring balk. It was the 2nd time in the past few outings that La Sorsa gave up that many runs and his ERA this season is at 18.00.

(26:30) Alex Call returned to Washington's CF just a few weeks after being sent down to Rochester. Derek Hill was DFA'd, which oddly enough came right after his 1st RBI with the Nationals. Call has struggled mightily at the plate this season, but has played well in the field.

(32:20) Jim Callis, Senior Writer for MLB Pipeline and MLB.com, tells Tim Shovers all that he knows about Dylan Crews and Paul Skenes ahead of this weekend's Draft. He gives an easy to digest explanation on how the finances have changed since the Stephen Strasburg/Bryce Harper Drafts.

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Game 85: Disappointing Holiday Performance Jul 04, 2023

The Nats lost 8-4 to the Reds in the annual 11:05AM July 4th start in D.C. Mark & Alex have plenty to carp about as the sloppy play began right away with poor defense in the 1st inning. Adding insult to the afternoon, Cincinnati was able to steal 6 bases off of Riley Adams behind the plate.

(06:10) Patrick Corbin struggled while allowing 10 hits and 6 earned runs. Corbin's ERA is now up to 5.13 and for comparison sake it was 5.68 at this time last summer. It was the 4th time this year that Corbin gave up double digit hits in an outing.

(19:00) It was another day of mild results for the offense, but Derek Hill did have his 1st RBI since being promoted from AAA. CJ Abrams did not play well in the field, but he did have a pair of doubles on Tuesday. Lane Thomas doubled too and his average currently sits at .301.

(26:00) This series against the 1st Place Reds has been a tad sobering for Washington's Rebuild efforts, because Cincy has exposed the areas that need to be improved on South Capitol Street. The hosts blend this conversation into the importance of nailing the upcoming MLB Draft.

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Game 84: Offense Lacks Fireworks in Defeat Jul 04, 2023

The Nats lost the home stand opener 3-2 on Monday evening to Cincinnati. Mark & Al begin with the very curious and costly decision by Stone Garrett to try and steal 2nd Base in the bottom of the 9th. Hear how Davey Martinez responded to Garrett getting thrown out for the 2nd out in the final frame.

(09:40) Joey Meneses was slotted 5th in the lineup as opposed to his usual placement of 3rd or 4th in the order. Meneses really struggled in June as he only came up with six hits the entire month.

(18:50) Jake Irvin took the loss, but pitched decently for the 4th straight outing. A month ago his ERA was at 5.81, but ever since having his spot in the rotation was skipped, it is now down to 4.70. After he departed; the "B" Bullpen held the Reds scoreless over the final three innings.

(26:50) Quick turnaround on Tuesday morning as the Nats host their annual July 4th game at 11AM. Are you a fan of the tradition in DC?

(30:00) Jim Callis of MLB Pipeline ends the show with an updated scouting report on Brady House.

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Game 83: Gray the All Star & A Win Jul 03, 2023

The Nats won 5-4 on Sunday in Philadelphia to take the weekend rubber match and Josiah Gray also found out he is headed to the MLB All Star Game for the first time in his young career. The Nationals won all 3 series on the road trip and went 6-3 overall on the three city tour. Al points out how well the team is playing on the road this year as they are 21-22 this season away from D.C.

(05:00) Gray is bound for Seattle at next week's Midsummer Classic. Gray makes it to the All Star Game less than two years after the Blockbuster trade with the Dodgers at the 2021 Trade Deadline.

(09:00) Among the snubs, were Jeimer Candelario and Lane Thomas. Al runs through some stats that makes their omissions difficult to swallow, but plenty of explainable All Star roster quirks are at play. Candelario did homer on Sunday as well in the victory.

(17:10) Stone Garrett came through as clean-up hitter with a go ahead Grand Slam, his 2nd one this season. The last player to pull that off for Washington? Gerardo "Baby Shark" Parra of course.

(19:00) Trevor Williams immediately allowed 3 runs, but did settle down to make it through 5 innings. Hear Al explain how Williams has been mediocre, but in a complimentary way. The "A" Bullpen came through again with plenty of clutch double plays; and saw significant contribution from recent addition Jose A. Ferrer.

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Game 82: Gore & Nats Get Clobbered Jul 02, 2023

The Nats were crushed 19-4 on Saturday afternoon in Philadelphia. Al hosts solo and runs through all the troubling moments from MacKenzie Gore's awful start, which included not properly covering a play at 1st Base. It is the worst start of Gore's season and rose his ERA to 4.48. Hear what Davey has to say about the blister on Gore's finger afterwards.

(08:40) The Nationals bullpen (which included Ildemaro Vargas) was demolished by the powerful Phillies offense as they gave up a whopping 12 runs in three frames. Joe La Soras for instance faced eight batters, but only retired one of them.

(16:25) Vargas and Lane Thomas were the two members of the Washington offense to come up with multiple hits on Saturday. Al uses this opportunity to point out that how startling the lack of the Nats power has been this season.

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Game 81: Gray, Garrett, & "A" Bullpen Get it Done Jul 01, 2023

The enter the Halfway Point on a high note as they eked out a 2-1 win in Philadelphia for their 5th victory in the past six games. Mark & Al start with Josiah Gray's solid start on Friday night where he struck out 8 Phillies while only issuing 1 walk. Gray's ERA at 3.30 on the season through 17 starts.

(10:50) The "A" Bullpen came through with the final nine outs spread out between Mason Thompson, Kyle Finnegan, and Hunter Harvey. Harvey has appeared on the mound in all five Nationals victories this past week.

(19:45) The offense did very little, but Stone Garrett did come through with an early 2 run HR to get the job done. Dom Smith did have a trio of hits on Friday and the pair of Lane Thomas hits lifted his average to .302.

(26:20) A quick look halfway through the season at the Core 5 (Gray, Gore, Garcia, Abrams, and Ruiz).

(33:00) Josh Whetzel, the Voice of the AAA Rochester Red Wings, gives an update on Jackson Rutledge, Blake Rutherford, Matt Adams, and more.

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Game 80: Corbin's Gem Takes the Rubber Match Jun 29, 2023

The Nats won 4-1 in Seattle to take the series and end their West Coast road trip with a winning record (4-2). Mark (Live from T-Mobile Park) & Al (He's Back!) revel in Patrick Corbin's stellar performance where he struck out 9 Mariners in 7 IP; without issuing any walks. This was especially clutch considering how short handed the bullpen availability was entering Wednesday afternoon.

(11:00) Amos Willingham made his MLB debut in the 8th inning and immediately allowed a Solo HR. Willingham did settle down though to retire the next 3 batters before Hunter Harvey notched the Save.

(17:00) The Nationals immediately led 3-0 as Jeimer Candelario and Keibert Ruiz each had RBI hits. Al points out how Candelario still has a real chance to make it to Seattle for the All Star Game. Ruiz was involved in a controversial call at Home Plate that led to Davey Martinez's immediate ejection. The hosts try to understand what Ruiz did wrong while trying to avoid the tag and poke holes into the logic of the overly complicated rule.

(31:30) Jackson Rutledge, Starting Pitching prospect who was the franchise's 2019 1st Round Pick, has been promoted to AAA Rochester. Could he make his MLB debut this year? At the end of the episode, hear what Jim Callis (Senior Writer for MLB Pipeline) on a rehabbing Cade Cavalli as well.

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Game 79: Weems Comes Through in Extras Jun 28, 2023

The Nats outlasted the Mariners 7-4 in 11 innings as Jordan Weems recorded the final six outs for the victory. Mark (Live from Seattle) & Tim recap the wacky affair which included many pitch clock violations, flared tempers, and Weems escaping a bases loaded no outs jam in the bottom of the 10th.

(08:35) Jake Irvin threw 5.2 IP and allowed 3 runs. He has pitched better in June than in late May and has had four straight solid outings.

(17:00) Luis Garcia had a great game with both the bat and glove as he had two hits and almost pulled off an unforgettable double play. Luis has been hitting well this month (.303) and his OPS on the season is .709.

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Game 78: Sloppy in Seattle Jun 27, 2023

The Nats lost 8-4 to open their series in Seattle on Monday evening. Mark (Live from T-Mobile Park) & Tim begin with the bad Strike 3 call on Jeimer Candelario to end the game and quash the 9th inning rally. The Nationals trailed by five runs entering the final frame, but made it interesting by loading the bases and bringing up the tying run to the plate.

(04:15) Dom Smith had an inexplicable error in the pivotal bottom of the 5th, which led to 3 Mariners runs to take a 6-3 lead. Cory Abbott was on the mound at that point, because Trevor Williams was only able to last for 4 IP.

(10:20) Paolo Espino was sent back to AAA Rochester after just one appearance to make room for 24 year old right hander Amos Willingham. Hear Mark explain all the moving parts that likely led to this outcome for Paolo.

(18:40) Lane Thomas yet again came through in the 1st as he homered for the 14th time this season and he finds himself in 5th place in the NL for hits (90). It is looking more and likely more that Thomas will be in next month's All Star game.

(21:10) Will Matt Adams get called up in July to be showcased before the Trade Deadline? Adams has 11 HRs so far this season in Rochester.

(27:10) LSU demolished Florida for the National Championship in Omaha and Paul Skenes was named the Tournament's Most Outstanding Player. Mark gives an explainer on why money (big surprise) might play a factor in Pittsburgh's decision on who to take at #1.

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Game 77: Gore Sets A Victorious Tone in San Diego Jun 26, 2023

The Nats won their first series in June after topping the Padres 8-3 on Sunday afternoon in California. Mark (Live from Petco Park) & Tim marvel at MacKenzie Gore's outing where he struck out the first six batters he saw to set a franchise record. Gore pitched well, but had to exit after 5 IP due to a high pitch count (104). His final pitch of the game was Strike 3 on Juan Soto, which defined the day as Gore K'd Soto in all three at bats.

(13:00) The bullpen recorded the final 12 outs, but it was not the smoothest. Joe La Sorsa (a LHP!) had the biggest out of all to end the Padre threat in the 6th after relieving a struggling Mason Thompson. Our Guy Paolo made his 2023 Big League debut in the 9th, but needed Hunter Harvey's help for the final out of the afternoon.

(19:20) Derek Hill went 1 for 4 on Sunday while he fills in for an injured Victor Robles. Mark gives the latest on Robles' rehab that is now in West Palm.

(25:10) On Monday night the College World Series will be settled between LSU and Florida in Omaha. A fascinating subplot is that Paul Skenes, the Tigers star pitcher, will be on 3 days rest just a few weeks before the MLB Draft. How will the potential Nats 1st Round Pick be handled with a National Title on the line?

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Game 76: Gray & 'Pen Shutout the Padres Jun 25, 2023

The Nats blanked San Diego 2-0 on a day that began with the great news that Paolo Espino is coming back to Washington! Mark & Tim evaluate Josiah Gray and the "A" bullpen's effort in not allowing the Padres to score a run all night. The trio of Mason Thompson, Kyle Finnegan, and Hunter Harvey came through with the final ten outs after Gray lasted 5.1 IP.

(15:00) Jeimer Candelario and Lane Thomas each homered on Saturday night and it was Thomas' 13th HR of the season. Will he get an All Star nod from the crowded NL OF crowd? San Diego's starting pitcher featured a knuckleball, but did not use it as much as we initially were told.

(20:10) The Cubs and Cardinals are in London this weekend and they have already announced the 2024 match-up (Mets/Phillies). What does the future hold for MLB in Europe?

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Game 75: Smashed in San Diego Jun 24, 2023

The Nats were clobbered 13-3 in San Diego and have now lost 15 of their past 18 games. Mark (Live from Petco Park) & Al take a temperature check on Davey Martinez's job status as this month is shaping up to be one of the worst in club history. Davey's currently is signed through the end of the season.

(08:00) Patrick Corbin had a 2021 type start he as he allowed 7 runs in 5 IP. Corbin's ERA is up to 5.32, the highest it has been since early May. The Mets are reportedly interested in acquiring Corbin.... is it worth it?

(20:45) Chad Kuhl really struggled in what was supposed to be mop up duty but ceded 4 runs before being pulled. His ERA is now at an astronomical 8.45 and the hosts discuss whether or not Kuhl will remain on the roster.

(28:00) The offense doubled seven times among their ten hits on Friday evening. Recent call-up Derek Hill collected a pair of base knocks while hitting 8th.

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Game 74: Memorable Davey Ejection in Forgettable Loss Jun 23, 2023

The Nationals lost 5-3 in their makeup game vs. Arizona to conclude a not so happy home stand. The afternoon crowd was a sleepy one given the scheduling circumstances, but Davey Martinez electrified the vibe by getting ejected in very dramatic fashion in the 5th inning. Mark & Al break down the ejection while musing about the team's subpar performance.

(15:30) The defense did not perform well on Thursday and the tone was immediately set when a Derek Hill error resulted in Corbin Carroll scoring all the way from 1st base. Luis Garcia drastically misplayed a fly ball and also had a throwing error in the middle of the game. Davey was openly critical of the defensive effort in his Postgame press conference.

(22:20) Jake Irvin now has had back to back good outings as he only allowed 1 ER in 6 IP. Irvin has responded nicely to having his rotation spot recently skipped.

(26:30) Lane Thomas homered for the 12th time this season and it spurs on a conversation on whether or not he is a trade chip in the upcoming MLB Trade Deadline (August 1st). Thomas does not become a Free Agent following the 2025 season.

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Game 73: Abrams Homers in Rainy Shutout Win Jun 22, 2023

The Nats blanked the Cardinals 3-0 in a wet Wednesday afternoon in Navy Yard to avoid the sweep and end the five game skid. Al & Tim start with Trevor Williams' victorious effort as he lasted 6 IP before handing it off to the "A Bullpen". Will there be interest for Williams at the Trade Deadline?

(7:30) Carl Edwards Jr. is now on the IL due to shoulder inflammation and Mason Thompson seemingly is taking his spot in the Bullpen hierarchy. Kyle Finnegan escaped a jam in the 7th and Hunter Harvey was able to notch his first save since May 31st. Taking Edwards roster spot is Joe La Sorsa and the good news is he that he is a lefty.

(14:00) CJ Abrams had a big day as he collected 3 hits, but most importantly a solo HR in the 5th that gave the Nationals a potential safety net of having the lead should the rain have increased. Spotlights are shone on Luis Garcia and Jeimer Candelario as well in this segment.

(25:30) Victor Robles returned to the IL due to his back and Derek Hill was called up to take over CF. Hear some frank comments that Davey Martinez had for Robles after the events of Tuesday night. Why did Alex Call stay in Rochester?

(35:00) NBC Sports Washington is being rebranded locally as Monumental Sports Network. This news ties into the never ending MASN ripples.

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Game 72: Brief Dugout Spat Amid 5th Straight Loss Jun 21, 2023

The Nats have dropped five in a row this home stand as they fell 9-3 on Tuesday vs. St. Louis. Mark & Al have an extended discussion on the argument between MacKenzie Gore and Victor Robles following a misplayed fly ball in the top of the 2nd. Hear what Davey Martinez had to say about it in his postgame press conference.

(15:30) Gore did not have a good outing as he ceded 9 hits and 5 runs in 6 IP. He was able to survive back to back walks and did strikeout 8 Cardinals in the process. His ERA in four straights this month is 5.16 compared to 4.06 in May.

(19:45) Only a pair of bullpen arms took the mound and the results were not pretty. Hunter Harvey pitched for the first time in awhile. but allowed a pair of runs in the 9th.

(31:15) Tim Shovers steps in to go over the latest MASN dispute news with Al. According to the Washington Post, the Nationals and Orioles agreed on the TV rights amount from 2012-2016 (appx $100M), but 2017-2023 still remains unsettled. Will this hasten the sale of the team?

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Game 71: Gray Gives Away 5 Run Lead Jun 20, 2023

The Nats lost their 4th straight as they blew an early five run lead in a 8-6 defeat against visiting St. Louis. Josiah Gray was staked the early edge, but allowed six runs; the final four of which came in the bottom of the 5th. It was Gray's worst outing of the year and his ERA is a full run higher than it was a month ago (3.64).

(15:00) The offense did very little from the 3rd inning on and had more instances of making outs on the bases. Luis Garcia had an unusual box score as he gathered 4 RBIs on only 1 hit.

(25:30) Jordan Weems continued his solid stretch as of late out of the bullpen. Chad Kuhl threw an adventurous scoreless inning and then Kyle Finnegan took the mound for just the 5th time this month. Why did Finnegan miss the entire Marlins series, but pitched today when trailing?

(31:40) A special interview in honor of Juneteenth as Tim Shovers is joined by Bob Kendrick, President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum This is Bob's 3rd straight June joining the podcast and in this edition, he discusses Oscar Charleston, Hall of Famer. Oscar Charleston played from 1915-1941 and is considered "Willie Mays before Willie Mays".

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Game 70: Marlins Remain the Nats Daddies Jun 19, 2023

The Nats were swept on Father's Day by visiting Miami 4-2 and they are now 0-6 against the Marlins this season. Al & Mark have a "Roblesian" blunder to begin with as Victor Robles, fresh off the IL, was picked off at a crucial moment with Lane Thomas up to bat in the bottom of the 5th.

(10:10) Lane Thomas slugged his team high 11th HR of the season and is flirting with a .500 slugging %. Davey Martinez has stumped for Thomas to serve as the Nationals representative in the All Star Game.

(22:40) Patrick Corbin didn't pitch very well as he gave up 11 hits, but did last 6 IP to eat up some innings. Corbin's ERA is 4.89 on the season and his WHIP in three starts this month is a startling 2.00.

(29:45) Paul Skenes was dominant again on Saturday night as he struck out a dozen Tennessee Volunteers in the College World Series. This leads to an extended discussion on how to evaluate the injury potential to the best pitcher in College Baseball.

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Game 69: Short Handed 'Pen Can't Reel in the Fish Jun 18, 2023

The Nats remain winless this season against Miami as they fell 5-2 on Saturday afternoon in D.C. The bullpen inherited a tied game, but Chad Kuhl and Thad Ward combined to allow four runs in three frames. Davey Martinez afterwards said his "A" Bullpen was not available, and the short handed crew did not come through.

(18:30) Jake Irvin had a good outing after having his spot in the rotation was recently skipped. Irvin lasted 5 IP and only ceded one run, his best start in over a month.

(25:40) CJ Abrams went 0 for 3 and is hitting .215 on the season. Abrams has also had many defensive miscues this year and the hosts begin to wonder if a trip to the minors might be worth considering.

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Game 68: Miami's Hex Over the Nats Continues Jun 17, 2023

The Nats are now 0-4 this year against Miami after narrowly falling 6-5 in D.C. Al hosts solo and runs through Trevor Williams' rough start as he has now given up 11 runs in his three June outings. Meanwhile, last year's NL Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara has pitched poorly this year and that was the case on Friday night despite his dominance last year vs. Washington.

(08:50) The Marlins' go head run came in the top of the 8th on an infield single that scored Garrett Cooper all the way from 2B. Al dissects the way that CJ Abrams played it and what the Nationals defense stats look like as of lately.

(17:30) Victor Robles returned from the IL and just before he singled, he tried to pull of a phantom HBP. Robles' promotion sent Alex Call down to AAA Rochester, who was only hitting .209 on the season.

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Game 67: Nats Prevail in Extras Jun 16, 2023

For the 1st time since October 30th, 2019 the Nats won in Houston and this one came in extra innings by the final score of 4-1. Al & Mark (Live from Texas) start with Keibert Ruiz who broke the scoreless tie in the top of the 9th and added the final insurance run with a 10th inning RBI single. Ruiz has struggled at the plate this season, but did have six hits on the two city road trip.

(10:38) The bullpen pitched well, other than Hunter Harvey who blew the save in the 9th. The best news of the night was Mason Thompson who threw his 5th consecutive scoreless outing. His ERA entering June was 4.76 and now it is down to 3.93. Props are given to Carl Edwards Jr. who was able to blank the Astros in the bottom of the 10th to preserve the 3 run victory.

(25:10) MacKenzie Gore did not allow a run in 5.2 IP coming off a poor start in Atlanta. Gore is still needing a lot of pitches each inning, but his WHIP has dropped to 1.38. This leads into a conversation about Sean Doolittle being promoted to AAA Rochester and he gave up a pair of runs in his first appearance with the Red Wings on Thursday.

(31:30) Paul Skenes, LSU's star pitcher who the Nationals might select next month, won the Dick Howser Trophy (College Baseball's Heisman Trophy). He is expected to pitch at the College World Series on Saturday night vs. Tennessee. We close the show with a preview of UVA's match-up vs. Florida from legendary Virginia columnist David Teel of the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

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Game 66: Walk-Off Loss on Familiar Controversial Call Jun 15, 2023

The "Trea Turner Play" somehow resurfaced in a game between the Nats and Astros in Minute Maid Park and this time it was the final sequence of a 5-4 Nationals loss. A bewildered duo of Mark (Live from Texas) & Al recap all angles of the controversial no call; including Davey Martinez's postgame rant that won't be forgotten any time soon. Why can't runner interference be reviewed?

(17:00) The bottom of the 9th only came to be after Washington rallied with three runs in the top of the 9th to force a tie. Dom Smith came through with a game tying RBI triple, but his pinch runner Michael Chavis never came across to score. Smith has four hits in the past three games; after not starting at 1B on Saturday.

(21:20) Josiah Gray lasted seven frames, but allowed four runs in the process. He has now thrown 7 IP on three occasions this season and did not issue any walks on Wednesday night. Mark explains how Gray has added a new array of pitches to his skill set.

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Game 65: A Muted Return to Houston Jun 14, 2023

The Nats lost 6-1 in their first return to Houston since Game 7 of the 2019 World Series. Mark (Live from Texas) and Al scratch their heads over an Alex Call bunt attempt during the early stages of a potential 3rd inning rally. Call is really struggling at the plate as he is hitting .215 on the season

(06:25) Chad Kuhl got the nod to pitch the 7th while trailing 2-0 and Al wonders if one of the "A" Bullpen members should maybe have taken the mound instead. Important to note the next off-day for Washington isn't until June 29th.

(15:30) Patrick Corbin took the mound at Minute Maid Park and threw three scoreless frames (sounds familiar right?). He also posted a blank 4th inning before giving up a pair of solo HRs in the 5th. Shockingly enough, Corbin is the only 2019 champ on the current roster (Victor Robles meanwhile hit 2 HRs for Rochester on Tuesday).

(27:15) Hear a listener voice memo from the 2019 Postseason, this one about the 1st inning from Game 4 of the NLCS vs. St. Louis.

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Game 64: Losing Streak Takes the Afternoon Train Out of Georgia Jun 12, 2023

The Nats snapped their six game skid with a 6-2 victory on Sunday afternoon in Atlanta to avoid the sweep. Al & Tim start with the five run top of the 6th; which included a rare home run from 1B Dom Smith. It was his first HR since late April; this coming after he was given the bulk of Saturday off.

(12:00) The "A" bullpen was well rested and came through with four scoreless frames. Hunter Harvey notched the save and it was his oddly first appearance in over a week.

(19:20) Trevor Williams bounced back from a rough 1st inning and did not allow a run in his final four innings on the mound. The hosts look at Williams' body of work so far this season. Williams is likely to pitch next weekend against Miami, but Jake Irvin is being skipped in the rotation during the off-day.

(26:50) UVA is headed to the College World Series for the 2nd time in three years. Paul Skenes, potential Nationals draft pick next month, earned a victory on Friday evening for LSU in the Super Regionals.

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Game 63: Gore Struggles in Atlanta Jun 11, 2023

The Nats losing streak is up to six games after falling 6-4 in Atlanta on Saturday afternoon. Al summarizes MacKenzie Gore's start where the lefty gave up five runs in as many innings. Gore's ERA is now above 4.00 (4.04) and he has not earned a victory since April.

(08:20) Lane Thomas doubled and tripled on Saturday in Georgia. Hear Al point out a staggering 1st inning Lane Thomas statistic.

(14:30) Michael Chavis started at 1B as Dom Smith was given a rare day off. Smith has been at 1B for the Nationals for every game since late April, but he made a poor defensive play in the pivotal 8th inning of Friday's loss.

(16:15) Al reads an email about the Washington coaching staff. Send in your questions to natschatpodcast@gmail.com

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Game 62: Doomed by Poor Defense in the 8th Jun 10, 2023

The Nats lost their 5th straight as they allowed Atlanta to rally for a 3-2 final. Mark & Al recap the fateful bottom of the 8th where Washington had terrible defense on three different occasions in the frame. Dom Smith, who is in the lineup mainky due to his glove, made a crucial bobble on a routine grounder, which immediately led to the Braves tying run. Should he remain the everyday 1B?

(13:05) CJ Abrams made an excellent defensive play in the 7th, but did not come up with the play when Atlanta scored the go ahead run in the bottom of the 8th.

(19:35) Josiah Gray only lasted five innings and threw four wild pitches, however he only ceded one run. Al wonders how to evaluate Gray because as of lately his numbers have been better than his actual performances.

(27:50) Brady House has been promoted the High-A Wilmington as he had an OPS of .869 with the Fred Nats. House is playing 3B and Mark handicaps where the former 1st Round pick currently fits into the organization.

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Game 61: Arizona Hands D.C. Their 4th Straight Loss Jun 08, 2023

The Nationals skid hit four games after 6-2 loss to Arizona on Wednesday evening. Al & Mark have no choice but to update the latest on the sorry state of affairs with the pitching staff. The day began with Erasmo Ramirez getting DFA'd and ended with Jordan Weems allowing a pair of runs in the 9th inning.

(10:10) Patrick Corbin technically tossed a quality start despite allowing 3 runs right off the bat and 11 hits in total. Through an odd quirk in the schedule, it was his first outing at night in almost two months.

(19:10) The offense only mustered one extra base hit and it came from Lane Thomas; who also recorded another outfield assist. Make sure you listen to this segment for a very unexpected Alfonso Soriano stat. Joey Meneses had a pair of singles; which elevated his average to .305.

(29:15) June 8th is an important day in Nationals history. Hear a collection of audio from that unforgettable evening in 2010.

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Game 60: Another Bad Day for the 'Pen Jun 07, 2023

The Nationals held an early lead but behind poor pitching they ended up losing 10-5 to visiting Arizona. Mark & Al start with a familiar refrain the struggling bullpen. Erasmo Ramirez inherited a 4-3 lead when he took the mound in the 5th inning, but it quickly became a 6-4 Diamondbacks edge. Ramirez last year was the Nationals Pitcher of the Year, but so far this season his ERA is at 6.33.

(12:00) It was another Jake Irvin outing that did not inspire confidence and it included him committing an error. Irvin's stellar start in San Francisco is increasingly becoming a distant memory as his WHIP is now at 1.68. Will he keep his rotation spot?

(19:40) The offense scored all five of its runs via home runs as Stone Garrett crushed an early Grand Slam and Lane Thomas slugged his 9th HR of the season. Victor Robles remains on the IL, but how does the game of musical chairs look in the outfield between Garrett, Alex Call, and Corey Dickerson for Robles returns?

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Game 59: Bullpen Turns Close Game Into a Laugher Jun 05, 2023

The Nats were routed 11-3 in Sunday's rubber match as the bullpen was unable to keep it close against Philadelphia's powerful lineup. Mark & Al lay out how poorly the 'pen pitched, evidenced by the fact that Philly led 2-1 until Andres Machado allowed a 3 run HR vs. Kyle Schwarber in the top of the 6th. Will there be some roster maneuvering by Tuesday?

(10:20) Trevor Williams' start ended on a sour note as the runners that came across on the "SchwarBomb" were charged to his stat line. Williams' has struggled as of late and his current ERA is at 4.15.

(20:00) The offense had another quiet game and the majority of runs did not come until Ildemaro Vargas' 2 run HR in the 9th. Joey Meneses meanwhile tripled for the first time this year and now has a team high 71 hits on the season (Lane Thomas 2nd place with 63 hits).

(24:35) Mark adds more context to the Stephen Strasburg situation; including details on why there is not disability insurance on the massive contract.

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Game 58: Back to Last Place + Strasburg Report Jun 04, 2023

The Nats lost 4-2 on Saturday to Philadelphia to move behind the Phillies by a game in the standings. Al starts with MacKenzie Gore's OK outing where he allowed nine hits in six frames on the mound. Gore lasted 101 pitches in the afternoon and his ERA is currently at 3.66.

(06:15) Only two relievers were used as the "A Bullpen" got the day off following Friday night's workload. Chad Kuhl threw two scoreless frames and his numbers out of the 'pen are far better than as a starter.

(14:10) The Washington Post reported that Stephen Strasburg is dealing with "severe nerve damage". Hear more about the difficult situation for both the pitcher and the franchise.

(23:00) Al reads an email about the Nationals options at the #2 pick in next month's Draft.

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Game 57: Win Over the Phils Ties Them in the Standings Jun 03, 2023

The Nats are now tied for 4th place in the NL East with Philadelphia after holding on for dear life in an 8-7 victory over the visiting Phillies. Mark & Al look at how the current formula for Washington victories is not pitching/defense, but instead through offense. The bats jumped all over Zack Wheeler for an early 7-1 lead; including 3 RBIs from Jeimer Candelario. Lane Thomas came through with the game winning single in the bottom of the 8th that scored Alex Call; just after Call had stolen 2nd base.

(16:00) Josiah Gray's outing was off to a good start, but ended poorly as he ultimately allowed four runs in 5.1 IP. Gray's ERA has moved up to 3.09 on the season.

(22:50) The bullpen was not able to protect the Nationals lead as the Phillies clawed back in the top of the 8th. Mason Thompson only lasted three batters and was one of four relievers used. Kyle Finnegan's outing initially was a blown save, but ultimately became a win. The 'pen currently has no lefties... will it be Sean Doolittle later this summer?

(34:20) Paul Skenes, the LSU star pitcher many expect the Nats to draft at #2 overall in next month's MLB draft, threw a complete game top open the NCAA Tournament, but curiously was pushed to 124 pitches in the process. Skenes is the most hyped collegiate pitching prospect since.... San Diego's State's Stephen Strasburg.

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Game 56: Nats Crush 5 HRs in Dodger Stadium Triumph Jun 01, 2023

A jam packed edition of Nats Chat after a 10-6 victory over the Dodgers to avoid the sweep. Mark (Live from LA) & Al marvel at the five home runs hit by the Nationals in the victory; two of which came from Keibert Ruiz. He homered three times in less than 24 hours against his old team to already match last season's HR output for the young catcher (7 HRs). Luis Garcia went deep at the perfect time as his 3-run blast broke the 5-5 tie in the top of the 8th.

(15:40) Jeimer Candelario had a go- ahead 2 run HR in the 5th as part of his big day in Los Angeles. Mark takes Al's approach on how to evaluate Candelario's utility to the franchise this season.

(22:05) Patrick Corbin's outing began as a nightmare as he allowed three runs in three batters. Corbin then settled in and was able to make it through five innings despite issuing four walks. He enters June with a 4.92 ERA.

(25:25) The "A" Bullpen was called upon on Wednesday and Hunter Harvey stepped up by nailing down the final six outs. Kyle Finnegan however had a rough afternoon, as he had a pitch clock violation and allowed a HR. Harvey has a long injury history and the hosts put in perspective the amount of work he has had this season and what lies ahead.

(37:15) The Harrisburg Senators (AA Affiliate) are playing in Bowie this week and Tim Shovers caught up with Terry Byrom, the team's long-time voice. Terry gives his career background and also relays his first hand account of James Wood, Robert Hassell III, and Jackson Rutledge. Wood was promoted on Sunday after beginning the year in Wilmington.

(45:30) The NCAA Baseball Tournament begins on Friday and Maryland will begin regional play in Winston Salem, NC. Matt Noble, the Voice of Terps Baseball, previews what lies ahead for UMD on their road to the College World Series.

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Game 55: Nats Drop Their 3rd in a Row May 31, 2023

The Nats made it interesting at the Dodgers until the bullpen couldn't keep it competitive in a 9-3 loss. Mark (Live from Dodger Stadium) & Al evaluate the 'pen that has taken major steps back in the month of May as opposed to how the season began. Should Davey Martinez have used Hunter Harvey when they only trailed by one run?

(13:20) Jake Irvin had a shaky outing as he allowed 8 hits and 4 runs in defeat. Irvin's ERA has ballooned to 5.67 after his recent struggles. Playing behind him in RF was Joey Meneses who was in the field for the first time this season.

(20:45) Lane Thomas continued his stellar play in May as he extended his hitting streak to 15 games and has now reached base in 26 straight games. On Tuesday, Thomas had a pair of hits and also threw out Freddie Freeman trying to extend a hit into a double.

(26:40) Washington looks to avoid being swept in LA and will send Patrick Corbin to the mound. The good news is that the "A" Bullpen is rested as they have not pitched since Saturday.

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Game 54: Abrams' Error Leads to Midgame Demise May 30, 2023

The Nats lost 6-1 at the Dodgers on Memorial Day evening. Mark (Live from Dodger Stadium) & Al put in perspective where the franchise stands after 54 games, the one-third point of the season. They are currently on pace for 69 victories; which would eclipse preseason expectations.

(06:00) Trevor Williams had an unusual pitching line as all six LA runs scored against him were considered unearned due to CJ Abrams botching a double play in the 5th inning. Williams unraveled after the error and it occurred while he was facing the Dodgers order for the 3rd time.

(13:40) Corey Dickerson was thrown out at home after Abrams' RBI single and it was not particularly close. Should Gary DiSarcina have sent him? Lane Thomas singled to extend his hitting streak to 14 games and he has reached base in 25 straight games.

(17:50) An update on Victor Robles who has been on the IL for three weeks due to what was originally labeled "back spasms". Mark relays what he observed from Robles in the clubhouse on Monday.

(23:40) Jake Irvin takes the mound on Tuesday night and he has had a stretch of unimpressive performances. Is his starting rotation job on the line based upon this outing?

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Game 53: Sour End to Gore's Gem May 29, 2023

The Nationals missed a chance to sweep in Kansas City as they instead lost 3-2 on a walk-off single by Michael Massey. Mark (Live from KC) & Al delve into Davey Martinez's decision to give Chad Kuhl the final two innings of work to try and protect the lead handed off by MacKenzie Gore. Were Kyle Finnegan and Hunter Harvey available?

(05:45) Martinez was openly critical of Lane Thomas' decision to not dive for the line drive on what ultimately was the final at bat of the game. The bottom of the 9th was a poor one defensively for Washington as Dom Smith had a critical routine error that began the Royals rally.

(15:50) Gore set a career high with 11Ks in 7 IP to shake off some recent mediocre outings. The hosts discuss how good the lefty looked on Sunday and what to make of such a strong start.

(25:40) The Nationals promoted James Wood to AA- Harrisburg and he already singled in his first at bat with the Senators. Mark assesses what the chances are that Wood could make his MLB debut in 2023. As Wood leaves High-A Wilmington, Sean Doolittle joins the Delaware based affiliate as he moves into the next phase of his rehab.

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Game 52: Bullpen Picks up Gray's Slack in Win May 28, 2023

The Nats scored all their runs in the 6th inning in a 4-2 Saturday afternoon victory in Kansas City. Al & Mark (Live from KC) run through the big inning that saw RBI hits from Corey Dickerson, Keibert Ruiz, and CJ Abrams. Dickerson's double gave him 1,000 career hits for his career. It was another game without a homer for the offense that has been racking up the hits lately.

(14:00) Josiah Gray only lasted four innings on the mound while throwing 91 pitches. It is the 3rd outing this month that Gray did not make it into the 6th inning. His current ERA is 2.77, but Al raises red flags in light of that.

(19:50) The bullpen, which has been fatigued due to the busy stretch, stepped up for the final five frames after Gray's exit. Hats off to Mason Thompson for throwing two scoreless frames despite recent struggles. Kyle Finnegan was given the save opportunity and delivered.

(27:50) MacKenzie Gore faces the Royals on Sunday as Washington seeks its first three game sweep since June of 2021. Gore has not pitched well recently as he has given up a combined seven runs in his past starts.

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Game 51: Garcia's 6 Hits Highlight Victorious Slugfest May 27, 2023

The Nats prevailed 12-10 in Kansas City in a wild Friday night affair. Mark (Live from Kauffman Stadium) & Al recap the busy night for the offense that saw fifteen hits. Luis Garcia led the way with six hits to tie the franchise record (Anthony Rendon 2017). Garcia dramatically raised his average on Friday from .262 to .288.

(11:00) Joey "Four Bags" earned the moniker in terms of amount times reaching base. Meneses' three hits put his average above the .300 threshold for the season so far. Lane Thomas homered in the first inning (his 8th HR of the month) and Al wonders if he might make the All Star Game this summer?

(21:00) Davey Martinez was limited in his pitching options as many members of the bullpen were not available. Patrick Corbin was given a big lead, but was pushed to the limit and the Royals clawed their way back into the game. Evidence of how short handed Washington was in the bullpen.... Chad Kuhl recorded a five out save.

(27:45) James Wood continues to impress at High-A Wilmington and it leads to conjecture on what his organizational timetable looks like. Wood is currently the #7 prospect per MLB Pipeline.

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Game 50: Harvey Blown Save Spoils Comeback Effort May 26, 2023

The Nats staged an impressive 7th inning rally, but it was all for naught after Rougned Odor's 2 out HR in the 9th inning off of Hunter Harvey to give San Diego the 8-6 victory. Al & Tim look at the tenuous closer situation as Harvey blew his 4th save of the season. Davey Martinez opted to pitch Kyle Finnegan in the 8th against the bottom of the Padres order.

(08:45) Washington trailed trailing 5-1 entering the bottom of the 7th but seven consecutive hits later they led 6-5. The inning ended on a bang/bang play at the plate as Alex Call was barely tagged out at home after a wild pitch.

(16:30) Jake Irvin only lasted four innings and has not had a good outing since his best start out in San Francisco. Will he keep his spot in the rotation?

(24:45) The Nats begin a six game road trip Friday night in Kansas City and the Royals have the 2nd worst record in MLB. The probable starters are Patrick Corbin, Josiah Gray, and MacKenzie Gore.

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Game 49: Bullpen Steps Up in Victory May 25, 2023

The Nats beat the Padres 5-3 on Wednesday night to even the series. Mark & Al recap the victory and point out how Washington and San Diego have similar records despite vastly different payrolls. Is the rebuild ahead or right on schedule? The Nationals jumped out early to a 4-0 lead in the 2nd inning; behind RBI hits from Keibert Ruiz and Alex Call.

(14:25) Lane Thomas had a RBI double to continue his strong performance in May. This month he is hitting .330 and is slugging .636.

(17:00) Trevor Williams earned the win in almost six innings of work while striking out five Padres. He currently has the lowest WHIP pf any team's starter at 1.24.

(23:35) The "Varsity Bullpen" recorded the final ten outs in scoreless fashion spread amongst three pitchers (Carl Edwards Jr., Kyle Finnegan, and Hunter Harvey). Hear the hosts discuss how Davey Martinez arrives at his decision on when to use Finnegan or Harvey each night.

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Game 48: Soto Homers in Return to D.C. May 24, 2023

Juan Soto returned for to D.C. for the 2nd time since being dealt last August. The Padres defeated the Nats 7-4 to open up the 3 game series as Soto homered and had three hits on the evening. Mark & Al discuss the warm reception by the crowd towards Soto and how his exit still feels fresh; unlike other former Washington stars that are playing elsewhere.

(8:50) MacKenzie Gore, part of last year's big trade, struggled against Soto and the San Diego lineup as he did not last five innings in the no decision. Gore threw a 99 MPH fastball to begin the game against his former team, but did issue four walks on the evening. Gore threw 103 pitches; which matches his pattern of high pitch counts so far this season.

(19:00) CJ Abrams, another player involved in the Soto trade, slugged his 5th homer of the season that brought the Nats back into the game.

(22:10) Davey Martinez gave the ball to Erasmo Ramirez instead of Mason Thompson with the game tied. It did not work out well as Ramirez allowed four runs and Mark explains what went into the decision. Chad Kuhl later came in for mop up duty, his first action since returning from the IL.

(30:00) Encouraging news from the Farm as Cole Henry will be promoted from Fredericksburg to Wilmington for his next start. Henry is trying to return from TOS, a similar operation that Stephen Strasburg had done.

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Game 47: Adams' 4 Hit Day in Rubber Match Victory May 22, 2023

The Nats beat the Tigers 6-4 for their 20th victory of the season to take the series. Mark & Al recount the unusual game that saw Washington collect 18 hits and draw 0 walks in the process. Riley Adams homered and came a triple shy of the cycle in a rare start behind the plate.

(13:20) Ildemaro Vargas went deep while giving CJ Abrams a day off at short stop. He is hitting .333 in limited playing that time this season. Trade chip? Joey Meneses had 3 three as well on Sunday and his average up to .296.

(17:00) Josiah Gray earned the "Curly W" despite issuing six walks in five innings of work. Gray did though only allow one Detroit run.

(24:30) Kyle Finnegan was utilized in an unsual way on Sunday as he inherited a 6th inning jam. Mark explains all that went into Davey's decision to bring Finnegan in earlier than usual.

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Game 46: Corbin & Candelario Lead the Way May 21, 2023

The Nats ended their four game skid by topping Detroit 5-2 on Saturday afternoon in a game that lasted just a tad over two hours. Al praises the lineup for their five extra base hits in the victory and two of those came from the scorching bat of Jeimer Candelario.

(11:40) Patrick Corbin earned the victory and also reached the milestone of 1500 career strikeouts. Al points out that Corbin is likely in the midst of his best pitching stretch since 2020.

(17:10) Kyle Finnegan notched the save and Hunter Harvey came through with a scoreless 8th inning. Hear Davey Martinez explain how he decided on which one to use as the closer on Saturday.

(23:00) Larry from Rockville shares his favorite memory from October 2019. Send yours into natschatpodcast@gmail.com.

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Game 45: Furious Rally Comes Up Short May 20, 2023

The Nats lost 8-6 on Friday to visiting Detroit after trailing 8-0 in the 6th inning. Mark & Al break down Jake Irvin's short outing and wonder how much this affects his future status in the rotation. Luis Garcia committed a costly throwing error in the 3rd inning which led to 3 more Tigers runs (It should be noted that this was his 1st error of the season).

(14:30) Matthew Boyd, the Tigers starting pitcher, took a no hitter into the 6th until Keibert Ruiz connected on lead-off double (or should it have been an error?) This spurred a major comeback by Washington that ultimately came up short despite 7 extra base hits.

(23:44) Joey Meneses returned from Paternity Leave earlier than expected and came through with a ground rule double. Meneses' career batting average dating back to last season is at .311.

(27:25) Mark gives the latest injury updates for Sean Doolittle and Victor Robles. Doolittle has been rehabbing down in West Palm Beach and Robles was placed on the IL earlier this month due to back spasms.

(32:00) A few years back we asked for listeners to submit their favorite memory from October 2019 and had a ton of submissions. Asking for new voice memos that we can share on air. Please email natschatpodcast@gmail.com.

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Game 44: Swept in Miami + Answering Strasburg Email May 19, 2023

The Nats suffered a disappointing sweep in Miami as they lost 5-3 on Thursday afternoon. Al & Mark scratch their heads at how the Marlins have absolutely dominated Washington in the past few years; to the tune of Miami having won 18 of the past 22 meetings.

(06:20) Jeimer Candelario's bat was not the problem this week in Florida as he homered and doubled on Thursday. He totaled 8 hits in the 3 game series and Mark points out the sneaky solid stats he is on pace for. This came on a day where Davey Martinez shuffled the lineup, including Luis Garcia occupying the leadoff spot.

(14:30) Keibert Ruiz struggled at the plate all series as he was hit-less in all 3 games and grounded into a crucial double play in the 8th. Should he get more days off; especially on day games after night games?

(19:10) Trevor Williams tossed a quality start in the loss and lasted 6 frames on the mound. Williams' WHIP this season (1.26) is better than both Josiah Gray or MacKenzie Gore.

(25:15) Cade Cavalli made a surprise visit in the clubhouse and met with reporters. Mark explains what his timeline for return from Tommy John surgery looks like.

(28:20) We answer a listener email about Stephen Strasburg and why he has not been with the team this season. This leads to a long a discussion on where the Strasburg situation might be headed.

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Game 43: Another One Run Loss in Miami May 18, 2023

The Nats came up just short again in Miami as they lost 4-3 on Wednesday evening. Mark & Al dissect MacKenzie Gore's outing that lasted just a shade over 5 innings. His ERA currently sits at 3.69.

(11:00) Corey Dickerson hit a 2 run HR in his first swing after missing the past month due to injury. Dickerson got the nod at DH as Joey Meneses is on Paternity Leave. Dickerson is a well traveled veteran with a career OPS at .806.

(20:45) Alex Call was involved in a bizarre play in the bottom of the 8th while diving for a shallow fly ball. Hear the hosts discuss Call's actions during and after the play in an inning that ultimately the Marlins did not score.

(24:00) Anibal Sanchez threw out the ceremonial first pitch in Miami one day after announcing his retirement. Mark reflects on what he enjoyed about covering Anibal.

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Game 42: Gray's Gem Wasted After Soler's Walk-off HR May 17, 2023

The Nats suffered a gut punch loss in Miami on Tuesday night as their comeback efforts resulted in a 5-4 loss after Jorge Soler homered off of Hunter Harvey in the bottom of the 9th. Al & Tim run through the decision to have Kyle Finnegan pitch in the 8th and to give Harvey the opportunity to close it out.

(10:45) Josiah Gray pitched very well and was in line for the victory until the blown save. Gray lasted 7 IP and wiggled his way out of a bases loaded jam on his final pitch of the evening. The only poor outing he he has had all season was his first start vs. Atlanta and his ERA is currently at 2.73.

(18:15) The Nationals staged a rally in the top of the 8th as they turned a 2-1 deficit into a 4-2 lead. Jeimer Candelario had the game tying hit; part of his evening where he reached base 4 times.

(23:00) Cole Henry made a rehab start with the Fred Nats in his return from TOC surgery. Henry was the 2nd Round choice from the 2020 MLB Draft.

(28:45) Anibal Sanchez announced via social media that he is retiring. We close by tipping our caps to Sanchez's career and of course discuss his 2019 NLCS masterpiece in St. Louis.

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Game 41: Meneses & the Nats Smash the Mets May 16, 2023

The Nats split the series against New York as they routed the Mets 10-3 on Monday afternoon in D.C.. Mark & Al tip their caps to Joey Meneses who had a menacing day at the plate with 4 RBI hits to squarely put his average at .300.

(07:35) Lane Thomas had a big afternoon as well as he had 3 hits out of the lead-off spot. Thomas leads the team in OPS at .761. The lineup beat up New York pitching on Monday to the point that they scored in 7 of the 8 innings.

(13:25) CJ Abrams had an adventurous game as he homered, collected 2 hits, and stole a base. However, he lost focus on how many outs there were one inning and did not complete an expected double play. Hear how Davey Martinez's responded to Abrams' mistake. Despite the large margin of victory, but Washington had their final share of sloppiness on Monday.

(25:00) Patrick Corbin continued his positive momentum as he tossed a quality start for the 5th time in the past 6 outings. This leads to Al floating what sort of trade currency an adequate Corbin might fetch this summer. Corbin's ERA in the month of May is 2.84 and it is under 5.00 on the season.

(35:10) MLB Pipeline released its latest top prospects list and OF James Wood is ranked #8 overall. Wood is currently with High-A Wilmington and has hit 5 HRs so far this year. Is he indeed the best OF prospect in the organization?

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Games 39 & 40: Mother's Day Split May 15, 2023

The Nats & Mets split the pair of games concluded on Mother's Day Sunday in D.C. (Nats won 3-2 & later lost 8-2). Mark & Al begin though with reaction to how logistics were handled on Saturday night during the roughly four hour rain delay. Those negatively affected by this were ticket holders to both Saturday and Sunday due to the decision to resume the suspended game at 12:35pm on Sunday.

(21:40) Jake Irvin pitched well in Game 2 on Sunday, but the wheels completely fell off in the 5th inning. Washington lead 1-0 entering the frame, but New York scored 8 runs; 6 which of were charged to Irvin.

(26:25) The bullpen had a heavy workload on Sunday as they picked up the slack for the final 7 innings of Game 1. This leads to a discussion on the recent struggles by relievers Carl Edwards Jr. and Mason Thompson.

(34:45) CJ Abrams came through with the bat in Game 1 as he had a RBI single (vs. Max Scherzer) and a 7th inning solo HR that gave the Nationals the lead for good. Abrams currently leads the team in RBIs with 21 this season.

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Rain Delay Quick Edition May 14, 2023

Saturday was a long day at the ballpark, but not much baseball was played as the game was suspended until Sunday afternoon. Tim Shovers quick a very update on where things stand between the Nats the Mets, who only played two innings on Saturday. Mark & Al will be back Monday morning to recap Sunday's now doubleheader.

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Game 38: Gore's High Pitch Count Ends His Night Early May 14, 2023

The Nats could not hold onto their early lead and lost 3-2 to the Mets on Friday evening. Al recaps MacKenzie Gore's laborious yet scoreless outing that only lasted 4 innings. Gore's evening was truncated due to his high pitch count of 96.

(09:00) The offense only scored a pair of runs while mustering just four hits. Alex Call had two of the hits himself on the evening and Jake Alu came up with his first career MLB hit in his 2nd career game.

(12:15) Al runs through all the latest updates in prospect rankings, which have plenty of representation from the Nationals organization. What's the latest with Brady House?

(15:30) We get very "Washingtonian" as Al looks at the recent column in the Washington Post by Thomas Boswell on the latest with the team's rebuild. It's a must read for all Nats fans.

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Game 37: Gray & the Offense Carry the Day May 11, 2023

The Nationals cruised Wednesday afternoon in San Francisco 11-6 in the series rubber match. Mark (Live from Oracle Park) & Al start with Josiah Gray's victory; where he lasted seven innings and struck out three Giants in the process. Gray continues to pitch well and his ERA sits at 2.96 for this season. The Nats so far in the month of May are 6-4 and have a chance to leapfrog the Mets this weekend in the standings.

(14:30) The offense had huge game as they scored eight runs by the 3rd inning. Ildemaro Vargas was a HR shy of hitting for the cycle and Riley Adams went deep while getting a rare start behind the plate. Vargas started at SS as CJ Abrams got a day off after struggling on Tuesday evening.

(30:00) Where does the "Rebuild" currently stand? How tethered is the timeline due to prospects in the minors as compared to the quality pitching they are getting at the Major League level? We dive into after a fun day at the Ballpark.

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Game 36: Nats Fall Behind Right Away in Defeat May 10, 2023

The Nats lost 4-1 on Tuesday evening to even the series as the Giants scored two runs in the 1st inning and never looked back. Al & Mark (Live from San Francisco) begin with CJ Abrams, who struggled in the field and committed a 1st inning error. He had a rough night at the plate as well as he went 0 for 4 with a pair of K's.

(06:15) Jake Alu did not have a memorable MLB debut after going 0 for 4 with 3 strikeouts. Alu got the start in LF; a position that has seen musical chairs as of late.

(13:45) Patrick Corbin threw a quality start, but most importantly was able to stay in the game after surviving a come-backer line drive; which narrowly avoided hitting him directly in the face. Mark explains what he saw during that moment and Corbin's demeanor after the game. Corbin not only stayed in the game, but recorded four more outs.

(21:00) Mason Thompson allowed a run and did not look sharp in the process. Thompson has allowed five runs in four May outings.

(29:45) Jackson Rutledge, the Nationals 1st Round pick from 2019, has pitched well so far this with AA Harrisburg. Could he get called up this year or will he likely be sent to Rochester?

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Game 35: Irvin Shines in San Fran Victory May 09, 2023

This time the Nats offense delivered in the 1st inning and gave Jake Irvin a lead he would never relinquish in Monday evening's 5-1 victory at the Giants. Mark (Live from San Francisco) & Al dissect Irvin's first career MLB win; that saw him throw just over six scoreless frames. Where might Irvin fit in long term?

(13:10) The lineup gave Irvin a 5-0 lead before he even took the rubber. CJ Abrams continued his hot stretch (10 for 18 on the road trip) with a 2 run single to gave Washington a big lead. They could have had a bigger inning, but hear about the unusual base running gaffe cand how three players all share the blame for the unnecessary out.

(25:00) Jake Alu was called up from AAA Rochester as Victor Robles was placed on the 10-day IL due to back spasms. Alu's path is an odd one as he was drafted in the 24th round. Alu figures to be a utility man with the Nationals.

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Game 34: "Joey Four Bags" Comes Through in the 9th May 08, 2023

The Nationals rallied again in the 9th in Arizona and this time they were rewarded with a 9-8 victory. Mark (Live from Phoenix) & Al have another comeback to discuss; with Joey "Four Bags" Meneses being the hero this time around by connecting on a 3 run HR. Washington is now 10-9 since the 4-11 start to the season. Chase Field is also the venue where Meneses hit two HRs vs. USA in the World Baseball Classic in March FWIW.

(9:00) Luis Garcia had a solid series and hit 2nd in the lineup all weekend. Garcia reached base four times on Sunday; including a lead-off double to put the pressure on the Diamondbacks.

(19:30) Trevor Williams had a mediocre outing, which included a run scoring balk. Hunter Harvey was the star of the day on the mound as he notched his first career save to preserve the comeback win. The bullpen could use an off-day, but none is on the horizon until after the series this week in San Francisco.

(31:10) Carter Kieboom was optioned to AAA Rochester after returning from "Tommy John" Surgery.

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Game 33: Finnegan's Blown Save Negates Late Comeback May 07, 2023

The Nats lost 8-7 in heartbreaking fashion in Arizona as the 9th inning saw the lead change hands multiple times. Al & Mark (Live from Phoenix) do their best to sort through everything, but begin with a recap of MacKenzie Gore's outing. Gore allowed a pair of runs in six innings, but struck out nine in the process.

(09:20) The Nationals staged a furious five run rally in the top of the 9th; capped by Lane Thomas' 2 run HR to temporarily give Washington the lead. This all began when Keibert Ruiz hit a leadoff homer to cut the deficit to 6-3. The lead was a brief one as Kyle Finnegan could not hang onto it and walked in the decisive Arizona run.

(16:15) Jeimer Candelario was hospitalized on Friday evening due to dehydration and Victor Robles exited the game early on Saturday night due a tweaked back. Mark gives a first hand account on where both players stand entering Sunday's series finale.

(19:40) The bullpen did not have a particularly good evening, but Thad Ward did have a good outing. Mason Thompson struggled on the mound, but didn't have stellar defense behind him. This leads to an explanation of the bizarre Diamondback HR that tied the game in the bottom of the 9th. Should Finnegan remain as the team's closer?

(29:00) Closing thoughts that encompass what all the positives are to look for in the difficult defeat. (Hint: MacKenzie Gore's development).

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Game 32: Quiet Night for the Bats in Arizona May 06, 2023

The Nats lost 3-1 in Arizona to open up their two city/ six game road trip. Mark (Live from Phoenix) & Al discuss how the offense was no match for Diamondbacks starter Merrill Kelly. The lineup only mustered four hits and Luis Garcia had two of them (including a Solo HR).

(06:15) Keibert Ruiz is mired in a slump as he struck out three times and has not yet had a hit in May. Joey Meneses went 0 for 4 and his average has dropped .267.

(12:45) Josiah Gray had a so-so outing as he allowed three runs in five innings. Gray threw 92 pitches and struck out six D-Backs in the process. His ERA now currently sits at 3.03.

(17:00) Hunter Harvey had the evening off after pitching for three consecutive days. Mark relays his pregame conversation with the important bullpen cog who has a long injury history.

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Game 31: Call Dials Up a Walk-Off HR to Cap Corbin's Gem May 05, 2023

Thursday was an exciting day for the Nationals for many reasons, but with the most important being Alex Call's Walk-off HR to lead-off the 9th inning and give them a 4-3 victory over the Cubs. Al & Tim run through all the positives which include the game finishing under two hours, the Nats winning a series, and a 9-7 stretch in the past 16 games.

(06:10) Kyle Finnegan came through with an incredible escape in the top of the 9th after putting the first two hitters in scoring position. Davey Martinez showed trust in his closer by not calling for an intentional walk against the heart of the order and was promptly rewarded for it.

(12:30) Patrick Corbin was phenomenal on Thursday for 7 of the 7+ IP that he was on the mound. Corbin threw just 80 pitches and only tossed 56 pitches through five innings. The only time he ran into trouble was when facing the middle of the Cubs order in the top of the 8th.

(17:30) Lane Thomas gave Washington the early lead with a 3 Run HR in the 2nd and he appropriately donned the "Home Run Wig". It was extra clutch because it was the only occasion that the Nats had any runners in scoring position.

(26:20) Nationals Park drew an announced crowd of 18K+ on Thursday afternoon and the attendance is in the middle of the pack amongst MLB teams. Tim gives some additional background and context to the Navy Yard neighborhood for our listeners that have never been to a game.

(32:30) Terry Byrom, the Voice of the Harrisburg Senators, gives an update from the AA level.

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Game 30: Abrams the Hero in Irvin's Debut May 04, 2023

The Nats defeated the Cubs 2-1 on an evening where Jake Irvin made his Major League debut on the mound. Mark & Al analyze the right hander's first Big League start, which had an inauspicious beginning as he hit Nico Hoerner with the first pitch he threw. Washington is 3-3 on this home stand with the rubber match on Thursday afternoon.

(10:00) The bullpen was outstanding as they combined for nearly five scoreless innings. Andres Machado, just promoted from Rochester, came through with clutch outs in the middle frames. Hunter Harvey yet again was extremely impressive as well.

(16:15) The Nationals turned multiple double plays on Wednesday and did so at crucial moments. The defense has been much better this year compared to last season; evidenced by the fact that Luis Garcia has not yet committed an error.

(19:15) CJ Abrams had the game winning hit and now leads the team with 15 RBIs through 30 games. Abrams has been producing the past few weeks while hitting in the bottom of the order.

(26:10) Ildemaro Vargas returned after last month's shoulder injury. Jeter Downs was sent down to make room for Vargas, but only appeared in one game for three+ weeks. What's the explanation for that?

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Game 29: Abrams Has 3 Hits in Victory May 03, 2023

The Nats beat the Cubs 4-1 on Tuesday night as the offense broke the tie open in the 7th with a trio of runs. Al & Mark start though by breaking down the curious continued calls for bunting; highlighted by Alex Call's 5th inning bunt that blew up on Washington. This conversation is the definition of "Inside Baseball".

(15:30) The bottom of the order came through with five hits between Victor Robles and CJ Abrams. Robles surprisingly leads the team with a .732 OPS.

(18:00) Trevor Williams pitched well and is the only member of the rotation who has lasted at least five innings per start. Was this his best outing of the year?

(30:20) Jake Irvin (RHP) will start Wednesday night for the Nationals as he is getting called up for AAA Rochester to make his Major League debut. Mark explains all the reason that led to Irvin getting the nod instead of others in the organization and insight into an impossible to be believe Washington trivia note.

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Game 28: Gore Struggles vs. the Cubs May 02, 2023

MacKenzie Gore was dealt a loss by the visiting Cubs as he was not able to make it through five innings. Al & Mark examine the left hander's difficult outing as opposed to recent starts by Gore. His ERA currently sits at 3.77 on the season.

(09:15) Lane Thomas homered, but that was the only offense in the 5-1 defeat. It is surprisingly his firs homer of the year after he slugged 17 of them in 2022. Dominic Smith had two hits on the evening; including a double in the 7th.

(15:00) Chad Kuhl was placed on the IL and his replacement was Cory Abbott, who took the mound out of the bullpen on Monday night. Wednesday's night starter vs. Chicago remains TBD and Mark explains all the scenarios at play. Where does Mason Thompson fit into all of us this?

(23:45) Carter Kieboom will make a rehab start on Wednesday with AA Harrisburg. He has been out for over a year due to "Tommy John Surgery" on his elbow. A few years ago he was the hot prospect in the team's farm system at 3B, but Brady House now seems to be the plan of the future.

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Game 27: Gray Beats the Pirates May 01, 2023

The Nats ended April on a high note as they handled the Pirates 7-2 following a lengthy rain delay. Mark & Al begin with praise for Josiah Gray who only allowed one run in six innings. Gray closes out the opening month with a ERA at 2.67 and has thrown five consecutive solid starts.

(14:00) The offense came alive early in the game as it was a quickly 5-0 lead. Al points out some surprising numbers regarding the lineup, especially in the category of team batting average. Joey Meneses did not have a lot of power in April, but he finishes the month with a .286 average and a RBI single on Sunday.

(25:00) Washington needs to figure out its starting pitcher for Wednesday night and Mark explains who will likely get the nod. MacKenzie Gore takes the mound on Monday night against the visiting Cubs.

(31:30) Tim Shovers gives his "End of April" report and highlights the areas to be excited about within the organization.

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Games 25 & 26: Swept in the Doubleheader Apr 30, 2023

The Nationals were no match for visiting Pittsburgh on Saturday in the twin bill. They lost the opener 6-3 and then were clobbered 16-1 in the nightcap. Al & Mark point out just how poorly the Nats have played at home this season despite their recent winning road trip. Chad Kuhl did not pitch well on Saturday evening and his future with the organization is respectfully brought into question.

(11:30) The bullpen did not have a banner day and it was so bad that Lane Thomas had to pitch in Game 2. Will LHP Anthony Banda remain on the roster? We give the latest update on Sean Doolittle's rehab effort as well.

(22:00) Riley Adams started behind the plate in Game 1 and came through with pair of hits and RBIs. Might we see him in the lineup as the team seeks to give Keibert Ruiz more rest.

(28:15) Al points out how well Alex Call has performed in the lead-off spot during the 1st inning. What role will he grow into as the season develops?

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Game 24: Abrams' Grand Slam Not Enough in NY Apr 28, 2023

The Nationals were six outs away from a series sweep, but the Mets got to Mason Thompson in the bottom of the 8th and New York prevailed 9-8. Mark & Al start with the top of the 8th where the Nats turned a 7-3 deficit into a brief 8-7 edge as CJ Abrams hit his first career Grand Slam. Does this qualify as a "Good Loss" considering the circumstances?

(07:00) Leadoff hitter Alex Call also homered for Washington and Al points out the positive contributions from Call this season in that role.

(14:15) Jeter Downs yet again did not play despite being on the Major League roster for the past few weeks. Mark gives an explanation as to all the factors that have led to his extended idle stretch.

(22:45) As the final score indicates, it was not a banner pitching evening for the organization. Trevor Williams gave up nine hits in only five innings of work and allowed plenty of contact. Erasmo Ramirez also struggled as he ceded a trio of runs in only one inning of work and has not pitched as well this year as in 2022.

(33:15) Sam Cowin, Maryland based attorney and diehard listener, gives legal analysis of this week's MASN ruling in the New York Court of Appeals.

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Game 23: Gore Dazzles in New York Apr 27, 2023

The Nats continued their hot road trip as they beat the Mets 4-1 for their fourth victory in the past five games. Al begins with high praise for MacKenzie Gore who struck out a career high matching 10 hitters; and his quest to become a true ace.

(10:45) The bullpen kept their slate clean in this New York series and the bulk of the workload fell to Hunter Harvey, who put on a dominant performance. Did you know his father Bryan was also a Major League reliever?

(16:00) The Nationals collected eights hits and drew seven walks to create plenty of traffic on the bases. Jeimer Candelario homered and CJ Abrams came up with a crucial RBI single early in the game. Best of all? Dominic Smith earned his first extra base hit since joining the organization.

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Game 22: Gray Strikes Out Nine in Shutout Win Apr 26, 2023

The Nationals shutout the Mets 5-0 in New York as Josiah Gray earned his first victory of the season. Al examines Gray's excellent outing where he struck nine batters and saw his ERA dip below 3.00. Mason Thompson picked up the slack for the late innings as he tossed three blank frames to finish out the win.

(08:30) Keibert Ruiz homered for the second time this season to put the Nats on the board. It shockingly was the first bit of run support for Gray since Opening Day. Joey Meneses continued his hot road trip as he had a pair of RBI singles and three hits overall.

(14:00) Washington had two victories on Tuesday in New York; the first one coming in the morning from the New York Court of Appeals. Al runs through all the updated complicated details on where the never ending MASN dispute currently stands. Will this case make its way to the U.S. Supreme Court?

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Game 21: "Sweep Dreams" Dusted Away Apr 24, 2023

**This episode is sponsored by shirtgoodhq.com - Custom DC novelty shirts**

The Nationals were not able to complete the sweep as they lost 3-1 on Sunday afternoon in Minnesota. Al & Mark (Live from Target Field) get very into weeds right away as they examine the bunt attempt in the top of the 5th by Victor Robles. Later in the game; Robles then made an incredible throw in the bottom of the 8th to complete a fantastic double play. It is always a roller coaster ride with Victor.

(21:00) Patrick Corbin threw a quality start, but was still dealt a "L". Corbin struck out six in his afternoon and has pitched decently in back to back outings.

(26:40) The Nats are off on Monday, but then will only have a pair of idle days in the entire month of May. The workload for the bullpen will be quite high in this stretch.

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Game 20: Abrams Goes Deep in Chilly Win Apr 23, 2023

The Nationals won their second straight in frigid Minnesota as they handled the Twins 10-4 on Saturday afternoon. Mark (From Target Field) & Al start with CJ Abrams who hit his first HR with the organization and also made a beautiful 9th inning catch.

(08:15) Joey Meneses had himself a four hit game on Saturday; continuing his momentum from the series opener. His OPS so far is still a cause for concern as it sits at .664.

(16:45) Chad Kuhl was gifted a lot of help from his offense, but still did not last four innings as the starting pitcher. His pitching line was marred by four walks and a near 1:1 balls to strikes ratio. Patrick Corbin will take the mound for the sweep attempt on Sunday afternoon.

(20:30) The bullpen pitched well in over five innings of work; which was started by Mason Thompson. Mark lays out where he believes the young right hander fits into the bullpen hierarchy.

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Game 19: "Joey Four Bags" Sparks The Victorious Rally Apr 22, 2023

The Nationals staged a late inning comeback in Minnesota to win 3-2 on Friday evening. Mark (Live from a very cold Target Field) & Al give props to Joey Meneses for hitting his first HR of the season in the 7th, which ended a startling drought for the franchise of 24 consecutive innings without scoring a run.

(14:00) Keibert Ruiz was slotted 2nd in the batting order and delivered with the game winning RBI in the top of the 8th. This being part of a new look order that saw Dominic Smith dropped to hitting 6th and Stone Garrett getting another start at the expense of Alex Call.

(18:00) Trevor Williams pitched well and the only runs he allowed involved some poor defensive communication. Williams has thrown three consecutive quality outings. Why do Victor Robles and Lane Thomas seem to often have miscommunication while playing together in the OF?

(27:00) The bullpen came with three scoreless frames, but the last one did not come easily for Kyle Finnegan. He notched the save despite putting two men with no outs. Is there a chance that Hunter Harvey replaces Finnegan as the team's closer?

(34:30) We close with an update on the AAA- Rochester Red Wings. Josh Whetzel, the voice of the Red Wings, lets us know about Darren Baker, Jake Alu, Matt Adams, and Joan Adon.

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Game 18: Shutout Again by Baltimore Apr 20, 2023

The Nats were shutout yet again from the Orioles in a 4-0 loss that resulted in them being swept at home in the short series. Al & Mark focus on how the offense was helpless against a Baltimore pitching staff that typically does not dominate its opponents. It is already the fourth game this season in which Washington was unable to score.

(05:00) CJ Abrams was 0 for 4 with 3 Ks and had a 9th inning throwing error. Abrams has struggled at the plate this year and is barely hitting above the "Mendoza Line".

(14:00) MacKenzie Gore gave up three runs in six innings in his fourth start as a National. Gore struggled in the middle of his outing as he issued four walks between the 3rd and 4th innings. He finished on a high note as he retired eight in a row to conclude his day.

(25:00) The Washington Post reported that Ted Leonsis offered at least $2 Billion to purchase the organization but the Lerners did not accept.

(35:00) Tim Shovers attended the Fred Nats game on Wednesday and spoke with the Voice of the Team Eric Bach, who gives updates on Elijah Green, Brady House, Jarlin Susana, and Robert Hassell III.

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Game 17: Offense Lets Down Gray Again + Soto Eyebrow Raising Comments to SI Apr 19, 2023

The Nats were shutout 1-0 by the visiting Orioles and Josiah Gray yet again was given absolutely zero run support. Mark & Al run through another poor evening by the offense and pinpoint just how many things went wrong in the bottom of the 3rd when they had many chances to bring home a run.

(14:00) Gray only allowed one run in five innings, but now is 0-4 on the season as the team has only scored one run in his four outings. His ERA is under 4.00 and has pitched well in the past three starts.

(20:00) The lone Baltimore run came on an Austin Hays RBI single, but Stone Garrett's throw home was extremely off the mark. Keibert Ruiz though threw out Hays at 2nd base to avoid the big inning. Ruiz also teamed up with Mason Thompson for a 6th inning strike 'em/ throw 'em out.

(23:30) Juan Soto was featured in a Sports Illustrated article by Stephanie Apstein chronicling his slow start in San Diego and had rather blunt comments regarding his final month in Washington. Al & Mark respond and we go back down the rabbit hole of last summer prior to the Blockbuster trade.

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Game 16: Garrett Leaves His Mark in Comeback Win Apr 17, 2023

The Nats held an exciting 8th inning rally to defeat Cleveland 7-6 on Sunday afternoon in D.C. Mark & Al run through all the major moments from the Washington victory; which at one saw them trailing by three runs in the 7th. Stone Garrett, who many fans had been clamoring for on the lineup card, scored the tying run in dramatic fashion; which did not become official until after a lengthy replay review.

(08:00) The Nationals hit a pair of HRs in the series finale and they came from Jeimer Candelario and Luis Garcia. Alex Call had the day off to make room for Garrett, but made a fantastic 9th inning catch against his former team.

(15:00) Garrett had two hits as the starting LF while hitting seventh in the order. Will we see more of him this week vs. the Orioles? Patrick Corbin lasted six frames and threw his best outing of the season, but was hampered by poor defense around him. Corbin's ERA currently sits at 6.30.

(26:45) Baltimore comes to Navy Yard on Tuesday and Wednesday evening and they will face Josiah Gray and MacKenzie Gore. Al gives a preview of what to expect against the O's. Lastly.... we had so much to get to this episode, we wrap up with props for Joey Meneses, who delivered with the go ahead single in the 8th. When will his 1st HR of the season occur?

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Game 15: Bats Go Quiet Again in Late Innings Apr 16, 2023

The Nats lost their fourth in a row on Saturday; a 6-4 defeat at the hands of visiting Cleveland, that began late after a nearly two hour rain delay on Jackie Robinson Day. Mark & Al discuss how the lineup gave Chad Kuhl an early 3-0 1st inning lead, but that did not last. Hear the gruesome stats of how much the offense has struggled this season as the game reaches the later frames.

(08:00) Many fans have been upset that Stone Garrett has disappeared from recent lineup cards. Mark asked Davey Martinez about Stone prior to Saturday's game and here's a hint: It has to do pitching match-ups.

(22:00) Kuhl did not make through five innings and had a difficult outing. His ERA is at 8.59 and has not pitched well in any of his three starts so far. Might he be this season's version of Aaron Sanchez?

(30:00) Mark gives his opinion of the Commanders ownership news and how it relates to those who follow the Washington Nationals.

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Game 14: Bell Leads Cleveland Rally + Nats Perspective on Commanders Sale Apr 15, 2023

The Nats couldn't keep their early lead and lost 4-3 to visiting Cleveland on Friday night. Al & Tim Shovers begin with the bullpen who for a third time in less than two weeks could not deliver a victory. Hunter Harvey and Carl Edwards Jr each struggled as an early 3-0 Washington lead became no more. Josh Bell played a big part of it in his return to Navy Yard; as he homered and doubled in the later innings.

(08:00) Trevor Williams was in line for his 2nd victory of the season, but ended up with a no decision. The biggest knock on him so far are his high pitch counts as he threw 95 pitches in 5+ IP. One of the doubles allowed by Williams was aided by Victor Robles misjudgment, which leads to an extended discussion.

(16:00) The offense scored three runs in the 4th, but couldn't do anything after, in fact they only gathered a pair of hits after that frame. Luis Garcia did reach base four times, including a solo HR to get the scoring started. Lane Thomas had two hits, but also made a beautiful to throw out Jose Ramirez, who was trying to stretch a single into a double.

(23:30) Tim says to Al why he thinks the reported news that the Washington Commanders ownership situation is great overall for the Nationals fan base. Send in your thoughts to natschatpodcast@gmail.com

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Game 13: Gore Doesn't Last 4 Innings in Narrow Loss Apr 13, 2023

The Nats lost the series rubber match in Anaheim 3-2 and came up short for the first time when MacKenzie Gore took the mound. Al & Mark (Live from Angels Stadium) examine the decision by Davey Martinez to remove the young left hander after 88 pitches. Gore still did manage six strikeouts in 3.2 IP.

(11:40) The bullpen only gave up one run in 4+ frames and Mason Thompson had himself a very solid series. A well deserved and needed day off awaits for the relief pitching staff.

(16:00) The bats were very quiet in the final two games vs. the Angels as they combined for only a pair of runs scored. All six hits recorded were singles, which is a common theme for this season's offense.

(24:20) Robert Hassell III was scratched from a rehab start with the Fred Nats due to a flight issue as he is recovering from a wrist injury. Mark explains what the likely plan for Hassell is this season.

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Game 12: Shutout by Ohtani Apr 12, 2023

The Nats were no match for the right arm of Shohei Ohtani as they were blanked 2-0 by the Angels on Tuesday night. Mark (Live from Anaheim) & Al tip their caps to the marvel that is Ohtani, who only allowed one hit in seven innings. CJ Abrams had the lone hit on the evening, coming in the 4th inning.

(06:00) Keibert Ruiz is just hitting .216 so far on the season and Mark assesses what he has been seeing from the catcher's approach at the plate.

(11:00) Josiah Gray took a hard luck loss as he only allowed two runs on the evening. He did issue back to back HBPs in the 4th inning; which led to the first run of the contest. Gray's highlight of the game came when he struck out Shohei Ohtani on one of his rarely used pitches in the 6th.

(20:40) Luis Garcia sat out for a fourth consecutive game due to his hamstring issue. Mark gives an update on the 2B and if he will return on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Ildemaro Vargas has been placed on the 10 day IL due to a shoulder injury.

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Game 11: Bullpen Bounces Back in Anaheim Apr 11, 2023

The Nats ralled in California to beat the Angels 6-4 on Monday evening after trailing early on by three runs. Al & Mark (Live from Anaheim) begin with the bullpen's sterling effort, as the staff combined for four shutout frames. Hunter Harvey really came through as he struck out both Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani. This was the opposite of Sunday in Colorado where the 'pen couldn't hang on to the three run lead.

(10:30) Patrick Corbin lasted five innings and ended on a high note as he retired eight of the final nine batters he faced. Calling the shots in this series opener was Bench Coach Tim Bogar as Davey Martinez was under the weather. Corbin earned the victory, his first since September 3rd, 2022.

(16:00) The offense came through with 14 hits and in typical fashion for this team, a dozen of them were singles. Victor Robles came through with two hits and he is now hitting .412.

(21:00) Mark gives an update on Luis Garcia who did not play for a 3rd straight day as Michael Chavis got the nod at 2B. The Nationals will face Ohtani's right arm on Tuesday and it will be telling to see if Garcia returns to the lineup or not.

(26:30) Hear a day in the life of a sports reporter as Mark talks about his hectic travel schedule on Monday morning between Denver and Anaheim.

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Game 10: Fatigued Bullpen Can't Keep the Lead Apr 10, 2023

The Nats had to settle for a series split in Colorado as the bullpen could not maintain a 6-3 lead and ultimately Washington lost 7-6. Mark (Live from Coors Field) & Al dive into Erasmo Ramirez's tough afternoon while Davey Martinez was limited in his options. Will Erasmo return to his 2022 form?

(12:00) Victor Robles was positioned in right CF as opposed to straightaway CF on Elias Diaz's RBI double to trim the lead to 6-5. Mark explains all the "Inside Baseball" that went into Robles defensive positioning during that crucial at-bat in the bottom of the 6th.

(17:00) Meanwhile Robles lifted his average up to .387 so far on the young season and a RBI single on Sunday. Where do you currently stand on Vic?

(23:30) Alex Call has drawn eight walks this season and surprisingly made a case to be the team's leadoff hitter. Call was acquired in the middle of last season after being placed on waivers by Cleveland.

(28:00) Chad Kuhl had an eventful 1st inning, but came out unscathed. Kuhl had the team in position to win, but did not get help from his bullpen. The team immediately will move their road trip to Anaheim and in Game 2 on Tuesday night, will face Shohei Ohtani on the mound.

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Game 9: Nats Hang On For Stone Garrett's Big Night Apr 09, 2023

The Nats have won two in a row for the first time in 2023 as they held off the rallying Rockies 7-6 on Saturday evening. Mark (Live from Coors Field) & Al discuss the roller coaster bottom of the 9th where the fatigued bullpen eked out a narrow victory despite being given a five run lead. Did Davey Martinez make the right decisions with his 'pen?

(09:45) Stone Garrett hit 2nd and rewarded his trusting manager with a career evening. Garrett raked four hits and was a triple shy of the cycle, including three extra bases hit.

(17:45) Victor Robles continued his strong offensive start to the season as he doubled (on a controversial call) and laid down an 8th inning safety squeeze to give the Nationals a much needed insurance run. Robles is hitting .370 with an OPS at .913.

(24:40) Trevor Williams continued the pitching staff's run of quality starts in Denver by only allowing two runs. Can Chad Kuhl keep it up on Sunday against his former team?

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Game 8: Gore Moves to 2-0 Apr 08, 2023

The Nationals doubled up the Rockies 10-5 as MacKenzie Gore improved to 2-0 in as many starts. Al & Mark (Live from Denver) examine the lefty's strong start that last six innings. Gore was given a lead before he even took the mound as Alex Call and Jeimer Candelario went Back to Back right off the bat.

(13:00) CJ Abrams had quite the evening as well as he tripled TWICE as part of his three hit night. He is only the fifth player in franchise history to triple twice in a game; can you name the other four? (We highly doubt it).

(18:40) Joey Meneses had an impressive game at the plate as he reached base four times, including a double off the wall. Victor Robles had not one, not two, but three infield hits on Friday. Robles is hitting .375 so far on the young season.

(24:45) Luis Garcia exited early due to a hamstring issue. Mark explains what he saw and if he might return to the field in this series.

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Game 1: Abrams Commits a Trio of Errors in Opening Day Defeat Apr 08, 2023

The Nats lost 7-2 to the Braves on a beautiful but cold Opening Day in D.C. Mark & Al recap the sloppy defensive effort as the young SS CJ Abrams had three errors on his scorecard. How much of a factor did the sun monster play in the afternoon game?

(12:30) The lineup only scored a pair of runs, but no surprise one of the RBIs came from Joey Meneses. The Nationals recorded eight hits, but only one was for extra bases. Keibert Ruiz and Dominic Smith had bright days, as they both registered two hits along with Menses. Victor Robles drew two lead-off walks in an afternoon where he was slotted in the eighth spot.

(20:55) We know this is a familiar refrain on this podcast, but Patrick Corbin struggled in his outing. He only lasted three innings and threw 85 pitches; thus that he will enter April with an ERA of 6.00. The bullpen overall had a solid day as they tossed five scoreless frames until Kyle Finnegan allowed three runs in the 9th.

(27:45) GM Mike Rizzo met with the media during Pregame and gave up an update on Stephen Strasburg, which included him not being at the Ballpark on Opening Day. He also addressed the latest with Carter Kieboom as he still rehabs from "Tommy John" surgery.

(34:20) The Sports Business Journal reported this week that the Nationals ownership sale is now "paused". Will the Lerner's remain the owners for the entire 2023 season?

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Game 7: Gray's Gem Wasted in Coors Field Apr 07, 2023

The Nationals skid extended to four games in a 1-0 loss in Colorado. Mark (Live for Coors Field) & Al balance the negative of the lineup with the big picture positive of Josiah Gray only allowing one run in six innings. Yet again a Nats outfielder lost a ball in the sun (Lane Thomas), and it was a very costly one that led to the lone run.

(15:40) Washington was shutout and only had one runner reach scoring position. The troubles aren't only with the bats, they surprisingly are only 1 for 4 in stolen base attempts this year.

(23:20) Joey Meneses had a rough day at the plate and is well below the Mendoza Line so far (.172). Why has he looked lost so far this season in the batter's box? Luis Garcia returned to the lineup and singled in the afternoon, but Mark points out what troubled him with his approach at the plate. The offense so far has only homered twice in seven games!

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Game 6: Swept by the Rays Apr 06, 2023

The Nationals were swept by the visiting Tampa Bay Rays 7-2 as Patrick Corbin is now 0-2 on the season. Al Galdi solo hosts this edition and recap the lefty's outing; which did include a string of retiring 11 straight, but also plenty of runs allowed.

(09:00) The Nats stranded the bases loaded in the 4th when trailing 3-2. Hear what Davey Martinez said about his young nucleus and their evolving plate approaches.

(12:45) Al discusses why Luis Garcia sat for a 2nd straight game and what went into the managerial decision. Michael Chavis in his place did knock in his first run with the Nationals.

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Game 5: Finnegan Implodes in the 9th Apr 05, 2023

Kyle Finnegan inherited a ninth inning one run lead, but after a trio of 9th inning Tampa homers, Tuesday became a 10-6 loss for the Nationals in D.C. Mark & Al discuss Davey Martinez's decision to keep his closer on the mound after surrendering back to back homers to lose the lead.

(15:30) Chad Kuhl made his franchise debut on the mound and settled down after giving up four runs right away. Kuhl became a member of the rotation after Cade Cavalli was ruled out for the season.

(19:00) In addition to the blown save, what makes the loss so tough to swallow was that the Nats squandered an evening where they collected sixteen hits, but only had three for extra bases. Five players had multiple hits, including a hat trick for both Lane Thomas and Alex Call. We then spend a few minutes focusing on what exactly Washington has in Lane Thomas, last year's offensive player of the year in the organization.

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Game 4: Offense Only Collects 4 Hits in Defeat Apr 04, 2023

The Nats lost the series opener to the visiting Rays 6-2 as the offense only mustered four hits. Al & Mark begin with the struggling lineup and wonder... is that what to mostly expect all season? Washington has only totaled nine runs in four games so far.

(12:20) Trevor Williams' Nationals debut resulted in a loss as he gave up four runs in his outing. Adding to the bad fortune of the evening, runner interference yet again did not go the franchise's way.

(24:00) Ildemaro Vargas got the nod to play LF on Monday night and Mark explains what went into the decision. When to expect Stone Garrett in the lineup?

(27:20) Answering a listener email in relation to the new Pitch Clock. Send in your questions to natschatpodcast@gmail.com.

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Game 3: Gore Impresses and Wins in Nats Debut Apr 03, 2023

The Nationals defeated Atlanta 4-1 on Sunday afternoon for their first victory of 2023. Mark & Al examine MacKenzie Gore's solid 1st outing in Washington as he struck out six and allowed only one run in just over five frames. This was his first start since late July last year while still with the Padres.

(14:20) The offense struggled again, but did come through with four runs in the opening inning. No homers have yet been hit this season and they only have two hits with runners in scoring position so far. Jeimer Candelario flashed the leather at 3B early in the game and combined with Dominic Smith for solid infield defense at the corners.

(26:20) Alex Call started in LF on Sunday while Stone Garrett was called up to replace Corey Dickerson (Placed on the IL). Keibert Ruiz started all three games this series and showed a new found sense of leadership and responsibility as captain of the defense behind the plate.

(37:30) A celebration of the pace of play for this game... 2 hours and 17 minutes!

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Game 2: Gray Allows 3 Homers in Season Debut Apr 02, 2023

The Nats lost 7-1 on Saturday afternoon to visiting Atlanta as the Braves went "Back to Back" right off the bat against Josiah Gray. Al & Mark wonder why the right hander's struggles immediately carried over into 2023. Gray led the Majors in HRs allowed last season with a dubious mark of 38.

(15:30) The Nationals lineup was no match for Braves starter Spencer Strider as he struck out nine in six scoreless innings. Keibert Ruiz was the lone source of offense; as he slugged an upper deck Solo HR in the 9th. The Washington bullpen allowed a pair of runs in four frames, including Hobie Harris tossing a scoreless set in his MLB debut.

(29:15) Hear a recap of where some of the top prospects were assigned in the Nationals Farm System. This includes Elijah Green, Jarlin Susana, Brady House, Robert Hassell, James Wood.

(33:00) MacKenzie Gore will make his franchise debut on Sunday on the mound in the series finale against Atlanta. Gore was acquried in last summer's blockbuster Juan Soto trade to San Diego.

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2023 Nationals Season Preview Mar 28, 2023

This week the Nationals will begin their 19th season of play when they welcome Atlanta to D.C. on Thursday afternoon. Mark & Al get you set for the Podcast's 3rd campaign with the disappointing news that Our Guy Paolo Espino will begin the season in AAA Rochester.

(06:45) Learn about reliever Hobie Harris. He had an impressive Spring and is expected to be part of this year's bullpen.

(15:20) Patrick Corbin has received the nod for the second straight season as the Opening Day starter. Why was Corbin given the ball instead of Josiah Gray? It has been nearly four years since Corbin defeated the Braves. Mark then lays out how to expect the starting rotation to shake out over the first week of the season.

(26:00) A look at the positional players for Washington this season. Among the newcomers, Dominic Smith joined the team from the Mets. How does Alex Call fit in? "Joey Four Bags" figures to prominently in the batting order.

(31:00) How many wins for the Nats this season? The hosts lend their predictions while ending with a giddy view of the new Pitch Clock.

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Cavalli Out for the Year Mar 20, 2023

The Nationals were dealt a terrible blow last week as it was announced that Cade Cavalli will have "Tommy John" surgery in his right elbow and will miss the entire 2023 season. Mark tells Al what he saw from Cade's fateful outing in Port St. Lucie, FL. What are realistic chances for his return in 2024?

(18:15) The spotlight on MacKenzie Gore got a lot brighter after the Cavalli news. He has has struggled this Spring as his ERA is over 7.00. Does it matter at all as he rehabs form last season's injury?

(23:00) The Nats hired former MLBer Ricky Gutierrez as their new "Run Prevention Coordinator". Mark explains what that new position will entail and how Ricky will work with the young middle infield.

(31:00) Joey Meneses has been one of the stars of the World Baseball Classic as the Championship round approaches. The WBC has drawn tons of positive headlines, but also yielded multiple high profile injuries. When is the best time to hold this now very popular event?

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Ruiz & Nats Surprisingly Agree to an Extension Mar 13, 2023

Nats fans were caught off-guard by the news that the organization and catcher Keibert Ruiz agreed to an 8 year/ $50M extension last week. Al & Mark (Live from West Palm Beach, FL) react to the Nationals officially locking up their franchise catcher. How does this relate to the ownership situation?

(09:15) Ruiz recently switched his representation and it involves a name that Washington fans are quite familiar with over the years. How much does it matter that he now longer has Scott Boras as his agent in agreeing to this extension? Is this the smart move for Ruiz to agree to the extension now?

(19:30) A discussion on Ruiz's realistic ceiling for the duration of his new contract.

(24:00) The Nats made some cuts recently as we approach Opening Day. Jake Alu, almost 26 years old, was among those sent down to Minor League Camp. Who are the guys fighting for the final roster spot with the Big League club?

(31:15) MacKenzie Gore has struggled in his past few outings, including on Sunday in Jupiter. Mark details what he's seen so far from all the young starting pitchers.

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Kieboom Setback + Soto Extension Talks with Padres Brass Mar 06, 2023

We are under a month until Opening Day as Spring Training is in full swing. Mark & Al begin with wondering when the Nats will begin making cuts down in Florida. They then focus on another setback for Carter Kieboom, who missed all of 2022 due to Tommy John surgery.

(17:30) Over the weekend, Josiah Gray and Cade Cavalli each took the mound. Mark explains what Davey Martinez is looking for when the young pitchers have spring outings.

(22:45) James Wood, one of the top prospects acquired in the Juan Soto trade, saw Grapefruit League action recently. Hear what to expect form his as 2023 gets underway. Wood is OFer who attended St. John's College High School in D.C.

(29:35) According to the New York Post's Jon Heyman, the Padres are looking into locking up Juan Soto to a long-term extension; as part of their continued spending spree. This would stand in stark contrast to what we had been told for years that Soto is happy to wait until he becomes a Free Agency after the 2024 season. What are the chances this comes to be?

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Pitch Clock Era Has Arrived Feb 27, 2023

The Nationals began their Grapefruit League slate over the weekend and we finally had a chance to see the new rules on display. Mark, who is live in West Palm Beach, gives Al his initial impressions of the Pitch Clock. So far, every game has been completed under three hours.

(13:50) MacKenzie Gore threw an inning on Saturday, thus making his organizational debut after last summer's blockbuster trade. This leads to a discussion on how the starting rotation is shaping up so far. Who is the front runner to start on Opening Day?

(22:15) A look at some of the lineup possibilities, including the search for a consistent lead-off hitter. Will it be CJ Abrams?

(31:10) Owner Mark Lerner penned a letter to fans as the season has begun right after the passing of his father. Will he meet with the media soon?

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Nats Begin 2023 Spring Training Feb 20, 2023

"Pitchers & Catchers" have reported to West Palm, FL and Mark Zuckerman has as well. Mark and Al begin with the not so surprising bad news that Stephen Strasburg has no timetable to return. Minor setback or is the final time we will go down the Strasburg road?

(19:00) We start to set the 2023 table and let you know who "The Big Six" are to keep your eye on for this season. This includes Josiah Gray, who is aiming to give up far fewer home runs this year. What is the ceiling for Keibert Ruiz behind the plate?

(29:30) All of MLB is adapting to the slew of new rules coming in 2023. Mark explains some potential quirks that might emerge from the new wrinkle involving a "Pitch Clock". How steep will the learning curve be across the sport?

(39:30) There is not much of an update regarding the potential sale of the team and the hosts run through the reasons why. Last week Ted Lerner, the former Managing Principal Owner of the franchise, passed away at age 97.

**Audio courtesy of NBC- 4 WRC TV.

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"Charlie & Dave" Visit Nats Chat Jan 11, 2023

The long time radio duo of "Charlie & Dave" join us for the January edition of Nats Chat, but before the interview Mark & Al update the latest with the organization. We begin with the continuing ownership saga that has now extended into 2023.

(14:20) Washington signed a pair of Free Agents recently in Dominic Smith and Corey Dickerson. Where will each fit in defensively? How does all this affect where "Joey Four Bags" gets slotted on the lineup card?

(22:10) The Nats also inked RHP Trevor Williams, a versatile arm who last year pitched for the Mets. Will he be in the starting rotation this season?

(28:25) Charlie Slowes and Dave Jageler, who have been the Nationals Radio tandem since 2006, make their Nats Chat debuts. They provide insights on what helps them prepare for broadcasts, how they developed their chemistry in the booth, and of course there will be a Nook Logan reference.

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Quiet Winter Meetings for the Nats Dec 08, 2022

The MLB Winter Meetings have wrapped up and the Nationals.... didn't do much. Mark (Live from San Diego) & Al put into perspective just how little of a splash the team made. We do though unveil our new theme song, courtesy of listener Tim Neumark. There is a timeline for the Angels sale, but what about the Nats?

(12:45) Washington made a rare selection in the Rule 5 Draft by selecting RHP Thad Ward from the Red Sox. The team also found that they will select 2nd in next summer's Draft after the sport's first ever lottery.

(20:10) The Nationals signed 3B Jeimer Candelario to a 1 year deal. He is a career .240 hitter that has spent the bulk of his career in Detroit. This leads to a discussion on the evolving and ever changing Front Office set-up.

(41:45) What is the next move for the Nats? All signs are pointing to adding a starting pitcher.

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World Series Over & Another Team in Town For Sale Nov 08, 2022

The Astros defeated the Phillies to win the 2022 World Series.

Al & Mark reconvene for the first time this off-season and a few weeks after the inaugural Nats Chat Podcast Party at Walter's. They begin with the new development in D.C. sports and that is the fact that the Nationals aren't the only team for sale in the DMV. Will the Commanders sale affect matters on South Capitol Street?

(17:05) Washington made minor moves over the weekend as Sean Doolittle is coming back, but not Nelson Cruz. We look at what to maybe expect from the team this Winter amid the rebuild and ownership uncertainty.

(28:20) Dusty Baker finally can call himself a World Series winning Manager at 73 years old as he received near universal praise from all corners of the sport.

(32:45) Yes, Bryce Harper was dominant in October. Al & Mark though point out the difference in how Houston stocked their farm system after 2019 compared to the Nats situation.

(44:05) The new Playoff format saw polar opposite results between the AL and NL. Houston and the Yankees made for a predictable ALCS, but the Phillies and Padres did just the opposite of that on their way to the NLCS. Were you a fan of this new extended version of the Postseason?

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Game 162: Season Ends with a Fedde Clunker Oct 06, 2022

The long and difficult 2022 Nationals season is now over as they were blown out 9-2 at the Mets on Wednesday evening as Erick Fedde allowed nine runs in under three innings. Al & Mark (Live from Citi Field) put in perspective how stubbornly this year ended as it was the sixth consecutive day the Nats dealt with rainy weather.

(08:03) An unexpected bright spot for this team was the bullpen, which finished in the middle of the pack amongst its MLB brethren. Erasmo Ramirez sported an ERA under 3.00 and will be a Free Agent.

(14:15) A special announcement that Nats Chat Podcast plans on returning in 2023. Thanks to all of you for listening and supporting the podcast!

(17:45) A full discussion on the ownership situation as the team remains for sale. Will this be wrapped up this off-season? It is overwhelmingly the most important priority for the team until Spring Training.

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Games 160 & 161: Rizzo Speaks in NY Oct 05, 2022

The Nats lost both ends of the doubleheader in New York as they are now just one game away from ending this long season. Mark (Live from Citi Field) & Al recap the nightmarish outing by Paolo Espino, as he allowed three consecutive HRs to open up Game #2. Paolo remains win-less, but did say he is willing to come out of the bullpen on Wednesday if necessary.

(10:10) The Braves clinched the NL East on Tuesday night as they won in Miami. The Mets have won 100 games, but will not have a division title to show for it, despite leading the standings for almost the entire season.

(13:30) GM Mike Rizzo met with the media before the games began and answered a range of questions. Topics included the uncertainty at ownership, Stephen Strasburg's status moving forward, Brady House injury update, and more.

(27:30) The Nationals will have the worst record in MLB this year, but there are new rules this year in terms of determining the draft pick order. They are only guaranteed to be in the top 7 and this has been put in place to try and curb tanking.

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Game 159: Rain Shortened Loss Concludes Home Slate Oct 03, 2022

The Nats lost 8-1 to the Phillies to wrap-up the 81st home game of the season. Mark & Al run through the decision to call the game an hour into the rain delay, while the contest was through six innings. The final few frames were played through difficult conditions in order to play four official games over the course of a rainy weekend.

(11:05) Patrick Corbin lost his 19th game of the year as he likely finishes with an ERA of 6.31. The last pitcher to have a season similar to Corbin's struggles, is Omar Daal back in 2000.

(21:25) The season wraps-up this weekend in New York as the Mets are still fighting for the NL East crown. There is a chance that GM Mike Rizzo will meet with reporters at some point during it.

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Games 157 & 158: Meneses Shines & Romero Wears it in Split Oct 02, 2022

The Nats & Phillies split their doubleheader that was able to be played despite the ominous forecast. Joey Meneses was the star at the plate in Game 1, where Washington clobbered Philly 13-4, as he had hit a bases clearing double and his 13th HR of the season. Mark & Al discuss the next chapter of his post trade deadline magic carpet ride.

(12:10) Luis Garcia had 3 hits and drove in 5 runs on Saturday afternoon. Hear what former National he might be comparable to. However, Garcia made a poor defensive decision in the 1st inning and his double play partner CJ Abrams, has committed 3 errors already in this series. Abrams offensively though had a great game as he gathered 3 hits and made a crucial hustle play in the victory.

(26:45) The Nationals called up Tommy Romero from AAA and his outing did not go well in Game 2, an 8-2 Philadelphia triumph. Romero allowed 5 HRs in under 4 innings as he struggled mightily on the mound. Kyle Schwarber homered twice off of him, giving him a NL leading 44 home runs.

(34:15) The series finale is scheduled for 1:35pm on Sunday in D.C. Weather again could be an issue and given Philadelphia's playoff situation, it could be a long day at the ballpark.

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Game 156: Afternoon Loss Before Night Game Postponed Oct 01, 2022

The Nats lost 5-1 on Friday afternoon before Game 2 of their doubleheader against the Phillies was postponed. Mark & Al catch you up on this weekend's very confusing schedule, which as of now has a doubleheader slated for Saturday (which was the original plan earlier this week).

(11:15) Not only did Philadelphia win the game, but they also dominated in terms of base running. The Phillies were six for six with runners trying to steal, as opposed to Washington who made multiple outs on the bases in a single inning. Davey Martinez was quite critical of Erick Fedde after the game, more so than his catcher Riley Adams.

(24:05) CJ Abrams had an egregious throwing error on Friday as the ball went way over the head of Joey Meneses. He has had many highlight reel plays this year, but should we be concerned about his throwing long term?

(26:10) MacKenzie Gore will not pitch for the Nationals this season despite his efforts this month. Mark explains what went into the decision for him to not to take the mound to conclude 2022. Al then puts in perspective just how bad the continued organizational luck with pitching this season.

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Game 155: Abrams' Walk-off Drops the Braves Into 2nd Place Sep 29, 2022

The Nats earned their 2nd walkoff win of the month as they edged Atlanta 3-2 in 10 innings. Al & Mark begin with the hero CJ Abrams, who singled in Alex Call to avoid the sweep on Wednesday night. It was a very costly loss for the Braves as they fell a game back of the Mets in the NL East race.

(08:01) Josiah Gray ended a string of poor outings as he only allowed a pair of hits in six frames, giving up just one run. Gray also was successful against Atlanta in April, his only other time facing them this season. Will he take the mound again in 2022?

(13:05) The weather forecast this weekend in D.C. is filled with a lot of rain in relation to Hurricane Ian. This puts the logistics into question as to how the Nats and Philles will play their scheduled four game series. Could we see a doubleheader instead on Friday?

(23:15) Ildemaro Vargas made multiple web gems at 3B one night after the team had questionable defense in the field. Does Vargas fit into the team's 2023 plans?

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Game 154: Paolo's Bid for a Win Falls Short Sep 28, 2022

Paolo Espino remains without a win this season as the Nats were handled 8-2 by the visiting Braves. Mark & Al point to all the things that went downhill for the Nationals after their early 2-0 lead, including a trio of HRs from the loaded Atlanta offense.

(05:06) Washington's defense was sloppy on Tuesday and the infield's effort came across as "casual". The team was only charged with one error, but there many questionable throws throughout the night. The defense has been much better since the trade deadline, which makes this game a recent oddity.

(14:45) Espino had a dream start to his outing as he struck out five Braves the first time through the order. However, the evening went askew the second time through the Atlanta lineup. Mark points out the season long disparity for Espino when facing a lineup for a second time and how that contributed to him not being able to notch a win in 2022.

(21:35) Victor Robles slugged his 6th HR of the season, the only ounce of offense the Nats produced. His defensive play has been elite as of late and this leads to discussion of what 2023 might look like for Robles.

(26:25) MacKenzie Gore appeared in the Nationals clubhouse and spoke on how he is feeling after Monday night's rehab outing in Rochester. Will he start a Washington game before the season ends?

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Game 153: 100th Loss Comes After Elder's Complete Game Sep 27, 2022

The Nats were shutout by visiting Atlanta 8-0 as Bryce Elder tossed a complete game. Al begins with Washington reaching the unfortunate mark of 100 losses on the season, and for the first time since 2009. Hear what Davey Martinez had to say regarding this in his post game press conference.

(05:03) Elder is the second pitcher this month to go the distance against the Nationals, the other being Miami's Sandy Alcantara. It was also Elder's 1st victory since April 12th. Meanwhile, Cory Abbott was very ineffective once he faced the Braves order for the second time.

(12:10) The offense struggled yet again while facing a pitcher who has had limited success this season. Al puts in perspective how disappointing Cesar Hernandez's year at the plate has been, as his OPS is currently at .628.

(16:05) MacKenzie Gore did not pitch well in his rehab start in Rochester as he allowed six runs in under four frames and gave up a trio of HRs. Will he start for the Nats before the season ends?

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Game 152: Meneses HRs in Win Over Miami Sep 26, 2022

The Nats ended their difficult season series against Miami with a 6-1 victory on Sunday. Mark (Live from Florida) & Al begin by acknowledging that the Nationals will avoid the dubious distinction of 110 losses this year.

(04:20) Joey Meneses homered for the second straight day in the 1st inning and went deep three times on the road trip. He also flashed leather on a few occasions in the victory. Has he locked up 1B for Washington in 2023?

(11:55) CJ Abrams had a busy day that was mostly positive, but was involved in a pair of bizarre plays while running the bases. Abrams is hitting .307 in the month of September.

(22:03) Anibal Sanchez earned the win by throwing five shutout frames and he has pitched well recently. This leads to an in-depth conversation on Anibal's 2023 options as he is a Free Agent at the end of the season.

(30:05) A quick preview of the 3 game series this week in D.C. as the Braves come to town. Atlanta currently trails the Mets by a game and a half for first place in the NL East.

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Game 151: Alcantara Dominates the Nats One More Time Sep 25, 2022

The Nats lost 4-1 in Miami as they yet again were no match for Sandy Alcantara. Mark & Al tip their caps for the final time this season to the Cy Young candidate who went 4-0 in five starts in 2022 vs. Washington.

(09:42) The offense had a quiet evening, except for Joey Meneses' Solo HR in the opening frame. Alex Call had a good game as he reached base three times (walk, single, HBP). Lane Thomas went 0 for 4 and remains hit-less in his career against Alcantara.

(19:30) Erick Fedde took the loss and allowed nine hits in the process. The hosts look at Fedde's season as his ERA is currently at 5.34 and has struggled since coming off the IL.

(27:45) An update on Patrick Corbin and if he will make his next scheduled start,

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Game 150: Gray's Outing Sputters in the 6th Sep 24, 2022

The Nats lost 5-2 in Miami and Josiah Gray took his 10th loss of the season. Al & Mark (Live from Florida) run through Gray's start, as he had only allowed one run until the Marlins scored three off of him in the 6th. On the bright side, Gray did not allow a home run for the first time in 14 starts.

(11:47) Updates on both MacKenzie Gore and Patrick Corbin. Will either guy start a game for Washington in the final stretch? Gore has a rehab start on Monday for Rochester and Corbin left his last start early due to back spasms.

(17:05) The offense struggled as the only runs came in the 1st and the 8th innings. Just how much has the absence of Keibert Ruiz played into that?

(25:02) We answer a pair of listener submitted email questions. Send yours into natschatpodcast@gmail.com

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Game 149: "Joey Four Bags" the Hero in Atlanta Sep 22, 2022

The Nats rallied to win 3-2 in Atlanta and avoid the sweep. Mark & Al begin with another dramatic HR by Joey Meneses, who hit a 2 run shot in the 7th to grab the lead. Meneses has hit 10 homers since being called up on August 2nd, including three late HRs that led to victory.

(09:45) An emailer inquires about a stain on Meneses' resume, as he was once suspended in Japan for PED use. The hosts explore this part of his career as best they can with little information available on the subject.

(16:55) Tres Barrera was in the lineup for the first time since being called up and came through with two hits and threw out a runner trying to steal in the 7th inning. This leads to answering an emailer about one of the potential side effects of enlarging the bases.

(27:40) Paolo Espino did not get the win, but received plenty of help from his bullpen, as they combined for five scoreless frames. We conclude with asking Mark if he thinks Patrick Corbin will take the mound again this season; after he exited Tuesday night early due to back spasms.

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Game 148: Corbin Exits Early Due to Back Spasms Sep 21, 2022

The Nats lost 3-2 in Atlanta on an evening where Patrick Corbin left the game in the 1st inning due to discomfort in his back. Al & Tim open with the narrow defeat for Washington as they could not capitalize with the bases loaded in the top of the 9th.

(07:48) Corbin only recorded two outs before exiting on Tuesday night. Could this end his season? He entered the evening with 18 losses on the season and no pitcher has lost 20 games since 2003 (Mike Maroth- Detroit). The Nationals were able to only use four relievers to cobble together the rest of the game.

(20:45) Maury Wills, Dodgers great and D.C. native, passed away at age 89. Wills stole 104 bases in 1962 and was All Star Game MVP that season when it was held in D.C. Should he make it to Cooperstown?

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Game 147: Meneses Muscles 4 Hits in Defeat Sep 20, 2022

The Nats lost 5-2 in Atlanta to begin a six game road trip. Al & Mark focus on how these games are of supreme importance to the Braves, who are just a game back of the Mets for the division lead. Atlanta is seeking a fifth consecutive NL East crown.

(05:30) Joey Meneses gathered four hits on Monday and is hitting .325 since being called up on August 2nd. His OPS in abbreviated action this season is .904. The conversation then steers to fellow pleasant surprise, Ildemaro Vargas.

(13:45) The team's official twitter account pointed out how high the Nats offense ranks in various categories this month. The hosts explore what it means that this has happened post trade deadline two seasons ago.

(20:10) Cory Abbott was tagged with the loss as he only lasted four innings. He gave up a Solo HR to Austin Riley, who has gone deep against Washington eight times so far this year.

(23:55) The conversation steers towards the struggles that Juan Soto and Josh Bell have experienced since last month's trade. Soto is hitting .163 this month and Bell's average has dropped 27 points since changing teams.

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Game 146: Alcantara's Complete Game Spoils the Sweep Sep 18, 2022

The Nats lost to Miami 3-1 as Sandy Alcantara bolstered his Cy Young case by throwing a 103 pitch Complete Game. Al & Mark tip their caps to the Marlins right hander, who is 3-0 this year vs. Washington in four starts.

(03:30) Lane Thomas got the day off despite his surge as of late, because his career numbers against Alcantara have not been good (0 for 11 w/ 6 Ks). Do you agree with the manager filling out his lineup cards in this manner? His teammates had yet another game filled with base running gaffe in his absence.

(09:20) CJ Abrams committed an error, but was the only National to double off of Alcantara on Sunday. Luke Voit meanwhile had three hits as he seemingly has settled in nicely into the DH role. By the way, what's the latest with Nelson Cruz's eye inflammation?

(16:30) Anibal Sanchez pitched well, but was no match of course for Alcantara. Sanchez's ERA is at 4.40 and has five decent starts in last six outings. Al has some very interesting and unexpected words about Sanchez in mid September.

(22:10) The Nats open a three game series on Monday night Atlanta and the Braves are just a game back of the Mets. The divisional race is of extra importance, because the winner will likely have a bye into the NLDS.

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Game 145: Nats Victoriously Slug 4 HRs Sep 18, 2022

The Nats beat Miami 5-3 to guarantee a series win while hitting four solo homers and oddly enough not singling. Mark & Al run through the offensive stars from the victory, including all the starting outfielders (Thomas/Robles/Call). Lane Thomas for the second straight season is hitting well post trade deadline and the hosts wonder where he fits into the 2023 lineup.

(06:50) Victor Robles homered for just the 10th time post 2019, but this one went over 400 feet. He had been out of the lineup for a week and Mark explains the factors that led to why.

(12:14) Luke Voit homered from the cleanup spot, his 21st of the season. Voit is arbitration eligible next season; and does that mean he is likely to return next year?

(16:11) Riley Adams had a RBI double and has had an offensive impact ever since Keibert Ruiz's injury. However, Tres Barrera has not yet played since he was called at the beginning of the month and it does beg the question as to why that is the case.

(21:10) Erick Fedde only lasted four innings, but his bullpen combined for five scoreless frames. What effect will pitch clocks have next season on Fedde, who is a very slow worker on the mound.

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Game 144: "Joey Four Bags" Inside-the-Park HR Ignites Rally Sep 17, 2022

The Nats rallied in the late innings to edge the Marlins 5-4 and snap a five game skid. Al & Mark begin with how the comeback started; "Joey Four Bags" Inside-the-Park in the bottom of the 7th. Meneses now has slugged nine HRs since being called up after the trade deadline.

(06:10) CJ Abrams had a two run triple to tie up the affair in the pivotal 7th and his average this month is up to .313. His infield mate Ildemaro Vargas delivered the go ahead hit; a RBI ground rule double in the bottom of the 8th. Hear how surprising his WAR is this year in limited time.

(18:03) Josiah Gray struggled again and gave up a HR for the 13th consecutive start. This leads to a discussion of whether or not the team could end his season prematurely since he has not been pitching well as of late.

(25:30) Cade Cavalli suffered a setback as he experienced right shoulder discomfort in his first throwing session since landing on the IL. The Nationals say they are not concerned, but are you? Al puts in perspective how disappointing 2022 has been for Cavalli.

(32:55) Stephen Strasburg spoke with the Washington Post and it was a revealing piece. The World Series MVP expresses concern about ever being able to return to the mound. Was this first step towards a goodbye?

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Game 143: O's Rally on Thompson in the 7th Sep 15, 2022

The Nats lost their 5th straight as they fell 6-2 to visiting Baltimore. Al & Tim start with a birds-eye view of the rivalry (or lack thereof) between the two neighboring teams. If they were to do realignment, would you be in favor of them in the same division?

(08:25) The National clung to a 2-1 lead entering the top of the 7th, but that quickly evaporated as all four Oriole runs came while Mason Thompson was on the mound. Gunnar Henderson hit a "Little League HR" which perfectly encapsulated this last place season as Cesar Hernandez committed an embarrassing error in LF.

(12:10) Patrick Corbin only ceded one run in six frames as he has had four quality starts in his past five appearances. This leads to a discussion of what likely awaits him in 2023.

(23:45) The final 19 games for Washington all will be against divisional foes. The Nats need four wins in order to avoid the dubious mark of 110 losses. At the moment, the Mets lead by the Braves by a half game and the Nationals play those two teams a combined nine times.

(26:10) Davey Martinez said Cade Cavalli will resume throwing soon, but he will not pitch in games this season.

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Game 142: Harvey Takes the Loss Against His Former Team Sep 14, 2022

The Nats lost 4-3 to the Orioles despite their early lead. Al & Mark recap Hunter Harvey's pivotal relief outing against his ex-teammates; as he allowed two runs in defeat. It was a busy night for the bullpen due to starter Cory Abbott only lasting three frames.

(18:45) CJ Abrams made a crucial base running mistake in the 6th inning that caused an unnecessary out at 3B. Has poor base running been the biggest problem the team has had this year (not counting starting pitching)? While we are in the infield; will Joey Meneses take over at 1B for the struggling Luke Voit?

(30:05) Jackson Rutledge dominated for the FredNats (High-A) in their playoff game as he threw 8 shutout innings. Rutledge was the Nationals 1st Round pick in 2019, but has battled injuries the past few seasons.

(33:10) MacKenzie Gore will throw a bullpen session this week and the plan is for him to make another minor rehab start on Friday for Rochester. Will we see him pitching for Washington this season?

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Game 141: Swept After Long Rain Delay Sep 12, 2022

After a rain delay that last over three hours, the Nats lost 7-5 in Philadelphia, completing a sweep. Mark (Live from Philly) & Al begin with the decision by MLB to make sure the game ended on Sunday, despite the long wait. This was a tough way to end a three city/ ten game road trip with no days off in between.

(04:48) Anibal Sanchez only lasted two innings before the rain arrived, but issued three walks in that brief time. The bullpen was pressed into extra duty after the delay ended; low lighted by Kyle Finnegan's 7th inning outing.

(11:51) CJ Abrams yet again made a spectacular play in the field as he had a highlight in all three games this week. Adding to his strong September, he collected two hits as well.

(19:05) Luis Garcia missed a 2nd straight day as Ildemaro Vargas took over for him at 2B. As for behind the plate, Israel Pineda made his Big League debut. Pineda climbed through the organizational ranks this season after beginning the year in High-A Wilmington. Why isn't Tres Barrera playing since being called up?

(23:15) MacKenzie Gore made his first rehab start with Rochester and only lasted 1.2 IP. Should we be concerned that he didn't pitch the original goal of three innings?

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Game 140: Harper Continues to Torment Fedde Sep 11, 2022

The Nats lost 8-5 and are 1-7 this season in Philadelphia. Al & Mark (Live from Citizens Bank Park) evaluate Erick Fedde's rough outing where his former high school teammate Bryce Harper homered off of him the 6th time in the past four years. The hosts hold a lengthy discussion about what went into the decision to pitch to Harper as opposed to walking him. Is something fundamentally wrong with developing pitching in the organization?

(15:50) Cesar Hernandez played 2B on Saturday night had an nightmare stretch in the field in the 3rd and 4th innings. He had four instances of questionable defense, but was only charged one throwing verror.

(22:20) CJ Abrams made a spectacular play to pull off a double play in the 1st inning. Nats Chat is quite in awe of the amount of athleticism displayed by Abrams on the play. Could he be the best defensive short stop in franchise history?

(27:01) "Joey Four Bags" touched' em all again early in the game. Mark then points the absurd home run disparity between the Nationals and Phillies when facing each other this season (32-9).

(36:30) MacKenzie Gore will make a rehab start on Sunday in Syracuse for AAA Rochester. Will he pitch for Washington this season?

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Game 139: Corbin Dealt His 18th Loss + New Rule Changes Sep 10, 2022

The Nats lost 5-3 in Philadelphia for their 90th loss overall and the 18th suffered loss by Patrick Corbin this season. Mark (Live from Philly) & Al recap a bizarre game where zero walks were issued by either pitching staff. Corbin gave up all five runs in just under seven frames, and did so in under 70 pitches.

(05:41) CJ Abrams had his best game as he made two web-gems, had a hit, and stole a base. The play he made in the bottom of the 6th might be the infield highlight of the year for the Nationals.

(12:10) Alex Call homered again and had three hits, right on the heels of his four hit afternoon in St. Louis. Meanwhile at 2B, Luis Garcia turned an interesting double play in the bottom of the 2nd. Did he handle the play appropriately?

(22:05) Israel Pineda was called up from Rochester as Keibert Ruiz's season might be over due to a testicular contusion. Pineda moved his way up the minor league ranks this season and will have a chance to prove that he should become the new back-up catcher. Pineda spent the majority of the year in High-A Wilmington, with a stop in Harrisburg as well.

(31:15) Friday marked major rule changes coming to the sport next season, including a pitch clock, shift ban, and larger bases. Al & Mark give full reaction to the monumental announcement.

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Game 138: Call's 4 Hit Day Leads the Way Sep 09, 2022

The Nats bounced back to beat the Cardinals 11-6, giving them a series split. Mark (Live from St. Louis) and Al praise Alex Call who exploded with four hits while hitting ninth, one night after not being make to make a leaping grab to seal the victory. Call originally was not in the lineup, but Victor Robles was a late scratch due to a stiff neck. The offense totaled 18 hits overall on Thursday.

(07:17) CJ Abrams had two hits and is hitting .360 so far in September. Nelson Cruz was moved down in the order to the sixth spot and responded with three hits of his own. Keibert Ruiz's day was not as fun as he had to head to the hospital due to swollen testicles. Feel better Keibert!

(15:35) Josiah Gray did not have a good outing as he gave up two HRs to Yadier Molina. Gray has allowed a homer in 12 consecutive starts and is now leading the NL in walks issued too. Should they consider shutting him down for the season?

(26:01) The bullpen had extended duty and mostly came through. Mason Thompson escaped a jam he inherited from Gray, Andres Machado threw two scoreless frames, and Kyle Finnegan shook of Wednesday's loss by throwing a 1-2-3 inning in the bottom of the 8th. What went into the decision to bring him back after throwing 30+ pitches the night before?

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Game 137: Finnegan Blows a 4 Run Lead in the 9th Sep 08, 2022

The Nats suffered gut punch 6-5 loss in St. Louis as Kyle Finnegan could not hold onto a four run lead in the bottom of the 9th. Mark (Live from Bush Stadium) & Al though begin with the announcement of our 1st ever Podcast Party, Friday evening October 14th at Walter's Bar in Navy Yard. COME JOIN US!

(6:18) The bullpen did its job prior to Finnegan entering the game as Erasmo Ramirez did a good job of bridging the gap in the middle innings. Should Davey have pulled Finnegan when trouble began or was it the right move to see if he could wiggle out of it?

(15:10) Cory Abbott threw a good outing despite getting pulled in the 5th inning. He has a string of decent starts in the past few months and putting himself in position for a 2023 roster spot.

(18:05) The offense had an impressive late game effort, including a four run 8th inning. Luke Voit homered in his hometown and Joey Meneses (duh) came through with a RBI single. A discussion on the lineup leads to wondering why CJ Abrams was given another day off.

(26:45) Jarlin Susana, 18 year old pitcher that was part of the trade with San Diego, struck out six on Wednesday night for Fredericksburg. Get to know the right hander who is hitting 103 MPH on the radar gun.

(32:30) Juan Soto made some eyebrow raising comments to the San Diego Union Tribune and our hosts give a pragmatic analysis of what they believe he meant.

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Game 136: Win Streak Ends in St. Louis Sep 07, 2022

The Nats lost 4-1 in St. Louis ending their bid for a 4th straight win. Mark (Live from Bush Stadium) & Al discuss the return of Nelson Cruz and the chain effect that it has on the lineup. Cruz being placed at DH means Luke Voit has to play the field and Joey Meneses has to move to the outfield. How should Cruz be handled the rest of the way?

(16:10) Meneses knocked a pair of doubles on Tuesday night and joined a short list of MLB players in the process. He has 42 hits in 30 career games, and only twelve other hitters in history have as many hits in their first month.

(23:05) MacKenzie Gore threw a simulated game with next up on the agenda being a bullpen session on Friday. The plan after that is for him to make a minor league rehab assignment. Could he take Paolo Espino's spot in the rotation?

(28:30) Davey Martinez mentioned pregame that Mason Thompson could be used as an "Opener". The organization has barely utilized this method, but could this be changing?

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Game 135: Anibal & 'Pen Blank the Cardinals Sep 06, 2022

The Nats won their 3rd straight on the road trip, a 6-0 shutout of the NL Central leading Cardinals. Mark (Live from St. Louis) & Al have a lot of positive stats to sort through as Washington has won six of their past eight games.

(04:39) CJ Abrams had a four hit afternoon, which included a triple. He seemingly has looked more comfortable at the plate in this recent stretch and he clearly has the ""wheels" when he runs the bases. Keibert Ruiz also had a big game as he slugged his 7th homer of the season.

(15:48) The surging Lane Thomas enjoyed visiting his old team as he reached base four times in the lead-off spot. He is hitting .350 through five September games, with seven hits.

(28:05) Anibal Sanchez pitched his fourth consecutive solid outing as he threw five scoreless frames in the win. His decent performance as of late begins the question, "Will he return in 2023"? Mason Thompson recorded his first save in unorthodox fashion as he pitched the final three innings.

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Game 134: Nats Take the Series in New York Sep 05, 2022

The Nats beat the Mets again 7-1 in the series rubber match. Al & Mark (Live from Citi Field) marvel at how the team has won five of their past seven games and were able to take a series against a 1st place club in a tight divisional race. The offense had a lot of key contributors, including Keibert Ruiz who came up with three hits in a game that he specifically requested to play.

(15:10) Ildemaro Vargas had a RBI and also played a pivotal role in a bizarre double play that benefited Washington in the bottom of the 7th. This odd moment came on the heels of Saturday night's controversial infield fly rule. Cesar Hernandez finally hit his 1st HR of the season and was given the silent treatment from his teammates in celebration.

(25:01) Erick Fedde bounced back from his poor outing vs. Oakland to earn the win. He only gave up one run in six frames against a high powered offense. It's his first victory against the Mets in eleven career starts.

(28:15) An update on the new six man rotation, that could lead to an eventual MacKenzie Gore start. Anibal Sanchez will return to the mound in St. Louis and Albert Pujols' quest for 700 HRs will be awaiting (current at 695).

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Game 133: Offense Capitalizes on Corbin's Gem Sep 04, 2022

The Nats poured it on in the 9th inning for a 7-1 victory at the Mets; their fourth win in the past six games. (Mark (Live from NY) and Al recap Patrick Corbin's excellent outing where he only allowed one run in seven frames; out-dueling Max Scherzer in the process. Corbin has won his past two starts in the span of a week and has three consecutive solid outings.

(12:30) The offense had a very good night and they were paced by the tandem of Luis Garcia and Lane Thomas. They combined for seven hits, two homers, and 3 RBIs. Thomas quietly has hit fifteen homers this season. We also tackle what exactly happened with the controversial infield fly call in the 3rd inning.

(26:05) CJ Abrams came through as well with two hits, including a two run single in the top of the ninth. This leads though to another conversation about head scratching base running by Washington.

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Game 132: Gray's Outing Falls Apart in the 6th Sep 03, 2022

The Nats lost 7-3 at the Mets to begin a 10 game/ 3 city road trip. Mark (Live from Flushing) and Al begin with Josiah Gray's start, which saw his pitching line marred in the 6th inning. Gray's ERA is nearing 5.00 and the hosts wonder how we should evaluate his mixed bag of a season.

(14:03) Steve Cishek was part of the problem in the four run 6th inning as his season long struggles have continued as of late. Should his usage come down significantly in this final month, especially with Mason Thompson back in Washington?

(19:40) Ildemaro Vargas had another good game as he went 2 for 4 with two doubles and a RBI. "Vargy" also made a nifty defensive play on a sharp grounder. Should we expect this plate production to continue?

(27:05) The Victor Robles Bingo Card was in full effect on Friday night as he tripled, scored on an unusual play, misplayed a ball in the field, and played a crucial role in an unorthodox double play.

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Game 131: "Joey Four Bags" Walks It Off! Sep 02, 2022

The Nats topped Oakland 7-5 in extras for their first walk-off win of the season as "Joey Four Bags" crushed a 3 run shot in the bottom of the 10th. Al & Tim discuss the next chapter in the unlikely story that is Joey Meneses as he now has seven homers since being called up a month ago. Meneses on Thursday had four hits and is hitting a whopping .354 with Washington.

(16:10) The other unexpected August addition, Ildemaro Vargas, had a RBI single to tie the game in the bottom of the 8th. He also filled in admirably at shortstop on CJ Abrams' day off.

(28:05) Paolo "The Secret Weapon" Espino had a solid outing where he struck out six in five frames. Why was he pulled after allowing only one run on sixty-six pitches?

(35:20) A brief update was given pregame on Stephen Strasburg and it wasn't particularly informative. No specific news on when he is expected to return.

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Game 130: Anibal Turns Back the Clock Sep 01, 2022

The Nats topped Oakland 5-1 behind Anibal Sanchez's sterling seven inning effort. Mark & Al discuss the veteran righty's strong start as he only allowed a Solo HR and take note of his recent successful stretch on the mound. It was the best outing he has had since Game 1 of the 2019 NLCS.

(06:08) CJ Abrams had a good night at the plate as he drew his first walk and extra base hit with the Nationals. Could this be a turning point for his bat?

(12:50) The offense had multiple contributors including Luis Garcia, Luke Voit, and Ildemaro Vargas. Garcia has shown signs of growth at the plate this year and his average is approaching .300 (.291).

(28:45) Cade Cavalli being placed on the IL meant that Cory Abbott returned to Washington. Paolo Espino will get the start in the series rubber match on Thursday afternoon.

(33;05) The incident with Brian Robinson of the Commanders brings to mind when Wilson Ramos was kidnapped in Venezuela in 2011. Ramos was a young catcher at the time with the Nats and fortunately survived the abduction. (Audio Courtesy of ABC News)

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Game 129: Cavalli to the IL with Shoulder Inflammation Aug 31, 2022

The Nats lost 10-6 to Oakland, but that was not the major news of the day. Mark & Al begin with stunned reaction to the news that Cade Cavalli's season is likely over as he is headed to the IL after just one MLB start. Cavalli's shoulder has inflammation and he initially felt discomfort the day after his debut. Does this effect the usage of Josiah Gray and MacKenzie Gore down the stretch?

(10:38) The bad news continued on Monday as it also appears that Brady House's season is done in Fredericksburg due to a back issue. He last played on June 11th and the organization has not officially commented on the matter.

(18:45) On a night with some offensive production, Washington's pitching did not come through. Erick Fedde was chased in the third inning and Steve Cishek allowed a Grand Slam.

(29:10) "Joey Four Bags" was a doubles machine on Tuesday as he had three on the evening. Meneses has been a real bright spot this month and is hitting .348 since being called up on August 2nd.

(37:15) Tim Shovers speaks with D.C. native and author Will Bardenwerper on small town Baseball's importance to the fabric of the sport despite the extreme change the minor leagues have recently experienced.

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Game 128: Corbin Ends the Starters Winless Streak Aug 29, 2022

The Nats beat the Reds 3-2 to avoid the sweep on Sunday afternoon in D.C. Mark & Al begin with the glee (or relief) that Patrick Corbin earned the victory, thus ending the startling drought of 43 consecutive games without the Washington starting pitcher recording a victory. Corbin lasted six innings before handing it off to the "A" Bullpen.

(16:30) Joey Meneses continues to pace the Nationals offense as he had a hit on Sunday and his hitting .333. CJ Abrams however was hitess over the weekend and has struggled mightilty at the plate since the trade. Will the plan to play the twenty-one year old everyday continue?

(25:10) Luke Voit was thrown out at home "by a mile"; continuing the trend this season of questionable "sends" by Third Base Coach Gary DiSarcina.

(29:45) Handicapping the future for Victor Robles.

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Game 127: Another Loss to the Reds Aug 28, 2022

The Nats lost 6-2 to the Reds on Saturday night in D.C. Al hosts solo and runs through just how poor the offense continues to be this season. One of the bright spots this past month? You guessed it... Joey Meneses.

(13:45) Paolo Espino was OK, but the streak of a National starter not recording a win reached a preposterous 43 games. Al does shine a spotlight through on Hunter Harvey's performance out of the bullpen this year, who has a ERA of 2.91.

(19:05) Yadiel Herandez was placed on the 60 day day IL with his calf injury to make room for pitcher Seth Romero. Hear the saga that has been Romero's career with the organization since he was a first round pick in 2017.

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Game 126: Cavalli Sweats His Way Through a Forgettable Debut Aug 27, 2022

The Nationals lost 7-3 to Cincinnati in Cade Cavalli's debut. Al & Mark recap the prized pitching prospect's first start that saw him allow seven runs under five frames. They explain why he pitched better than the box score reflects on a rather humid evening in D.C where he dealt six strikeouts.

(07:21) Cavalli did not get help from the defense behind him as CJ Abrams had a first inning throwing error that should have been corralled by Luke Voit. Cavalli's final inning saw more misplays, including a blunder by Luis Garcia trying to turn a double play. Should the Nats look at other 1B options in the off-season?

(22:30) Luis Garcia made his first start at 2B after his brief rehab stint in Rochester. This was also the first time we saw he and Abrams up the middle together. Why isn't Abrams showing more at the plate?

(31:05) Julio Rodriguez is signing a massive extension to stay in Seattle that locks him up long-term. Why didn't Washington do the same with Juan Soto?

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Game 125: Vargas Clutch HR + Cavalli Coming to D.C. Aug 25, 2022

The Nats won 3-1 in Seattle as Ildemaro Vargas hit a 2 run HR in the top of the 9th to break the tie. Mark (from T- Mobile Park) & Al though begin with the news that Cade Cavalli will make his D.C. debut on Friday night against the Reds. This is quite possibly the most important pitching debut for the organization since Stephen Strasburg in 2010.

(13:45) Anibal Sanchez and the bullpen combined to hold the Mariners offense at bay. Sanchez has been pitching decently lately and he retained his spot in the rotation over Cory Abbott; who was sent down to Rochester in order to make roster space for Cavalli. Hunter Harvey came through with a crucial strikeout out of the 'pen; is he someone worth getting excited about it for the future?

(23:30) Ildemaro Vargas is turning heads this month as he has filled in admirably at 3B. He is known more for his glove than bat, but has contributed at the plate. Could he be locking up a roster spot in 2023?

(33:50) The 2023 schedule was unveiled on Wednesday and it is the first of its kind as every team will play each other during the season. Most notably, there will be far fewer games against divisional foes.

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Game 124: "Joey Four Bags" HR Breaks Up Late No-No Bid Aug 24, 2022

The Nats were doubled up 4-2 in Seattle to open a two game series. Mark (Live from T-Mobile Park) & Al discuss how Robbie Ray had a no-hitter going until "Joey Four Bags" homered to dead center-field in the top of the 7th. Washington has never been no-hit and the last time Expos suffered that fate was in 1999.

(08:24) Riley Adams returned to the Nationals and started on Tuesday as Tres Barrera was sent down to AAA. Will Adams see time at 1B or remain the backup catcher?

(12:42) Erick Fedde only allowed two runs in his first start since returning from the IL. What is his potential status in the rotation as we project towards 2023?

(22:05) Tyler Clippard was DFA'd due to Fedde needing a roster spot. This might be the end for the long-time reliever, who first appeared with the Yankees in 2007. Clippard only pitched in four MLB games this season, but is arguably the greatest relief pitcher in team history.

(28:45) The Washington Post reported that Ted Leonsis has emerged as a viable candidate to purchase the franchise, among other bidders. The host analyze all angles to this and also add in the fact that the Angels are now too up for sale.

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Game 123: Bell Beats the Nats Again Aug 22, 2022

The Nats were edged 2-1 and had to settle for a split in San Diego as yet again the offense could only muster a Solo HR (Cruz). Al & Mark (Live from California) begin with the news that the franchise will face the Phillies in the 2023 Little League Classic in Williamsport, PA. This is the first time the Nationals will be represented in a crown jewel neutral site event since their inception.

(15:45) "Joey Four Bags" has not exactly been "Joey Hustle" as for the second time this month he falsely admired a non HR and it resulted in him getting thrown out for trying to reach for a double.

(29:05) Patrick Corbin lost his 17th game of the season, despite a solid outing. He did not allow a run through five frames, but later surrendered a two run HR to Josh Bell. It has been nineteen years since a pitcher lost twenty games in a season (Mike Maroth- Tigers- 2003).

(35:20) Luis Garcia is headed to Indianapolis for AAA rehab stint (groin) and the plan is for him to rejoin Washington on Friday. The plan is for him to play 2B as CJ Abrams is firmly set at SS.

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Game 122: Soto & Bell HRs All the Padres Need Aug 21, 2022

The Nats lost 2-1 as all of San Diego's runs came off of Josh Bell & Juan Soto Solo HRs. Mark (Live form Petco Park) and Al discuss the former Nationals impact, and how it was Bell's first hit against Washington since the trade (0 for 20 prior to the homer).

(5:10) Josiah Gray only lasted five frames, but did only allow one run off of four hits. He threw a lot of balls on the evening as he issued five walks in the outing; compared to only three strikeouts.

(20:20) Luke Voit was scratched for the second straight day due to back tightness and Mark gives an update on his status. Adding to the offensive woes, Yadiel Hernandez was placed on the 10 day IL due to a left calf strain and his replacement Josh Palacios did not make it to San Diego in time to be a pinch-hitting option.

(27:15) Cade Cavalli threw five innings in Worcester, MA and only gave up one run. Davey Martinez seemed to cryptically indicate pregame that he might be on his way to Washington next month.

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Game 121: Another Win At Hader's Expense Aug 20, 2022

The Nats scored three runs off of Josh Hader in the 9th for a 6-3 victory in San Diego. Mark (Live from Petco Park) & Al open with the exciting top of the 9th that gave the Nationals their second straight win over the Padres. Hats off to Alex Call for picking a very good time to hit his first career HR.

(09:22) Keibert Ruiz reached base five times, collected two hits, had a RBI and stole a base. This was a major boost to the offense since Luke Voit did not play (back tightness).

(14:45) CJ Abrams had an up and down game as he came through with a two run single, but did make a routine throwing error. Any cause for concern that he has made a pair of those this week?

(20:30) Paolo Espino allowed three runs in just over four innings as he issued four walks. Erick Fedde returns to the rotation; could he take away Paolo's spot? His numbers in relief are better than that as a starter this season.

(28:50) Did you know that the MLB Draft order rules changed with the new CBA? There will be a lottery for non playoff teams as opposed to the worst being guaranteed the number one pick in order to deter tanking.

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Game 120: Nats Prevail After Getting to Hader Aug 19, 2022

The Nats held on 3-1 in San Diego as they scored two runs off of Josh Hader in the top of the 9th. Mark (Live from Petco Park) & Al run through the pitcher's duel that saw Anibal Sanchez go toe to toe with Yu Darvish. It was Sanchez's best start this season as he lasted five frames. The Padres are a surprising 6-9 since all their big acquisitions at the trade deadline.

(05:53) Ildemaro Vargas homered for the first time with Washington and also singled later in the game. Vargas has been productive at the hot corner and seemingly has overtaken Maikel Franco as the primary 3B.

(14:05) The bullpen stepped up big time as five pitchers combined for four scoreless frames. Victor Arano came through as he struck out Juan Soto in the 7th with the bases loaded. Kyle Finnegan had a bumpy ninth, but ultimately recorded the save,

(23:10) Cole Henry announced he will have TOC surgery (the same as Stephen Strasburg) and his season is over. He was having a excellent season in the minors, but had not taken the mound since June with Rochester. When might he return?

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Game 119: Abbott Throws Quality Start but McGee Takes the Loss Aug 18, 2022

The Nats lost the series rubber match to the Cubs 3-2 on Wednesday afternoon. Al begins with more base running blunders as Cesar Hernandez was picked off after collecting a RBI single and points out how poor their metrics are in that category compared to every other team.

(06:10) Cory Abbott pitched well as he only allowed two runs in six innings. Abbott was picked up from waivers three months ago after the Giants let him go.

(14:05) Al goes around MLB and brings it back home to the on-goings in Washington. The Braves made a contractual move the Nationals never do and Austin Voth continues to succeed in Baltimore. Does it all boil down to Scott Boras?

(22:50) On Twitter we sampled for opinions on how to utilize Victor Robles on a daily basis. The responses were all over the map, but there are certainly many fans who are ready to move on from Victor. What say you?

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Game 118: Abrams Singles in Extra Inning Loss Aug 17, 2022

The Nats came up short yet again in extra innings; the latest a 7-5 loss against the Cubs. Al & Mark wonder how is it that the Nationals constantly struggle in that late stretch, as they are 3-18 in the past two seasons in extra innings.

(05:48) CJ Abrams hit 7th again and earned his first hit in Washington in clutch fashion after singling in the tying run in the bottom of the 10th. Mark then gives his review of Abrams' glove work thus far.

(16:05) It was another day in the life of Victor Robles where the bad was mixed with the good. Robles had an egregious TOOTBLAN in the 1st inning that resulted in a double play. Why do these mistakes seem to keep happening to Victor? He did however make an impressive catch later on in CF.

(27:10) Patrick Corbin returned to the rotation after having his last start skipped. He improved upon his past few nightmarish starts, but it was still mediocre at best (6 IP, 4 ER). How will it go when he faces the Padres lineup this weekend?

(31:45) We close with an update from AA Harrisburg on Darren Baker as we hear from "The Voice of the Senators" Terry Byrom.

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Game 117: Gray Fans 10 & Cruz HRs in Abrams' Debut Aug 16, 2022

The Nats had arguably their most exciting victory of the season as they rallied on the Cubs for a 5-4 win. Mark & Al recap the Nationals debut for shortstop CJ Abrams. He was hit-less with a routine E6, but did show-off many signs in the field of his range and ability. Abrams is top rated prospect in the organization and was part of the Juan Soto trade.

(16:25) Josiah Gray started slow, but ended his evening with an emphatic 10th strikeout. Prior to facing his final batter in the 6th, Davey Martinez went to the mound and left Gray in the game. Mark explains Davey's motivation behind that decision.

(26:05) Nelson Cruz had a big evening as he gave the Washington to lead on multiple occasions. He doubled in a pair of runs in the 5th and then came through with the game sealing hit in the 7th on a solo HR; his first dinger in almost two months (458th of his career).

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Game 116: Shutout by San Diego Aug 15, 2022

The Nats were blanked in the series rubber match against the Padres 6-0. Mark & Al bring you up to speed on Sunday's lineup as the lead-off hitter was definitely someone you never have heard of before. "Joey Four Bags" was "Joey One Bag" as he had a pair of singles to extend his hitting streak to eight games. Tune in to hear how our podcast infiltrated Friday's national broadcast on Apple TV+.

(06:20) We taped our episode just prior to confirmation that C.J. Abrams will be called-up on Monday. Luis Garcia is currently nursing a sore groin and might be headed to the IL. Abrams pulled from the lineup on Sunday in Rochester; which gave an early indication of what was likely going to happen for the SS. He is currently the top ranked prospect in the farm system.

(15:13) Paolo Espino was so close to a quality start, but a Victor Robles error cost him that department. He briefly saw his ERA nudge below 4.00, but that was short lived on his 109 pitch afternoon. Robles did however make another web-gem that robbed Josh Bell.

(30:05) A listener submitted question about Juan Soto's free agency and Washington chances in landing him again in a few years.

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Game 115: Controversial Call Goes the Nats Way Aug 14, 2022

The Nats rallied to beat the Padres 4-3 in dramatic fashion. Al & Mark open with a rare moment of 2022 good luck as a Victor Robles 7th inning single turned into the game winning run after San Diego's catcher Austin Nola was determined to have blocked home plate. If you can explain how this rule is supposed to be properly applied, you are smarter than any of us.

(08:09) The Nationals hit crucial back to back HRs in the 6th, the last of which by "Joey Four Bags". He is now at five homers in nine career games played. How long will this last for the 30 year old rookie? He has been outhitting both Juan Soto and Josh Bell since the trade deadline.

(16:20) Nelson Cruz singled for his 200th career hit and is the first person to achieve the feat while wearing a Nationals uniform. The hosts give an early handicap of what the Cooperstown conversation will look like in a few years for Cruz.

(20:30) Anibal Sanchez labored through five innings despite the high pitch count. Cade Cavalli meanwhile countered with seven strong frames for Rochester. Will the upcoming road trip delay Cavalli's promotion to the Majors?

(28:45) Patrick Corbin threw a bullpen session and Davey Martinez described his performance as "exceptionally well". How pivotal is his next start when he returns to the rotation?

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Game 114: Soto Gets Standing Ovation in Return to D.C. Aug 13, 2022

The Nats were doubled up 10-5 by San Diego in Juan Soto's abrupt return to D.C. Mark & Al examine the events around Soto playing on South Capitol Street in an opposing uniform. Juan went 2 for 6 with a RBI and Josh Bell was hit-less in five at bats.

(07:48) The Washington Post on Friday reported that the Lerner's did not seek the opinions of the prospective buyers when it came to trading Soto. This re-opens the discussion as to why Washington felt the need to trade him before the Trade Deadline.

(16:30) The Padres broke the game open in the 5th inning by scoring seven runs. Victor Arano was the culprit on the mound, but Luis Garcia committed yet another error. When is C.J. Abrams getting called-up?

(25:10) The struggling offense went 2 for 17 w/ runners in scoring position. Why exactly is Nelson Cruz hitting cleanup still?

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Game 113: "Joey Four Bags" HRs Again in Defeat Aug 11, 2022

The Nats coughed up a late lead in Chicago and lost 4-2 . Mark & Al again begin with the exploits of "Joey Four Bags" Menses as he homered in every game in this series and has four dingers in seven games. The 30 year old rookie has certainly taken advantage of his opportunity since the trade deadline.

(06:40) Josiah Gray had his first good outing in awhile as he did not allow a run until the 7th inning. His afternoon came to an end after giving up his MLB leading 29th HR of the season. His bullpen however did not hold onto the lead as the Cubs scored all their runs in the 7th.

(12:30) Wednesday was both sides of the Victor Robles spectrum. He had an incredible diving catch, but then later made a crucial mistake. He made a poor decision on a throw home in the game changing 7th inning, which was compounded by it landing nowhere near a teammate's glove.

(27:05) Jarlin Susana made his organizational debut in Florida and hit 102 MPH on the radar gun. This leads into a conversation about the new Baseball America rankings for Washington's system, which is led by C.J. Abrams.

(34:20) Less than two weeks after the trade; Juan Soto returns to D.C. on Friday night. Will they pitch to him?

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Game 112: Meneses Menaces the Cubs Aug 10, 2022

The Nats snapped their six game skid with a dramatic 6-5 win at Wrigley Field. Mark (Live from the Friendly Confines) and Al celebrate "Joey Four Bags" Meneses' big night as he connected on the game winning 2 run HR in the top of the 8th. Menses has three homers since being called up a week ago in the midst of his Age 30 season.

(06:40) Keibert Ruiz has his thunder stolen a bit in the victory as he homered twice early in the game. Ruiz rounded out his strong evening by throwing out a runner and laying down a nifty tag on a play at the plate.

(18:40) Our Guy Paolo Espino gave the Nationals the best start they've had in awhile as he only allowed one run in five frames. He was in line for the win until the bullpen briefly coughed up the lead.

(32:05) Patrick Corbin will skip his next start, but then will return to the rotation next week. The hosts evaluate where the lefty stands after the news. Is a move to the bullpen the next step?

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Game 111: Winless Road Trip Continues Aug 09, 2022

The Nats lost 6-3 at the Cubs for their sixth consecutive defeat. Al begins by pointing out to Mark (Live from Wrigley Field) that a bright spot emerged on Monday in the new prospects rankings by Baseball America. Washington has five of the top 55 prospects, with four ranked ahead of Cade Cavalli (C.J. Abrams the highest at #11).

(07:30) An emailer asks if Cade Cavalli remaining in AAA has anything to do with MLB service time stipulations. Is it more baseball reasons or service time reasons?

(12:40) Two Natonals went deep at Wrigley Field, Luke Voit & Joey Meneses. We are looking to come up with a nickname for Meneses; after he spent the past decade toiling in the Minors. Email us at natschatpodcast@gmail.com

(19:05) Anibal Sanchez had a decent outing until it fell apart in the sixth inning. He has allowed a staggering amount of homers this season and his ERA is above 7.00. This leads to a familiar discussion about how poor the starting pitching has been as of late,

(27:50) Maikel Franco made a big time mental mistake as the Cubs executed a double steal without a pitch being thrown. Mark explains what occurred on the bizarre play in the 7th inning.

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Game 110: Shredded & Swept Aug 08, 2022

The Nats were crushed 13-1 in Philadelphia that capped a four game sweep by the home team. Al & Tim try to make sense of the miserable weekend, which was low lighted by noncompetitive starting pitching. Cory Abbott on Sunday allowed four homers and seven runs in fewer than four frames; while issuing five walks.

(20:10) Luis Garcia committed an egregious throwing error in the 8th inning on Sunday. C.J. Abrams spent the weekend at SS for Rochester, which begs the question of when will Abrams get called up? It seems like Garcia's days at SS are coming to an end in the near future.

(26:10) Luke Voit had six hits in his first series as a National. He seems to have settled in already to the third spot in the batting lineup.

(30:30) Answering listener emails, and the conversation steers towards the possibility of promoting Cade Cavalli. He started on Sunday in Columbus and had a decent outing (5 IP, 2 R, 6 H). Could he face the Padres next weekend?

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Game 109: Corbin Loses His 16th Game Aug 07, 2022

The Nats lost 11-5 in Philadelphia as Patrick Corbin yet again didn't even record three outs. Al tries to figure out what the next move is as his ERA is above 7.00 and Davey Martinez's tone after the game indicated there might be a change in his role. Corbin is 4-16 on the season and is flirting with being the first pitcher to lose 20 games in a year since Detroit's Mike Maroth dubiously accomplished this in 2003.

(20:45) It basically became another bullpen game for Washington and Jordan Weems had the roughest outing of the bunch. The 'pen hasn't had a bit of rest since the All Star break concluded.

(27:10) Joey Meneses, who up until Tuesday was in the Minors for a decade, played LF and had a single. The problem? He was admiring what he thought was a homer, but instead the ball didn't get out of the ballpark, and he ended up at first base as opposed to a double. Why not the automatic hustle after toiling for so long in the minor leagues?

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Game 108: Gray Gets Blistered in Philly Aug 06, 2022

The Nationals lost 7-2 in Philadelphia as Josiah Gray allowed four homers in just four innings pitched. Al & Mark dive into Gray's continued struggles, that include a healthy edge across Baseball for most homers given up this season (28). Why the refusal to throw his change-up?

(19:01) Kyle Gibson took a Perfect Game into the 7th until Victor Robles broke it up w/ a HBP. Robles had another adventurous evening as he misplayed fly ball in the first became a J.T. Realmuto triple.

(25:07) Josh Rogers cleared waivers and opted for Free Agency. Rogers pitched well last September for Washington, but did not replicate that success this season.

(27:30) Answering a listener submitted email digging into the nitty gritty of the franchise's status among its peers when it comes to player development.

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Game 107: Voit Impresses at the Plate in Rainy Debut Aug 05, 2022

The Nats lost 5-4 in a rain shortened affair (4.5 innings) at the Phillies as Paolo Espino remains winless on the season. Al & Mark evaluate Luke Voit's franchise debut that included a RBI single and a run scored. What exactly were the circumstances that led to him coming to Washington as opposed to Eric Hosmer?

(13:42) MacKenzie Gore, one of the players acquired from San Diego, joined the team in Philadelphia on Thursday. Mark gives the latest as his injury timetable as he has elbow inflammation. Will he return to the mound this season? This leads to a further discussion of the other prospects that were included in this week's trade.

(24:10) The Nationals had another instance of an egregious out at home plate and this one turned out to be especially costly. Yadiel Hernandez was thrown out while attempting to tag up in the top of the 5th with two outs. The problem? That ended up being the final out of the game due to rain.

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Game 106: Post Soto Reality Sets in Aug 04, 2022

The Nats lost 9-5 to the Mets in the series rubber match on Wednesday afternoon. Mark & Al start by digesting the fact that Juan Soto is playing Baseball for another team on the other side of the country. The franchise has lost many stars in the past few years, but this one feels different in a more profound way.

(10:03) Luke Voit will join the team on Thursday in Philadelphia and will likely be at 1B and in the heart of the order. He will take the roster spot of Alcides Escobar, who has been barely playing ever since Luis Garcia got called up.

(21:10) Hitting 9th and playing 3B was... Ildemaro Vargas. He is known for his glove (committed a throwing error) and not his bat (went 4 for 4). The conversation then steers to Anibal Sanchez as he struggled again on the mound. Will he be replaced in the rotation?

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Game 105: Soto & Bell Traded to San Diego Aug 03, 2022

The Nationals unexpectedly beat the Mets 5-1, but the headline of Tuesday is that Juan Soto is no longer in D.C. Al & Mark react to the blockbuster trade that shipped Soto & Josh Bell to San Diego in exchange for a horde of prospects. What to make of this monumental day as Soto has officially been traded? Why did the team feel that it had to do this?

(16:43) The Nats received six players in return and the hosts run through their credentials. C.J. Abrams is a shortstop and is expected to be playing in Washington later this month. Hear the hosts breakdown all the prospects that the Padres dealt away.

(25:45) The Nationals shockingly only made a pair of trades this week, the other being on Monday when Ehire Adrianza was sent to Atlanta. Why wasn't Nelson Cruz dealt away? What about some of the members of the "A" bullpen?

(37:05) Joey Meneses, who has been in the minor leagues for over a decade, made his Major League debut. The result? A solo HR for his 1st career hit.

(43:40) Mark & Al spontaneously honor legendary broadcaster Vin Scully, who passed away on Tuesday night at age 94.

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Game 104: Soto Homers on Deadline Eve Aug 02, 2022

The Nats lost 7-3 to the Mets in what **might** be the final game in which Juan Soto sported the "Curly W". Al & Mark marvel at Soto's performance on Monday night as he crushed a HR off of Max Scherzer, walked three times, stole a base, and threw a runner out at home. They give their updated thoughts on Soto's situation as we are under 24 hours until the 6pm Eastern Trade Deadline on Tuesday August 2nd.

(17:45) Josh Bell doubled in what will likely be his final game as a National and his average sits at .301. Nelson Cruz, who also might be on his way out, was dropped to the 6th spot in the order. Why did Davey Martinez wait until August to drop Cruz in the lineup?

(23:45) Washington made its first trade as it shipped Ehire Adrianza to Atlanta in exchange for a AA outfielder. Adrianza was a reserve on last year's World Series Champion.

(32:04) Patrick Corbin lost his 14th game of the season. Hear what he and Jose Lima now have in common.

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Game 103: A Miserable July Ends with A Shutout Loss Aug 01, 2022

The Nats fittingly ended a terrible month by being shutout by St. Louis in the series rubber match. Al & Mark begin with with what else..... Juan Soto trade talk. How does his looming situation affect Mike Rizzo's overall game plan this week before Tuesday's deadline.

(12:01) Josiah Gray did not pitch very well on Sunday and allowed his MLB high 24th homer of the season. Gray only lasted five frames, but did strikeout six Cardinals.

(21:24) Luis Garcia committed another throwing error on a routine play. Why does it seem that his E6s come on the easiest of plays? He has eleven errors in only two months of playing at the Major League level this season.

(31:20) If the farm system was in better shape, would trading Soto even be in the table?

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Game 102: Bell's 3 Run Blast Propels the Nats Jul 31, 2022

The Nats rallied to beat the Cardinals 7-5 in front of a crowd of over 34K on national TV. Mark & Al recap the victory that saw Josh Bell with a crucial late HR that gave Washington a lead they would not relinquish; in what will very likely be one of his final games with the organization.

(08:30) Victor Robles had an eventful evening as he homered, made a webgem, had a poor throwing decision, and left the game early due to cramps. Robles has four homers on the season, three of which have come in the past two weeks.

(20:40) Erick Fedde was placed on the IL due to right shoulder inflammation. Cory Abbott will start in his place on Tuesday instead of Cade Cavalli. This leads to a lengthy conversation as it seems the Nationals front office feel that Cavalli needs more time to develop on the farm. Overly cautious or overly concerning that he hasn't been called up yet?

(39:10) We are under 72 hours until the trade deadline arrives and Juan Soto's future is still uncertain. This leads to Al wondering if there is quantifiable evidence as to what Soto's worth to the team he plays on.

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Game 101: Soto Rumors Swirl As Trade Market Heats Up Jul 30, 2022

The Nats lost 6-2 to the Cardinals to open up a six game home stand. Mark & Al begin with the latest in the Juan Soto trade rumors as the deadline approaches (6pm Eastern on Tuesday August 2nd). Al asks Mark why ownership is acting like their is such urgency in the Soto situation?

(18:30) Anibal Sanchez faced St. Louis for the first time since Game 1 of the 2019 NLCS and the results were a bit different this time. He was one out away from a quality start, but back to back HRs to sullied his pitching line. Mark explains a major flaw with Sanchez and how the Cards took advantage of it.

(25:40) The Nationals bullpen continued their solid stretch as they combined for another scoreless effort. The hosts shine a spotlight on Hunter Harvey, who has a WHIP of 0.72 on the season.

(30:35) Elijah Green, who the franchise drafted at 5th overall a few weeks back, was in Navy Yard on Friday night. Hear what Mark had to say about his physical stature and how his batting practice went before the game.

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Game 100: "Sweep Dreams" Immediately Evaporate Jul 28, 2022

The Nationals hopes of bringing out the broom in Los Angeles didn't even last an inning as Patrick Corbin allowed six runs in the opening frame in a 7-1 loss. Mark (Live from Dodger Stadium) & Al yet again have to rehash a blow-up start by Corbin, who has given up at least six runs in a start a whopping fourteen times in the past two seasons.

(09:03) GM Mike Rizzo addressed the Juan Soto trade rumors while on his weekly visit with "The Sports Junkies" on "106.7 The Fan". He was asked about including Corbin in any Soto deal and gave an eyebrow raising answer in return.

(22:10) The bullpen had to pitch almost the entire game and continued their excellent series, with Erasmo Ramirez throwing over three innings. The 'pen's scoreless streak was snapped, but lasted over 21 innings; dating back to the Arizona series.

(24:40) Cade Cavalli threw five scoreless innings in AAA Rochester on Wednesday evening. Will he get called up after the trade deadline?

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Game 99: Garcia's Late HR Flips the Script in LA Jul 27, 2022

The Nats have won three in a row after rallying in Dodger Stadium for a 8-3 victory. Al & Mark (Live from LA) praise Luis Garcia's big evening as he connected on the go- ahead two run HR in the 8th evening that sent the sold out crowd headed for the exits. Can you believe the Nationals might sweep the mighty Dodgers on the road?

(07:26) Nelson Cruz came off the bench and in his 2nd at bat he effectively ended the game with a 2 run double to give Washington a four run edge. Cruz has really struggled this summer as it was only his 2nd extra base hit this month.

(12:45) Victor Robles went 3 for 5 with a stolen base while in the lead-off spot, but he was thrown out at home when testing Mookie Betts' arm. Robles has been on a hot streak since Saturday night's notable HR off of Madison Bumgarner as he is 6 for his last 15 at the plate.

(18:30) The bullpen stepped up again on this road trip, the latest effort resulting in four scoreless frames. Hunter Harvey took the mound in the 9th as Kyle Finnegan was given the day off. They came in after Josiah Gray only lasted five innings; which included him allowing two more HRs.

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Game 98: Soto Triples in Dodger Stadium Victory Jul 26, 2022

The Nats beat the Dodgers 4-1 for their second consecutive win on the road trip. Mark (Live from LA) and Al discuss the bullpen's excellent performance as they combined for five scoreless frames. Paolo Espino pitched well, but only lasted 54 pitches before being removed by Davey Martinez. Which members of the bullpen might be traded before next week's deadline?

(15:12) Juan Soto was the center of attention as the Los Angeles media descended upon him during pregame. He responded with two hits and a walk, including a RBI triple in the 5th inning where Washington scored all of its runs. Mark relays what the vibe was like as Soto visited Dodger Stadium one week after winning the HR Derby.

(27:15) Victor Robles hit lead-off for the first time all season coming off a series where he drew many headlines in Arizona. What happened to Luis Garcia getting chances in the 1 spot?

(33:45) It has been one year since the Nationals were swept in Baltimore to extend their losing streak to four games. It became clear after this series that the Nats would be sellers at the upcoming trade deadline.

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Game 97: Nats Get the Last Laugh in Arizona Jul 25, 2022

The Nats rallied in Arizona 4-3 to avoid being swept. Mark (Live from Phoenix) and Al discuss the sloppy win, but with Victor Robles as the story line from Saturday extended into Sunday as Robles donned a red clown nose in the dugout. What did his Skipper have to say about the antic?

(09:53) Keibert Ruiz was all over the box score as he came through with three hits, including the game winner in the 8th inning. He however was tagged out at third base on a botched bunt attempt during a crucial moment in the close game. What happened during that instance?

(22:45) The bullpen threw 4+ shutout frames, but nobody was more clutch than Kyle Finnegan who recorded a five out save. He had quite the escape act to hold onto the lead in the bottom of the 8th as the Diamondbacks had bases loaded.

(30:40) The Nationals shift their road trip to Dodger Stadium one week after Juan Soto won the Home Run Derby at that very stadium. The Soto circus is expected to be revved up as L.A. is one of the teams many expect to be involved in Soto trade talks. The Dodgers have six of the top 75 prospects according to MLB Pipeline.

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Game 96: Bumgarner Beats the Nats & Criticizes Robles Afterwards Jul 24, 2022

The Nats fell in Arizona 7-2 as Madison Bumgarner was too much for the last place Nationals. Mark (Live from Chase Field) & Al focus on the curious comments that Bumgarner said postgame as he referred to Victor Robles as a "clown". Is Bumgarner out of line with what he had to say about how Robles responded to going deep in the 8th?

(17:10) Juan Soto's streak of reaching base in 27 consecutive games came to a screeching halt as we was 0 for 4, w/ a trio of Ks. The hosts then catch you up on the latest trade rumors involving #22. How many top 100 prospects should the team demand in return for Soto?

(29:20) Anibal Sanchez took the loss as he allowed three runs in five frame without much help from his offense. The pitching lowlight of the evening belonged to Andres Machado as he was charged with four runs on just 24 pitches in the bottom of the sixth.

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Game 95: Soto Talk Dominates the All Star Break Jul 23, 2022

The Nats returned from the All Star Break with a hapless 10-1 defeat in Arizona. Mark (Live from Phoenix) & Al begin by catching everyone up from the Juan Soto scuttlebutt as his future was the main storyline while the Baseball world gathered in Los Angeles. Even his flight from D.C. to L.A. drew headlines that lingered all week. Have the chances of him being dealt increased because of this?

(22:03) The offense had another poor evening as they were being no hit until the 6th inning and ultimately ended with only three hits. Cesar Hernandez had two of the hits with Soto going 1 for 4. Mark puts in perspective of how rough the offense might be after the trade deadline.

(25:34) Patrick Corbin was tagged with the loss on Friday as he allowed five runs in as many innings. His name has surfaced in Soto trade talks as a way for the Nationals to possibly unload his contract. What are the odds of that happening?

(33:40) Washington already signed Elijah Green, who they drafted #5 overall last week. What are the expected next steps for the outfielder?

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Game 94: Soto & Robles HR in a Skid Snapper + Draft Instant Reaction Jul 18, 2022

The Nats head into the All Star Break on a positive note as they beat the Braves 7-3 in a bullpen game to end a nine game losing streak. Al & Mark discuss the much needed victory, coming off a rough Saturday for Nationals fans due to the Juan Soto contractual news. Soto crushed his 20th HR of the season; as he will head into the Home Run Derby on a power surge.

(13:06) Victor Robles hit his second HR of the season and it his first dinger since May 28th. Josh Bell continued his hot weekend (9 for 16 this series) as he recorded a hit and heads into the All Star Break with a .311 average. Still not good enough for him to be headed to the NL All Star team?

(20:30) Erasmo Ramirez started the afternoon off on the right foot as he threw three scoreless frames out of the 'pen. Carl Edwards Jr. came through in the clutch as well as he escaped a 7th inning jam with the bases loaded.

(30:10) Washington selected Elijah Green, a high school outfield prospect, at #5 overall in the 2022 MLB Draft. Tim & Mark give you a snapshot of Green. Will the plan be to put him in CF?

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Game 93: Soto's D.C. Future in Doubt After Reportedly Turning Down Mega Offer Jul 17, 2022

The Nats lost 6-3 to the Braves, but that was not the main news Saturday from South Capitol Street. Mark & Al respond to the pregame news from The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal that Juan Soto turned down a 15 year/ $440 Million contract extension offer and therefore the Nationals would be open to trading Soto. Will Soto still be in Washington after this year's trade deadline?

(14:02) A deep dive into the contract particulars and each side's perspective as ownership's future is uncertain. Hear why the average annual value (AAV) is "too low". Was there deferred money involved?

(30:10) A quick recap of the 9th consecutive loss for the Nats. Josh Bell did collect three hits on Saturday as his average is now up to .311.

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Game 92: Braves Continue Their Dominance over Corbin Jul 16, 2022

The losing streak is now at eight games as the Nats were doubled up the Braves 8-4. Al & Mark recap yet another defeat as for the first time ever they have lost fourteen out of their last fifteen games. Patrick Corbin was dealt the "L" as the Nationals have lost the last nine times he has faced Atlanta. The bottom of the 9th did have some entertaining elements though as Washington scored three runs, brought up the tying run to the plate, and Juan Soto was able to show up Braves closer Will Smith.

(16:07) Luis Garcia had a throwing error that kick-started Atlanta's three runs in the 1st inning, his 9th error of the season. Should the Nats keep him at SS or move him to 2B now?

(22:03) Sean Doolittle's season is over as he will undergo internal brace surgery on his UCL. Mark explains why this is better than Tommy John surgery.

(27:07) Austin Voth was quoted in ESPN about his observations of now being with the Orioles; including the amount of data used. This raised Al's eyebrows as a reflection of what the Nats seemingly lack in their organization.

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Game 91: Anibal & Clippard Return in Narrow Loss Jul 15, 2022

The losing streak extended to seven as the Nats lost 5-4 to visiting Atlanta. Mark & Al discuss the continued pattern of the offense not coming through in the clutch as Josh Bell struck out with the tying run on base in the bottom of the 9th. The team has only one victory so far this month as reach this midpoint of July. Juan Soto moved his hitting streak to sixteen games, but was on the on-deck circle during the final out.

(17:45) Anibal Sanchez made his first Big league start since 2020 and had mixed results. He pitched well for most of his outing, but did allow a pair of 2 run HRs. Al expresses his frustration that the situation is such that the veteran is even on the active roster.

(26:01) Stephen Strasburg was moved to the 60 day IL and there have been very few updates on him. Is it safe to say that he won't return to the mound in 2022?

(33:32) Tyler Clippard threw scoreless frames after mysteriously spending so much time in AAA Rochester. It was Clippard's first tme pitching for Washington since the 2014 NLDS. Any chance he could be dealt before the trade deadline?

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Games 89 & 90: Soto HRs Twice but Skid Hits Six Jul 14, 2022

The Nats were swept in Wednesday's doubleheader by Seattle (5-1, 2-1) as the only runs scored came via Juan Soto Solo HRs. Mark & Al begin with the news that Tanner Rainey has been placed on the 60 day IL with a UCL sprain. Will he need Tommy John surgery? The positive side of this though is that Tyler Clippard finally has been called up to the Majors.

(13:53) Josiah Gray had a rough outing in Game 1 as he allowed a trio of homers in five innings and continued his pattern of struggling in the opening inning. Erick Fedde pitched well in Game 2 until multiple obstacles came his way in the 6th inning; you'll have to listen to hear exactly what happened to him mid-start.

(22:10) Juan Soto is officially red hot as he homered in both ends of the doubleheader and extended his hitting streak to fifteen games. However, he made a crucial and ill advised out on the bases to end a 7th inning rally in Game 1.

(31:35) Cade Cavalli exited his start early on Tuesday night due to an issue on his finger. Is this of any long-term concern?

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Game 88: Soto Gets the All Star Nod As Bell Gets the Early Snub Jul 11, 2022

The Nats lost 4-3 in 12 innings as they were swept by the Braves on a walk-off hit by Austin Riley. Al however begins with the postgame news that Juan Soto was named an All Star and as of right now, Josh Bell is not headed to L.A. He explains why despite the stats, he is in fully in favor of Soto heading to the Midsummer Classic for the 2nd straight season.

(07:01) The Nationals inexplicably were unable to score in all three extra innings despite having an ghost runner at 2B each time. Lane Thomas was the only offense of the afternoon as he slugged a 3 run pinch hit HR in the 7th. Hear what Davey said about the offensive futility afterwards.

(14:12) The bullpen had a solid afternoon as the six relievers only allowed two runs in eight innings of work. Kyle Finnegan escaped a 7th inning jam, Carl Edwards Jr. came through with four big outs, and Tanner Rainey tossed two scoreless extra innings.

(23:55) Luis Garcia was slotted in the lead-off spot just like Al suggested in the previous Nats Chat. Garcia did not get a hit, but he did draw a rare walk.

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Game 87: Soto Homers Again in Defeat Jul 10, 2022

The Nats came up short in Atlanta 4-3 on Saturday afternoon. Al hosts solo and lays out the hot streak that Juan Soto is on as he has reached base in 19 consecutive games and has homered in both games this series. Might he be continuing his pattern of catching fire in the second half of the season? The Nationals homered twice and Al illustrates how unusual of an occurrence that is this season.

(10:10) Cesar Hernandez only has one hit in July, but has remained in the lead-off spot. Should Luis Garcia be given an opportunity to take that over?

(14:45) Patrick Corbin came up shy in his attempt for three consecutive solid starts, but did setttle down after a bad opening inning. This leads to an emailer asking if Corbin should be given an "Opener"?

(28:05) Our look back at July 2021 focuses on a not so shining moment for the Baby Shark last year in San Francisco.

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Game 86: Fedde Folds in Atlanta Jul 09, 2022

The Nats were slaughtered 12-2 in Atlanta as Erick Fedde allowed eight runs in only three innings of work. Al & Mark recap Fedde's rough outing that brought his ERA up to 5.01 and how wide the chasm is between Washington and the Braves.

(17:04) Juan Soto slugged his 16th HR of the season on an evening where he reached base three times. Hear why Mark likes what he sees lately from Soto at the plate.

(26:05) We address a listener submitted question regarding the managerial style and skills of Davey Martinez. Is he better suited for a more veteran squad?

(37:08) We continue our look back at July 2021 as it has been exactly one year since the unlikeliest grand slam in MLB history in San Diego.

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Game 85: Soto Misplays Fly Ball & Garcia Exits Early in Loss Jul 08, 2022

The Nats lost 5-3 in Philadelphia in the series rubber match. Al & Mark (Live from Philly) discuss Juan Soto misplaying a fly ball in the 3rd at the warning track, and the curiously dueling postgame explanations that ensued from Davey Martinez and Soto himself. Speaking of dueling, hear Mark try to make a point on the Phillies bullpen while the Citizen's Bank Park fire alarm blares briefly in the background.

(14:40) Luis Garcia mysteriously left the game early and the explanation afterwards was that he left due to illness. Luis grabbed his side after his final at bat in the 6th, which makes some wonder if he in fact is injured. All eyes will shift to Friday's lineup card in Atlanta.

(22:03) Joan Adon struck out five, but only lasted four innings on 96 pitches. Is Adon being given a disservice of being called back up when the original plan was to send him down to AAA indefinitely? Could NLCS hero Anibal Sanchez take his spot in the rotation next week?

(28:15) Cade Cavalli and Darren Baker will represent the organization in the Futures Game that will be played at Dodger Stadium in a little over a week. Was Baker chosen because of on field merit or the fact that his father Dusty is managing the AL All Stars?

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Game 84: Gray Fans 11 and Garcia's Big Hit Leads to a Win Jul 07, 2022

The Nats ended their six game skid by topping Philadelphia 3-2 on the road. Mark (Live from Philly) & Al have plenty of praise for the pitching staff as Josiah Gray set a career high with 11 strikeouts in what might have been his best outing yet. The "A" bullpen came up big as well, including Tanner Rainey who notched the save.

(15:03) Juan Soto and his calf returned to the starting lineup after being on the bench the past few games. It is nice to have him back, but why is he bunting in the top of the 4th? Keibert Ruiz scored the game winning run despite running through Gary DiSarcina's stop sign. What exactly happened there? Ruiz however continued to impress as he threw out another runner to complete a "Strike 'Em Out/ Throw 'Em Out" double play.

(28:06) Joan Adon was announced as Thursday's starter as he fills the rotation spot opened up by Jackson Tetreault's injury. Meanwhile, Cade Cavalli was dominant against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs as he struck out seven. What are the chances he gets called up this month?

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Game 83: Blown Out & Shutout Jul 06, 2022

The Nats were crushed 11-0 in Philadelphia as Paolo Espino couldn't last four innings. Mark (Live from Philly) & Al have no choice but to begin with how badly the team played on Tuesday as they have now dropped six games in a row.

(07:05) The offense came up empty and in the past few days are displaying a troubling trend as they have not scored a run in the opening six innings for three straight days. The discussion then leads to the top offensive propsects in the farm system.

(13:30) Paolo has had back to back poor outings and that makes us wonder if lineups have figured him out a bit or is it a blip on the radar? Speaking of the rotation, who starts on Thursday?

(22:40) Mark gives an update on injured relievers Sean Doolittle and Will Harris.

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Game 82: Corbin Excels But Marlins Pull off the Holiday Sweep Jul 04, 2022

The Nats perplexing inability to beat Miami continued on Monday as they lost 3-2 in extras on July 4th. Al & Mark note how the Nationals are 1-12 this year vs. the Marlins among other troubling trends. Tanner Rainey again gave up a late crucial HR, this one being a 2 run shot to break the tie in the top of the 10th.

(12:54) Patrick Corbin had another strong start as he lasted seven frames and only allowed one run. Are we allowed to get excited after how the past the two outings have gone?

(17:10) Juan Soto pinch hit and walked in the 8th; one day after leaving the game early due to a calf issue. Mark explains what Soto had to say about his calf before the game.

(22:30) Jackson Tetreault was placed on IL with a stress fracture in his shoulder. What's the next step to fill out the rotation?

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Game 81: Soto Exits Early in Losing Seesaw Affair Jul 04, 2022

The Nats continue to be tormented by the Marlins as they fell 7-4 in extras. Mark & Al recap a hectic final few innings that saw the lead change hands multiple times in the final few innings. Tanner Rainey was one pitch away from the save, but instead his struggles continued as he gave up a lead changing 2 run HR. Is the 9th inning not for him?

(16:20) The narrative of this game changed shape many times as Washington was being no hit by Pablo Lopez until Josh Bell got a hit in the 7th inning. This leads to a discussion on the pros and cons of trading Bell before the deadline.

(26:52) Erick Fedde had a solid start as he lasted six frames, putting his ERA at 4.29. The hosts wonder if there will be a contender interested in Fedde's services before the deadline. How many trades will Mike Rizzo make?

(34:20) Juan Soto left the game in the 5th due to left calf tightness and will get a MRI. How concerning is this? Should we expect him to miss the late morning July 4th game?

(37:30) On July 3rd, 2021 the plan for postgame fireworks turned into a dud. We replay a portion from our podcast from a year ago and will continue to do so all month long.

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Game 80: Rizzo & Martinez Back in 2023 Announced Prior to Loss Jul 03, 2022

The Nats lost 5-3 Saturday to Miami for a 3rd straight defeat. Mark & Al begin with the pregame news that GM Mike Rizzo and Manager Davey Martinez had their 2023 options picked up. Was this news surprising or largely expected? The hosts explain why this was done in midseason.

(20:54) Jackson Tetreault was not able to make it a third consecutive solid start as he issued five walks in four innings.

(26:24) Tres Barrera had a RBI double in his first Big League plate appearance for the season. Mark & Al bring you up to speed on the catcher that has been down in Rochester this season.

(35:10) We continue our series of looking back at July 2021 when everything changed for the Nationals. One year ago, Kyle Schwarber was injured in what ultimately was his final game in a Washington uniform.

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Game 79: Gray Struggles in Loss + Soto Contractual Talks Jul 02, 2022

The Nats lost 6-3 to Miami to open up a four game series on a holiday weekend in D.C. Al gives kudos to Mark for his pinch hit performance on Friday night as he filled in as color commentator on MASN. They then evaluate Josiah Gray's outing; where he allowed six runs in just under six frames. How much time off should he have between starts?

(12:10) Keibert Ruiz had an impressive game both with the bat and the glove. In the top of the 6th he yet another pickoff play at 1st base and then in the bottom of the 6th he crushed a 2 run HR. Will opposing runners start adapting to this new knack of his?

(21:30) Riley Adams was sent down to AAA in a mild surprise and was replaced by Tres Barrera. Will he return next month at 1B if Josh Bell is traded?

(31:45) Thursday saw a lot of traffic about Juan Soto's contractual situation after a report surfaced from a Dominican based MLB Insider. It leads to a conversation of whether or not Soto would be open to signing an extension as opposed to waiting for Free Agency. How important is the ownership situation?

(42:01) We begin our series of looking back at the unparalleled month in Nationals history (July 2021) with the evening that Alex Avila played 2B in a loss to the Dodgers. July last year began with the Nats over .500 and it ended with them becoming sellers at the trade deadline.

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Game 78: Bizarre Ruling Costs the Nats in Wacky Loss Jun 30, 2022

The Nats missed a rare opportunity for a sweep as they lost 8-7 to the Pirates in a game that saw a very bizarre play to conclude the top of the 5th. Mark & Al try to unravel all that went into the decision to grant Pittsburgh a run despite the Nationals turning a double play with one out. Did the umps get it right? They certainly took their time in making their decision,

(13:09) The bottom of the 5th was also notable in a negative way for Washington as they made yet another out at home plate. This was due to Keibert Ruiz not knowing that there were two outs and not running on contact.

(18:24) The offense produced 16 hits, but left ten men on base. Josh Bell did his part though as he reached base five times, including three hits. His average is up to .319 on the season, one of the best in the National League.

(25:20) The run of great pitching came to a halt on Wednesday as Paolo Espino and the bullpen all struggled during the afternoon. Paolo immediately gave up two runs and was lifted in the 5th inning. Two members of the "A" bullpen also had forgettable days, in Carl Edwards Jr. and Kyle Finnegan.

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Game 77: Corbin Dominates & Yadiel Comes Up with the Big Hit Jun 29, 2022

The Nats beat the Pirates 3-1 for their third straight win and their sixth victory in the past eight games. Mark & Al this time have plenty of good things to say about Patrick Corbin as he struck out a dozen Pirates in eight innings of work. It ties a career high for Corbin in terms of strikeouts, the last time he whiffed that many was back in the 2019 NLCS.

(13:32) Tanner Rainey ran into some trouble, but ultimately earned his 11th save of the season. Who do you currently trust more... Rainey or Finnegan?

(21:05) Yadiel Hernandez came off the bench for the game winning hit in the bottom of the 8th. It is two straight days that Washington could only bring in a runner in scoring position in the penultimate inning. Mark explains how Ehire Adrianza's presence led to the decision to have Yadiel pinch hit.

(29:07) The Nationals had two minor league starts of import on Tuesday evening. Anibal Sanchez made a brief rehab start in Rochester and former 1st round pick Jackson Rutledge tossed eight Ks in Fredericksburg. Al wonders how much of a chance Anibal will have to enter the Major League rotation.

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Game 76: Franco's Blast Rallies the Nats Jun 28, 2022

The Nats came back on the Pirates 3-2 as Maikel Franco hit a game winning 2 run HR in the bottom of the 8th. Al discusses how they struggled with runners in scoring position all night until Franco came through late as the Nats have now won five of their past seven games. The boys ultimately stranded ten runners on base in the victory.

(11:20) Erick Fedde allowed two runs in five frames, keeping the team in it despite exiting with a 2-0 deficit. It goes down as a quality start, which the staff has recorded in seven of the past eight games. The bullpen stepped up with four scoreless innings, including the notable decision to pitch Kyle Finnegan in the bottom of the 9th as opposed to Tanner Rainey.

(23:10) Davey Martinez was named to the coaching staff for next month's All Star Game. This seems like a gesture from Atlanta's Brian Snitker to recognize Martinez for having missed the opportunity to manage the 2020 affair.

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Game 75: Tetreault Keeps it Rolling in Series Clincher Jun 27, 2022

The Nats hung on 6-4 in Texas to win a weekend series for the fourth time in five attempts. Al & Mark (Live From Globe Life Field) begin with praise for Jackson Tetreault who only allowed one run in the victory. The Nationals have had a quality start in six of the past seven games and have gone 4-3 in that stretch.

(09:45) Tanner Rainey came in to get the Save as a 6-1 lead in the 9th was trimmed to a slight two run edge after Francisco Perez struggled mightily. Mark explains why Perez was tabbed to start the 9th despite not having appeared on the mound in over a week.

(15:05) Juan Soto reached base five times on Sunday, four of which came via walk. Soto is now up to a MLB leading 61 walks on the season, 13 more than second place.

(23:40) Nelson Cruz had a busy weekend and in the finale he had two hits and three RBIs. A Dallas based reporter tweeted out on Sunday that the controversial call from Saturday involving Cruz was mishandled by MLB. How could such a mistake occur?

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Game 74: Gray Dazzles But the Rangers Walk It Off Jun 26, 2022

The Nats lost a heartbreaker to the Rangers 3-2 as Adolis Garcia hit a walk-off HR against Kyle Finnegan in the bottom of the 9th. Mark (Live from Texas) and Al take a glass half full approach to Saturday as Josiah Gray struck out nine in seven innings, only allowing four hits in the process. Does it seem like he's elevated his game this past month?

(11:30) Finnegan got the nod in the 9th instead of Tanner Rainey. Is he taking Rainey's spot as the ace reliever on the staff?

(16:30) Washington was on the wrong end of a controversial call in the top of the 8th that potentially cost them the go ahead run. Why wasn't Nelson Cruz's hit reviewable? Mark relays what the team was feeling about the play afterwards.

(24:15) Juan Soto doubled, but also immediately hit into a 5-6-3 double play. We revisit our ongoing conversation about Soto's struggles so far this season. He is shocking 7 for 56 with runners in scoring position this year.

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Game 73: Paolo & Bell Lift the Nats in Texas Jun 25, 2022

The Nats topped the Rangers 2-1 in their first ever trip to Globe Life Field. Mark (Live from Texas) & Al tip their caps to Paolo Espino, who had another solid outing, as he didn't allow a run until the 6th inning. Why exactly was Paolo buried on the pitching depth chart for so long?

(10:35) Josh Bell collected three hits in the return to his hometown, including the go ahead RBI single in the 8th inning. Bell's average is up to .302, one of only ten players in the NL above the desired threshold. Vote Bell for the All Star Game Early & Often!

(17:30) The Nationals committed another out at home on Friday, for a staggering 11th time this season. This brings attention to new 3rd Base Coach Gary DiSarcina, who has many questionable calls so far this year.

(34:01) GM Mike Rizzo spoke with Mark and the other beat reporters before the game and had updates on Stephen Strasburg, Brady House, Cole Henry, and Cade Cavalli.

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Game 72: Nats Shutout as Austin Hays Hits for the Cycle Jun 23, 2022

The Nats were blanked 7-0 in Baltimore in a rain shortened affair (6 innings). Al & Tim begin with the bewilderment of some of the decisions behind the two rain delays that occurred on Wednesday. Why did it take so long to call it a night? Austin Hays of the Orioles hit for the cycle despite it not being a full game, the 3rd player to do so against the Nationals.

(07:45) Patrick Corbin struggled yet again as he was handed his 10th loss of the season and only lasted four innings. Tim takes advantage of his pinch- hosting assignment to lay out what he hopes the organization does with Corbin.

(20:45) Mike Rizzo had semi eyebrow raising comments on 106.7 The Fan about Lane Thomas being a long term cog for Washington. Do you see him as the franchise CF?

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Game 71: Fedde & 'Pen Shutout the O's Jun 22, 2022

A refreshed Nats blanked the Orioles 3-0 for a 2nd straight win. Mark (Live from Baltimore) & Al evaluate Erick Fedde's big night as he tossed six shutout frames at Camden Yards. The bullpen was just as good as well as Kyle Finnegan, Carl Edwards, Jr., and Tanner Rainey all threw scoreless innings.

(12:03) Lane Thomas homered on Tuesday while hitting ninth in the order. Thomas is hitting .310 so far in the month and Mark explains what likely led to the decision to put in that lineup spot.

(22:05) A Ryan Zimmerman memory submitted from a listener. Please send yours in to natschatpodcast@gmail.com

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Game 70: Tetreault's Father's Day Gem Ends All the Skids + Interview on Ray Brown Jun 19, 2022

The Nats ended all sorts of losing streaks by beating Philadelphia 9-3 as they had lost eight in a row overall, twelve straight to the Phillies, and thirteen consecutive against NL East foes. Mark & Al tip their caps to Jackson Tetreault who earned his first career victory in only his second career start. Will he get another Major League start?

(09:15) Juan Soto capped a frustrating week on a positive note with a crucial three run homer, his 14th of the season. The forgettable home stand included banging his knee against the dugout, being called out for not 100% hustling down the line, and multiple hit-less games. He currently leadx the Majors with 55 walks on the season, nine higher than Kyle Schwarber.

(21:08) We analyze the two errors the Nationals committed on Sunday. Lane Thomas could not make a grab in CF and Keibert Ruiz made a poor throw while attempting the back pick play that is becoming his signature move. Are teams becoming wise to his tendency?

(35:08) We continue our budding Juneteenth tradition of celebrating an all-time great Homestead Gray. Ray Brown was a superb pitcher who pitched for the Grays in the 30's and 40's and we hear tales of his exploits from Bob Kendrick. Bob is the President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City.

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Game 69: Zimmerman Ceremony is a Home Run Despite Extra Inning Loss Jun 19, 2022

The Nats lost in 2-1 to the Phillies in 10 innings, but the focus of Saturday came Pregame as Ryan Zimmerman's #11 was retired. Mark & Al applaud the ceremony as it seemed to hit all right notes, aided by perfect weather and sell-out crowd in Washington D.C.

(20:35) Josiah Gray threw six scoreless frames as he in a pitcher's duel with Aaron Nola. Gray was well rested after he missed his Monday start due to rain. It is notable that this was the first time Gray pitched in front of a large crowd at Nationals Park since he was dealt here.

(31:20) Juan Soto was thrown out trying to steal to end the 1st inning, which was curious because it came with red-hot Josh Bell up to bat. Could this be related to being called out on Friday for not hustling down the line?

(37:02) Luis Garcia committed another error on Saturday, as the experiment of him playing shortstop continues.

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Games 67 & 68: Controversial Call Caps A Doubleheader Sweep by the Phils Jun 18, 2022

The Nats lost both ends of Friday's Doubleheader in D.C against Philadelphia to extend their losing streak to seven games. Al & Mark begin with the final inning of the long day, as Luis Garcia was controversially called for obstruction that led to a 2 run Philly lead in the 10th. Mark spoke with the umpire Dan Iassonga afterwards and hear all that went into the decision.

(18:45) Josh Bell had a monster day as he homered three times on Friday, four in the past two days. Bell's average is currently up to .299 and seems to be the likeliest candidate to represent Washington in the All Star Game.

(22:02) Juan Soto is 0 for 12 so far this series and his average is stunningly down to .216. Davey Martinez called out Soto after Game 1 for not running out a double play. What exactly is going on with Soto this season?

(30:07) Paolo Espino took a no-decision for his five inning effort in Game 2. He overcame early walks and shaky defense behind him to exit the evening with an ERA of 2.29.

(46:12) On Saturday Ryan Zimmerman's #11 will be retired and there are many planned festivities. IF YOU ARE ATTENDING, THE PREGAME CEREMONY WILL BEGIN AT 3:10PM.

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Game 66: Soto Returns, but Ugly 3rd Inning Ensues Jun 17, 2022

The Nats were trounced 10-1 by Philadelphia for their 5th consecutive defeat. Mark & Al do the best they can to piece together the disaster that was the 3rd inning on Thursday evening as the Phillies scored seven runs in the frame, aided by a pair of Washington errors. Why is the defense so shaky this season?

(08:01) Patrick Corbin didn't make it out of the 4th inning as he exited with a very unusual pitching line. He allowed nine runs, but only two were considered earned. Both HRs that he gave up were to his former teammate Kyle Schwarber, who certainly enjoys Nationals Park in June.

(27:04) Cade Cavalli had solid bounce back outing in Scranton on Thursday and it leads to a discussion on if all the shuffling of the pitching staff could lead to an imminent promotion.

(30:30) Listener submitted email that compares the Nationals rebuild effort to the past work divisional foes such as Atlanta have done. Plus, how does this team compare to the 2008 & 2009 versions of the Nationals?

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Game 65: Soto Sits Again & Atlanta Brings Out the Broom Jun 16, 2022

The Nats were swept by the Braves as they lost 8-2 in the series finale. Mark & Al recap a three game stretch in which red hot Atlanta pulverized Washington. Adding injury to insult, Juan Soto missed a second straight game due to a the contusion on his right knee.

(14:47) Victor Robles had a blatant TOOTBLAN to end the 7th inning. Why does he so often make mistakes on the bases

(21:03) Erick Fedde threw over 100 pitches in defeat as his main purpose on Wednesday was to eat up innings to help an exhausted pitching staff. Mark then lays out what the rotation will look like for the Phillies series; which will be five games in a four day span.

(31:45) A listen submitted email spurs a conversation on Mike Rizzo's future and what a realistic timetable looks like for the rebuild. What to expect by Opening Day 2023?

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Game 64: Strasburg Officially to the 15 Day IL & the Braves Go Back to Back... Twice Jun 15, 2022

The Nats lost 10-4 to the surging Braves, who have won 13 in a row. Al & Mark discuss how the pitching woes keeping piling up for Washington as Jackson Tetreault was thrusted into his MLB debut against a red hot Atlanta. The original plan this week was Josiah Gray on Monday and Stephen Strasburg and Tuesday, and it ended up being Earsmo Ramirez and Tetreault, respectively.

(16:10) Juan Soto did not play for the first time this season due to the right knee contusion from Monday evening. Will he be back in the lineup on Wednesday?

(21:02) Strasburg was placed on the 15 day IL due to a stress reaction to the ribs. Is it related to his TOS surgery? Mark explains the injury, what it means, and the bigger picture options for the World Series MVP.

(32:54) There was multiple pitchers who were called up from AAA on Tuesday, but Tyler Clippard was not one of them. Al is baffled as to why Clippard hasn't been promoted to the Nationals.

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Game 63: Gray Scratched After Rain, & Soto Exits in the 9th Jun 14, 2022

Monday was an awful/no good day for the Nats from start to finish as they lost 9-5 to Atlanta. Mark & Al update the latest on Juan Soto as he missed his final at bat after banging his knee in the dugout prior to the top of the 9th.

(05:14) Pregame it was announced that Stephen Strasburg is back on the IL due to discomfort after his Saturday bullpen session. We still don't know the results of the MRI, but it seems difficult to maintain an optimistic outlook. He had been previously scheduled to start on Tuesday night.

(18:40) Josiah Gray did not start because just before 1st pitch there was a sudden rain delay and the game did not begin until after 8:30pm. Gray had already warmed up just before the rain and so the decision was made to pitch a bullpen game instead. Erasmo Ramirez filled in and made his first start since 2018.

(23:20) Jackson Tetreault will take the mound on Tuesday in place of Strasburg. Mark explains the delicate situation Washington is in with their pitching as there is no off-day this week.

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Game 62: Paolo Takes the Hill, but a Low Scoring Loss Ensues Jun 13, 2022

The Nats lost 4-1 to Milwaukee as the bid for a series sweep came up short. Mark & Al focus on the ten runners that Washington stranded as they went opposite of their instinct to score runs against Brewers starter Jason Alexander. Al was mildly incredulous at Juan Soto's 1st inning bat attempt. What did Davey Martinez have so to about it?

(16:01) The Nationals used a tandem start on Sunday as Paolo Espino lasted until the 4th and then Evan Lee bridged the game into the late innings. Paolo took a hard luck loss as he only allowed 1 run in 3.2 IP. At one point in his start, his ERA dipped as low as 1.84! Will these pitchers be used again in Friday's doubleheader?

(23:05) Cole Henry pitched on Saturday night in AAA and struggled as he allowed four runs in three innings. Mark lays out a possible timeline for him to be promoted to the Big Leagues later this season.

(26:10) Longtime Washington nemesis Andrew McCutchen slugged a 9th inning HR. This leads to trivia.... who has the highest OPS ever vs. the Nats (minimum 100 plate appearances)?

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Game 61: Three Straight HRs in 2nd Straight Win Jun 12, 2022

The Nats held on 8-6 over Milwaukee to clinch the series. Mark & Al start with the mildly surprising news postgame that Paolo "The Secret Weapon" Espino will get his first start of the season on Sunday as the team seeks its first sweep of the season.

(04:32) The heart of the order took center stage on Saturday as Juan Soto, Nelson Cruz, and Josh Bell connected on back to back to back HRs that gave Washington a seven run lead. These three hitters were responsible for all eight RBIs during the afternoon.

(12:34) Luis Garcia had a mixed bag during the victory as he had three hits, got caught stealing, and was charged with an error. Since being called up ten games ago, Garcia is hitting .359. Has he met expectations?

(24:05) Patrick Corbin had a good outing until his pitching line received a few blemishes in the top of the 7th. Hear analysis of Corbin's start that for the most part was a positive.

(33:04) Mark gives an update on Sean Doolittle and Anibal Sanchez's rehab. We conclude by discussing the scary incident on Saturday as a fan attending the game suffered cardiac arrest and required immediate attention.

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Game 60: Nats Rake 19 Hits in Victory Jun 11, 2022

The Nationals beat Milwaukee 11-5 to open up the eleven game home stand. Al highlights the myriad of offensive contributors as Washington collected 19 hits; four of which were homers. Nelson Cruz not only returned to the lineup, but had four hits (including his 455th career HR) in the process.

(08:40) Keibert Ruiz homered among his three hits and picked off another runner at first base on a snap throw to Josh Bell. Lane Thomas also had three hits and has been white hot so far in June.

(25:35) Cade Cavalli struggled Friday night in St. Paul as he allowed four runs in 5 IP. Al points out that a successful start might have been his final AAA outing, but now Mike Rizzo likely needs to see a few more starts.

(31:40) Our debut of "Where Are They Now" as former closer Matt Capps sends in a voice memo to update Nats fans on what he is up to today. He was the winning pitcher at the 2010 MLB All Star Game while wearing the "Curly W".

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Game 59: Strasburg Strikes Out Five in Return to the Mound Jun 10, 2022

The Nats lost 7-4 to the Marlins as Stephen Strasburg pitched for Washington for the first time in over a year. Mark (live from Miami) and Al dissect his up and down start. Do they focus more on the seven runs he allowed or the five strikeouts he threw? What to make of fastball velocity?

(20:45) Nelson Cruz was a late scratch due to a stiff back and will have a MRI soon. The lineup card meanwhile puzzled Al mightily as Ehire Adrianza was placed 2nd in the order (Cesar Hernandez was given a much deserved day off). Why not move up Luis Garcia higher in the lineup? Lane Thomas reached base three times in the lead-off spot and he already has five multi hits games in June.

(30:31) Paolo Espino threw a scoreless bottom of the 8th and his ERA is 2.03. HE HAS YET TO PITCH THIS SEASON WHILE THE NATIONALS ARE AHEAD! As the team is in a stretch with no off-days for awhile, he might start a game during the upcoming homestand,.

(34:47) We get a preview of Virginia Tech's first ever trip to the NCAA Super Regionals from diehard listener Akul Mehra. Akul gives background on the Hokies, who host Oklahoma in this weekend's Best of 3 series.

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Game 58: Miami Prevails in Extra Despite Gray's Scoreless Outing Jun 09, 2022

The Nats lost 2-1 in 10 innings as all the runs scored came in extra innings. Mark (Live from Miami) and Al recap the very busy 9th and 10th innings, which concluded with Tanner Rainey blowing a save opportunity. Mark explains the unusual situation where a replay at the plate did not go Washington's way.

(17:10) Josiah Gray threw five scoreless frames as he was in quite the pitchers duel with Sandy Alcantara, who shutout the Nationals over nine innings. Gray struck out six and has lowered his ERA by over a full run in his past three starts.

(27:20) Keibert Ruiz had a busy evening as he had a RBI, threw out a runner trying to steal, and was central in the extra inning replay at the plate. Did he block the plate or was it a bad call?

(37:30) Stephen Strasburg is finally taking the Nats mound on Thursday night for the first time in over a year. What is your prediction for his final pitching line as he faces the Marlins?

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Game 57: Strasburg Returns Thursday + Adon Gets Slammed in Miami Jun 08, 2022

The Nats three game win streak came to a screeching halt in a 12-2 loss down in Miami. Al & Mark (Live from Florida) though do not begin with the game, but with the pregame confirmation that Stephen Strasburg will take the mound on Thursday night at the Marlins. He has not pitched for Washington since June 1st of last season.

(13:06) Joan Adon was hit hard early and often as he allowed eight runs in three plus frames. His ERA is above 6.00 right as Strasburg is returning to the rotation and so it begs the question... Will Adon be sent down to the minors? Who starts on Sunday?

(23:45) Luis Garcia homered on an evening that the offense did not do much against Edward Cabrera, as his tater traveled a distance of over 400 feet. What are reasonable expectations for Garcia at the plate now that he has seemingly been called up for good? Lane Thomas had two hits on Tuesday while occupying the second spot in the order and our antennas are on to see if he quietly is taking over in CF for Victor Robles.

(35:55) Josh Whetzel, the voice of the Rochester Red Wings, gives an update on the Nationals AAA affiliate after their very busy weekend that saw Stephen Strasburg, Cade Cavalli, and Cole Henry all succesfully take the mound.

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Game 56: Ruiz's Dramatic Pickoff Throw Seals a 3rd Straight Win Jun 06, 2022

The Nats held off the Reds 5-4 to win their 3rd straight game and to take the series. Mark & Al open with Keibert Ruiz's fantastic defensive play for the final out, that allowed the Nationals to hang on and for Steve Cishek to notch the Save. Hear the explanation of how advanced scouting led to the execution of that snap throw to 1st Base,

(12:04) Luis Garcia had a RBI single and swung a hot bat in Cincinnati. However, there were more question marks about his play at shortstop, mainly in the bottom of the 9th. Should he have thrown the runner out for the final out?

(23:06) Patrick Corbin earned the win as all three runs he allowed came in the 1st inning. Al points out many of the lefty's advanced stats as we are two months into the season. He has been victorious in two of his past three starts.

(33:56) It was another banner day in Rochester as Cole Henry threw five scoreless innings in his AAA debut. What is the potential timetable for him to be called up to Washington later this season?

(40:05) Thursday's starting pitcher in Miami is "TBD". Is that Latin for Stephen Strasburg? How many fans will be in attendance?

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Game 55: Soto HRs Twice in Comeback Win + Cavalli Complete Game in Rochester Jun 05, 2022

The Nats staged a late rally against the Reds bullpen to emerge with a 10-8 win on Saturday. Al recaps the victory as Juan Soto homered twice, giving him three dingers this series. The last time Soto had a multi homer game? Last September.... also at the Great American Ballpark.

(06:25) Luis Garcia had a huge day while batting in the 9th spot as he had three hits, four RBIs, including a crucial 2 run single for 9th inning insurance. Maikel Franco also had a solid day and Al addresses where his stock is at as the trade deadline is under two months away.

(16:01) Erick Fedde had a second straight poor outing as he did not last five innings and allowed seven hits. His ERA a week ago was 3.55 and after the past two starts, it now sits at 4.88. Speaking of ERA, a scoreless inning by Paolo Espino puts him at 2.10.... PITCH PAOLO IN MORE HIGH LEVERAGE SPOTS!

(25:47) Cade Cavalli threw a complete game for Rochester and struck out 10 in the process. It is starting to look more and more likely that he will be promoted to Washington at some point this season. Al concludes by relaying the news that Stephen Strasburg was given a locker in Cincinnati, a good sign that he will be joining the rotation soon.

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Game 54: Thomas HRs Thrice in Cincy, Gray Earns the Win, & Strasburg Dominates in Rochester Jun 04, 2022

The Nats won 8-5 in Cincinnati to end their four game skid. Mark & Al marvel at how not only did Lane Thomas go deep three times, but the Nationals hit five HRs overall in the victory (Nelson Cruz & Juan Soto the others).

(18:55) Josiah Gray struck out nine Reds as he lasted six frames to get the win. His evening started off on the wrong foot as Tommy Pham slapped a HR off of him right away, but Gray settled in after that point. The hosts assess how the young right hander has looked on the so far this season. Tanner Rainey notched the save despite walking the lead-off hitter.

(31:44) Stephen Strasburg was excellent in his third minor rehab start as he threw six scoreless frames in Rochester. Will his next start be for Washington? How important is his return to the psyche of the fan base?

(40:04) Joe Girardi was fired as Phillies Manager. Al asks Mark if Girardi was ever under serious consideration to be Manager when the job was available after the 2017 season.

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Game 53: Henry Promoted to AAA Prior to Loss + NCAAs Come to the DMV Jun 03, 2022

The Nats were crushed 8-1 at fellow last place Cincinnati to drop them to 0-4 on the road trip. Al begins the conversation with the good news that pitching prospect Cole Henry is being promoted to AAA Rochester. Will he get called up to Washington this year?

(08:02) The offensive futility continued in this game as the scoreless inning streak eclipsed 27. Josh Bell was the only source for runs as he hit a solo HR, that was aided by the Ballpark's dimensions.

(12:15) Joan Adon right away allowed a 3 run HR to Joey Votto, but that was all he gave up in the loss. He walked as many as a he struck out, and Al points out his alarming walk rate per nine innings.

(16:07) Paolo Espino yet again was used in mop up duty as he threw a scoreless bottom of the 8th. His ERA is a very impressive 2.19 and it is mystifying why he isn't being used in more high leverage spots. Why?

(27:01) Matt Noble from the Maryland Baseball Network previews the first ever NCAA Baseball Tournament Regional that will be held in College Park, MD. The Terps will face LIU on Friday night in the double elimination event.

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Game 52: Swept & Shutout in NY + Rizzo Asked About Soto Jun 02, 2022

The Nats were blanked by Mets 5-0 to conclude the decisive three game sweep. Mark & Al dig into how the Nationals were humbled and then some after entering the week with a bit of momentum.

(11:25) Luis Garcia was called up after Alcides Escobar was placed on the IL. Davey Martinez has declared that Garcia will play SS everyday and on Wednesday he went 1 for 4 at the plate.

(16:45) Evan Lee picked up the loss in his Major League debut as he was relieved in the 4th inning. Will he reamin with team or will he return to AA Harrisburg?

(21:20) Mike Rizzo was asked by The Sports Junkies (106.7 The Fan) if Washington will trade Juan Soto. The hosts parse through his answer in their analysis. Mark then adds insight from the beat reporters pregame conversation with Rizzo in the dugout that was held off-camera.

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Game 51: Corbin Gives up a Dozen Hits in Another Blowout Jun 01, 2022

The Nats were crushed for a second straight night in New York as they were blanked 10-0. Al & Mark have yet another awful Patrick Corbin outing to mull over as his ERA is now sits at 6.96. Washington now has the worst in the National League, just behind the Reds.

(19:40) There were a flurry of roster moves related to the bullpen and the hosts catch you up on all the personnel decisions. Why does Tyler Clippard remain in Rochester?

(33:04) Stephen Strasburg will start Friday night in Rochester for his third rehab minor league stint. Mark explains what his expected workload will be and if there is a chance for this to be his final minor league stint before joining the Nationals.

(36:02) Evan Lee from AA Harrisburg will start in the series finale on Wednesday and will make his Major League debut in the process. What to expect from the

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Game 50: Fedde Takes an Early Shower as 19-31 Doesn't Come to Be May 31, 2022

The Nats were pounded 13-5 at the Mets as Erick Fedde was lifted in the 2nd inning. Mark & Al point out just how much Fedde's ERA was affected by the poor outing. Those All Star whispers we mentioned five days ago certainly have been pushed to the background.

(08:09) The Nationals starting rotation is in flux as the best options to pitch on Wednesday, Paolo Espino and Josh Rogers, both were used to fill Monday's innings. Mark gives his best guess as to who will take the mound in the series finale. Why is Paolo not given more high leverage situations?

(17:05) Washington led 3-0 right away as they surprisingly lead the sport in 1st inning runs scored. Cesar Hernandez collected three hits as his average is just a shade under .300. Has he emerged as a legit trade chip?

(25:01) An update on Stephen Strasburg one day after his successful rehab stint for Fredericksburg. When might he return to the Bigs?

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Game 49: Soto HRs and Rainey Gets the 5 Out Save May 30, 2022

The Nats won a home series for the first time this season as they hung on 6-5 over Colorado to improve their record to 18-31. Mark & Al begin with how the game ended, Tanner Rainey retiring all five batters faced to close out the victory. It was Rainey's first multi inning appearance since 2020.

(10:53) Josiah Gray gave up another homer on Sunday in the 1st inning, but that would be the only run he allowed in his outing. Was this latest start a step in the right direction?

(17:02) The offense had plenty of extra base hits, including a pair of home runs from Juan Soto and Lane Thomas. Soto collected two hits and had a nice bounce back after a disappointing doubleheader on Saturday.

(29:10) Stephen Strasburg was dominant in his 2nd rehab minor league start as he threw five shutout frames and struck out six in the process for Fredericksburg. Mark explains what his path is to returning to the Nationals mound at some point in June. Strasburg's next scheduled start is over the weekend with Rochester.

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Games 47 & 48: Win Streak Reaches 3 Before it Snaps at Night May 29, 2022

The Nats split a doubleheader at home on Saturday against Colorado over the Holiday weekend. Game 1 went the Nationals way as they won 13-7 to achieve their first three game win streak of the season. That would end a few hours later as they dropped Game 2 by a score of 3-2 to the Rockies. Mark & Al go over the long day which included a huge afternoon for Victor Robles. He knocked in six runs in Game 1, but made a questionable decision at the plate in Game 2.

(13:02) Juan Soto's struggles at the plate are continuing and his frustration is quite evident as his average sits at .228. On Saturday he went 1 for 7 between the two games.

(20:05) Aaron Sanchez was DFA'd at the conclusion of Saturday as he did not pitch well despite Washington winning his outing. This raises the question of who will be the new 5th starter? The options include Cade Cavalli (who dominated Saturday), Josh Rogers, Paolo Espino, and.... Stephen Strasburg?!?

(30:10) Cole Henry threw well for AA Harrisburg and has eye popping stats so far this season. Mark handicaps his chances of pitching in the Big Leagues in 2022 as his ERA and WHIP are each below 1.00.

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Game 46: Corbin Earns His 1st Victory of the Season May 27, 2022

The Nats beat the visiting Rockies 7-3 for a rare 2nd straight victory. Mark & Al start the discussion with the offense as they put up four runs right away off of German Marquez, including a long awaited extra base hit for Josh Bell. However, another evening filled with struggles for Juan Soto. Does he need a day off?

(20:06) Patrick Corbin pitched into the 7th on his way to the "Curly W". Mark explains what he noticed on the mound from the southpaw. Could he have lasted longer given his low pitch count? Tanner Rainey made an appearance, but this time he pitched in the 8th inning against Colorado's heart of the order.

(31:04) It looks like Joe Ross is headed towards another "Tommy John" surgery on his elbow. The hosts run through how this is the worst case scenario for Ross as he is due to be a Free Agent after this season, especially since he could have had this surgery last summer.

(42:06) Jim Callis, Senior Writer for MLB Pipeline, gives his updated take on the the top Nationals pitching prospects Cade Cavalli and Cole Henry.

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Game 45: Fedde & 'Pen Shutout NL Leading L.A. May 26, 2022

The Nats blanked the Dodgers 1-0 on Wednesday to avoid the sweep. Mark & Al have a low scoring victory to discuss as Erick Fedde's is starting to turn a few heads with his 3.55 ERA. We are ver a month away, but are those All Star whispers you hear? Tanner Rainey hung on in the 9th for only his 2nd Save of the year. Could Rainey be traded this July?

(17:42) The Nationals had more instances of poor base running despite the win. Juan Soto himself was tagged out trying to steal, but more importantly his average his shockingly down to .236. What's up with Soto?

(30:02) Joe Ross will have a MRI exam one day after making his first minor league rehab start in Harrisburg. Is this news as bad as it initially reads? The hosts also discuss how Stephen Strasburg felt the day after he took the mound too.

(38:04) Eric Bach from the Fred Nats gives an update on the latest with the low-A team as Strasburg rehabbed there this week.

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Game 44: Gray Gives up 3 HRs to his Old Squad May 25, 2022

The Nats lost 9-4 to the Dodgers despite out-hitting their opponents. Al recaps the sixth consecutive LA victory in Navy Yard as Josiah Gray only lasted three innings and his ERA has ballooned to 5.34. What's up with the continued trend of him giving up so many homers?

(10:41) The Nationals only scored four runs off of ten hits and Al puts into perspective the state of the offense compared to this visiting team. Nelson Cruz had his first three hit game since coming to Washington as his average is now to .219, much higher than his .155 when April concluded.

(20:04) It was a busy Tuesday night for the organization as both Stephen Strasburg and Joe Ross made minor league rehab starts. Al runs through Strasburg's night in Fredericksburg and Ross' appearance with AA Harrisburg. The concluding segment is an update on the latest report regarding the contractual futures of Mike Rizzo and Davey Martinez.

(31:01) Matt Noble from the Maryland Baseball Network gives us an update on the Big The Champion Maryland Terrapins as the Conference Tournament is this week.

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Game 43: Trea Turner & the Dodgers Dominate in D.C. May 24, 2022

The Nats opened the home-stand with a 10-1 loss at the hands of the Dodgers. Mark & Al discuss how Washington was drubbed top to bottom by LA as the offense couldn't do much of anything against Tyler Anderson, who had a Perfect Game bid game going into the 6th inning.

(08:33) A lot of negatives in this section. Juan Soto had misadventures in the outfield, Joan Adon didn't last five frames, and Austin Voth's ERA is sitting above 9.00. Is it time to DFA Voth?

(26:07) Trea Turner spoke to reporters prior to his first game back in Navy Yard since last summer's trade. This leads to a conversation about hindsight on the decision to trade him away and put the rebuild in full effect. Turner went 1 for 4 with 3 RBIs on Monday night. What will Free Agency look like for the All Star Shortstop?

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Game 42: Shuffled Lineup Leads to Easy Win May 23, 2022

The Nats took care of the Brewers 8-2 as Davey Martinez featured a new look lineup card. Al & Mark (Live from Milwaukee) recap Sunday's victory that saw Juan Soto moved down to 3rd in the order and with Keibert Ruiz now occupying the 2nd spot. The result..... eight consecutive hits in a six run 4th inning.

(18:04) Nelson Cruz exited early after suffering a sprained ankle while sliding into 2nd base and was replaced by Riley Adams as DH. What will the roster move be to replace him? Josh Bell's average has fallen below .300 (.291) as he is 0 for his last 19. Is that why Bell dropped to fifth in the order instead of clean-up?

(25:55) Mark handicaps the situation at SS as Dee Strange-Gordon has seen elevated playing time at the expense of Alcides Escobar. Finally, yet another update on Stephen Strasburg & Joe Ross as they will make minor league rehab starts on Tuesday.

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Game 41: Soto Struggles Continue in Defeat May 22, 2022

The Nats lost 5-1 in Milwaukee as Juan Soto's hit-less evening dropped his average to .245 on the season. Mark (Live from American Family Field) and Al dive into the curious postgame comments from Juan Soto on his struggles so far this season.

(11:14) Lane Thomas has had a good weekend as he homered, one day after almost hitting an Inside the Park HR. The hosts take a chance to evaluate his play so far in 2022.

(14:43) Patrick Corbin gave up 5 runs in 5 frames as Washington still has not won any game that he has started this year. This is a few starts after his manager declared him "Back". Keibert Ruiz was the catcher for this game, which is a deviation from Riley Adams catching the left-hander recently.

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Game 40: Nats Turn a Triple Play but Get Shutout May 21, 2022

The Nats were blanked 7-0 in the series opener in Milwaukee. Mark (Live from Wisconsin) & Al recap the very unusual 7th inning as the top of the frame saw an almost Inside the Park HR, and the bottom featured a Triple Play. Should Lane Thomas have been rewarded home plate or did the umps get it right?

(13:13) The game unraveled in the 8th as the Brewers scored five runs off of Austin Voth. Why not use Tanner Rainey in that spot when it's a close game?

(22:07) The offense had another bad game as they were shutout by Milwaukee. The 5th inning was a real head scratcher as all three Nationals hitters laid down bunts. How did that occur?

(33:48) Carter Kieboom's season is over as he will have "Tommy John" Surgery on his throwing elbow and is expected to be back by Spring Training 2023. This leads to a discussion about the recent Washington 1st Round picks that have not met expectations.

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Game 39: Replay Forces Extras but the Nats Prevail + Rizzo/Martinez Contractual Situation May 19, 2022

The Nats beat the Marlins 5-4 in 10 innings for their first win over Miami this season. Mark & Al recap the busy evening as the Nationals basically won twice, once in the 9th and then again ultimately in the 10th. Trust me, we'll explain, just after we get a ruling from New York.

(12:27) Keibert Ruiz had a huge evening as he collected three hits, reached base five times, and had the go- ahead RBI double in extras. He currently is hitting .282 w/ an OPS at 7.26.

(24:12) Josiah Gray stuck out seven Marlins in his six innings of work, while allowing three runs. Gray has more strike outs than innings pitched so far this season (46 vs. 43.1).

(28:23) The Washington Post reported on Wednesday that both GM Mike Rizzo and Manager Davey Martinez are in the final year of a a guaranteed contract as the club has the option for 2023. Given the ownership uncertainty, what does this all mean? The hosts spend plenty of time discussing all the potential ramifications of this news.

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Game 38: Defensive Follies Continue in Miami + Cavalli Hammered in AAA May 18, 2022

The Nats lost 5-1 in Miami in a second straight game marked by committing two errors on the same play. Al & Tim discuss the sorry state of Washington affairs as we have a clear and obvious case of "Bad Baseball" on our hands.

(09:31) Nelson Cruz struggled again at the plate as he was 0 for 4 with 3 Ks. Is it tine to flip him and Yadiel in the order? Victo Robles' evening wasn't much better as he was picked off 1st Base.

(17:40) Joan Adon took the loss, but didn't walk any batters in his outing. The hosts give their take on Adon's night vs. the Marlins.

(23:50) Cade Cavalli was lifted in the 1st inning ins his latest start with AAA Rochester. His ERA sits above 7.00 and unfortunately it's to start wondering.... "Should we be concerned about Cavalli?"

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Game 37: Another Night of Bad Defense May 17, 2022

The Nats were routed 8-1 in Miami as they came very close to allowing a "Little League Grand Slam". Mark & Al recap a game that encompassed all of the issues so far this season: sloppy defense, bad hitting, subpar pitching, and poor execution.

(08:21) The offense was no match for Sandy Alcantara as he retired 20 Nationals in a row over 8 IP. Juan Soto was 0 for 4 and is showing clear signs of frustration at the plate. Will he naturally snap out of it like all great hitters typically do?

(16:33) A deep dive into the embarassing play in the bottom of the 7th where two runs were committed and Miami extended their lead to 7-1.

(22:45) Aaron Sanchez was removed in the 4th and did not pitch well. Is his spot in the rotation at stake? Should he be starting instead of Paolo Espino?

(28:32) Victor Robles stole his first base of the season and it was stunningly his first attempt this year. Why did it take so long for that to happen?

(34:48) Geoff Blum, color commentator for the Astros, gives his perspective on what he saw over the weekend in D.C. He also hosts the "Bleacher Blums" Podcast:

https://www.bluewirepods.com/podcast/bleacher-blums

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Game 36: Corbin Gives up a Trio of HRs in a Backwards Step May 16, 2022

The Nats were shutout 8-0 by Houston to drop their fourth consecutive series rubber match. Al & Mark recap Patrick Corbin's outing, which started well, but ultimately in the end he allowed five runs in six plus frames. Meanwhile, Justin Verlander earned his 231st career victory after five innings of work.

(10:01) The trouble began in the 5th inning shortly after a pick-off attempt resulted in a poor throw by Josh Bell. It's another example of a season marked by defensive lapses, typically followed by the Nationals falling behind for good.

(23:45) Why is "Our Guy Paolo" Espino only used in garbage time? In all sincerity, he almost won "Nationals Pitcher of the Year" in 2021, yet seems to only come to the mound in mop-up duty.

(26:20) We get a retroactive ruling from Mark on Thursday's base running debacle against the Mets. TOOTBLAN worthy?

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Game 35: Nats End Houston's Win Streak in Emphatic Fashion May 15, 2022

The Nats beat up on the Astros 13-6 to snap their eleven game win streak. Al & Mark focus on the offense that piled up fourteen hits, including big nights from Nelson Cruz and Yadiel Hernandez. Is Nelson Cruz showing signs that he is overcoming his early season slump?

(20:11) Maikel Franco doubled and homered in the victory and shares the team lead in RBIs. Is he becoming a potential trade option for the franchise later this summer?

(30:15) Erick Fedde escaped early trouble and labored his way to 4 IP on 82 pitches. The hosts look at where Fedde's status in the rotation stands as Stephen Strasburg and Joe Ross hope to be back with the team later this summer.

(41:40) A preview of Sunday's intriguing pitching matchup between Justin Verlander and Patrick Corbin. Verlander is coming off a near no-hit bid in his last outing.

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Game 34: Astros Tee Off on Gray Early + Dusty Returns to D.C. May 14, 2022

The Nats lost 6-1 to Houston as it is the first time these two teams met in Navy Yard since Game 5 of 2019 World Series. Mark & Al recap Josiah Gray's nightmare first inning, before he settled down to make it through six frames. They then put in perspective the drastically different directions the two franchises have taken since meeting in the Fall Classic.

(18:26) The Astros have now won 11 in a row as the Nationals offense couldn't much going at the plate. One troubling stat is that Washington out-hit their opponents, but all eight hits were singles.

(23:21) Dusty Baker, Astros manager, returned to Nationals Park for the first time since he managed Game 5 of the NLDS for the Nats. The hosts take this opportunity to reflect on his brief yet memorable two year stint in D.C. as both seasons resulted in trips to the Postseason. Why didn't he return in 2018 after all?

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Game 33: Embarassing Baserunning Lowlights Defeat May 13, 2022

The Nats lost 4-1 to the Mets to drop their third straight series. Al discusses the loss while taking note that Mark Lerner was on hand watching Juan Soto's action filled afternoon and the current state of the franchise. Soto homered and doubled, but also was part of a base running mistake (along with Josh Bell) that was so absurd it made national news. Hear Davey Martinez's reaction to the play in the bottom of the 4th.

(16:37) Joan Adon issued five walks in the first two innings and was lifted in the 4th inning. This comes after his outing in Anaheim that had many encouraging signs.

(25:50) Houston comes to D.C. on Friday for the first time since October 2019. We leave you with a highlight you will enjoy hearing over and over again.

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Game 32: Soto & Cruz HRs Bookend Early Onslaught May 12, 2022

The Nats rallied in the early innings on the Mets for an 8-3 win. Mark & Al rehash this unusual game as New York scored three runs right away, before Washington then put up all eight runs in the first two innings. Juan Soto and Nelson Cruz both went deep, which lead to a discussion about each of their season's thus far.

(15:06) Cesar Hernandez had three hits before the third inning concluded as he was a big part of the early rally. Dee Strange-Gordon played shortstop for another game as Alcides Escobar remains out with an unusual affliction in his finger.

(33:20) Cade Cavalli struck out six in his start for AAA Rochester on Wednesday and then the hosts look at Cole Henry's performance so far this year with Harrisburg. Could both be on the mound Washington by September?

(39:46) Stephen Strasburg & Joe Ross each threw a simulated game in Florida and there is optimism that minor league rehabs might be in the near future.

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Game 31: Bullpen Falters After Corbin Throws 5 Scoreless May 11, 2022

The Nats lost 4-2 to the Mets for a 9th consecutive home defeat. Al & Mark open with the poor defense on display as the Nationals made a pair of errors that were compounded by subpar baserunning. Why so many instances of runners getting thrown out by wide margins on the bases?

(12:30) Patrick Corbin had his third straight good start as he threw five scoreless innings despite issuing four walks. It seems to be the new norm that Riley Adams will be his personal catcher. An indictment of Ruiz or just do whatever works?

(19:47) Juan Soto is 3 for his 17 and showed a lot of frustration in his final at bat on Tuesday night. Mark explains what he saw during the crucial moment in the 8th.

(22:45) Carl Edwards Jr. was the new bullpen arm after some musical chairs with the roster, but he picked up the loss after allowing three runs in the 6th. What's the latest with Mason Thompson and Tyler Clippard?

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Game 30: Rendon Walks Off Rainey's Blown Save + "Baby Shark" Officially Retires May 09, 2022

The Nats lost a heartbreaker 5-4 in Anaheim as they could not hold onto their late lead. Mark (Live from Angels Stadium) & Al recap the Mother's Day loss as Tanner Rainey inherited a 4-2 lead with three outs to go. All weekend the Nationals held the Angels stars in check; until the bottom of the 9th on Sunday.

(14:03) Erick Fedde gave Washington five scoreless innings despite issuing five walks in the process. The hosts discuss Fedde's performance through the first month of the season as his ERA is below the 4.00 threshold.

(26:07) Juan Soto's stat line is quite unusual this year as his RBI total barely is ahead of his HRs. Should he return to the #3 spot in the order?

(29:29) Quick update on the rehab for both Stephen Strasburg and Joe Ross. Could they be in the rotation before the All Star break?

(31:56) Gerardo Parra is officially retiring and joining the Nationals Front Office as a special assistant to the GM. What is his "legacy"?

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Game 29: Gray Earns the Win as He is Aided by a Trio of HRs May 08, 2022

The Nats beat the Angels 7-3 to end a three game losing streak. Tim Shovers & Mark (live from Anaheim) recap Josiah Gray's outing as he lasted into the sixth and did not give up a hit against Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani, or Anthony Rendon. Was it a good start or a decent start for Gray?

(09:45) Rendon is 0 for 8 this series and is barely hitting over .200. Does he look uncomfortable at the plate? He did though make a vintage Rendon play in the field.

(15:25) Maikel Franco had a big night as he knocked in 3 runs and his OPS is above .700. Mark gives his opinion on Franco's play so far this season at 3B.

(18:20) Nelson Cruz struck out four times, but slugged his 3rd HR of the season and his 452nd of his career. Does he need to reach the magic number of 500 to make it into Cooperstown?

(23:15) Trivia Time... What stadium did the Angels play in during their first season in 1961?

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Game 28: Shutout in Anaheim, Rendon Goes Hitless May 07, 2022

Th Nats were blanked 3-0 by the Angels as their road trip extended to a third city. Mark (Live from Anaheim) & Al open the discussion with Joan Adon's start as there was a lot to like despite the final result. The highlight of his outing were back to back strikeouts against Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani.

(13:06) It was the first time that Anthony Rendon faced his old team as he went 0 for 4 with 2 Ks. Mark explains what Anthony said to reporters pregame about playing against the Nationals. What's your favorite HR of his from October 2019?

(20:33) The offense only had four hits on Friday evening after scoring seven runs the previous day. Nelson Cruz went 1 for 4 and the hosts look at his troubling ground ball statistics so far this season. Plus, why give the hot hitting Yadiel Hernandez the night off?

(35:01) Our first listener submitted voice memo about the 2012 season, the first division title in team history. Send in yours to natschatpodcast@gmail.com

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Game 27: Escobar Commits Another Error in High Scoring Loss May 06, 2022

The Nats were outslugged by the Rockies 9-7 as Coors Field lived up to its reputation. Mark (live from Denver) and Al recap the afternoon defeat where Alcides Escobar committed his third error in under 24 hours.

(10:01) Josh Rogers gave up a 3 run HR out of the bullpen as did starter Aaron Sanchez. What is Rogers' exact role on this team right now?

(19:25) Juan Soto was caught napping at 3rd base for a crucial out in the 5th inning. Mark explains the "Inside Baseball" that went into that play. However, he did homer in the 1st inning.

(23:31) Keibert Ruiz had a solid afternoon as he homered, doubled, and also threw out a runner trying to steal second base.

(30:07) Next up is a three game series in Anaheim. Shohei Ohtani pitched on Thursday and therefore the Nationals will only see him at the plate. Plus, believe it or not, it will be the first time that Anthony Rendon will face his old team.

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Game 26: Corbin Takes the Loss Despite Lasting 8 Frames May 05, 2022

The Nats lost 5-2 in Colorado, but there were many positive vibes afterward as **PATRICK CORBIN THREW A COMPLETE GAME IN COORS FIELD** (No bottom of the 9th was played). Mark (from Denver) and Al rehash the left hander''s best start in years, despite the poor defensive play behind him. Davey Martinez thinks Corbin is "back", what say you? Plus, will Riley Adams become Corbin's personal catcher moving forward?

(14:40) Alcides Escobar had another bad game as he committed two errors and struck out three times. Have we reached a breaking point with Escobar playing SS this year? This leads to an updated version of the conversation about the potential for Luis Garcia to be called up.

(23:01) Yadiel Hernandez collected two hits while being slotted in at DH. Hernandez is batting .371 this season and it seems he is "locked in". The hosts look at his unsual situation in terms of a potential trade, because he still is under team control until the 2027 season.

(31:02) Sean Doolittle was moved to the 60 day IL. Will the southpaw need elbow surgery?

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Game 25: Bell & Soto Homer in Coors Field Rout May 04, 2022

The Nats trounced the Rockies 10-2 in Denver as they have won three of the past four games on the road trip. Al & Mark (Live from Coors Field) recap the victory as Erick Fedde became the first Nationals starter to last seven frames this season. Why has the team played so much better on the road than at home this year?

(10:52) Josh Bell had three hits, including a 3 run HR, as his OPS is above 1.000. This brings up a question we will ask many times this year.... sign him to an extension or trade him this summer?

(16:30) Juan Soto slugged a HR in the 5th, but in the 3rd inning he shocked everyone by attempting to lay down a bunt. Did Davey Martinez sign off on that?

(23:57) Nelson Cruz was lifted in the 7th due to a stiff back. The hosts discuss Cruz's performance so far in 2022 as he is hitting well below the "Mendoza Line".

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Game 24: Gray Pitches Well & Gets Plenty of Run Support May 02, 2022

The Nats took the series in San Francisco as they won the rubber match 11-5 on Sunday afternoon. Mark (live from Oracle Park) and Al recap a very encouraging day for the organization's future as Josiah Gray only allowed one hit in six frames. Is your confidence growing that he can become a frontline starter? We have an extended discussion about the young right hander.

(13:35) Yadiel Hernandez had a huge day with 5 RBIs, including a 3 run double in the 8th to break the game open. Should Davey Martinez do whatever can to get Yadiel's bat in the lineup everyday? What would that mean for Nelson Cruz?

(22:14) Victor Robles had a monster weekend in California as he collected 8 hits, with 2 coming in the series finale. Is this a sign of a turnaround for him at the plate?

(30:20) The Nationals sent down two relievers as rosters need to be trimmed in early May. Hear what the bullpen complexion looks like as the road trip continues into Colorado.

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Game 23: Poor Defense in Defeat + UVA Retires Zimmerman's #11 May 01, 2022

The Nats lost 9-3 in San Francisco as they scored as many runs as they committed errors. Mark (Live from Oracle Park) and Al rehash the subpar defensive effort, which included an E6 for Alcides Escobar.

(07:27) Speaking of Escobar, the Rochester Red Wings tweeted out a defensive highlight made by Luis Garcia on Saturday afternoon that raised our hosts eyebrows due to the way it was typed out. (Cade Cavalli also threw his best outing of the season)

(16:12) Victor Robles had six hits so far in this series. Could he be regaining his confidence at the plate?

(22:02) Josh Bell had two hits on Saturday and his average is up to .365. He has been one of the best hitters in the sport so far, which creates an interesting dynamic as he is a Free Agent after the season.

(34:01) Ryan Zimmerman's #11 was retired by the University of the Virginia Baseball program where he starred in the mid 2000s. The Governor as well proclaimed for April 30th to be named after him in the state for years to come.

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Game 22: Nats Score 14 Runs in a Skid Snapper Apr 30, 2022

The Nats ended their 8 game losing streak in emphatic fashion as they crushed the Giants 14-4 to open their road trip. Al & Mark (Live from San Francisco) convened at 3:11 AM Eastern to discuss just exactly how the offense busted out in such a big way with 22 hits.

(06:31) Juan Soto began the evening with a 1st inning HR, but then a mini controversy developed in his next at-bat. His request for a timeout was not granted as Alex Wood was quick pitching and it resulted in a visibly upset Soto. Mark explains the sequence of events that unfolded.

(12:06) Victor Robles was part of a trio of Nationals to record four hits on Friday night. Josh Bell and Maikel Franco were the two others as Cesar Hernandez was not too far behind with three hits of his own.

(17:55) Keibert Ruiz did not join the hit parade as he was 0 for 6 from the plate. We discuss the young catcher's offensive struggles and what his workload is like so far this season.

(23:10) Aaron Sanchez earned the win as he made it through 5 IP. However, our guy Paolo Espino yet again was assigned mop-up duty in the 9th. In between, four other relievers took the mound to preserve the comfortable victory.

(31:04) We close the podcast with the Big Ten Network call of Maryland's Ryan Ramsey throwing a perfect game Friday night in College Park. It is the first time that feat has been accomplished by a Terp since 1959.

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Game 21: Corbin Pitches Better but Offense Comes Up Short Again Apr 29, 2022

The Nats have now lost 8 in a row as they were swept by Miami in the series finale 3-2. Al Galdi recaps another very disappointing performance by the offense. Nelson Cruz 's average currently sits at .160 to exemplify where things stand. Juan Soto drew a pair of walks, but otherwise was hit-less at the plate.

(07:38) Lucius Fox is still without a Major League hit, but did draw a walk. However, he was then promptly picked off. It was his second straight day starting at SS over Alcides Escobar.

(13:31) Patrick Corbin pitched well, but still was tagged with the loss. He lasted into the 7th inning, but a HBP ended his afternoon. Hear what Davey Martinez had to say afterwards and what it means for Corbin as the team heads West.

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Game 20: Skid Extends to Seven Apr 28, 2022

The Nats lost to Miami 2-1 for a 7th consecutive defeat. Al & Mark recap an evening that didn't see much action until late as the offense mightily struggled for yet another game. During this losing streak, they are averaging just a pair of runs per game.

(08:40) Maikel Franco thought he hit a game tying HR in the 9th, but instead ended up with just a single because he jogged down the line as the ball caromed off the wall. The hosts respond to this mental error in the final frame.

(14:55) Erick Fedde was tagged with a loss despite a decent start. However, he did not make it through five innings and it leads to a discussion on what the future holds for him in the rotation.

(20:41) Patrick Corbin will indeed stay in the rotation and will start Thursday afternoon vs. Miami. Mark contextualizes what is at stake for Corbin in this next outing. We then get an update on Stephen Strasburg and Joe Ross as they are still in West Palm Beach, Florida. Which of the pair will return to Washington first?

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Game 19: Gray Fans 10 in Losing Effort Apr 27, 2022

The Nats skid extended to six games as they lost 5-2 to visiting Miami. Mark & Al have plenty to talk about though, and begin with what exactly happened in the bottom of the 4th as the Nationals had a runner thrown out at home on back to back plays. Did Yadiel Hernandez purposely run through the stop sign?

(12:05) Luis Garcia went 4 for 4 with 2 HRs for AAA Rochester on a night that Alcides Escobar's struggles continued. The hosts wonder if/when the Garcia move will be made given the difficulties Escobar is having both with the bat and the glove.

(20:05) Josiah Gray matched a career high with 10 strikeouts and has pitched well in three of his four starts this year. He has 28 Ks in 20 IP this season, and there are a lot of encouraging signs to be excited about.

(32:02) Patrick Corbin is not yet officially listed for Thursday vs. the Marlins. Will he make his next scheduled start?

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Game 18: Nats Hurl 8 Pitchers & Get Swept Apr 25, 2022

Things went south for the Nats right from the start on Sunday as they lost 12-3, sealing a sweep at the hands of San Francisco. Lucius Fox vomited next to the pitchers mound after the second pitch of the game, just before Joc Pederson hit a lead-off HR off of Joan Adon. This entire paragraph actually happened.

(08:36) Mark tells Al the latest on Josh Bell who did not play Sunday, but Davey Martinez says the MRI on his hamstring "came back pretty clean". Bell not playing mixed with Fox's quick exit led to Riley Adams getting time at first base.

(15:05) Alcides Escobar's struggles continued and it feels like it might be time to call Luis Garcia back up. Is it time to remove Escobar from the lineup and make room for younger players?

(23:13) It was another day that the starting pitcher struggled for Washington. Josh Rogers appeared out of the bullpen and the hosts set the table for where the rotation currently stands. Will Patrick Corbin make his next start? What's up with Anibal Sanchez's neck?

(31:04) A listener email critical of Mike Rizzo and his recent track record. What say you?

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Game 17: Bell Exits Early in Loss to the Giants Apr 24, 2022

The Nats lost 5-2 to the Giants on Saturday afternoon. Al is solo hosting for the first time this season and opens with the news that Josh Bell exited the game early due to right hamstring tightness. This leads to a conversation about the scuffling offense, including the numbers for Alcides Escobar.

(06:40) Cesar Hernandez was dropped from the lead-off spot down to the sixth in the order as Lane Thomas took over the top spot. Riley Adams got the start and homered in the afternoon and is surprisingly only the 5th National to homer so far this season.

(12:55) Al discusses what he saw from Aaron Sanchez in his first Major League start of the season as he came short of tossing five innings. Will we see him make another start?

(19:32) It was another impressive day for the bullpen as five relievers combined for only one run allowed in almost five frames. How confident can we be this continue?

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Game 16: Corbin's Latest Flop + AAA Update Apr 23, 2022

The Nats lost 7-1 to the visiting Giants as Patrick Corbin couldn't even made it through two innings. Mark & Al discuss another bad start by the lefty, this time marked by the home crowd booing him. Will he remain in the rotation? His ERA after four starts is at a shocking 11.20.

(16:16) The top of the 9th had unexpected fireworks as Alcides Escobar voiced his displeasure with how the Giants were running the bases despite leading by six runs. Where do you stand on this particular unwritten rule?

(25:33) The Nationals bullpen threw over 7 scoreless frames, including Erasmo Ramirez tossing 3.1 IP. This is the second straight day that the non "A" 'pen did a flawless job relieving a struggling starter. However, why the curious handling of Paolo Espino?

(31:05) Quick update on the status of both Stephen Strasburg and Joe Ross.

(36:22) Josh Whetzel, the Voice of the Rochester Red Wings, gives the latest on the Nationals AAA Affiliate. Hear about Luis Garcia, Cade Cavalli, and Aaron Sanchez (who is starting Saturday for Washington on the mound).

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Game 15: Rogers Allows 3 Homers in Narrow Loss Apr 22, 2022

The Nats came up just short against visiting Arizona 4-3 to split the series. Mark & Al react to an afternoon game which saw Juan Soto up in the bottom with the bases loaded. However.... an infield pop-up sealed Washington's fate.
(05:42) The bullpen threw nearly five scoreless innings and the top guys weren't even used. Hunter Harvey though was the latest reliever to be placed on the IL, adding to a growing number of injured Nationals. Are these injuries related to how often the 'pen is needed?
(18:40) Josh Rogers struggled for a second straight start as he gave up three homers in just over four frames. What is Rogers' status in the rotation moving forward? They then discuss Nelson Cruz homering, which was believe it or not the first Nats homer since Saturday in Pittsburgh (Soto into the river).
(29:09) A listener submitted email leads to the latest we know about Stephen Strasburg.

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Game 14: An Odd Day & Bad Day at Nationals Park Apr 21, 2022

The Nats were routed 11-2 by Arizona on a very unusual day in D.C. The U.S. Capitol was briefly evacuated as there was a miscommunication related to the pregame festivities at

Nationals Park. Mark tells Al what he experienced first-hand.

****Audio courtesy of CBS 2 in NY***

(04:39) As for the game, Erick Fedde was rocked by the Diamondbacks and couldn't make it out of the 4th inning. He allowed seven runs, six of which were earned, on over 80 pitches. The infield defense behind him was lackluster and it begs the questions, when to call up Luis Garcia?

(13:00) The tone for the day began with negative vibes as Sean Doolittle was placed on the IL due to an elbow sprain. How serious is this ailment? The "B" bullpen got the nod on Wednesday, including Sam Clay who was called up to replace Doolittle.

(20:30) Adding to Wednesday's woes was Josh Bell exiting the game early due to left knee tightness. Could we see Riley Adams get more use at 1B if Bell ends up going to the IL?

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Games 12 & 13: Young Arms Lead the Way to a Doubleheader Sweep Apr 20, 2022

The Nats took both games of the twin-bill (6-1, 1-0) in D.C. against Arizona to move to just one game below .500. Game 1 victory went to Josiah Gray and Game 2 honors were taken by Joan Adon. Al & Mark wrap-up both of their performances as they combined to only allow one run on Tuesday.

(14:11) The bullpen was flawless in both games, including Kyle Finnegan pitching twice. Tanner Rainey made it quite interesting in Game 2 by loading the bases with no outs in the 9th, but was able to escape the jam and preserve the win. Plus, are Hunter Harvey and Victor Arano moving up the unofficial relief pitching depth chart?

(22:31) Victor Robles had a big day as he got hits in both games and also flashed some serious leather. The hosts discuss what this might mean for the young CFer.

(29:40) Game 1 saw a record low attendance in franchise history. What to make of it?

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Game 11: Nats Blow A 3 Run Lead & Franco Commits 3 Errors Apr 18, 2022

The Nats had their most frustrating loss of the season as they coughed up a 3-0 lead and lost 5-3 in the series finale in Pittsburgh. Al & Mark (Live from PNC Park) recap Sunday afternoon's game as Patrick Corbin made it through 5 innings, but the Pirates rallied against him and the bullpen in the 6th & 7th. Steve Cishek was tagged with the loss by allowing 3 runs, and it calls into question whether or not Sean Doolittle should have entered the game before the right hander did.

(13:07) Maikel Franco committed three errors and came very close to having a fourth. However, he also had a web-gem on the afternoon. The hosts discuss the veteran infield that has shown many defensive flaws so far this April.

(25:01) The Nats return home this week, but the weather forecast is not looking promising. Might the team get a much needed day off?

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Game 10: Soto HRs into the River in Defeat Apr 17, 2022

The Nationals lost 6-4 in Pittsburgh on a cold Mid April night. Al & Mark (Live from Pittsburgh) recap an evening where the Nats left 11 runners on base.

(05:08) Juan Soto himself didn't strand any runners, and he also reached base four times for a 2nd straight game. He smashed his 3rd HR of the season, that somehow found its way into the Allegheny River.

(11:01) Josh Rogers did not last five innings and following this season's formula, it resulted in a Washington loss. The hosts also touch upon a few moments of questionable defense by the team.

(18:51) Davey Martinez said postgame that he addressed his frustration with an 8th inning defensive effort by Yadiel Hernandez. Martinez this past week seems to have been very open with the media about his disappointments from the club.

(24:08) Al & Mark each share their memories of the first ever MLB game they attended. Please email us a voice memo of your memories to natschatpodcast@gmail.com

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Game 9: A Good Friday for Fedde & Crew Apr 16, 2022

The Nats won 7-2 in Pittsburgh on Jackie Robinson Day to further a clear trend so far to the young season. They are 4-0 when their starting pitcher lasts five frames, and win-less when that doesn't occur. Al and Mark (Live from Pittsburgh) critically examine Erick Fedde's outing as he was able to protect the early three run lead he has been staked. When will a Washington starter make it though six innings?

(10:16) The bullpen threw four scoreless innings as Sean Doolittle continued the perfect start thus far to his season. Was it Doo's appearance on this podcast that turned his career back around?

(23:58) Victor Robles was once again odd man out in the lineup on Friday. According to Davey Martinez, he is expected to be in the lineup this weekend. Robles is hit-less so far as Yadiel Hernandez & Lane Thomas continues to contribute offensively.

(26:14) Dee Strange-Gordon has been placed on the IL and is being replaced on the roster by Donovan Casey, who was one of the prospects acquired in last summer's Max Scherzer & Trea Turner trade.

(31:48) A creative email submitted by a listener regarding operational changes now that the universal DH is in place.

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Game 8: Adon & "B" Bullpen Get Hit Hard in Pittsburgh Apr 15, 2022

The Nats lost 9-4 in Pittsburgh as they couldn't hold onto an early 3-0 lead. Mark (Live from Pittsburgh) and Al discuss Joan Adon's poor outing, which was made worse by the bullpen performance to follow. Was Adon tipping pitches?

(21:58) Yadiel Hernandez got another start in LF and Lane Thomas was in CF after Dee Strange-Gordon was a late scratch form the lineup. This leads to questions already about Victor Robles as he already sat multiple games in this young season. What amount of playing time should we expect for Robles this month?

(26:20) Forbes reported on Thursday that Ted Leonsis (Wizards & Caps Owner) and David Rubenstein (The Carlyle Group) are mulling a bid for the organization. The hosts examine dynamics behind this possibility.

(34:14) Our first listener submitted voice memo recalling his memories of attending a MLB game for the first time at RFK Stadium.

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Game 7: Gray & "A" Bullpen Take the Series in Atlanta Apr 14, 2022

The Nats won the rubber match in Atlanta 3-1 for their third victory in the past four days. Mark (live from Truist Park) and Al open the discussion with praise for Josiah Gray, who tossed five scoreless innings. What was working for Gray in the outing?

(10:46) The top bullpen arms then stepped up for the final twelve outs to give Gray his first W of the season (Finnegan, Doolittle, Cishek , and Rainey). Do the Nationals actually have themselves a solid back-end of the 'pen?

(17:24) The offense jumped out on Max Fried with two runs for a lead they wouldn't relinquish. Maikel Franco had two more hits and Josh Bell extended his hitting streak to seven games. However, Alcides Escobar has already struck out nine times, which makes us wonder if the team might soon explore other options at SS.

(28:33) We read a listener submitted email about Patrick Corbin and any potential fixes Jim Hickey can provide? Plus, email us in a voice memo recalling your first ever baseball game to natschatpodcast@gmail.com.

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Game 6: Corbin Clunker but Soto Crushes His 100th HR Apr 13, 2022

The Nats were walloped by the Braves16-4 as Patrick Corbin allowed 9 hits before the 3rd inning concluded. Mark (Live from Atlanta) & Al recap the rout and begin by dissecting the "strange" decision to have Dee Strange-Gordon take the mound in the 8th during garbage time. Is it unbecoming to have a position player throwing 58 MPH in a regular season game?

(15:42) The Nationals comically botched a rundown and Victor Robles allowed a ball underneath his glove and to the wall. It was the first game so far this season that the team has committed any errors.

(22:30) Juan Soto hit a tape measure HR (451 feet) for the 100th of his career. Soto reached that milestone less than four years after his MLB debut. A Washington fan ended up with the ball and was able to meet Soto after the game.

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Game 5: Rogers Rocks His Way to a Win + Ownership Report Apr 12, 2022

The Nationals routed the defending champs 11-2 in Atlanta as Josh Rogers picked up where he left off last season. Mark (covering on-site) & Al discuss the southpaw's performance, which included retiring ten in a row at one point.

(08:42) The offense poured it on the Braves pitching staff, led by Maikel Franco who had four hits and 5 RBIs. Lane Thomas and Josh Bell also filled out the scorecard in the victory. Mark explains how Atlanta' pitching staff is in a tough spot as the series progresses.

(22:40) The Washington Post surprised many with a report on Monday that the Lerner family is exploring the possibility of changing the franchise's ownership structure. Will they sell the team? What might be the reasons behind it?

(31:53) How does Juan Soto's contractual situation fit into all of this with the potential of an ownership change? Al explains how this might actually work in Nats fans favor.

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Game 4: Cruz & Fox Lead the Rally for Win #1 Apr 11, 2022

The Nationals earned their first "Curly W" of the season as they came from behind to beat the Mets 4-2. Lucius Fox had quite the MLB debut as he had a game tying squeeze bunt, scored an insurance run, and flashed leather at SS. Mark & Al let you know who exactly Fox is and what he might bring to the table this season.

(10:17) Nelson Cruz had a big afternoon as he slugged his 450th career HR and had the go-ahead hit in the bottom of the 8th.

(17:48) Erick Fedde finally gave Washington a starter who lasted five innings. The bullpen then propped him up with four shutout frames., including Sean Doolitle's clutch relief appearance.

(31:09) It is looking doubtful that Anibal Sanchez will be starting Monday night in Atlanta. Mark gives his educated guess as to who he thinks will start on the mound.

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Game 3: Alonso Grand Slam Extends the Winless Start Apr 10, 2022

The Nats were shutout by the Mets 5-0 to begin the season at 0-3 for the first time in over a decade. Mark & Al discuss the struggling offense which has only scored four games in this series so far.

(10:53) Another busy night for the bullpen as Joan Adon's outing fell apart in the top of the 5th when he allowed a Grand Slam to Pete Alonso. The hits then continued for the 'pen as Mason Thompson exited the game after just three pitches due a right biceps issue.

(20:02) The bright spot so far this year for the Nationals has been their excellent defensive play, including by Victor Robles. We wrap-up with a preview of Sunday's finale against New York as Erick Fedde takes the mound, plus an update on Anibal Sanchez's sore neck.

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Game 2: Mets win in Max's Return w/ A Bench Clearing Sprinkled in Apr 09, 2022

The Nats lost 7-3 to the Mets in a very long and active Friday evening in Navy Yard. There were multiple delays, a bench clearing fracas, and Max Scherzer returned to D.C.

The brawl came after Steve Cishek hit Francisco Lindor in the top of the 5th, ending Cishek's franchise debut after just two pitches. Mark explains to Al why Cishek was ejected when it did not seem that the pitch was intentional. Was New York manager Buck Showalter to blame for the escalation on the field?

(17:03) Max Scherzer made his first appearance at Nationals Park since last summer's trade. He lasted six innings in his Mets debut. What did the hosts notice from Max on the mound?

(24:57) Joan Adon will take the mound on Saturday evening as he surprisingly made the rotation to start the season. This will be his 2nd career MLB start, the other being in the season finale in 2021.

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Game 1: Soto Homers in Opening Day Loss Apr 08, 2022

The Nats lost a rain delayed Opening Day 5-1 to the visiting Mets. Al & Mark recap the disappointing evening as not too much went right for the home team. Patrick Corbin was tagged with the loss as he only lasted 4+ frames, which led to five relievers coming out of the bullpen.

(13:19) Juan Soto's Solo HR was the only run produced by the Nationals offense, the 99th of his career. The offense struggled mightily as they combined for ten strikeouts. Keibert Ruiz however had an excellent game both with the bat and the glove.

(20:39) There were a flurry of moves on the IL, including Stephen Straburg, Seth Romero, and Will Harris. Was Harris being placed on the 60- day IL a surprise or was it more procedural than practical?

(26:15) Max Scherzer returns to the mound at Nationals Park on Friday night, but this time while wearing a New York uniform. A lot of juicy story lines as he opposes Josiah Gray, who was acquired for Scherzer in last summer's blockbuster trade.

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Season Preview + Sean Doolittle Interview Apr 04, 2022

The regular season is just a few days away and we get you set for 2022. Mark & Al set the pitching table for the Nationals as Patrick Corbin has officially been named the Opening Day starter. Do you remember Joan Adon from Game #162? Hear why you might hear that name again as soon as April.

(19:53) A look at the position players, including Victor Robles getting another shot at the Major League level. Mark explains why there still might be more roster movement before Thursday. Why is Andrew Stevenson starting the season in the minors?

(31:28) The Nats offense have a lot of reasons for optimism this season. The heart of the order is expected to feature Juan Soto, Josh Bell, and Nelson Cruz. What kind of production is expected from Keibert Ruiz at the plate?

(35:16) Sean Doolittle makes his Nats Chat debut as he is back in Washington after being a crucial cog to the 2019 World Series title. Hear what "Doo" has to say about this year's team, returning after being honored last year, his thoughts on the "ghost runner" rule, and more!

(52:39) The hosts give their season predictions for this season. Hint: World Series title not expected by either.

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Garcia Sent Down + Cavalli Getting Called Up? Mar 29, 2022

Opening Day is under two weeks away as a Florida sun soaked Mark joins Al, who is a tad under the weather during this cold late March in the DMV. We begin with the demotion of Luis Garcia to AAA Rochester, despite him playing every day after the trade deadline last season. This leads to a discussion about Victor Robles' situation.

(16:33) Lane Thomas ended last season on a very high note, but it seems Cesar Hernandez is the favorite to his lead-off this year. What do the Nats think they have in Thomas?

(20:18) Cade Cavalli recently started for the Nationals in Spring Training. We continue to ask the same question we've been wondering for almost a year now..... will Cavalli get called-up to make his Big League debut in the somewhat near future?

(28:01) Tyler Clippard is back in Washington after almost a decade away. Why didn't a contender scoop up the reliever once the lockout ended?

(35:49) Davey Martinez has yet to officially name an Opening Day starter, but many expect the nod to go Patrick Corbin. What are the chances his 2022 can be a drastic improvement to 2021?

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Zimmerman Number Retirement+ Infield Preview Mar 22, 2022

Mark is back in West Palm Beach for the first time since the Shutdown two years ago, an extra refreshing sign as Opening Day is just over two weeks away. Al & Mark discuss the Nationals decision to retire Ryan Zimmerman's number 11 over a weekend series in Mid June. One apt fact is it will be on the anniversary of his first career walk-off HR.

(11:30) We get an update on Carter Kieboom's forearm injury and what it means at 3B. This leads to a preview of how the infield overall is shaping up. Why isn't Luis Garcia as of right now a starting middle infielder?

(28:07) Anibal Sanchez pitched the other day and there is a very decent chance he is in the regular season rotation. Will Paolo Espino return to the starting five? What about Cade Cavalli?

(41:40) Nelson Cruz has made a quick impression in the Nats clubhouse, including some teammates who watched him play when they were young. Nats Chat look at whether or not Cruz would be in Washington if Zimmerman had returned for 2022.

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PLAY BALL! Mar 15, 2022

The MLB Lockout is finally over and the Nationals have opened Spring Training in West Palm Beach, Florida. Al & Mark are back for Season #2 of the Nats Chat Podcast. We begin with quick analysis of the topsy turvy negotiations that resulted in there still being a full slate of games for this season.

(07:26) We now have the Universal DH and the Nats wasted no time in signing a top notch hitter in Nelson Cruz. Mark says his goodbyes to pitchers hitting in the NL and then lays out what Cruz brings to the table, especially as protection for Juan Soto.

(18:40) Washington signed a trio of players who were part of the 2019 Championship in Sean Doolittle, Gerardo Parra, and Anibal Sanchez. How many of these guys will be on the Opening Day Roster?

(25:25) GM Mike Rizzo updated Stephen Strasburg's status as he returns from last summer's TOS surgery. What's the level of optimism that he will be back on the mound this year? Plus, we discuss Joe Ross' elbow as he hopes to return this season.

(37:03) Cade Cavalli & Jackson Rutledge were among those invited to Big League Camp as Non Roster Invitees. What are the chances they join the rotation at any point this season?

(41:50) Rizzo fielded questions on Sunday about Juan Soto's contractual situation and essentially confirmed the offseason extension offer. The Nats still have three years of team control, but what will it take to keep him for years beyond that?

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Ryan Zimmerman, "Mr. National", Officially Retires Feb 16, 2022

An emergency edition of Nats Chat as Ryan Zimmerman publicly announced his retirement at age 37. Mark & Al respond to "Employee #11" ending his illustrious Washington career that began all the way back in 2005.

(04:19) What will his next role be with the Nationals organization?

(6:20) Perfect send-off for Zimmerman in what ended up being his final game.

(10:32) What was the main reason he decided it was the right time to "hang 'em up"?

(13:10) Franchise & career milestones set

(19:15) Shift from 3B to 1B after injury

(25:40) Playoff highlights, including 2019

(33:22) If not missing extensive time due to injury, would he have been under Hall of fame consideration?

(38:51) Where would he have fit on the 2022 Nats roster?

(42:02) Quick look at where the lockout currently stands

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Tim Kurkjian Interview + Lockout Latest Jan 13, 2022

Mark & Al are back for the first edition of Nats Chat since the calendar flipped to 2022. Make sure to tune into the final portion of the podcast as we congratulate Tim Kurkjian for winning the BBWAA Career Excellence Award, which means he is headed to Cooperstown.

We begin by checking in on where the MLB Lockout stands as it seems the two sides will finally sit down for the first time in over a month. Will Spring Training begin on time?

(13:23) Juan Soto's sixteen year old brother, Elian, signed with the Nats recently. What to make of it?

(17:24) Washington last month signed minor league deals with veteran infielders Dee Strange-Gordon & Maikel Franco. Plus, Sean Nolin will take his talents to South Korea.

(32:52) Mark gives his expert insight into this year's Hall of Fame ballot that will be announced later this month. It is the final year of eligibility for Barry Bonds and the first for David Ortiz. The hosts have an updated discussion regarding the Steroid Era stars.

(42:42) Jon Lester is retiring after earning exactly 200 career wins after spending part of his final season with the Nationals. Will he be a future Hall of Famer?

(47:33) ESPN's Tim Kurkjian, who grew up in Bethesda rooting for the Senators, joins the podcast to chat about receiving the highest honor for a member of the Baseball media. Tim also gives his insights on Washington baseball history and how the Nats should proceed with Juan Soto.

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MLB Lockout + Max to NY + Quiet Nats Winter Dec 08, 2021

MLB players might be locked out, but the podcast doors are still wide open for Mark & Al in our third off-season edition of Nats Chat. They begin by setting the scene as to why the sport is going through its first work stoppage in almost thirty years. Will Opening Day start on time?

(15:51) Free Agency was abnormally active in the final days leading up to the CBA"s expiration. How could Baseball replicate that for other Novembers moving forward? The hosts then examine Max Scherzer's mammoth deal with the Mets, which will pay him well over $40 Million a year.

(31:52) The Nationals were very quiet last month while many other teams were spending tons of money in Free Agency. There was one signing however, Cesar Hernandez, who won a Gold Glove at 2B in 2020.

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Soto Finishes 2nd Behind Harper for NL MVP Nov 19, 2021

Juan Soto was runner-up for NL MVP as Bryce Harper won for the second time in his career. Mark & Al react to Soto coming up short in his bid for the MVP and split hairs between the two former teammates resumes. Was Harper more deserving?

(10:17) Scott Boras, Soto's agent, had some interesting comments at the recent GM Meetings regarding his client's future. What are the chances the Nats lock him up to an extension before he becomes a Free Agent after the 2024 season?

(23:41) Max Scherzer came up short in his bid for a 4th Cy Young Award as Milwaukee's Corbin Burnes took home the hardware. Mark voted for the NL Cy Young and dives through what led to his final ballot. How difficult was it to rank this year's candidates?

(34:46) The Nationals made more organizational changes, including some to the coaching staff. The hosts run through the new roles including Eric Young, Jr. as the new First Base Coach.

(44:24) It is becoming increasingly clear we are headed towards a lockout in early December. What should we expect during this MLB Offseason? What is a reasonable expectation as to when operations will resume?

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New Hitting Coach + WS Preview + Scherzer's Future? Oct 26, 2021

Mark & Al return for the first off-season edition of Nats Chat. Since the Nationals season ended, there have been a few changes on the coaching staff, most notably at hitting coach. Darnell Coles replaces Kevin Long; who took a job with Philadelphia. What led to Long leaving town? What attributes does Coles bring to the position? What does Juan Soto make of this change?

(17:13) Bob Henley & Randy Knorr have new assignments in player development. What is the aim in these changes?

(24:01) Washington quickly signed Alcides Escobar to return in 2022. Will he definitely be the starting SS?

(31:34) We preview the World Series between Atlanta and Houston. Will most Nats fans be pulling for Dusty Baker?

(43:02) Max Scherzer & Trea Turner were eliminated in the NLCS. What does the future hold for Max Scherzer, Free Agent?

(52:13) Josh Whetzel, the Voice of the AAA Rochester Red Wings, gives an end of season summation. Tune in to hear how Cade Cavalli & Victor Robles ended their seasons.

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Game 162: Zim Gets the Spotlight in Season Finale Oct 04, 2021

The Nats ended their season with a 7-5 loss to Playoff bound Boston. Mark & Al open with their thoughts on the emotional moment in the top of the 8th when Ryan Zimmerman was ceremoniously removed from the game to thunderous applause. It certainly felt like his final game, will it end up being so?

(10:47) Juan Soto struggled on Sunday and struck out three times. Given that nobody else ran away with it, does he still have a chance to win the NL Cy Young?

(19:48) Alex Avila had a memorable final game of his career. He connected on a 2 run double and also was given a standing ovation as he exited the field for the final time.

(25:16) Joan Adon wowed in his Major League debut. Adon struck out 9 members of the Red Sox in just under 6 IP. The bulk of Adon's season was spent in High-A Wilmington, and yet he played a factor in a game with direct postseason implications.

(33:43) Mike Rizzo spoke to the media before the game and indicated he is not planning on tanking next season. Do we have an idea of how long the Free Agency shopping list will be? Has his philosophy on pitching changed? Do we have an updated timeline on the rebuild?

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Game 161: Gray Looks Good, but Boston Prevails Late Oct 03, 2021

The Nats lost 5-3 to Boston on Saturday afternoon. Mark & Al go through Josiah Gray's good outing, which was arguably his best start of the season.

(8:13) The bullpen had another active day and Mason Thompson was the low light as he walked an AL relief pitcher on four pitches. What approach should Mike Rizzo take for next season in bolstering the bullpen?

(20:06) Gerardo Parra made possibly his final at bat in Washington, Jordy Mercer's ejection caused a roster scramble, and Juan Soto had a testy at bat in a crucial moment in the 8th inning.

(31:53) Carter Kieboom went o for 4 and his average is barely over the Mendoza Line. Is he losing his chance to win the job for 2022?

(36:05) Davey Martinez had a notable pregame press conference. 1) He gave a vote of confidence to pitching Coach Jim Hickey. 2) An update on Stephen Strasburg.

(45:39) The Nationals will have a prospect make his MLB debut Sunday on the mound. Learn more about Joan Adon as he faces the Red Sox in a very crucial Game 162 for the visitors.

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Game 160: Soto Adds 4 More Walks in Boston Defeat Oct 02, 2021

The Nats lost 4-2 to the Red Sox in a crucial game in terms of the AL Wildcard chase. Al & Mark react to Juan Soto managing to walk four more times on Friday, lifting his total on the season to 144. Does Soto still have a chance at the MVP?

(9:28) Jordy Mercer homered, but curiously got the start at 2B over Luis Garcia. Just a day off for Garcia or anything more?

(15:20) Josh Rogers was impressive for five shutout innings, but it unraveled when facing Boston's lineup for the third time. Has Rogers status for 2022 improved after these string of good outings. Who has a better chance to start next year... Fedde or Rogers?

(23:40) Kyle Finnegan was voted by the collective local media as Nationals Pitcher of the Year. Mark explains why the nod went to Finnegan and not our guy Paolo.

(29:35) Update on what Sunday's season finale looks like for a potential Washington starting pitcher. Tenor of the game is up in the air, depending on the Sox's situation in the standings.

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Game 159: Bad Pitching in Bad Weather + Cavalli Clunker in AAA Sep 30, 2021

The Nats lost 10-5 in Colorado in their final road game of the season. Al & Mark assess where the rotation stands as Paolo Espino's outing was cut short due to the two hour rain delay that began in the top of the 3rd. Will he get the nod for Sunday's finale vs. Boston as Patrick Corbin season is over?

(17:55) Juan banged his knee into the chain link outfield fence while making an excellent catch. He stayed in the game and we have been told he is OK. At the plate, he had a RBI infield single and a walk (1 for 4). If the game had been called during the rain delay, his single would not have counted. Why not sit him after running into the fence?

(25:21) Alcides Escobar made one of the pretties defensive plays of the season just after making a throwing error. Hear what the hosts have to say about his jump throw across the diamond.

(27:57) Listener submitted question about how will the Nationals fix the pitching for next season. Will it all be internal or will they spend money in free agency?

(34:30) Cade Cavalli's final start in Rochester did not even last an inning. His numbers in AAA were not nearly as good as his previous stints. What's a realistic expectation for when he will be promoted to Washington?

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Game 158: Corbin Solid in Low Scoring Coors Field Loss Sep 29, 2021

The Nats lost 3-1 in Colorado as Patrick Corbin struck out nine in what could be his final start of the season. Mark & Al evaluate Corbin as September has by far been his best month of his terrible season. How important will ending this year on a positive note be for the high priced lefty? What are the chances he pitches Sunday vs. the Red Sox?

(15:27) Juan Soto went 0 for 4 and didn't reach base for the first time in two weeks. He is now hitting .318; which trails Trea Turner (.325). Should he maybe get the day off on Wednesday?

(20:40) Ryan Zimmerman had an excellent game on his 37th birthday. He had a double, an infield single, and made a web gem catch in foul territory. What insights do we have on if this weekend will be his final time at Nationals Park?

(29:44) A listener email asking about the Nationals organization infrastructure regarding player development. Our conversation quickly then moves into the direction of Baseball Analytics.

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Game 157: Gray Earns His 2nd Straight Win Sep 28, 2021

The Nats beat Colorado 5-4 as Josiah Gray has been victorious in back to back starts. Al & Mark discuss Gray's outing, which was scoreless through the first five innings. What led to him becoming ineffective though in the 6th? Was it hustling down the line on a bunt or was it facing the Rockies lineup for a third time?

(10:08) The Nationals bullpen had a good night as they only allowed one run. Davey Martinez changed it up a bit as Kyle Finnegan pitched the 8th and Tanner Rainey took over for the save. What should we read into this move?

(16:03) Alcides Escobar paced the offense with three hits and a crucial insurance RBI in the 9th. We also give our daily Juan Soto update as he currently trails Trea Turner by one point for the NL Batting Crown.

(24:57) Luis Garcia had a crucial 2 run single, but made a brutal throwing error in the 5th. Was it lack of concentration that affected what should have been a routine throw?

(32:43) Patrick Corbin will make possibly the final start of his turbulent season on Tuesday night in Denver. How different would he have been handled if Washington were in the divisional race?

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Game 156: Record Tying Grand Slam Allowed in Defeat Sep 27, 2021

The Nats lost 9-2 in Cincinnati as Ryne Harper yielded a MLB record tying fourteenth grand slam on the season by the pitching staff. Before we get into our usual show, Tim does some end of season housekeeping.

(5:38) Mark & Al recap Josh Rogers' outing as he held the Reds scoreless early, but it unraveled for him the third time through the order. What was different for Rogers today as opposed to his previous solid outings?

(11:02) Only two relievers were used on Sunday, but Harper became the twelfth Nationals pitcher this season to allow a grand slam. What has led to this phenomenon this year for the Nationals? Or is it simply bad pitching?

(20:24) The offense had a rare off day as Juan Soto went 0 for 3 with a walk (138). Carter Kieboom returned to the lineup from his forearm issue and had two hits.

(24:38) Riley Adams was back behind the plate and also drew two walks. Al is ecstatic to see Adams back on the field after the young catcher had been on the bench for the past week and a half. Why haven't we seen him play first base at all?

(29:01) Washington is making their only trip of the season to Coors Field this week. Do pitchers have to overcome psychological factors before pitching in that atmosphere? Will this be another bullpen heavy series?

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Game 155: Ruiz Impresses with the Arm & Bat in Losing Effort Sep 26, 2021

The Nats lost 7-6 in Cincinnati as Nick Castellanos hit a walk-off homer against Patrick Murphy. Al & Tim evaluate Keibert Ruiz's evening as he threw out two runners and also homered for the second straight night. Is Ruiz lately starting show the franchise catcher potential we have been told about?

(7:10) Lane Thomas homered again and kept the train rolling. Hear Tim's opinion on where the CF derby stands for Opening Day 2022. Robles or Thomas?

(21:57) Erick Fedde had another subpar start as his ERA is now at 5.26. How sure are we that he will be on the roster next year?

(35:16) Josh Rogers takes the mound Sunday after his excellent performance in Miami. We have some fun wondering if he or Paolo are currently the ace of the pitching staff.

(45:45) We read a listener email recalling his memories of October 2019 while living in Houston during the World Series.

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Game 154: Ruiz Homers but Extra Inning Hex Continues Sep 25, 2021

The Nats late rally came up short in Cincinnati as they lost 8-7 in 11 innings. Mark & Al wonder why the Nationals so often can score late in the game, but then can't bring in a run in extras. The 9th inning comeback involved three runs scored; all coming with two outs.

(9:18) Keibert Ruiz hit his first homer with Washington and had three hits overall on the evening. Ruiz is hitting .315 this month.

(11:47) Juan Soto did not get any hits, but was walked four times on Friday. Hear Mark put in perspective at how he is keeping historical company along with Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig.

(17:07) Paolo Espino had a so-so start and only recorded two strikeouts. He needs eight Ks next week in Colorado if he wants to achieve his stated goal of 100 strikeouts this season.

(26:32) Carter Kieboom was not in the lineup and will get a MRI Saturday for a left forearm issue. Jordy Mercer got the start in his place at third base.

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Game 153: Soto Bolsters MVP Case w/ 2 HRs in Win Sep 24, 2021

The Nats edged the Reds 3-2 for their 3rd straight victory. Al & Mark search for the proper superlatives for Juan Soto as his torrid stretch continued on Thursday night. He yet again reached base four times, set a franchise record in walks, and has lifted his average to .325. Is it fair to say he is the NL MVP frontrunner with a week to go? How does this recent run affect potential extension talks?

(22:52) Patrick Corbin did not allow a run as he almost lasted seven innings. Can fans be optimistic about the lefty for next season as he has had three good outings this month? Corbin looked like the 2019 version of himself while on the mound in Cincinnnati.

(28:01) Tanner Rainey pitched a scoreless eighth inning while Kyle Finnegan struggled to lock down the save. Will we see Rainey become the closer in the final week?

(34:44) Carter Kieboom went 0 for 4 Thursday night and his September stats are not looking good. Do we have a feel for how 3B is stacking up for Opening Day next season?

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Game 152: Soto Reaches Base 5 Times in Gray's 1st Win Sep 23, 2021

The Nats won 7-5 in Miami for a rare series victory. Mark & Al begin with Josiah Gray's much needed solid outing that resulted in his career Major League win. Most encouraging for Gray was that he did not allow any homers and only issued one walk in six innings.

(11:55) Juan Soto was all over the scorecard on Wednesday night as he reached base five times and was a triple shy of the cycle. Soto walked twice; tying Bryce Harper's single season franchise record of 130. Where does Soto's MVP campaign stack up against Harper's case?

(23:53) Luis Garcia went yard for the sixth time this season and had a strong series at the plate. This month he has eight doubles and is hitting above .280.

(31:51) Alex Avila started for the second time recently as Riley Adams has only started one of the past eleven games at catcher. A flabbergasted Al begs Mark for an explanation as to why they are using the retiring veteran as opposed to giving the at bats to Riley.

(36:42) Cade Cavalli only lasted four innings in his latest AAA start, but didn't walk any batters. Should fans be concerned that he has struggled at this level?

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Game 151: Rogers Outstanding in Win over the Marlins Sep 22, 2021

The Nats won 7-1 in Miami as Josh Rogers almost lasted eight innings. Al & Mark evaluate Josh Rogers throwing another solid outing; this one being his best one yet. Where does the lefty stack up for the team's plans in 2022? Hear the hosts put in perspective how rare a deep start has been for the starting staff this season.

(14:26) Keibert Ruiz continued his offensive surge as he had two hits while hitting in the 5th spot. He has not yet homered, but his recent production at the plate is an encouraging sign.

(17:32) Juan Soto reached base three times (or was it four?) on Tuesday night as he had two more hits. One of his times reaching base came as a result of an error by the pitcher, leading to the statistical quandary.

(27:37) The Nationals relieved many of their minor league coaches of their duties. Is this a sign of an impending organizational overhaul?

(40:12) An absolute must listen voice memo regarding October of 2019.

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Game 150: Blunders & Controversy Doom the Nats in Extras Sep 21, 2021

The Nats lost a heartbreaker 8-7 at Miami in ten innings. Mark & Al are flabbergasted at how for the third time in under two years; the Nationals have been on the wrong end of a runner's interference call at first base. Josh Bell was called out to end the top of the 10th, costing the team a chance to take the lead. Was the right call made? Hear an exasperated Davey Martinez from his postgame press conference.

(9:56) Luis Garcia had a very costly base running mistake in the top of the 10th as he was not able to score from second base on a Lane Thomas double. Why was he unable to score in that situation?

(19:39) Keibert Ruiz had three hits on Monday and had 4 RBIs, including hits from both sides of the plate. Are we seeing him turn the corner with the bat?

(24:41) Juan Soto reached base four times and had a single. He currently is hitting .315 and is one percentage point behind Trea Turner for the NL lead. Soto has now reached base four times in a game a staggering TWENTY TWO TIMES this season. Hear how his numbers stacks up post all star break against NL MVP front runner Bryce Harper.

(31:15) Erick Fedde had a so so outing as he yielded three homers on the night. The bullpen did not have a good game, but Tanner Rainey stole the show in the 9th. He struck out the side and if you include AAA; he has struck out fifteen consecutive batters.

(38:12) Josh Bell robbed a home run while playing left field. You are reading that last sentence correctly.

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Game 149: Paolo Blanks the Rockies Sep 20, 2021

The Nats shutout Colorado 3-0 as Paolo Espino earned his fifth victory of the season. Al & Mark tip their caps to Espino, who held a potent Rockies lineup scoreless in almost six frames. Who could have ever guessed the season that Paolo is having? It was the first shutout pitched by the Nationals staff since mid June.

(11:03) Tanner Rainey returned to the mound after a lengthy stay in Rochester. He struck out the side in an encouraging outing. Will we see him get a save opportunity before the end of the season?

(19:01) Juan Soto launched a mammoth HR that traveled over 450 feet. His OPS is creeping towards 1.000, which is a surprise based upon how his season started off.

(25:47) The offense otherwise had a quiet series, but the hosts take this opportunity to assess two of the young pieces who have had prominent roles post trade deadline. Luis Garcia's stock is up, Carter Kieboom's is going in the other direction.

(34:40) Alex Avila announced that he will retire at the end of the season. Avila had an unusual start to his career as his father was the Tigers GM while playing in Detroit (who then traded him away). Avila made one All Star game and received MVP votes in 2011.

(41:33) A look at attendance for the past few months and how the rebuild might affect ticket sales for the 2022 season.

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Game 148: Corbin's Woes Return in Shutout Defeat Sep 19, 2021

The Nats were blanked 6-0 by Colorado for a third straight defeat. Mark & Al begin with a lengthy discussion centering around Patrick Corbin; as the lefty's ERA rose back above 6.00. What are the team's options on how to handle Corbin in 2022? Does the organization as a whole need to alter things behind the scenes as it relates to pitching?

(19:28) The bullpen threw five shutout innings on Saturday between Ryne Harper and Sean Nolin. Will Nolin's ability to eat innings benefit the ailing 'pen in the final few weeks?

(21:52) Juan Soto had a double and his average is now at .315. He is in the midst of a very intriguing batting title chase with ex teammates Trea Turner and Bryce Harper. Al points out how regardless of what happens with batting average, Soto is without question the best hitter.

(26:30) We organically careened into a conversation on Max Scherzer's push for the Cy Young and evaluating the decision to trade him away. Do you think the Nationals should have kept him even if the team was out of contention?

(34:31) A voice memo from a listener about her memories from Anibal Sanchez's masterpiece in St. Louis in 2019.

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Game 147: Gray Struggles & 'Pen Fails + Escobar in 2022? Sep 18, 2021

The Nats lost 9-8 to the Rockies as yet another late lead was snatched away. Mark & Al recap Kyle Finnegan blowing a second straight save and how the bullpen continues to cost the team wins. Is Finnegan and his mates operating on fumes?

(10:30) Josiah Gray had a fifth consecutive outing that was in the subpar category. He struck out five, but walked four, and allowed another HR. Why has his command looked so off in his past few starts?

(17:55) The offense continued their September surge and clubbed fourteen hits, which led to to eight runs. Hear another example of how Juan Soto is reminding people of Barry Bonds' hitting prowess.

(21:57) Alcides Escobar had two more hits on Friday; including a game tying hit in the bottom of the 8th. This leads to a conversation on what the Nationals options are with the veteran SS and whether or not he will be back in Washington in 2022.

(32:57) A listener submitted email wondering if there are parallels between the current version of the Nats and the perpetually underachieving Angels.

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Game 146: Finnegan & the 'Pen Blow it Despite 15 Nats Hits Sep 16, 2021

The Nats lost 8-6 to Miami as Kyle Finnegan allowed four runs in the 9th. Al starts off the show by relaying just how poorly the bullpen collectively pitched on Wednesday. They gave up eight runs in just four frames between five different relievers. What's your trust level in Finnegan as he has three blown saves this season?

(13:03) Josh Rogers was the polar opposite of the bullpen as he had his third consecutive solid start. The southpaw threw five scoreless frames, allowed only one hit, and struck out six. What does Rogers future look like given his effectiveness so far?

(17:45) The offense clubbed fifteen walks and drew five walks, but did struggle with RISP. Al runs through those who had standout afternoons, including Alcides Escobar and Josh Bell.

(26:20) Lane Thomas impressed yet again as he reached base three times and had two RBIs. One of his RBIs came on a bases loaded walk, which was notable as Miami issued FIVE of them in the final two games of the series.

(31:56) The owner of Walter's Sports Bar (the best sports bar in DC) joins us for a special edition of memories from October 2019. Hear how Jeremy Gifford balanced rooting for his favorite team and also running a packed sports bar during this once in a lifetime stretch.

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Game 145: Zim Long HR Sets Victorious Tone Sep 15, 2021

The Nats beat the Marlins 8-2 on an evening where the offense had fourteen hits. Al & Mark praise Ryan Zimmerman's tape measure opposite field HR (442 feet) that went into the 2nd deck. This picks up on our previous conversation about the potential for him to return for next season. Hear what Zimmerman said when asked about his future after the game.

(13:46) Juan Soto reached base four more times on Tuesday and has lifted his average to .313. Mark explains how all the walks he's drawn is helping him in pursuit of Trea Turner for the NL batting crown..

(17:56) Al wonders if it's time to call the race between Victor Robles and Lane Thomas for Opening Day leadoff hitter/ CFer. Thomas had another good game as he had two more hits, meanwhile Robles is hitting .292 for AAA Rochester.

(31:10) Erick Fedde struck out eight and allowed only one run in five frames. Fedde pitched well all three times he faced Miami this season.

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Game 144: Alcantara Dominates + Scherzer HOF Cap Q Sep 14, 2021

The Nats were shutout 3-0 by Miami and their right hander Sandy Alcantara. Mark & Al discuss Alcantara's no hit bid which lasted until the 7th and his perfect game attempt which lasted until a 6th inning error. Surprisingly enough, the Nationals have never been no hit in their history.

One positive from Monday was that Keibert Ruiz was back in the linuep, just two days after being hit in the helmet.

(14:45) Ryan Zimmerman had a 9th inning pinch hit which spurs a conversation about Zim's future. Do we know if he will be back in 2022? How crucial a role will the potential for the NL adopting the DH play in the situation?

(19:18) Paolo Espino pitched very well in defeat as he only allowed one run in six frames. He arguably has been the team's most reliable starter in the past few months. How different would this season be for him if he didnt pitch well in April?

(34:01) Responding to a listener submitted email wondering if there is a chance Max Scherzer won't wear the Curly W on his eventual Hall of Fame plaque. Would a World Series title in LA change the future?

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Game 143: Corbin Solid in Win + Soto Future Contract Q Sep 13, 2021

The Nats beat the Pirates 6-2 to avoid being swept. Al & Mark react to Patrick Corbin's second straight positive outing. How encouraged should fans be? How important has the veteran Alex Avila been for Corbin as Avila has caught both of the solid starts by the lefty?

(17:20) Kyle Finnegan recorded a five out save and now is 9 of 11 in save opportunities on the season. The bullpen only had to pitch two innings due to Corbin lasting seven frames for the second time this week. How confident are we in Finnegan for the future?

(20:55) Juan Soto reached base four times for the second straight game. He is firmly vying for the NL batting crown (trails Trea Turner by just five points). Is he making an outside MVP push?

**Plus, during this segment we cover the breaking news of Max Scherzer reaching the 3,000 strikeout club, only the 19th pitcher in MLB history.

(30:38) Luis Garcia homered Sunday to continue his September surge at the plate. Who has less pressure on them this month? Garcia or Carter Kieboom?

(36:51) A listener submitted question launched a conversation on potential directions for the Juan Soto contractual talks that are looming at some point in the future. How much money will it take to lock him up?

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Game 142: Grays Walks Six & Ruiz Exits Loss Early Sep 12, 2021

The Nationals lost 10-7 in Pittsburgh as Josiah Gray had his third straight poor outing. Al digs into Gray's issues of both walking too many Pirates hitters and also continuing his trend of allowing homers.

(9:58) Keibert Ruiz had an active Saturday night. Most importantly, X rays were negative after he was hit by a pitch in the helmet in the 6th; which resulted in him leaving the game early. Ruiz had a difficult bottom of the third; between a throwing error and blocking a runner from touching the plate. His highlight of the evening came in the top of the 4th as he hit a bases clearing double for a brief lead.

(16:42) Juan Soto didn't walk, but he did have four hits. Al points out just how sneaky impressive the Nats offense has been as of late, becoming one of the best in the NL. Ryan Zimmerman went deep in the 8th with a pinch hit HR, his 13th of the season.

(23:18) Luis Garcia and Carter Kieboom each had tough evenings in the field. Garcia's error in the 6th was indicative of how Saturday evening was not going Washington's way at all.

(28:57) The bullpen had a bad game as they allowed five runs and also added to the pile of walks. We wrap up the show by previewing Patrick Corbin's upcoming start Sunday.

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Game 141: Lead Slips Away in the 9th + Davey Martinez Suspended Sep 11, 2021

The Nats coughed up their lead in Pittsburgh to fall 4-3 in a walk-off loss. Mark & Al dive into the bottom of the 9th where Patrick Murphy was unable to hold onto the edge. Should they have walked Colin Moran to load the bases with 1 out?

(11:08) Josh Rogers threw a second consecutive solid outing for Washington as he lasted until the 7th inning.

(15:24) Josh Bell was given a warm reception from Pirates fans in his first return to Pittsburgh since being dealt. Bell slugged his 26th HR of the season to lead the team.

(23:40) Riley Adams had a RBI triple as he got the start behind the dish. Should we be surprised he got the start over Keibert Ruiz?

(27:28) A few hours before the game began; Sean Nolin (5 games) and Davey Martinez (1 game) were suspended for throwing at Freddie Freeman on Wednesday night. Why wasn't Will Smith suspended as he began the whole brouhaha?

(37:02) A preview of Josiah Gray's important start on Saturday as he looks to avoid a third straight poor outing. He will be facing Wil Crowe, who oddly enough was part of the trade package the Nats sent to Pittsburgh in return for Josh Bell.

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Game 140: Garcia Shines in Topsy Turvy Extra Inning Loss Sep 10, 2021

The Nats lost to the Braves 7-6 in a seesaw affair that last ten innings. Mark & Al note how in their final game against one of the NL East contenders for the season; the Nationals continued to be a tough team to put away.

(4:10) Luis Garcia has had a hot September and Thursday night was probably his best game yet. Garcia crushed a go ahead HR to dead-center and made multiple highlight reel plays in the field. Is he turning a corner?

(11:50) Juan Soto had two hits and was intentionally walked twice. His stats continue to be eye popping as his on base percentage is now above .450. Atlanta gave a free pass to Soto in the 9th, despite him representing the winning run.

(18:29) Erick Fedde lasted six innings, but did allow three solo homers. Listen for the unusual criticism that Davey Martinez had for Fedde in terms of pitch selection. Is Fedde in danger of being non tendered this offseason?

(29:15) Keibert Ruiz was 0 for 5 and so far only has three hits since being called up last week. Was Davey Martinez also criticizing him when he called out Fedde for not following the gameplan?

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Game 139: Bullpen & Soto Get the Last Laugh After Nolin's Ejection Sep 09, 2021

The Nationals doubled up the Braves 4-2 in a game that saw a contentious opening inning. Mark & Al recap Sean Nolin being ejected after just eight pitches for throwing at Freddie Freeman. They explain what led to the retaliation and how it was explained afterwards by the Nats. Was it right to throw at Freeman after what happened to Soto on Tuesday night?

(17:14) The bullpen stepped up big time by recording 26 outs from six different pitchers. How creative will Washington need to be the next few days after so many guys had to throw on Wednesday evening?

(20:30) Juan Soto crushed the go ahead solo HR in the 7th and memorably blew a kiss in the direction of the Atlanta bullpen and Will Smith (who plunked Soto on Tuesday). Soto & Josh Bell each went deep and finally caught up to Kyle Schwarber (!) for the team lead in HRs (25).

(35:09) The Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony curiously took place on Wednesday afternoon in Cooperstown, NY. The hosts critically examine the decision to hold the event in the middle of the week with little to no fanfare; despite the high profile induction of Derek Jeter. Why does Baseball continually not market itself as well as other sports?

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Game 138: Soto Reaches Base Five Times In Losing Effort Sep 08, 2021

The Nats lost 8-5 in Atlanta to open a three game series. Al & Tim look at yet another subpar starting pitching effort, this one by Paolo Espino. Paolo allowed five runs in five innings; lowlighted by a 3 run HR he gave up in the 1st inning to Adam Duvall.

(11:45) The Nationals tied in it the top of the 7th, but the bullpen quickly allowed the Braves to get back ahead. Ryne Harper was the culprit as he issued a leadoff walk prior to serving up the decisive 2 run HR to Ozzie Albies. Albert Baldanado though did impress and continued to keep his ERA at 0.00.

(17:10) Yadiel Hernandez had a big night at the plate (and also in the field). Hernandez slugged an opposite field 3 run HR to briefly tie the game. Will Yadiel fit into the 2022 plans? We also evaluate Carter Kieboom, who was inexcusably picked off to end a rally.

(36:01) Listener submitted emails that are Juan Soto themed. Hear some astounding stats regarding Soto and walks drawn. Just how high is his offensive ceiling later on in his career?

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Game 137: Kieboom Walk-off Hit After More Stevenson Heroics Sep 07, 2021

The Nats walked off the Mets 4-3 with a Carter Kieboom single on Labor Day afternoon. Al & Mark analyze the exciting series finale that capped a five game stretch in the past four days. For the third time over the holiday weekend, Andrew Stevenson came off the bench for a major hit in the final inning; this one a game tying RBI scoring.

(12:12) Alcides Escobar had a game big on Monday as he notched a 1st inning triple and also narrowly scored the game tying run n the 9th. Josh Bell also made strong contributions too; hear what Davey Martinez said about the first baseman's performance this season.

(17:14) Patrick Corbin threw a solid outing as he stretched to seven innings and only issued one walk (did give up eleven hits to be fair). Did having a veteran catcher behind the plate (Alex Avila) play any stabilizing role for Corbin?

(25:07) Luis Garcia hit a an 8th inning triple and had five extra base hits in the series. Does it look like the 2B job is his to lose next Spring?

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Game 136: Gray & Voth Each Allow Six Runs in Defeat Sep 06, 2021

The Nationals lost to the Mets 13-6 in a game that was competitive until the top of the 9th. Mark & Al recap Josiah Gray's second straight clunker of a start, which immediately began with him surrendering four runs. What is the appropriate level of concern to have on Gray right now?

(15:20) Riley Adams got the start behind the plate as opposed to Keibert Ruiz. Mark explains why that was the case and what to maybe expect for Monday.

(18:48) The bullpen on Sunday was all over the map as a few were outstanding and some were the opposite. Austin Voth had a nightmarish top of the 9th as he faced six batters and all came across to score.

(26:08) Lane Thomas might have had his best game yet as he hit a leadoff HR, flashed leather, and threw a runner out at 3rd. What to make of this stretch that Thomas has been having?

(32:32) Josh Bell slugged his 24th HR of the season, which matches Juan Soto's total. Bell's OPS finally surpassed .800 for the season.

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Games 134/135: Josh Rogers' Solid Start Caps an Eventful Split Doubleheader Sep 05, 2021

The Nats and Mets split their doubleheader Saturday in D.C. Game 1 saw New York blow a 9-0 lead, but they ultimately prevailed 11-9 in extras (9 innings). The Nationals took Game 2 by a score of 4-3 to end a seven game losing streak.

Al & Mark recap the action packed day in Navy Yard by tipping their caps to Andrew Stevenson, who homered in Game 1 to force extra innings. Alcides Escobar and Luis Garcia also had noteworthy days at the ballpark.

(17:22) Carter Kieboom had a big day at the plate, but did get ejected from Game 2 on what should have been an obvious transgression.

(23:30) The two starting pitchers for Washington had polar opposite outings. Erick Fedde really struggled (was not helped by poor defense behind him) and Josh Rogers took complete advantage of the opportunity he found himself in. Will we see more of Rogers this month?

(36:21) Kyle Finnegan's Saturday encapsulated the day's events. Takes the loss in Game 1, earns the save in Game 2.

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Game 133: Rally in the 9th Not Enough + Bryce Harper Contract Q Sep 04, 2021

The Nats lost 6-2 in ten innings to the Mets after Washington scored two runs in the ninth to force extras. Mark & Al dissect the final frames, highlighted by Andrew Stevenson's collision at home to score the tying run.

(8:23) Riley Adams had a huge night at the plate while getting his first start at catcher since Keibert Ruiz was called up. Adams got on base four times Friday evening, including three hits. How will starts at catcher be parceled out for this series?

(18:58) Juan Soto homered to give the Nationals their first run of the night in the bottom of the 9th. He did however misplay a fly ball, which led to a bloop RBI triple.

(30:10) Sean Nolin was solid as he only allowed two runs in five innings, despite a high pitch count. Nolin has faced the Mets three times since August.

(38:31) Listener submitted question revisiting the Bryce Harper Free Agency debate from a few years back. Harper hit the Nationals hard this season and is making a MVP push in his third season while with Philadelphia. How does this affect Soto's situation?

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Game 132: Yet Another Bullpen Collapse Against the Phillies Sep 03, 2021

The Nats lost 7-6 to Philadelphia despite leading 6-0 entering the sixth inning. Mark & Al recap yet another rough day for the Nationals bullpen, which made a habit this summer of blowing leads against the Phils. Luis Garcia played a large role in losing the lead as he made two poor plays in a row in the top of the 8th, which led to three runs.

(17:58) Paolo Espino pitched very well, but ends up with a no-decision. He threw five scoreless frames before allowing two runners on base in the pivotal sixth. What has led to his recent resurgence on the mound? Could it be good karma for appearing on Nats Chat?

(22:56) Juan Soto had a big game on Thursday as he reached base four times, including a 3 run HR. Mark explains his recent approach at the plate.

(30:48) Keibert Ruiz started every game this series and went 2 for 14, including an 0 for 5 effort on Thursday. How much Riley Adams will we see during the five game series vs. the Mets?

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Game 131: Paolo Espino Interview + Robles Demoted to AAA Sep 01, 2021

The Nats lost 12-6 to the Phillies as Patrick Corbin's nightmare season continued. Al & Mark begin with the surprising pregame news that Victor Robles is being sent down to AAA Rochester. Should we have seen this demotion coming? Will he wear a Nationals uniform again?

(15:23) Corbin had another rough outing and allowed a pair of HRs in the process. His evening started off smooth, but everything changed starting in the fourth. At what point can we have a serious conversation on whether or not he should be moved to the bullpen?

(24:01) Brad Hand was DFA'd by Toronto just one month after the Blue Jays sent the Nationals Riley Adams in exchange for the southpaw reliever. A trade that Mike Rizzo irrefutably has already won.

(26:41) **If you've listened to this podcast at all this season, you know how much we enjoy Paolo Espino. "The Secret Weapon" joins Nats Chat to discuss his unusual journey in professional baseball. 2021 has been difficult for the Nats, but there is a lot inspiration to draw from Paolo's story. He was drafted in 2006 and waited fifteen years to earn his first career win in the Major Leagues.

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Game 130: Ruiz Debut Fizzles as Gray Has His First Bad Start Aug 31, 2021

The Nats lost 7-4 to the Phillies to open up the eight game homestand. Mark & Al discuss Keibert Ruiz's Washington debut, which did not meet the pregame buzz. The Nationals quickly fell behind 3-0 and Ruiz came up empty with the bases loaded in the bottom of the first. Ruiz did hit a bloop single in the eighth to end his evening 1 for 4 at the plate. Where does Riley Adams fit in now that Ruiz will start most everyday behind the dish?

(14:20) Josiah Gray allowed six runs in four innings and immediately gave up a towering HR to Bryce Harper. Why was he working so deliberately on Monday night?

(20:46) Alcides Escobar was injured on a foul ball off his knee in the 1st inning. How will the Nats fill in the infield if Escobar ends up missing time? After the game, it was announced that he is day to day as X Rays were negative.

(28:57) Victor Robles yet again was not in the starting lineup as Lane Thomas was in CF. Are we approaching the end of Victor's time with the Nats?

(39:44) Patrick Corbin takes the mound on Tuesday night. What to expect from the lefty?

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Game 129: Keibert Ruiz Getting Called Up + Fedde Loses in NY Aug 30, 2021

The Nats lost 9-4 to the Mets, but the big news of the day came during pregame as Keibert Ruiz will make his Washington debut behind the plate on Monday night. Al & Tim react to the mildly surprising news that Ruiz will get called up before the calendar flips to September. Was this decision made for baseball reasons, box office reasons, or both?

(16:20) Victor Robles yet again was not in the starting lineup,, are they giving up on him? Luis Garcia has struggled at the plate, can you count on him to be in the 2022 Opening Day lineup?

(24:51) Erick Fedde had a mediocre start that ended on a sour note. Do we know how to properly handicap Fedde and where should he be slotted in a typical rotation?

(37:12) Josh Bell homered twice on Sunday and leads the team with 23 on the season. Where does he fit into future plans for the organization?

(43:05) Listener submitted email asking should we move to an eight man lineup; which would eliminate pitchers hitting/ DHs? Very intriguing question.

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Game 128: Conforto Late HR the Difference + Cavalli Brief AAA Debut Aug 29, 2021

The Nats lost 5-3 to the Mets as the bullpen relinquished the lead in the 7th. Al & Mark recap the solid start by Sean Nolin, who lasted until the sixth inning before the hosts dive into the pen. What to make of Nolin after he pitched well and lasted more than five frames?

(14:32) Lane Thomas got the nod in CF over Victor Robles and had a pair of doubles while hitting leadoff. Do we have ourselves a "developing situation" long term in CF?

(19:55) Alcides Escobar reminded New Yorkers of another recent SS as he dazzled both with his glove and bat on Saturday night. Does he fit into the Nationals 2022 plans at all?

(30:51) Cade Cavalli only lasted three innings in his AAA debut with Rochester. He had a hot start, but all five runs he allowed came in the third inning. Mark explains why this was an important outing for him in the long run.

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Game 127: Paolo & 'Pen Extend the Mets Misery Aug 28, 2021

The Nats won 2-1 in New York to open a three game series. Mark & Al have plenty of praise to heap on the five pitchers who took the mound for Washington and they begin with closer Kyle Finnegan.

(10:27) Paolo Espino struck out seven, singled, scored a run, and earned the win while pitching five innings. Why does he seem to have so much success against the Mets? Should he have come back out to pitch the sixth?

(19:43) The Nationals struggled at the plate as they struck out seventeen times. Why was 41 year old Rich Hill so effective against them?

(30:00) The Nats confirmed reports that all full-time employees are required to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The Astros also announced a similar measure.

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Game 126: Corbin Takes a Big Step Backwards & Late Rally Falls Short Aug 27, 2021

The Nats lost 7-5 in Miami as Patrick Corbin only lasted three innings. Mark & Al dissect the latest with the southpaw, who took a major step back after pitching so well in Milwaukee last weekend. What are the Nats options on what to do with Corbin? Could they send him down to AAA for a few outings?

(16:12) Patrick Murphy struck out a pair in his Nationals debut. Hear what Mark thought of his "stuff".

(20:01) Juan Soto drew his 100th walk of the season and crushed a 2 run HR. Listen to how impressive his stats have been since the 2019 season.

(24:43) After not being in the lineup for four games, Victor Robles hit leadoff and played CF. Do we have an update on how Martinez will handle Robles/Thomas the rest of the way?

(35:35) Washington has been unable all month to throw out base stealers. Why so much trouble at stopping the opponents running game?

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Game 125: Gray vs. Cabrera Meets the Hype, but Miami Prevails in Extras Aug 26, 2021

The Nats lost 4-3 in Miami in ten innings despite briefly holding the lead in the 7th. Mark & Al recap the stud pitching match-up between Josiah Gray & Edward Cabrera, both of which are top 100 prospects per MLB Pipeline. Gray was solid yet again for Washington, as he has been so far in all five starts since the trade.

(10:33) Keibert Ruiz has hit four homers in his past two games for AAA Rochester. Will the promotion of Cade Cavalli to Rochester delay Ruiz getting called up to Washington?

(20:11) Carter Kieboom had a rough end of the game on Wednesday evening as he made a poor defensive play in the 9th and was surprisingly thrown out at home in the 10th. Is it too early to discuss whether or not the Nationals should try him at a new position?

(28:53) Lane Thomas was hitting leadoff and playing CF for the fourth consecutive game. What exactly is happening in CF, as it relates to Victor Robles?

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Game 124: Fedde's Career Night + Cavalli Promoted to AAA Aug 25, 2021

The Nats beat the Marlins 5-1 as Erick Fedde struck out a career high ten batters. Al & Mark evaluate Fedde's big evening and find out how Sam Clay of all people played a big role in the successful start. Should we be excited about the outing or affix an asterisk to it because it was against last place Miami?

(10:31) The bullpen saw a flurry of roster moves including Patrick Murphy & Clay being called up and Gabe Klobosits being sent down to AAA Rochester. Hear what there is too look for from Murphy, who was picked up off waivers from Toronto earlier this season.

(17:05) Tres Barrera had three hits including a homer while getting the start behind the plate. The hosts marvel at how much the catching situation has changed in the organization in the past month. Plus, Lane Thomas had another impressive showing with both his bat and glove.

(32:01) Preview of Wednesday's intriguing pitching matchup between two stud prospects both ranked in the top 100 per MLB Pipeline (Josiah Gray vs. Edward Cabrera).

(33:46) Cade Cavalli was promoted to AAA Rochester. What does this mean in terms of his timetable for pitching for Washington? Listen why it might not be so simple for him to be on the 2022 Opening Day roster.

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Game 123: Too Many Walks + Storytime on D.C. Earthquake Anniversary Aug 23, 2021

The Nats lost 7-3 in Milwaukee in another game that had a glacial pace of play. Mark & Al continue to praise Lane Thomas as he had another impressive game while patrolling CF and hitting leadoff. Carter Kieboom also had a solid Sunday, including on the defensive end.

(19:30) Sean Nolin and the bullpen tied a franchise record by issuing 11 walks as the pitching was very difficult to watch this weekend. Austin Voth returned to pitch a scoreless frame, where does he fit into the new bullpen hierarchy?

(29:50) Monday is the ten year anniversary of when D.C. experienced an earthquake as the Nats played Arizona later that night at home. Mark recalls how hectic and unforgettable that time was for him and his family.

**Audio Courtesy of ABC News

(39:27) We close with another listener submitted voice memo recalling October 2019.

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Game 122: Yelich Slams the Win Streak Shut in Four Hour Affair Aug 22, 2021

The Nationals lost 9-6 in Milwaukee to halt the three game win streak. Al laments how the game took four hours and eighteen minutes. What can be done to avoid interminable games like this one?

(5:20) Lane Thomas was given a prominent role in the lineup card as the leadoff hitter in CF. He backed up the assignment by impressing with his bat, speed, and arm. A few other young guys made contributions as well on Saturday.

(14:57) The bullpen had two disastrous innings in the 5th & the 8th. Al explains what went wrong on a very shallow sacrifice fly that made the Nats defense look amateurish. Javy Guerra then authored an inning to forget as the Brewers broke the game open.

(24:45) Juan Soto reached base four times as he leads the Majors with a .449 On Base Percentage and is now ahead of Joey Gallo by five walks for the most in MLB.

(30:02) Listener submitted email and we close with another voice memo recalling October 2019. Send in yours to natschatpodcast@gmail.com

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Game 121: Corbin's Gem Leads to 3rd Straight Win Aug 21, 2021

The Nats won 4-1 in Milwaukee for their third consecutive victory. Al & Mark finally have an opportunity to praise Patrick Corbin, who was fantastic against the first place Brewers. How did the Nationals possibly "fix his glitch"?

(10:24) The bullpen had a good evening from three different relievers. Is it OK to start feeling good about this young 'pen?

(16:28) Many young guys stepped up Friday night including Riley Adams and Lane Thomas, who combined for 3 RBIs. It was Adams' fourth straight start behind the plate and Mark explains how the current catching situation is shaping up.

(21:09) Josh Bell was crucial in both ends of the 9th inning, but not how you would naturally assume. He drew a RBI walk for a much needed insurance run and then made a great play defensively after Kyle Finnegan had a poor throw towards first base.

(30:32) MLB Pipeline has updated their prospect rankings and the Nationals have four players in the top 100. Washington fans should be encouraged at the lofty ranking already for Brady House.

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Game 120: Gray Looks Good & the Nats Hand Revenge to Their Ex Closer Aug 19, 2021

The Nats topped the Blue Jays 8-5 to complete the two game sweep. Al & Mark assess Josiah Gray's solid outing that lasted six innings. The only blemish on Gray's resume so far has been giving up solo HRs, of which he allowed two more on Wednesday. Gray did more than just pitch well as he had his first career hit and also made a nice play on a bunt attempt that led to a double play.

(9:29) The bullpen for the most part had a good game except for Ryne Harper who very quickly gave up the lead, costing Josiah Gray any chance of first career victory. Was this his one chance to pitch in a high leverage spot? Kyle Finnegan stepped up as he escaped an 8th inning jam and recorded a four out save.

(17:50) Brad Hand had an outing that Nationals fans are familiar with as he gave away the lead immediately upon entering the game in the 7th. Carter Kieboom slugged one of the HRs off of Hand and the hosts discuss where his situation currently stands as he has been playing every day.

(25:07) Juan Soto had a Barry Bonds type stat line Wednesday as we explain in the podcast. Should he continue to take so many pitches or should he start swinging more?

(36:13) What is the timetable on the Nats rebuild? Are they aiming to be competitive come next season or do they have a more long term vision?

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Game 119: Adams & Co. Double Up the Jays Aug 18, 2021

The Nationals snapped their seven game losing streak with a 12-6 victory over Toronto. Mark & Al look Riley Adams who dominated his former organization with three hits, including a HR. As Adams has shown promise at the plate, it provides an opportunity to handicap what the catcher situation is between Adams, Barrera, and Keibert Ruiz.

(8:57) Yadiel Hernandez homered to open the scoring. Where might he fit in for the Nats in 2022?

(17:17) Luis Garcia made an excellent play in the field, but also committed an 8th inning error at a crucial time. Do we know if the organization has decided on whether they want him to be a 2B or shortstop?

(22:56) Erick Fedde earned the win, but was not particularly sharp. What has led to his recent regression?

(37:39) There was an update on Joe Ross' elbow Tuesday. Surgery isn't called for now, but the hosts explain why the possibility still remains down the road.

(42:20) Josiah Gray is scheduled to start Wednesday vs. the Blue Jays and their powerful lineup. Plus, Al updates the latest Baseball America prospect rankings.

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Game 118: Ross' Elbow to the IL & Skid Hits 7 Aug 16, 2021

The Nats lost 6-5 to Atlanta for a seventh straight defeat, but the main story Sunday stemmed from pregame. Mark & Al react to the news that Joe Ross is back on the IL due to a partial UCL tear in his elbow, which could possibly lead to another Tommy John Surgery. What might this mean for the team's rotation and also the future of Ross' career?

(16:54) The Nationals were more competitive than Saturday's rout, but still came up just short. There were some bright spots, including Carter Kieboom at the plate, Lane Thomas reaching base three times in his Washington debut, and the bullpen only allowing one Atlanta run.

(34:40) Unfortunately, Paolo Espino isn't fooling any hitters anymore. Mark explains why hitters seem to be more comfortable when facing him now as opposed to earlier in the season. Should he have been lifted for a pinch hitter in the bottom of the 4th?

(41:01) Listener submitted email asking about where to put Kieboom and Luis Garcia in the lineup. Plus, we close with another 2019 World Series memory. Send yours into natschatpodcast@gmail.com

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Game 117: Corbin's ERA Now Above 6.00 After Rout Aug 15, 2021

The Nationals were pulverized 12-2 by Atlanta as Patrick Corbin's ERA is now a Major League worst 6.04 among qualifying starters. Al & Mark look at the flurry of losing in the past month and a half and wonder if 100 losses this season is now in play as they are now tied for last place in the division.

(7:48) Patrick Corbin had another poor outing and is on his way to having the worst season any Nationals starter has ever had. What is the solution since his contract has three years remaining? What can be done to turn things around for him on the mound?

(23:05) The offense only mustered two runs as Juan Soto struck out three times. Is he growing more frustrated as the team's losses pile up? For a check-in on the young guys, Carter Kieboom, Luis Garcia, and Tres Barrera combined for 0-12 from the plate.

(32:42) An intriguing listener submitted question regarding how the next CBA might affect Soto's Free Agency. A Winter of uncertainty awaits the sport.

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Game 116: Gray Dazzles Early But Gives up a Trio of Solo HRs Aug 14, 2021

The Nats lost 4-2 to the Braves in a game that started three hours later than originally scheduled. Mark & Tim breakdown Josiah Gray's outing that was fantastic early on, but was sullied by a flurry of solo HRs that put Atlanta on top. Should he have been sent back out for the 7th inning?

(11:10) The offense squandered many opportunities Friday night as they came up empty three times when they had two men on/ no outs. Josh Bell also was easily thrown out at home on a questionable send by Bob Henley in the 4th. Ryan Zimmerman had a chance for walk-off HR in the 9th, but alas, it did not come to be.

(18:53) Reactions to the "Field of Dreams" game played Thursday night between the White Sox & Yankees. Will we see more of these novelty games? What sort of ways can the Nationals be incorporated into these sort of events?

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Games 114/115: Swept in New York Aug 13, 2021

The Nats lost both games of their doubleheader to the Mets. Al opens with putting into perspective just how much the Nationals have struggled in the past month and a half. They entered July 2 games over .500 and now are 15 games below that threshold.

(6:00) He then dives into the state of the bullpen, which has no anchor to it. Kyle Finnegan gave up the game sealing HR to Pete Alonso and Tanner Rainey also struggled in his brief return to the majors. Plus, an up and down outing for Erick Fedde, which resulted in a no decision for him.

(15:29) The offense totaled five runs in 14 innings, highlighted by a three run rally in the top of the 7th in Game 2. Al discusses Juan Soto drawing five more walks on Thursday, Carter Kieboom's sneaky high OPS, and Josh Bell's late inning struggles at the plate.

(23:40) Josiah Gray takes the mound Friday night against the Braves in D.C. and the Nationals have a chance to catch their breath next week as they have two days off.

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Game 113: Soto 3 Hits In Loss & Cavalli Throws a Shutout Aug 12, 2021

The Nationals lost 8-7 to the Mets in a game that began on Tuesday night and ended Wednesday afternoon. Mark & Al respond to the only game played as the evening portion of the quasi doubleheader was rained out and instead we will have a true doubleheader on Thursday.

(5:48) Juan Soto returned to the starting lineup from his knee issue and had three hits, including a first inning HR. The hosts point out just how solid of a season he is actually having at the plate, which might catch many Nats fans by surprise.

(13:04) Joe Ross had a rough outing as he technically came out of the bullpen, but in reality started the Wednesday portion of the game when play resumed. Ross spun the wheel and the deal he made wasn't a very good one as he couldn't hold onto an inherited three run lead.

(19:30) The bullpen, specifically Gabe Klobosits and Mason Thompson, also couldn't keep the late lead, as they faltered in the final innings. What are Davey Martinez's 7th & 8th inning options?

(24:01) Carter Kieboom and Luis Garcis each had a hit, but also made an error in the field. Why does Kieboom have such trouble transferring the ball from his glove to throwing hand?

(35:39) Cade Cavalli threw seven shutout innings and struck out six for Harrisburg. Mark explains though what Cavalli needs to work on before he works his way up to the majors.

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Rain Delay Edition: Jim Callis Interview on Nationals Prospects Aug 11, 2021

The Nats game was suspended by rain in the 2nd inning in New York as they lead 3-1 over the Mets. Given the rainout, we decided to bring you a special edition featuring an interview with the incomparable Jim Callis of MLB.com and MLB Pipeline.

Jim knows more than anyone when it comes to prospects, so no better person to hear from about Keibert Ruiz, Josiah Gray, Cade Cavalli, Brady House, and more. We even have a Kumar Rocker mention by Jim.

The Nationals game will resume at 4:10PM on Wednesday, with a separate 7 inning game to follow.

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Game 112: Zimmerman Gives His Take on Corbin's Continuing Struggles Aug 09, 2021

The Nats lost 5-4 in Atlanta as Patrick Corbin gave up two more homers in defeat. Mark & Al react to another disappointing outing for Corbin as he flirts with an ERA of six this season. The hosts then respond to Ryan Zimmerman's postgame comments as to why he thinks the lefty hasn't been the same pitcher since October of 2019.

(15:38) Juan Soto was again limited to pinch hitting, which led to Josh Bell patrolling RF on Sunday. Will Bell continue to periodically play in the outfield since Zimmerman can only play at 1B?

(22:20) Zim took advantage of his now rare start with multiple hits, including keeping the game alive in the 9th. Do his lack of defensive options make a viable roster option in 2022?

(29:54) Alcides Escobar had multiple hits again and has been one of the recent leaders of this offense. Could he be the starting SS in Washington next season?

(33:52) We tip our caps to "Klobo", a new fan favorite in the bullpen. Gabe Klobosits tossed two scoreless innings to give the Nats a late chance to rally.

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Game 111: Josiah Gray Throws 10 Strikeouts & Riley Adams HR Stuns Atlanta Aug 08, 2021

The Nats rallied in Atlanta for a 3-2 victory to end their five game losing streak. Al & Mark react to the ninth inning where new acquisition Riley Adams hit a go ahead 2 run homer off of Braves closer Will Smith.

(7:27) Josiah Gray was terrific on the mound as he had 10 Ks in 5 IP. How excited should Nationals fans be after an outing like this? Should Gray have stayed in the game to pitch the 6th?

(19:12) Juan Soto did not start for a second straight game, but did pinch hit in the 6th. When should we expect him to return to the lineup? Plus, Mark explains why Victor Robles was the odd man out in the outfield starting lineup.

(29:31) Trea Turner addressed reporters Saturday in Los Angeles and fielded questions about how his Nationals tenure ended. What to make of his rather frank comments regarding the failed extension talks?

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Game 110: Soto Sits Due to Knee & Update from AAA Aug 07, 2021

The Nats lost their fifth straight as the Braves beat them 8-4 in Atlanta. Mark & Al discuss the decision to rest Juan Soto as he tweaked his knee on Thursday. How cautious will Washington be before he returns?

(8:35) Carter Kieboom had another RBI and has nine hits already in August. How encouraged should Nationals fan be?

(19:29) Erick Fedde could not maintain a 5th inning lead and his evening was cut short after allowing five runs. Which is the real Fedde? The pitcher from earlier this season or the one that we've seen this past month?

(34:25) Stemming from a listener submitted email, a conversation about whether or not Cade Cavalli will skip AAA and be called up to the majors in 2021.

(37:37) The Voice of the AAA Rochester Red Wings Josh Whetzel checks in with the latest from the farm, especially Keibert Ruiz, the top catching prospect acquired from the Dodgers last week.

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Game 109: Kieboom Hot with the Bat & Cold with the Glove Aug 06, 2021

The Nationals blew yet another late lead to fall 7-6 to the Phillies, resulting in a four game sweep. Al opens the with Kyle Finnegan's blown save, which puts the team at a season low eleven games under .500. He then quickly transitions into Carter Kieboom who had a very up and down game. Kieboom had multiple hits to keep his average above .300, but had a crucial error in the 9th which led to all four Philadelphia runs counting as unearned.

(10:04) It was a wacky game and the Nats made multiple outs on the bases. This leads into a round-up of the offense, including Yadiel Hernandez, Juan Soto's busy day, and the still hot Josh Bell.

(20:51) Joe Ross spun the wheel and made a decent deal on the mound; as he exited the game with a two run lead. It was his third start since returning from the IL.

(27:24) Listener emails & voice memos, plus some Cade Cavalli talk.

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Game 108: Robles, Garcia, & Kieboom All Go Deep in Loss Aug 05, 2021

The Nationals lost 9-5 to the Phillies despite hitting four homers. Al & Mark focus on the young starters who cleared the fences, especially Luis Garcia who had a pair of dingers. What is his offensive ceiling?

(11:11) Juan Soto has cooled off recently and has reverted to hitting a lot of ground balls. Did the fire sale affected his day to day approach at the plate?

(18:55) Paolo Espino had his worst outing of the season as he allowed six runs in five innings and could not hang onto an early 3-0 lead. What was missing from Paolo in this start?

(27:45) Anthony Rendon of the Angels is out for the season due to a hip issue. We recommend you check out our conversation on the risks associated with signing players in their 30's in our Game 107 episode.

(32:04) MLB released the 2022 schedule on Wednesday afternoon with no advanced notice. Why doesn't the sport try to make this a bigger rollout? Mark offers a potential new approach to scheduling Opening Day for Washington.

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Game 107: Corbin Folds Late + Turner Failed Extension Talks Aug 04, 2021

The Nats lost 5-4 to the Phillies and Zack Wheeler. Mark & Al analyze Patrick Corbin's start which was very good until he allowed a pair of 7th inning HRs. He has now given up 25 home runs this season in just 21 starts.

(9:34) Wander Suero was sent down to AAA as Javy Guerra took his roster spot. Additionally, Ryne Harper pitched a solid 9th inning as many fans have been howling for him to be given high leverage opportunities.

(21:20) Riley Adams was called up less than a week after being acquired from Toronto in the Brad Hand trade. Keibert Ruiz then homered in his Rochester debut. What does the future look like behind the plate for the Nats?

(25:12) Jon Heyman of MLB Network reported that the Nats previously offered Trea Turner 6 years/100M in 2020. This lead to a long conversation about the changing landscape in the sport regarding Free Agency, especially for players in their late 20s/early 30's. Important listen for those still upset about Turner being dealt away.

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Game 106: Gray Solid in Debut But Bullpen Implodes in the 9th Aug 03, 2021

The Nats lost 7-5 (or was it 6-5?) to the Phillies after allowing five runs in the top of the 9th. Al & Mark evaluate Josiah "JoJo" Gray's first start as a National as he only allowed one run in five innings.

(9:56) Mason Thompson also made his franchise debut, a relief pitcher acquired from San Diego as part of the Daniel Hudson deal, had a crucial strikeout to strand the bases loaded in the 6th.

(12:33) The bullpen conversation turns negative as Washington coughed up the lead. Why was Wander Suero the choice to relieve Gabe Klobosits in the 9th?

(19:48) The Mets lost again and it serves as a reminder that the Nationals would be right in contention if not for the recent blown saves. Will the division winner finish over .500?

(31:11) A preview of Patrick Corbin's start Tuesday night turns into an impromptu conversation of who might be the Opening Day starter next Spring. Could it be Paolo? #PaoloFor2022OpeningDay.

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Game 105: Yadiel Walks It Off Despite Ortega's Trio of HRs Aug 02, 2021

The Nats walked off the Cubs 6-5 to win the series. Mark & Al react to the unexpected HR Derby that took place between Yadiel Hernandez and Chicago's Rafael Ortega. Hernandez went deep twice, including the game winner in the bottom of the 9th, while occupying the cleanup spot.

(10:18) A dissection of various decisions stemming from Sunday's lineup card. Will Keibert Ruiz replace Rene Rivera on the roster later this month behind the plate? Will Luis Garcia split time at 2B/SS? Where does Alcides Escobar fit into all of this?

(15:12) Juan Soto was walked often over the weekend and has increased his ample lead in that category in the NL. Should we expect more walks in his near future this season?

(23:39) The hosts have differing opinions on Erick Fedde's outing as he handed the bullpen a one run lead after six innings. How much should we read into Davey letting him finish the frame?

(33:45) Nats fans are in for an August treat as Josiah Gray will make his Washington debut vs. the Phillies at home on Monday. What should we expect from the newly acquired Gray as he has two recent big league appearances under his belt?

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Game 104: Good Riddance to July as it Ends with Another Loss Aug 01, 2021

The Nats lost 6-3 to the Cubs to end what was likely the worst month in franchise history. Mark & Al put a bow on July 2021 and spin it forward. They analyze Victor Robles returning to the leadoff spot, which he briefly held back in April.

(11:28) Luis Garcia started at shortstop Saturday night as Alcides Escobar had the night off. Could he be the long-term answer there or will he likely be at 2B? Where does recent draft pick Brady House fit into the equation? Carter Kieboom made another error at 3B and he struggled again. How long will his leash be at the hot corner for the final two months?

(20:30) Juan Soto enters a new chapter of his career as he is now "The Face of the Franchise". How will he handle that role, especially in an under .500 season? Plus, Joe Ross earned his "Spin the Wheel/ Make the Deal" status as he regressed this outing.

(28:52) Update on Josiah Gray and when to expect him in Washington.

(34:35) Listener submitted email, including one from Europe and a question about Max Scherzer's 2022 Free Agent options.

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Game 103: Fire Sale Concludes Prior to Garcia Homering in the Win Jul 31, 2021

The Nats edged the Cubs 4-3 after a dizzying two day stretch that saw eight players traded away. Al & Mark digest what the deadline moves mean for the organization moving forward and analyze the remarkable Jon Lester trade. They also point out just how different the farm system is now regarded after acquiring a dozen prospects.

(13:46) Reaction to Friday night's starting lineup that looks a lot different after all the moves. Should Victor Robles return to the leadoff spot as opposed to Andrew Stevenson?

(20:05) Ryan Zimmerman was retained unlike most veterans ahead of the trade deadline. Was there a possibility the Nationals would have dealt him away? Same question applies to Josh Bell.

(26:08) Paolo Espino earned his third win of the season as he pitched into the sixth inning. This comes as he only had three hours notice that he would be taking the mound.

(32:04) Listener submitted emails reacting to the flurry of trades.

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Games 101/102: **Scherzer & Turner** Traded After Split in Philly Jul 30, 2021

The Nationals split their doubleheader in Philadelphia, but the main news postgame was the blockbuster trade that sent Max Scherzer & Trea Turner to the Dodgers. Mark & Al analyze the mega move by Washington and assess what they think of the move. Why was Turner dealt instead of locking him up to a long-term contract? Did they get enough in return from LA?

(12:15) Kiebert Ruiz (catcher) and Josiah Gray (pitcher) are the top rated prospects in the Dodgers system. When will they be contributing at the big league level?

(25:24) The Nats won Game 1 of the doubleheader 3-1 in Scherzer's final start for the franchise. As fitting as the victory was, Al wonders why the team put Max on the mound while he was on the trade block. Mark explains what might have led to the initial report on Thursday afternoon that the Padres were Scherzer's likely landing spot, not LA.

(35:38) Washington coughed up a 7-0 lead in Game 2 of the doubleheader, missing a major opportunity to sneakily have an outside chance in the division. The bullpen had its worst game yet, as they collapsed in their first day without Brad Hand. Mark puts in perspective how this loss was a microcosm of the entire season.

(43:36) Tim updates the trades that were made after taping of Kyle Schwarber to Boston & Daniel Hudson to the Padres.

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Game 100: Strasburg Surgery News & the Skid Ends at Five Jul 28, 2021

The Nationals beat the Phillies 6-4, but Tuesday was filled with bad news for the organization. Al & Mark react to the announcement that Stephen Strasburg will have season ending surgery. For those not familiar with the procedure, they explain what TOS typically means for pitchers and the long-term ramifications.

(15:15) Trea Turner was pulled from the game in the 1st inning due to a positive COVID-19 test. We hope that he is feeling ok, but also wonder what does this mean for his potential value on the trade market?

(22:22) Victor Robles exited mid at-bat due to lower back tightness. Just how many roster contingency plans does Mike Rizzo need to balance this week?

(26:10) We finally recap the victory, which saw a pair of 3 run HRs early in the game. Brad Hand this time converted the save and Mark explains why he was given the ball in the bottom of the 9th. Plus, an evaluation of Carter Kieboom's rough defensive performance.

(33:10) A review of Erick Fedde's start, which soured in the 5th. Will we see Fedde return to the form he had prior to his oblique injury?

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Game 99: Hand Collapses Again for a 5th Straight Defeat Jul 27, 2021

The Nationals coughed up a late lead and fell 6-5 in Philadelphia on a walk-off 3 run HR by Andrew McCutchen off of closer Brad Hand. Mark & Al put in perspective what this means for Hand's value on the trade market in addition to the "kick in the teeth" type loss they were dealt.

(4:01) Twitter was filled with reports that the Nats are listening to trade offers for Trea Turner, who is a Free Agent after 2022. Should Washington consider dealing away their All Star Shortstop?

(15:37) Max Scherzer is open to accepting a trade per the Washington Post in order to try and win another World Series. This leads to Al posing a contrarian idea Nats fans might enjoy.

(24:25) Joe Ross had a solid return to the mound after a few weeks on the IL. What is his ceiling?

(33:42) Listener submitted emails. Email yours into natschatpodcast@gmail.com

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Game 98: Swept by the O's as Hand Blows the Save Jul 26, 2021

The Nationals were swept in Baltimore as they lost 5-4 on Sunday afternoon. Mark & Al recap the gut punching defeat and try to understand how they could have lost four games in a row to last place teams. What should we expect this week from the front office as Friday's Trade Deadline looms?

(15:15) Washington entered the bottom of the ninth with a one run lead, but Brad Hand immediately put the leadoff hitter on base. Should Hand and Daniel Hudson flip roles?

(20:20) Paolo Espino was in line for the victory until the 9th, but did allow three solo shots. On the other side, many of the Nats big names didn't produce much at the plate this weekend. Plus, a look at the evolving situation at catcher. How important is the absence of Yan Gomes?

(26:30) For some good news, Joe Ross is expected to come off the IL and pitch Monday in Philadelphia. When will Max Scherzer return to the mound?

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Game 97: Dark Night at Camden Yards Jul 25, 2021

The Nationals lost 5-3 in Baltimore for a third consecutive defeat. Al & Mark start with the troubled state of team as they are limping into the trade deadline. Should they sell and if so, who should they sell off?

(12:37) Max Scherzer was scratched from his scheduled start due to triceps discomfort. Did any of this have to do with the impending trade deadline?

(22:05) Matt Harvey pitched like the New York form of himself, not the current one. Which version of the Nats offense will we see for the remainder of the season?

(27:07) Carter Kieboom is back with Washington after Jordy Mercer was placed on the IL. Kieboom did not start, but had two late at bats, including a run scored after being hit by a pitch. Will he be starting or coming off the bench while in the big leagues?

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Game 96: Sleepy Night at the Plate in Baltimore Jul 24, 2021

The Nationals lost their series opener at Camden Yards 6-1 to the Orioles. It was a busy night for Mark as he made his debut hosting the pre & postgame shows on MASN and he tells Al all about it. They then dissect why Josh Bell got the nod in the field and Ryan Zimmerman was the DH, as opposed to Zim starting at 1B. Bell provided the only offense of the night with a tape measure shot, his third homer of the week.

(16:26) Andrew Stevenson got another start in CF on Friday night. Has Robles been benched? Is this a platoon? Is it a bit more complicated than that?

(21:38) Patrick Corbin had another bad outing despite pitching well in the opening innings. Is his spot in the rotation in jeopardy?

(27:47) Stephen Strasburg again felt discomfort in his neck and will likely see another specialist. Al puts into perspective just how disastrous this contract might end up being for Washington.

(35:28) An update on Cade Cavalli straight from the Voice of the "Harrisburg Senators Terry Byrom". A link to Terry's radio broadcast is located on the team's website.

(38:44) Friday was the one year anniversary of the Nationals most unusual Opening Day vs. the Yankees. Mark relays what that bizarre evening felt like as everything that could have gone wrong, seemingly did go wrong.

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Game 95: Missed Opportunity for a Sweep Jul 22, 2021

The Nationals lost 3-1 in extras to the Marlins, ending their brief win streak at three games. Al & Mark dive into the offensive struggles from Wednesday night, as some familiar themes from earlier this season returned. This includes multiple double plays and stranding runners in scoring position.

(12:33) Andrew Stevenson started two games this series in CF instead of Victor Robles. Is this a sign of lineup cards to come?

(19:15) Erick Fedde bounced back with a solid outing, his first good start since returning from the IL. How much stock should we put into it considering it was against Miami?

(23:43) Brad Hand gave up the decisive two runs in the top of 10th, while in his second inning of work. Should Davey Martinez have brought in a fresh arm for extra innings?

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Game 94: Nats Rally on Marlins Bullpen for 3rd Straight Win Jul 21, 2021

The Nats beat the Marlins 6-3 after briefly blowing the lead in the 6th. Al & Mark discuss the victory which saw a balanced offensive attack. Josh Bell went deep for the second straight day, Tres Barrera had another solid performance at the plate, and Juan Soto continues to be locked in.

(14:24) Paolo Espino returned to his "Secret Weapon" form as he tossed five scoreless innings. Why was Paolo able to bounce back after a few recent rough outings?

(22:05) GM Mike Rizzo addressed reporters for the first time in a few months and there was a lot to digest. The hosts react to his comments on Starlin Castro and the upcoming trade deadline. Is he planning on being a buyer or seller at the end of the month?

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Game 93: Soto & Lester Lead the Barrage of Homers Jul 20, 2021

The Nationals pulverized the Marlins 18-1 just a few days after losing by 16 runs. Mark & Al have a different tune to sing as Washington returns to NL East competition. The team slugged six homers, the majority of which came off of former Nat Ross Detwiler.

(6:35) Juan Soto continued his hot stretch as he went deep twice and now has five homers since the Derby. When Soto is hitting opposite field, good things seem to happen.

(16:31) Josh Bell hit a mammoth homer that landed deep into the left field seats. Mark explains how different the lineup can be when Bell is productive, as he is hitting .315 in July.

(25:20) Jon Lester threw seven shutout innings and hit a homer for good measure. This after our podcast wondered if he would ever pitch again for the Nationals and severely criticized his usage as a pinch hitter against the Dodgers. Why such different results for the veteran?

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Game 92: Escobar Walk-off Snaps the Skid Jul 19, 2021

The Nationals topped San Diego 8-7 to end their six game losing streak. Al & Mark discuss Alcides Escobar's contributions so far this month, as he was the hero in the late innings for the victory.

(7:52) Juan Soto had a go ahead HR in the bottom of the 8th, his third of the series. Mark takes another bow for his July 4th prediction that if Soto entered the Derby, it would lead to a Post All Star Break power surge.

(18:30) Max Scherzer had a good outing, but couldn't hold onto an early 4-0 lead as he allowed a pair of homers. Why hasn't Max looked like his usual self since returning from the IL?

(23:10) The "Varsity" Bullpen was back in action, but neither Daniel Hudson nor Brad Hand pitched well. How much of this was a result of rust?

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Game 91: Suspended Game Ends with 6th Straight Loss Jul 19, 2021

The Nationals lost 10-4 to the Padres in Game 2 of their series. This was the game that began on Saturday night, was suspended by gunshots outside the stadium, and concluded on Sunday afternoon. Mark tells Al what the atmosphere felt like Sunday at the ballpark following Saturday evening's events, including Davey Martinez's emotional pregame comments.

(9:55) Patrick Corbin had another rough outing in his subpar season. Why do his struggles continue?

(13:55) Stephen Strasburg recently suffered a setback in his bid to return as he felt discomfort in his neck during a simulated start. Will Strasburg pitch again this season?

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Breaking News Edition: Shooting Outside Nationals Park Halts Play Jul 18, 2021

Saturday evening there were gunshots outside Nationals Park which led to play being suspended in the middle of the 6th inning. Mark was in the press box covering the game and relays to Al what he experienced while sitting in the parking garage outside the stadium.

**Taping occurred at roughly 11pm Eastern on Saturday July 17th.

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Game 90: Slammed by San Diego + Top 5 Moments from 1st Half Jul 17, 2021

The Nationals were pummeled by the Padres 24-8 on what was an awful Friday in Navy Yard top to bottom. Mark & Al start with analysis and explanation of why Starlin Castro was placed on administrative leave by MLB due to a domestic violence allegation.

(18:30) What will the Nats do at third base moving forward? Jordy Mercer started Friday night and Davey Martinez mentioned a trio of players who might man the hot corner. Did this position become an even higher priority ahead of the trade deadline?

(23:25) Washington got another poor outing from their starting pitcher as Erick Fedde only recorded four outs. The hosts give their opinion on whether or not Fedde should have gotten the hook in the 2nd inning. Plus, Al seeks an explanation as to why Max Scherzer isn't pitching until the series finale on Sunday.

(41:10) We individually rank our top five moments from the 1st Half of the Season. Did your favorite moment make the cut? Must listen segment for any diehard Nats fan.

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Game 89: Swept in San Francisco Jul 12, 2021

The Nats lost 3-1 at the Giants in their final game before the All Star Break. Al & Tim start by wondering, "Are the Nationals good?" They were over .500 until this last injury riddled stretch against the powers that be from the NL West.

(7:56) Ryan Zimmerman did not start any of the games on the California road trip. Will he have an expanded role in the 2nd Half of the season? Plus, What to do with the struggling Victor Robles as he enters the break hitting .209?

(17:38) Erick Fedde allowed an early 3 run HR and struggled at times in the loss. What to make of Fedde after the past few outings? Is he good or is he a fifth starter?

(26:35) Washington will prominently be on display in Denver this week between Juan Soto in the HR Derby and Max Scherzer potentially starting on Tuesday. Cade Cavalli gave the franchise a good start to the festivities with his inning pitched in the Future's Game. Will he get called up to the big leagues this year?

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Game 88: Parra Error Leads to Another Bad Lester Start Jul 11, 2021

The Nats lost 10-4 to the Giants for their third consecutive defeat. Al & Tim first off salute Joe Ross' father, Dr. Willie Ross, for assisting a choking woman at Oracle Park during the game by performing the heimlich maneuver. As for Baseball matters, Yan Gomes was placed on the IL due to an oblique strain, as the "Injury Rat" continues to rip it's way through the Washington clubhouse.

(8:53) Jon Lester got shelled in another start as he didn't make it out of the 3rd inning. Is this his final time donning a Nationals uniform? Can the team continue to use him in the rotation?

(20:01) For the 2nd time this summer, the Nationals offense was flummoxed by Giants starter Anthony DeSclafani. However, Alcides Escobar had 2 hits Saturday and is hitting .314 in the past week. What will his role be in the 2nd Half of the season?

(23:36) Max Scherzer was named to the All Star Game, giving the Nats four All Stars. Will he get the nod to start on Tuesday?

(31:02) A listener email asking whether the Nationals will be buyers or sellers at the upcoming trade deadline.

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Game 87: Parra Tagged Out Twice at the Plate in Frustrating Loss Jul 10, 2021

The Nats lost 5-3 in the series opener in San Francisco. Mark relays to Al his experience of listening to the game on the radio while driving up north for the All Star Break. As for the game, Gerardo Parra had a RBI double, but the rest of his evening did not go well. He was tagged out twice at home and hit into a double play with the bases loaded. Who's to blame? Baby Shark or Bobby Henley, the third base coach?

(14:10) Yan Gomes exited the game early due to a pinch in his oblique. Tres Barrera stepped up in his absence, as he tripled for his first career extra base hit. Will the Nationals need to call up a catcher for the final two games of the series to fill in as the backup catcher?

(19:31) Paolo Espino had a short outing and picked up the "no decision" as he exited when the game was tied. It was his second time facing the Giants and they hit him harder this time around.

(24:30) The bullpen yet again was taxed and multiple relievers had to be used. Will Jon Lester be able to step up on Saturday and eat up some innings?

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Game 86: Nats Blow Eight Run Lead in Gut Punch Defeat Jul 09, 2021

The Nats lost 9-8 in San Diego despite leading 8-0 early in the game. Al & Mark open the podcast with the stunning collapse by Max Scherzer in the 4th inning and the curious decision to pitch Sam Clay the bottom of the 9th. Why did Scherzer look so good to start and then immediately fall apart in the 4th?

(18:45) What makes the loss sting even more is that the offense came out on fire for another game in this series. Trea Turner went deep twice and is already close to a career high for homers in a single season.

(26:36) Victor Robles caught two more web-gems on Thursday night to continually rob Jake Cronenworth. His offense has maybe taken a step back, but he remains Gold Glove caliber.

(29:03) Joe Ross was placed on the 10 day due to elbow inflammation. What does that mean for the rotation this weekend in San Francisco?

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Game 85: Soto HR Sets the Tone in Rout Jul 08, 2021

The Nats pounded the Padres 15-5 after Juan Soto hit a 3 run HR in the 1st inning. Mark & Al salute the offense, which had many contributors on Wednesday night.

(7:08) Juan Soto will be participating in the Home Run Derby next week, as quasi predicted by Mark a few episodes ago. However, he will have to face Shohei Ohtani in Round One at Coors Field.

(12:31) Josh Harrison had another big game this series as he notched a trio of hits. Plus, will Josh Bell play some outfield while Kyle Schwarber is out with injury?

(21:05) Patrick Corbin earned the win and a had a quality start. It was however a bit of an adventure to get through the six innings. Will he turn things around after the All Star Break?

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Game 84: Fedde Returns But Takes the Loss Jul 07, 2021

The Nats lost 7-4 in San Diego as Erick Fedde returned from the IL. Al & Mark assess the current state of the rotation with Fedde's return. Who will be the odd man out between Jon Lester & Paolo Espino?

(8:47) Analysis of Fedde's start after missing nearly two weeks due to an oblique injury. Should he have had a rehab start before taking the mound for Washington?

(14:15) The Nationals flashed plenty of leather Tuesday night, especially Trea Turner & Victor Robles. Defensively on the other side, Fernando Tatis Jr. had an awe inducing throw to the plate to nail Starlin Castro. Should Bobby Henley have sent him?

(22:02) Juan Soto hit his 10th homer of the season and all but one of have come on the road. Any reason for that or is it just a quirk?

(26:13) We close with a listener email asking if Victor Robles's offensive development was stunted by not spending more time in the minors.

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Game 83: Turner Homers in Return & Bullpen Gets the Job Done Jul 06, 2021

The Nats won 7-5 in San Diego to snap their four game losing streak. Mark & Al stayed up late to catch you up on what happened out West. Trea Turner had an immediate impact as he homered on the first pitch he saw after missing the entire Dodgers series due to a jammed finger.

(6:30) Josh Bell had monster evening at the plate as he had three hits, including a late go-ahead homer. Mark points out how strong Bell's offensive numbers have been since mid May.

(9:32) Alcides Escobar, filling in at second base, was a major contributor as he had three hits and 2 RBIs. What do the hosts think of him in the leadoff spot?

(16:26) The bullpen did a masterful job as they pitched almost six innings of shutout baseball against a powerful lineup. Jon Lester however did not perform as well, as he exited in the bottom of the 4th. Is Lester's spot in the rotation on the line if he continues to have subpar starts?

(26:03) Washington has not yet announced who will start on Tuesday as Patrick Corbin and Max Scherzer each had their next starts pushed back a day. Who will take the mound for Game 2 of this series?

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Game 82: Injury Riddled Roster Swept by the Dodgers + All Stars Announced Jul 05, 2021

The Nats lost on July 4th to the Dodgers 5-1 for a fourth straight defeat to end the homestand. Mark & Al digest all the obstacles that the Nationals had to fight through while facing the defending World Series Champs. Should Trea Turner have been placed on the IL to create a roster spot off the bench?

(14:23) Juan Soto showed more frustration after a late at bat on Sunday as he hit .250 in the series. Mark has an offbeat idea to maybe turn around Soto's 2nd half of the season.

(22:32) Joe Ross had an electric start on Sunday in the opening innings, but was given no help from his offense. Ross has 40 strikeouts to just 4 walks issued in recent outings, showing how impressive he has been as of late.

(31:44) Washington had three players named to the All Star team, but the biggest surprise was who wasn't placed on the roster. Will Max Scherzer end up being named one at some point in the next week?

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Game 81: Electric Night Turns into a Whimper After Loss & Cancellation of Fireworks Jul 04, 2021

The Nats lost 5-3 to the Dodgers for their third straight defeat despite a sellout crowd. Al & Mark begin with the growing list of injury updates. Kyle Schwarber has officially been sent to the IL and so has Alex Avila after playing the infield on Thursday. How much can their depth be continually tested, especially as Trea Turner remains out of the lineup?

(9:38) Al was near apoplectic after seeing Jon Lester pinch hit for a second straight game. Why three games into the series does Washington still have a short bench?

(15:49) A recap of the offense, including Yan Gomes' HR, Juan Soto hitting into another double play, and a rough evening for Victor Robles.

(22:39) Paolo Espino's outing ended once the rain arrived, but it was not his best. What led to a rather uncharacteristic amount of walks for Espino? Who "won" the duel between "The Secret Weapon" and Clayton Kershaw?

(26:30) Nationals fans were dealt a slew of bad hands on Saturday night. Many local viewers missed portions of the game on TV and the fans in attendance did not get their customary holiday fireworks. What are the explanations?

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Game 80: Schwarber Injured & Bullpen Collapses in the 7th Jul 03, 2021

The Nats lost 10-5 at home to the Dodgers on an evening filled with negatives. Al & Mark run through them all, headlined by Kyle Schwarber leaving the game in the 2nd inning with an apparent hamstring injury. Schwarber's reaction leads one to believe it might be serious.

(7:51) Max Scherzer pitched well and handed the bullpen a 3-1 lead after six innings. Should he have tried to pitch the 7th considering the current state of the 'pen?

(16:33) The bullpen coughed up the lead and allowed NINE RUNS in the top of the 7th. This leads to Al wondering if Brad Hand should have come in to replace Sam Clay as opposed to Austin Voth.

(23:57) The Nationals called up Humberto Arteaga from AAA to play SS as Trea Turner remains out of the lineup due to his injured finger. Mark explains how and why Arteaga was the choice and why he maybe wasn't called up on Thursday.

(36:49) We read a listener submitted email about if the Nationals will have their own versions of "Bobby Bonilla Day" with the big money deferred contracts owed to Max Scherzer & Stephen Strasburg.

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Game 79: Muncy Grand Slam The Difference in Rain Shortened Affair Jul 02, 2021

The Nats lost to the Dodgers 6-2 in a five inning game that was called early due to inclement weather in D.C. Al & Mark look at the positives associated with the back half of the game not being played, considering all the circumstances in play. Given the incoming weather situation, should Brad Hand have pitched the top of the fifth?

(5:44) Due to an incredible rash of injuries, Alex Avila had to start at second base. Mark explains all the dominoes that fell in order for the backup catcher to play the infield on Thursday night.

(17:57) The Dodgers used an opener to combat Kyle Schwarber with a lefty in the first inning. What do the hosts think about the unconventional move? This lead to a conversation on Patrick Corbin, who's subpar 2021 season added a new chapter. The fifth inning was a disaster as a 2-1 Washington lead quickly turned into a four run deficit.

(27:20) An update on Daniel Hudson and Kyle Finnegan on when they might return to the active roster. The guys close the show with a look at the All Star landscape as Juan Soto was not voted in as a starter.

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Game 78: Turner Hits for the Cycle + Chad Cordero Interview Jul 01, 2021

The Nats pounded Tampa Bay 15-6 to complete a two game sweep and their fourth straight win. Mark & Al chronicle Trea Turner hitting for the cycle on his 28th birthday and doing so for the third time in the past five years. However, there is a downside as he jammed his finger while sliding into third base to complete the cycle. Will it affect his availability Thursday vs. LA?

(15:32) The Nationals have beaten up on some of the top teams in Baseball as of late. Their upcoming schedule prior to the All Star Break is a NL West gauntlet. How will they stack up against more elite competition?

(20:01) Jon Lester did not have a particularly good outing, but given the help from the lineup, was able to earn the victory. Is his spot in the rotation in jeopardy if Stephen Strasburg & Erick Fedde return at some point in July? The highlight of the bullpen's afternoon was Andres Machado, who struck out three in two scoreless frames.

(31:47) A special interview with Chad Cordero, who set a franchise record of 47 saves in the Nats memorable first season of 2005. Chad recorded the final out for the first win in team history and also closed out Washington's tenure at RFK Stadium. He most notably had the honor of throwing out the ceremonial first pitch before Game 3 of the 2019 World Series, with his former battery mate Brian Schneider appropriately serving as his catcher.

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Game 77: Schwarber Does it Again & the Nats are Above .500 Jun 30, 2021

The Nats edged Tampa Bay 4-3 for a third consecutive win. Al & Mark somehow find a new way to analyze Kyle Schwarber's recent run as he now has homered 16 TIMES IN THE LAST 18 GAMES. Has he entered the NL MVP Race? Listen for what Al explains by "Air Matters" as it relates to the D.C. summer.

(14:31) Juan Soto & Victor Robles each had significant homers on Tuesday night. It was Soto's first homer at Nationals Park this year and Robles went yard for the first time all season. Why was Robles given a key after the game?

(22:01) Joe Ross had a solid outing for the third time in four starts and his June ERA is sub two. The hosts tip their caps to Ross for the month he has had, which includes pitching into the later innings.

(26:22) Tanner Rainey becomes the latest bullpen pitcher to go on the 10 day IL. What is Davey Martinez going to do for these next few weeks as there are zero off days until the All Star Break? How much can he ride Brad Hand?

(37:17) Listener submitted email asking about Kyle Schwarber's defensive metrics for this season.

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Game 76: Schwarber Crushes Two More As Espino Does His Part Jun 29, 2021

The Nats doubled up the Mets 8-4 as they slugged five homers and Paolo Espino earned his second career win. Al & Mark start with Kyle Schwarber continuing his historic power surge as he now has gone deep FIFTEEN TIMES IN THE LAST 17 GAMES. He now shares company with Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa, and Frank Howard based upon the recent stats he's amassed.

(15:02) Gerardo Parra picked up where he left off last week vs. the Mets as he homered and doubled. What makes his plays so infectious when he is on South Capitol Street? The team is 6-2 since he has been called up.

(20:06) Ryan Zimmerman hit a crucial 3 run HR to end New York's hopes of a late comeback one day after we wondered on the show when Zim's power would return.

(26:02) Paolo "The Secret Weapon" Espino threw five shutout innings as he did nothing but throw strikes. Can we get Paolo to Denver for next month's All Star Game? (We are serious, his ERA is 2.02)

(34:25) Brad Hand came through in the clutch to record a five out save. Is he also worthy of All Star consideration based upon his past month?

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Game 75: Turner & Bell Homer to Salvage the Split in Miami Jun 27, 2021

The Nationals beat the Marlins 5-1 as Max Scherzer won his seventh game of the season. Mark & Al recap the lineup's performance as Trea Turner & Josh Bell turned the tied in the 6th inning, and the hosts point of how dependent Washington is on the long ball. Josh Harrison stepped up while hitting fifth, as he had a RBI single in the first inning.

(11:03) Juan Soto had multiple extra base hits this weekend in Miami, but it's been almost three weeks since his last home run. Is it due to the shoulder or is he simply just not having his usual type of year? The hosts also shown a spotlight on the dip in Ryan Zimmerman's numbers the past few weeks.

(17:02) Mark nailed it on Friday with his prediction that Davey Martinez might pencil in Victor Robles back in the nine spot. This spurs a conversation about Robles' offensive struggles this year and if his spot in the lineup is at all in jeopardy this season.

(25:28) Max Scherzer didn't have his best stuff, but still good enough to only allow one run. Plus, what's the latest across MLB with the sticky substance checks, that caused such controversy earlier in the week?

(34:34) Erick Fedde's run of bad luck continues as he surprisingly lands on the IL due to a oblique strain. Will the "Secret Weapon" take his place in the rotation?

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Game 74: Bats Can't Do Enough Against Marlins Rookie Jun 27, 2021

The Nats lost 3-2 in Miami for a second straight defeat. Al recaps the offensive struggles versus Marlins rookie Zach Thompson, who was only making his fourth career Major League start. Starlin Castro however has been swinging much better ever since returning from the Restricted List.

(14:21) Patrick Corbin tagged with the loss in his uneven start. He had rough first inning, but then settled down to retired ten in a row. What to make of Corbin on Saturday?

(20:22) A preview of Max Scherzer taking the mound Sunday, in hopes of splitting the series. He faces a stiff test in Miami starter Sandy Alcantara. Plus, Al catches you up on the busy day across the NL East, including a crushing injury for Atlanta.

(26:25) A voice memo submitted from a listener about Cade Cavalli and his chances of being part of the 2021 rotation.

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Game 73: Lester Clunker Snaps the Win Streak Jun 26, 2021

The Nationals were drubbed 11-2 in Miami; ending a string of five straight victories. Mark & Al discuss Jon Lester's worst outing since joining Washington. What was different Friday night from his previous solid start? Why didn't Davey Martinez go to Jefry Rodriguez earlier in order to eat more innings?

(12:01) Mark gives an update on Josh Bell's MRI and what his status is for this weekend.

(16:05) Kyle Schwarber hit another HR, he now has 13 HOMERS IN THE LAST 14 GAMES. The guys run through all the eye popping stats from this run he has been on and put it in historical context.

(23:55) Trea Turner has hit into a surprisingly high amount of double plays this season. Why so many for the speedster? The conversation leads towards the looming next contract for Trea.

(30:40) Scott Boras, Max Scherzer's agent, had intriguing comments about what it would take to land Scherzer in a trade. What does this mean for the Nats, especially now that they might be buyers at the trade deadline?

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Game 72: Schwarber & Ross Propel the Nats to .500 Jun 25, 2021

The Nationals beat the Marlins 7-3 for a fifth straight victory. Al & Mark marvel at how Kyle Schwarber hit two more bombs, a historic run of 12 HOMERS IN 13 GAMES! Is the best stretch a Nat has ever had at the plate?

(9:53) Juan Soto had a pair of RBI doubles, showing some rarely seen power of late. How's the 1-2-3 punch looking at the top of the lineup right now?

(16:35) Joe Ross bounced back and threw seven shutout innings. Why are Ross outings all over the map. Plus, Mark points out a looming issue with Ross' usage you might be aware of for this season.

(26:28) A preview of Jon Lester's start on Friday night vs. Pablo Lopez, coming off his best outing of the season. Plus, a look at the current state of the Marlins franchise and their cavernous stadium.

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Game 71: Late Offensive Explosion Leads to 9th Inning Rally Jun 24, 2021

The Nats emerged victorious in a seesaw affair 13-12 over the Phillies. Mark & Al aren't quite sure where to start so the conversation begins with the decisive 9th inning. What would have happened if Jordy Mercer had to exit the game? Was it the right move to have Alex Avila sacrifice bunt? No Starlin Castro jokes today as he was the hero with the 2 run single in the 9th.

(8:01) Josh Bell hit a grand slam which put Washington ahead and his skipper said afterward, "That made him a National". Kyle Schwarber yet again went deep, but Juan Soto's scuffles continued.

(21:20) Erick Fedde's scoreless inning streak came to screeching halt at 21 frames as he allowed five runs in only four innings. Cause for concern or just a speed bump for Fedde?

(24:36) The bullpen struggled mightily as they temporarily blew the lead in the 8th. HOWEVER, Paolo "The Secret Weapon" Espino recorded his first career save. Will he keep getting more high leverage situations?

(36:57) Today is the 10th anniversary of Jim Riggleman's abrupt resignation as Nationals manager. Come learn the history of "St. Caddies Day".

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Game 70: Scherzer Undresses Girardi & The Phils Jun 23, 2021

The Nats beat the Phillies 3-2 on a tension filled evening in Philadelphia. Max Scherzer made his dissatisfaction quite clear with the new protocol of checking pitchers for sticky substances. His aggravation escalated as Phillies Manager Joe Girardi requested a third check, which led to fireworks between the two. Oh by the way, Washington is now tied for second place in the NL East, as they have won eight of the past nine games.

(18:40) Brad Hand made his fourth appearance in the past five days. It worked out well, but it sure was an adventurous four out save. Plus, Tanner Rainey assumed eighth inning duties as Kyle Finnegan was placed on the IL.

(24:30) The offense had a strong start to the night as they knocked out Zack Wheeler prior to the fourth inning. That is where the compliments end.

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Game 69: Baby Shark Return Highlighted by Schwarber's 3 Bombs Jun 21, 2021

The Nats defeated the Mets 5-2 to take the series and close out the home stand with an 8-3 record. Mark & Al capture the avalanche of good vibes on South Capitol Street Sunday. Kyle Schwarber went deep three times, to punctuate an all-time stretch, as he homered NINE TIMES in the last ten games.

(12:03) For the 1st time since October of 2019, Gerardo Parra returned to Nationals Park. Not only did "Baby Shark" resume, but he had a pinch hit double in the bottom of the 7th that led to crucial insurance runs. Mark explains why he was called up from AAA instead of Yadiel Hernandez.

(19:46) Patrick Corbin had a second straight impressive outing, while only issuing one walk. His ERA in June is 3.65 as his season continues to improves. The hosts take the chance to salute the pitching staff in general for incredible work these past three series, at times completely dominating their foes.

(29:11) A preview of the two game series that opens in Philadelphia on Tuesday as the Nats are believe it or not are just a game back of 2nd place in the NL East. Max Scherzer returns from the IL Tuesday, Erick Fedde and his scoreless streak takes the mound Wednesday afternoon.

**COME JOIN TIM TUESDAY NIGHT AT WALTER'S - First 3 Pod listeners to show up will get a Nats Chat T-shirt.

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Game 68: Lester Almost Goes the Distance as Nats Club 3 HRs Jun 20, 2021

The Nationals beat the Mets 6-2 to split Saturday's Doubleheader. Al & Mark focus on Jon Lester's impressive attempt to throw a complete game shutout, that made it all the way until the top of the 7th (final inning). Should Davey Martinez have pulled him prior to the 7th, when the game all of a sudden got interesting?

(15:25) Kyle Schwarber went deep twice; including what has become his near tradition of a 1st inning HR. The winning home stand and his performance in the leadoff role have gone hand in hand. Plus, Trea Turner went yard for the first time in a month, will this lead to a surge for the SS?

(25:44) A preview of Sunday's series finale as Patrick Corbin takes the mound. Can the offense get to New York's Taijuan Walker?

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Game 67: Lindor Gets the Best of Ross All Afternoon Jun 20, 2021

The Nats lost 5-1 in Game 1 of a Doubleheader vs. the Mets. Mark & Al are dumbfounded by the continuing offensive ineptitude, especially against non-elite starting pitching. Why wasn't Ryan Zimmerman in the lineup vs. the lefty David Peterson?

(9:10) Alex Avila picked up where Yan Gomes left off on Friday night behind the dish. Is this the best defensive catching tandem in team history?

(13:05) Joe Ross has a rough outing, coming off his career best last weekend. Francisco Lindor homered off of him twice and knocked in all five runs off of Ross. Where does Ross fall in the rotation during this current Erick Fedde stretch?

(17:57) Max Scherzer had a successful bullpen session on Saturday. When will he take the mound again? Mark has the latest.

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Game 66: Fedde Blanks the Mets & Gomes Walks it Off Jun 19, 2021

The Nats shutout the NL East leading Mets 1-0 to open a crucial four game series. Al & Tim recap the decisive bottom of the 9th, capped by Yan Gomes knocking in Juan Soto. Did New York go to their closer Edwin Diaz too early?

(6:13) Plenty of praise is given to Fedde, who now owns a streak of twenty consecutive scoreless innings. Can we officially consider him a good pitcher? What does this mean for the rotation moving forward?

(16:40) Kyle Finnegan and Brad Hand each were excellent out of the bullpen on Friday night. Has Hand regained the trust of Nationals fans? Plus, The offense has yet another sluggish night at the plate. Does Trea Turner need a day off to regroup?

(30:17) Cade Cavalli made his AA debut in Harrisburg. Is there a scenario that sends him to Washington later this season?

**Five Game win streak means a special throwback treat for Nats fans. Thank you for courtesy:

https://www.reunionofsouls.com/

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Game 65: Paolo's 1st Career Win + Interview on Josh Gibson Jun 17, 2021

The Nationals swept Pittsburgh with a 3-1 victory Wednesday afternoon behind the Legend that is Paolo Espino for a fourth straight win. Al & Mark praise Espino for his five scoreless innings that resulted in his first career Major League win; fifteen years after he was drafted in the tenth round. Do we need to get the Paolo shirts printed ? Plus, another solid performance by the Bullpen, including a five out save by Brad Hand.

(15:49) The Nats had another sluggish day at the plate except for the HRs by Yan Gomes & Josh Bell, but the team has won 5 straight games with Kyle Schwarber as the leadoff hitter.

(20:40) Starlin Castro has been placed on the Restricted List. Mark explains what this means and its effect on the current roster. Why did Luis Garcia get the promotion as opposed to Carter Kieboom, who plays 3B?

(26:18) A preview of a very pivotal four game series vs. the first place Mets. What will the rotation look like for the Saturday Doubleheader?

(30:23) A very special interview with Bob Kendrick, President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. We primarily ask him about Josh Gibson, one of the greatest players ever, who spent a portion of his career playing for the Homestead Grays in Washington. Absolute must listen for any local Baseball fan.

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Game 64: Gomes Grand Slam Leads to Easy Night for Corbin Jun 16, 2021

The Nationals beat up on the Pirates 8-1 for a 3rd straight win. Mark & Al evaluate Patrick Corbin's evening, unquestionably his best start of his season.

(10:32) Yan Gomes effectively ended the game in the opening inning with his Grand Slam to give Washington a 5-0 lead. This was the headliner for a good offensive night as Trea Turner got back over .300, Jordy Mercer had a trio of hits, and Kyle Schwarber continued pacing the team in the leadoff spot.

(25:25) Max Scherzer was placed on the IL Tuesday afternoon. Mark explains what his timetable is looking like for a return to the team. Paolo Espino, the Legend, will take the mound on Wednesday afternoon in Max's place.

(30:10) MLB announced it will be cracking down on pitchers using foreign substances. How will this be enforced? Has Baseball botched this situation?

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Game 63: Schwarber Stays Hot in Narrow Win Jun 15, 2021

The Nats topped Pittsburgh 3-2 to move out of last place. Mark & Al highlight how good the pitching has been in the past ten games before celebrating Kyle Schwarber's recent productive run in the leadoff spot. Should Schwarber hit leadoff vs. a left hander on Tuesday?

(11:02) Juan Soto had a very poor throw home on a sacrifice fly. Is his shoulder still an issue? Plus, Jon Lester still can't earn a win, but had another solid outing. Should we be concerned by his trend of always having a high pitch count? The bullpen has had a great run lately and Tanner Rainey had multiple solid appearances in a row. Can he be elevated back to the "Varsity Bullpen"?

(23:47) Mark has a further update on Max Scherzer. Will he return to the mound at all during this homestand?

(27:15) Cade Cavalli was promoted to AA Harrisburg after just seven starts in Wilmington. Any chance he gets called up to Washington in September?

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Game 62: Ross' Best Ever Start Blanks the Giants Jun 14, 2021

The Nats shutout San Francisco 5-0 to earn a series split. Al & Mark wonder if this is the best pitched series in team history, as they only allowed three runs in four games. Joe Ross tossed eight shutout innings for the best outing of his career, while striking out nine. Is he about to turn a corner at age 28?

(11:48) Kyle Schwarber hit 2 HRs as leadoff hitter, which effectively sealed the Giants fate early in the game. Have the Nationals figured out their leadoff situation? Plus, Josh Harrison had a four hit afternoon, is it time the quasi- slumping Trea Turner is given a much deserved day off, and how did Victor Robles bounce back after Saturday night's gaffe?

(27:57) The Pirates come to town for a three game series. Mark updates the latest on Max Scherzer, who has a chance to start on Wednesday afternoon. This weekend saw no more capacity restrictions at Nationals Park. How was the energy in the crowd?

(34:04) We celebrate an anniversary in franchise history you might not be aware of. From 2005, when Washington manager Frank Robinson was at odds with Angels skipper Mike Scioscia, resulting in both benches emptying. Plus, an update from Low-A Fredricksburg on their ace pitcher, Mitchell Parker.

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Game 61: Robles TOOTBLAN Caps Frustrating Evening Jun 13, 2021

The Nationals dropped the 2nd game of their doubleheader, 2-1 in extras to the Giants. Al & Mark spend plenty of time scratching their heads over Victor Robles decision to tag up from first base in the 8th inning, which led to a backbreaking double play. Will he be benched on Sunday for the crucial mental error?

(13:02) Jefry Rodriguez was called up from AAA and threw four shutout innings in a spot start. Will he continue to get opportunities in Washington this season?

(22:28) Preview of Joe Ross vs. Johnny Cueto on Sunday as the Nats look to split the series. As Al coined, it's the latest installment of "Joe Ross, Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal" as you never know what to expect from the right hander. Plus, Mark explains why Yadiel Hernandez was sent down to Rochester.

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Game 60: Fedde Picks up Where He Left Off in Shutout Win Jun 13, 2021

The Nats opened the doubleheader with 2-0 victory over San Francisco as Erick Fedde finally returned to the mound. Mark & Al evaluate Fedde's outing, which was dominant just like his last start in Arizona. It's fitting that he went up against Kevin Gausman, a fellow former 1st round pick, who was a late bloomer.

(9:38) Kyle Schwarber made Davey Martinez look good by hitting a leadoff HR in the 1st. Do you like this approach in a shortened seven inning game?

(13:38) Josh Harrison hit a RBI double despite his recent scuffles. What's the best path for him to succeed, is it sitting a few more days a week?

(18:15) Daniel Hudson Saturday morning was surprisingly placed on the IL due to elbow inflammation. Hear his explanation of how to balance being a team player vs. not over-extending one's arm.

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Game 59: Scherzer Hurt & Bullpen's Miraculous Effort Goes to Waste Jun 12, 2021

The Nats were shutout 1-0 by San Francisco as the home stand couldn't have started in a worse fashion. Al & Tim discuss the post World Series curse that seems to continually hover over the organization as Max Scherzer was injured in the top of the 1st. Do you feel better that Scherzer's injury isn't arm related?

(11:25) Tips of the cap to the Bullpen for basically throwing a complete game and only allowing one run. Paolo Espino was unfortunately handed the loss despite throwing 50 pitches with no notice and setting a great tone. The 'pen retired 16 consecutive Giants hitters to end the game. What gives?

(16:22) This was likely the low point of the season for the offense as they couldn't give the 'pen any help whatsoever. The hosts would like to see a roster move made to switch it up. Can you guess the requested odd man out?

(28:16) A listener submitted voice memo bringing back a debate that Nationals fans will have forever in regards to the off-season of 2019.

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Game 58: Zim Goes Deep Twice & Castro Comes Through in Extras Jun 10, 2021

The Nats prevailed 9-7 in 11 innings over Tampa Bay. Al & Mark open with yet another heavy usage night for the bullpen as Patrick Corbin only made it through five innings. Did you agree with using Daniel Hudson & Brad Hand as much as they pitched? Props need to be given to Tanner Rainey, as he recorded his first career save.

(15:25) The offense had a very productive evening, including three homers hit between Ryan Zimmerman and Juan Soto. What has led to Zimmerman's success at the plate this season? Plus, Al gives rare praise to Starlin Castro's performance with the bat.

(26:20) An update on Stephen Strasburg as more questions remain than answers. Will he pitch again this season?

(29:11) The Nationals open up an 11 game home stand with full capacity allowed. First up? Four games against the Giants, who sport the best record in all of Baseball.

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Game 57: Late Rally Thwarted + Strasburg Debut Anniversary Jun 09, 2021

The Nationals were topped 3-1 at Tampa Bay for their 3rd straight defeat. Mark & Al pinpoint the moments where the offense underwhelmed again, including the nearly impossible to believe stat where the team is hitting .145 with the bases loaded this season. They give their reactions to the unconventional decision to hit Kyle Schwarber leadoff. Plus, should Josh Bell have been sent home in the 7th on the Harrison hit?

(17:23) Jon Lester did not give up many runs, but didn't even last four innings. Al puts in perspective at how constantly taxed the bullpen is as Max Scherzer is the only pitcher to eat up frames. Is there any good answer to this quandary?

(25:47) We end this episode with happy topics to cleanse your palate. Cade Cavalli made a major leap in Baseball America prospect rankings. What's the next step for the star pitching prospect?

(29:37) Luis Garcia was named AAA East Player of the Week on Monday. Our listeners very much want him to be called up for good. Do Al & Mark see that in the near future?

(32:47) Tuesday marked 11 years since Stephen Strasburg's unforgettable MLB debut where he struck out 14 Pirates. The hosts share their memories from that nationally televised evening at Nationals Park. Does he have a shot at making a Hall of Fame push in the later portion of his career?

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Game 56: Barely Any Good, Lot of Bad, & Even More Ugly Jun 07, 2021

The Nats were doubled up in Philadelphia 12-6 in a game that took over four hours. Al & Mark recap the Bullpen Game that went awry in the middle innings for Washington. The beginning of the afternoon started well until Austin Voth had his nose broken during a rare at bat.

(10:01) A round-up of the interminable 4th inning, that saw the Phillies score seven times without getting an extra-base hit. Will Sam Clay be on the roster come next series? The guys then compare Tanner Rainey to another former Nationals reliever with the initials, "T.R." Should Kyle McGowin be placed in more high-leverage situations?

(21:16) The offense however scored more than normal, but the heart of the lineup had plenty of nits to pick. Kyle Schwarber had zero hits over the series and Starlin Castro's offensive numbers have plummeted.

(33:05) Listener email prompts a conversation about where the current thinking is along the lines of potentially trading away Max Scherzer before the Trade Deadline.

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Game 55: 4th Inning Miscues Spell Doom in Philly Jun 06, 2021

The Nats lost 5-2 at the Phillies on Saturday afternoon. Mark & Al yet again must run through the futile offensive numbers as the Nationals couldn't break it open against the vulnerable Philadelphia bullpen. They react to what seems to be an increasingly frustrated Davey Martinez.

(16:33) Joe Ross was untouchable early in his start, but a Josh Bell error led to Ross falling apart in the 4th. Why does this always seem to be the pattern when Ross pitches?

(24:56) Washington will have a Bullpen Game on Sunday due to a quirk in the rotation. Mark has an offbeat suggestion for using an Opener, which immediately grabbed Al's attention.

(33:39) A potential solid hitter could be available on the trade market summer. Any chance the Nats could be the trade partner?

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Game 54: Scherzer Dominates, Soto HRs Again, & Avila's Tag Preserves the Win Jun 05, 2021

The Nationals held on 2-1 in Philadelphia to open the weekend series. Al takes the reins by himself to tell the tale of the pitchers duel that Washington prevailed in. He begins by putting in perspective how well the Nats defense has been so far this year, crystallized by Alex Avila tagging out a pinch runner halfway across the diamond, bringing new meaning to the term "TOOTBLAN".

(13:18) Max Scherzer outdueled Zack Wheeler, lasted until the bottom of the 8th, and threw over 100 pitches in the victory. The Varsity Bullpen did their part too, as Daniel Hudson & Brad Hand combined for the final four outs to keep the slim lead intact.

(24:06) Juan Soto homered for the third time in four days, and the Nationals have won all three times he has gone deep. Hear how much Al enjoyed Soto's theatrics following his blast off of Wheeler.

(33:53) The Marlins have lost seven straight and have fallen below Washington in the NL East standings.

*Audio Courtesy: WIP-FM in Philadelphia

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Game 53: Offense Regresses as Corbin Falls Apart in the 6th Jun 03, 2021

The Nats lost 5-1 in Atlanta Thursday afternoon to split the four game series. Mark & Al focus on the missed opportunity by the offense as they were blanked by Tucker Davidson, an unheralded prospect. Al throws out an idea on who could help inject life into the lineup, can you guess who it is?

(17:35) Patrick Corbin was unscathed through five innings, but the wheels came off in the 6th. Mark explains the mechanics as to why he is having trouble fooling hitters this season.

(25:34) Paolo Espino, the Official Relief Pitcher of this podcast, yet again threw a clean inning. When will he pitch in higher leverage situations?

(30:57) A preview of the weekend series in Philadelphia. Will it be a Bullpen game on Sunday?

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Game 52: Gomes Late Blast Lifts the Nats in Atlanta Jun 03, 2021

The Nationals defeated the Braves 5-3 for their 2nd straight victory. Al & Mark not only have another win to talk about, but they have another Juan Soto HR to discuss. Is it too early to say he's back to his usual self? Yan Gomes had a sterling evening on both sides of the dish, throwing out a stealing Ronald Acuna Jr. and then breaking a late tie with a go ahead solo shot in the 8th.

(14:01) The one bit of bad news Wednesday was an injury suffered by Kyle Schwarber after an attempted diving catch. Will he back in the lineup in the near future? Mark then explains why Ryan Zimmerman did not play despite the Braves pitching a lefty.

(18:52) The hosts tip their caps to Jon Lester, who pitched well on short rest, including retiring 11 in a row at one point. Then they turn their attention towards the bullpen and point out why Daniel Hudson needs to be used with less frequency.

(29:51) An update on Stephen Strasburg after he was placed on the IL due to a neck strain. Will he back before the All Star break?

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Game 51: Soto & Offense Bust Out Despite Strasburg's Early Exit Jun 02, 2021

The Nationals beat the Braves 11-6 to end their losing streak on an eventful and long evening in Atlanta. Al & Mark begin by wondering whether this was overall a good or bad night for Nats fans. The good was the Juan Soto leading the offense with 3 hits (including a HR), the bad was Stephen Strasburg exiting in the 2nd inning due a tight right trapezius muscle. They choose the good and give props not only to Soto, but also Ryan Zimmerman, who continues tearing the cover off the ball.

(18:09) Washington utilized six relievers in almost eight innings of work. A recap of all those who pitched out of the bullpen, including our guy Paolo "Mr. Untouchable" Espino.

(26:38) A full discussion on Strasburg's injury. The hosts look at what happened Tuesday in Atlanta as his velocity was way down, a clear sign that something was amiss. They then zoom out and put in perspective how disappointing the big money contract for Strasburg has been so far.

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Game 50: Another 1st Inning Deficit Leads to Skid Reaching Five Jun 01, 2021

The Nationals lost their fifth in a row, a 5-3 defeat in Atlanta on Memorial Day. Mark & Al look at how the lineup was yet again shuffled, headlined by the Juan Soto Leadoff Experiment being abandoned after just one game. Mark then stuns Al with Victor Robles lineup news that is expected on Tuesday.

(13:08) Joe Ross had a miserable beginning to his outing and then flipped the switch to finish it in dominant fashion. Why does he have a tendency to be so "Jekyll & Hyde"? Will he keep his rotation spot or will Erick Fedde take it over eventually?

(24:41) A preview of Stephen Strasburg vs. LHP Max Fried on Tuesday night. Fried has been pitching well lately, but the Nats hit him hard on Opening Day.

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Game 49: Woodruff Outduels Scherzer for the Sweep May 31, 2021

The Nats were shutout 3-0 by Milwaukee for a disappointing end to the home stand. Al begins the episode by simply posing to Mark, "Have we hit the low point?".

(8:34) Juan Soto had another long day at the ballpark as he was caught stealing in the 1st and part of a controversial at bat with umpire Sam Holbrook later in the game, that resulted in an ejection to Kevin Long. What can be done to get Soto out of his funk? Al has a rather creative idea.

(20:26) The guys pose the question of whether or not it's time to make a trade. What does Mike Rizzo have to work with in order to get a deal done? Is it worth it?

(26:44) Recap of the 5-star pitching match-up of Max Scherzer vs. Brandon Woodruff. We also give an update on Will Harris' upcoming surgery.

(36:14) A preview of the four game series in Atlanta. Will Erick Fedde start on Wednesday?

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Game 48: Baserunning Blunder Really Hurts in 7 Inning Loss May 30, 2021

The Nats lost 6-2 in the nightcap of a doubleheader against Milwaukee. Al & Mark dissect the very costly baserunning miscue in the bottom of the 4th. Was the mistake made by Josh Bell, Jordy Mercer, or Bob Henley?

(12:57) Ryan Zimmerman had two doubles and is crushing left-handed pitching. If there is any advice Nats Chat can give Davey Martinez, it's have Ryan Zimmerman hit against southpaws as much possible.

(16:12) Trea Turner made two memorable plays Saturday night, one on the bases, the other in the field. The hosts tip their caps to his brilliant play so far this year.

(23:39) Recap of the Nationals pitching staff from this game. Jon Lester was decent and Daniel Hudson had his worst outing of the season.

(30:52) A preview of a heavyweight starting pitching match-up as Max Scherzer takes on fellow Cy Young contender Brandon Woodruff. Do you remember what happened the last times these two faced off in D.C.?

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Game 47: Corbin Digs An Early Hole the Bats Can't Overcome May 30, 2021

The Nationals dropped the opener of a doubleheader 4-1 to the visiting Brewers. Mark & Al shine the light on Juan Soto's continuing slugging slump. His on-base and slugging percentage remain near mirror images of each other. Have we figured the source of these struggles?

(12:50) Luis Garcia had an unusual early exit in the top of the 3rd due to cramping in his hamstring. Was the weather to blame for the mysterious injury?

(14:48) Patrick Corbin's disappointing 2021 season continued as he yet again fell behind in the 1st inning. Mark explains why he has been getting hit hard as of late.

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Game 46: Offense Musters Only 2 Hits in Listless Loss May 28, 2021

The Nats were shutout by Cincinnati 3-0 to lose the series. Al & Mark yet again need to focus on sleepy offensive output for Washington. Juan Soto had three hits in the series, but his lack of slugging remains a concern. As games like this continue to stack up, will this affect the status of the hitting coach?

(13:46) Recap of Stephen Strasburg's start, that began by allowing a leadoff HR. How did his stuff look in his 2nd start since returning from the IL?

(18:48) This begins our "Festivus" portion of the episode where grievances are aired. Mark laments the continuation of seven inning doubleheaders, a carryover from 2020 rules. Al then points out what it is he favors about seven inning games.

(27:22) Al continues the rant vibe by sticking up for the local fans who did not receive consistent and helpful information while trying to wait out Wednesday night's rain delay.

(32:09) We conclude with a preview of the weekend series against Milwaukee, including a top flight pitching matchup on Sunday. Do you remember what happened last time the Brewers came to D.C?

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Game 45: Ross Excels on Wednesday, Bullpen Preserves Win on Thursday May 28, 2021

The Nationals defeated the Reds 5-3 in a game that took two days to complete due to inclement weather on Wednesday evening. Al & Mark recap the victory where Joe Ross helped himself with his arm, bat, and glove in the first four innings. Will this keep him in the rotation when Erick Fedde returns to the roster?

(4:32) The bullpen needed five men to seal the deal on Thursday afternoon. Were the Nats expecting more than two innings from Austin Voth? They then dissect the 8th inning where Tanner Rainey struggled and put the game in doubt.

(13:34) Brad Hand had a good outing and seems to have moved off his recent skid. Has he regained the trust of the fans?

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Game 44: Scherzer Beaten by 2 Cincy Solo Shots May 26, 2021

The Nationals lost 2-1 at home to the Reds. Mark & Al open with a familiar 2021 theme, which is a struggling Washington offense. Is Juan Soto still not right? Why did Ryan Zimmerman pinch hit for Kyle Schwarber instead of Starlin Castro in the 9th? On the bright side, Josh Bell has raised his batting average 80 points in the past two weeks.

(11:57) The Nationals wasted a solid pitching performance by Max Scherzer as he struck out nine. The hosts recap the ace's outing, as the two homers he allowed ended up being the difference.

(19:14) Joe Ross will start on Wednesday as Erick Fedde is near a return to the field. Is this Ross auditioning again for his spot in the rotation or does Fedde still have to make a rehab start in AAA?

(25:53) Luis Garcia was called up to fill the vacant roster spot. What does this say about how the organization feels about Carter Kieboom?

(31:25) Sean Doolittle, who is now with Cincinnati, was honored pregame. Al poses to Mark, is Doolittle the best reliever in franchise history?

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Game 43: Nats Rally Again to Sweep the O's May 24, 2021

The Nationals held off the Orioles 6-5 to complete the three game sweep. Al & Mark look at how they overcame another disastrous top of the 1st with a heavy dose of early offense. They then put in perspective the recent hot streak for the previously maligned duo of Josh Bell & Kyle Schwarber.

(12:21) Juan Soto did not run out a pop up with two outs that unexpectedly landed in fair territory and cost Washington a run. Mark gives his take on Davey Martinez admonishing his star player afterwards. Did Martinez handle this situation appropriately?

(18:16) There was some confusion pregame regarding Victor Robles' status that resulted in him going on the IL due to a right sprained ankle. Al wonders, what exactly happened and did the Nats botch the situation?

(24:25) Patrick Corbin had another poor start as his ERA is north of six. What to make of his recent backside? Plus, a critical analysis of the decision for Corbin to hit for himself with the bases loaded in the 5th.

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Game 42: Zimmerman HRs & Sets Franchise Run Record in Comeback Win May 23, 2021

The Nationals beat Baltimore 12-9 despite falling behind 5-0 in the 1st. Al & Mark open the discussion on Josh Harrison, who hit a grand slam that changed the game around in the 3rd, while also playing a new position in the field.

(9:40) Ryan Zimmerman had a banner day between clubbing a 3 run HR to take Washington's first lead of the game and setting a franchise record for runs scored. The hosts point out that we are used to the fans asking Zim for curtain calls, but how much more these moments mean Post 2020.

(18:40) Despite the victory and the offensive output, it was not a good day for the pitching staff. Is there cause for concern for Jon Lester as he has had two straight bad starts? Plus, are the Nats in danger of overusing Daniel Hudson?

(32:52) We close with a listener email about the effect on the team related to Carter Kieboom not making the big league roster.

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Game 41: Strasburg Solid & Victorious in Return May 22, 2021

The Nats held off Baltimore 4-2 on a beautiful Friday night in D.C. Mark & Al evaluate Stephen Strasburg's first start since returning from the IL; with the largest crowd of the season on-hand. Did Strasburg look like his usual self?

(9:21) Josh Bell had his best night yet as a Nat, as he had three hits and also made a crucial defensive play to save a run in the 6th. The hosts focus on the important moment and what led to Bell making the heads-up play. Al then resurfaces his reasons as to why he is staunchly opposed to the pitcher hitting 8th.

(26:03) Brad Hand struggled again in the 9th inning as this has become a habit lately. Should Daniel Hudson replace him as the closer?

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Game 40: Ross Lifted Early & Quarter Pole Report May 21, 2021

The Nats were defeated 5-2 at the Cubs to wrap-up their road trip. Al & Mark evaluate where the 5th starter situation stands after Joe Ross is now 0-3 in four May starts. Will he get another start before Erick Fedde returns from the IL? There of course are updated gripes regarding the Washington offense.

(9:48) The first quarter of the season is in the books and it certainly has been a disappointing start. The hosts run through where things stand and what adjustments should be considered for the next forty games. Should they trade for a big bat? Marks points out at least; Nationals fans favorite stat, which is that they are in a better place than 19-31.

(25:30) A preview of the 3 game series in D.C. against the last place Orioles. Al points out how poor Baltimore pitching has been and that they won't have their ace on the mound.

(29:05) Finally, an update from AAA Rochester from their radio play by play man Josh Whetzel. Everything you need to know about Luis Garcia and Carter Kieboom one month into the minor league season. Will Garcia be called up the big leagues this year?

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Game 39: Soto HRs, Turner Deja Vu, & Hand Hangs on May 20, 2021

The Nats edged the Cubs 4-3 on a very active Wednesday in Chicago. Mark & Al analyze the controversial rule that led to Trea Turner being called out yet again for running inside the baseline. Davey Martinez, just like Game 6 in Houston, adamantly defended Turner and was ejected for doing his best impression of Lou Piniella.

(11:44) Juan Soto hit his first homer in weeks, however he was thrown out for trying to steal second base at a crucial point in the 9th inning. Will this 3 hit game be the turning point for Soto in 2021?

(23:38) A recap of Max Scherzer's start that only lasted five innings. He did have some notable comments afterwards in regards to the pregame news that Erick Fedde & Tanner Rainey have been placed on the IL due to COVID-19 protocols.

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Game 38: Bote HR off Harris Sinks the Nats May 19, 2021

The Nationals lost 6-3 at the Cubs for a 2nd straight defeat. Al & Mark yet again have no choice but to talk about the struggling offense, as Washington stranded 11 men on base. Will things turnaround if Juan Soto continues to lack power?

(13:16) A recap of Patrick Corbin's mediocre start, Al explains what "Corbin got BABIP'd" means. Focus turns to his battery mate Yan Gomes, who very quietly is having a strong season defensively.

(22:48) A preview of Max Scherzer's Wednesday night start at Wrigley Field as he takes on Jake Arrieta, who is past his prime. Finally, we play our first ever listener voice memo. Email yours to natschatpodcast@gmail.com

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Game 37: Lester & Schwarber's Spoiled Return to Wrigley May 18, 2021

The Nats lost 7-3 as the Cubs hit Jon Lester hard in his return to Chicago. Mark & Al run-through the lefty's long evening despite being given a hero's welcome at Wrigley Field.

(11:26) The offense had another low scoring game and the hosts discuss if fingers will start to get pointed at Kevin Long, the team's hitting coach. Why so many ground balls as opposed to utilizing launch angle?

(18:07) Trea Turner hit his 10th homer of the season and his future value seems to go up by the day. What sort of contract would he fetch right now if he were a Free Agent? Is the price getting too high for Washington?

(21:57) Kyle Schwarber homered in his return to Chicago as similar to Lester, he was showered with praise. Should Nationals fans be optimistic as his stats continue to improve?

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Game 36: Fedde Makes His Case with a Shutout Win May 17, 2021

The Nats blanked Arizona 3-0 behind Erick Fedde's best start of his career. Al & Mark look at what this outing means for Fedde as Stephen Strasburg, fresh off a solid AAA rehab start, is expected to rejoin the team soon. Who is the odd man out in the rotation, Fedde or Joe Ross? Or will they go with a six man rotation for the time being?

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(17:57) The Nats were held scoreless until the 8th inning. The hosts re-evaluate who exactly should be hitting behind Juan Soto, as he remains mired in a slump. Al again wonders why Victor Robles isn't getting another shot at hitting leadoff.

(30:05) Jon Lester returns to Wrigley Field Monday night for the first time since leaving the Cubs and we wrap-up with a a preview of the four game series in Chicago.

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Game 35: Ross Allows 8 Runs & Schwarber Strands 8 in Blowout Defeat May 16, 2021

The Nats lost 11-4 in Arizona as Joe Ross had his second worst outing of the season. Mark & Tim recap the Saturday evening as Ross ran into trouble right away and the Nationals couldn't take advantage of facing journeyman Seth Frankoff.

(6:08) Juan Soto had 2 hits and 2 RBIs, which has been a rarity for him in May. Could a game like this break him out of his "slump"? Plus, should Kyle Schwarber remain his protection in the lineup?

(17:19) Stephen Strasburg is starting in AAA Sunday. How close is he to returning to Washington? Does this mean that Erick Fedde is auditioning to keep his spot in the rotation or does it belong to Joe Ross regardless?

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Game 34: Nats Slug Their Way to 17 Runs in Arizona May 15, 2021

The Nationals routed Arizona 17-2 to open up a seven game road trip. Mark & Al for a change have plenty of offensive contributors to run through, including Yan Gomes, who had five hits and was a homer shy of the cycle. Kyle Schwarber homered for the 2nd straight game and Josh Bell was part a trio of players who had 3 RBIs.

(16:52) Max Scherzer only pitched five scoreless innings and now leads the NL in strikeouts. Two factors led to his early exit, one was the lopsided score, and the other is something that will catch you by surprise.

(24:01) Stephen Strasburg will make a rehab start for AAA Rochester in Trenton, NJ on Sunday at 1pm. Will this be this final tuneup before joining the Nats rotation again?

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Game 33: Corbin & A Pair of 1st Inning HRs End the Skid May 14, 2021

The Nationals ended their 4 game losing streak with a 5-1 victory over Philadelphia. Al & Mark compliment Patrick Corbin, who has turned his season around lately, and had his best start of the year. Are we seeing a return of "2019 Corbin?" The Bullpen also featured some arms in new roles as Daniel Hudson came in the middle of the 8th to save the day and Austin Voth pitched a high leverage 9th inning. Where does Voth rank in the bullpen hierarchy?

(13:20) Al compares Davey Martinez's lineup to Vanna White's wardrobe. Confused? Tune in to find out. Props are given to Kyle Schwarber who is now above "The Mendoza Line" and Starlin Castro's 11 game hit streak. Should Castro maybe hit leadoff?

(23:16) Juan Soto is hitting .200 since returning from the IL. Mark gives his take as to why Soto has not been his usual self at the plate lately.

(28:19) We bring you another edition of "Tales of Little League". Please send in your Little League memories to natschatpodcast@gmail.com.

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Game 32: Another Blown Save for Hand May 13, 2021

The Nats cough up a late lead and fall 5-2 in extras to the Phillies. Mark & Al analyze Brad Hand's second blown save in less than a week, which led to the first team meeting of the season. What will come from the message Davey Martinez delivered to the club postgame? Lost in the shuffle of the loss is the fact that Jon Lester pitched well, and has had a quality starts each time out this season.

(14:10) The offensive struggles continued as Washington was 1 for 13 with RISP, stranding 12 men overall. What can be done to turn the tide? Should Turner remain hitting 2nd as opposed to leadoff? On the bright side, Starlin Castro has a ten game hitting streak, and had four hits on Wednesday. Where should he hit in the order while he's batting .300?

(22:09) Paolo Espino was sent down to AAA to make room for Wander Suero. The hosts tip their caps to Paolo for his flawless performance out of the bullpen. Finally, a preview of Patrick Corbin's Thursday start to try and avoid the sweep.

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Game 31: Bell Strands Six + Jordan Zimmermann Retirement May 12, 2021

The Nats lost 6-2 to the Phillies as they left ten men on base. Mark & Al focus on Josh Bell, who is hitting .134, and wonder how much longer he can hit behind Juan Soto. When will see Ryan Zimmerman, who is hitting .310, get more starts at first base?

(17:21) A recap of Erick Fedde's start as he allowed three runs in five innings. Any cause for concern that he has had two straight subpar outings? The hosts preview Jon Lester vs. Zack Wheeler on Wednesday night as Wheeler's last start was a complete game.

(27:27) Nationals Park will have full capacity come June 11th. Should we expect to see sell outs immediately or will it be a staggered return?

(30:33) A tip of the cap to former Nationals pitcher Jordan Zimmermann, who officially announced his retirement Tuesday. We put his D.C. career in perspective, highlighted of course by his 2014 "No Hitter".

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Game 30: Brad Hand Struggles Again May 10, 2021

The Nats lost 3-2 at Yankee Stadium as Brad Hand had a difficult 9th inning for the 2nd straight day. Mark & Al recap the frustrating series filled with missed opportunities and discuss who should have taken the mound in the 9th. Not all was lost for the bullpen, as Austin Voth took full advantage of his first high leverage situation. They also look at Joe Ross, who pitched his third consecutive quality start.

(18:55) The Nationals offense had more negatives than positives in the majority of the weekend in New York. Mark answers Al's questions about the lineup, why was Soto DH on Sunday, and why did Ryan Zimmerman only play one game in the series?

(32:01) A preview of a three game set at home vs. Philadelphia. It will be Bryce Harper's first game in D.C. with fans Post 2019 World Series. Plus, Tim was on hand at Wilmington to watch Jackson Rutledge pitch, just how important is he to the organization's future plans?

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Game 29: Bullpen Bungles Max's Masterpiece May 09, 2021

The Nats lost 4-3 in extras at Yankee Stadium in their most frustrating loss of the season. Al & Tim open with the Washington bullpen blowing it's first game and all the late game decisions associated with it. Who should have started the 10th inning on the mound? Should Daniel Hudson have stayed on to pitch the 9th?

(8:11) Max Scherzer was brilliant again as he struck out 14 Yankees, including ten in the first four innings. Was this outing more impressive than last weekend against Miami? The hosts marvel at how we are seeing the return of "Cy Young Max".

(15:55) A recap of the lineup's performance Saturday, where the offense only mustered one extra base hit in 11 innings. Thumbs up to Victor Robles, thumbs down to Josh Bell.

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Game 28: Nats Slug 4 HRs in Yankee Stadium Victory May 08, 2021

The Nationals ended up routing New York 11-4 after scoring six runs in the 8th inning to break it wide open. Al & Mark highlight all four players who went deep, including the red-hot Josh Harrison & Juan Soto in the DH role. They also focus on Yan Gomes, who has been an under the radar asset for the team so far.

(20:57) Patrick Corbin had his first "so-so" start of the year, as opposed to either being great or terrible. How much was he victim of Yankee Stadium hitters park quirks? The hosts then alert you to just how dominant the bullpen has been this past week. Can this torrid pace continue for the relievers?

(31:19) Saturday's pitching matchup has a combined five Cy Young Awards as Max Scherzer takes on Corey Kluber. Can Max build off his historic start last week or will the Yankees loaded lineup get to him? Finally, another entry into our series of "Tales of Little League".

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Game 27: Swept After Stranding 10 Runners May 07, 2021

The Nationals were edged by Atlanta 3-2 culminating in a three game sweep in D.C. Al & Mark run through the eye opening numbers that emphasize just how much Washington struggled with runners in scoring position. They check-in on the duo of Bell/Schwarber, who are both below "The Mendoza Line".

(15:22) Jon Lester made his 2nd start as a Nat and the hosts give their observations of the veteran southpaw. They then shine a spotlight on Austin Voth, who continues to carve out an important role in the bullpen. Should he be used in more high leverage situations?

(21:15) Davey Martinez is now the longest tenured Manager in Franchise History, surpassing Manny Acta. The guys put in perspective his time in Washington and the buttons he pushed in October of 2019.

(30:16) Finally, will the Nationals sign Albert Pujols, who the Angels DFA'd? This then leads to an improptu "Storytime with Mark" that you, and his family, won't want to miss.

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Game 26: Another Grand Slam Leads to Another Loss May 06, 2021

The Nationals lost 5-3 to Atlanta as they surrendered a Grand Slam for the 2nd straight evening. Mark & Al run through the managerial decisions from the loss, ranging from when Juan Soto should have pinch hit, how the lineup was constructed, and the decision to walk the slumping Freddie Freeman in the 3rd inning. Should Soto have hit for Yan Gomes or Victor Robles in the 8th?

(13:05) Is there a trade that GM Mike Rizzo should look into in order to bolster the lineup? Would this deal be somewhat imminent or not until July?

(21:33) Erick Fedde's evening was a rough one as he gave up all five runs and continued his struggles against the Braves. However, the bullpen and mainly Kyle Finnegan, had an "Immaculate" Evening.

(30:31) Finally, a preview of Jon Lester's Thursday start as Washington looks to avoid being swept.

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Game 25: Win Streak Snapped & Seth Davis Interview May 05, 2021

The Nationals and their four game win streak were defeated 6-1 as Atlanta starter Huascar Ynoa stole the show. Al & Mark react to the loss and open their conversation with the activation of both Juan Soto and Will Harris. Soto's pinch hit appearance in the 8th was met with a rousing reaction from the home crowd. How long will his role be limited to just hitting?

(11:11) Tanner Rainey gave up the grand slam to Ynoa in a rough outing for him out of the bullpen. Mark relays what he saw from the right hander on Tuesday night. Prior to Rainey's entry, Joe Ross was pulled after facing two batters in the top of the 6th. Should he have started the inning to begin with? (17:38)

(20:01) Seth Davis, who covers College Basketball for CBS & The Athletic, joins the podcast as next in our series of speaking with Celebrity Nationals Fans. Seth grew up in the DMV when Washington didn't have a team, and explains how he became such a big Nats fan later in life. He was at Game 5 at Dodger Stadium with his family, and his jubilant evening is a must listen for any diehard Nationals fan.

(41:05) A preview of Erick Fedde's start Wednesday vs. Atlanta. The Braves are the only team to hit Fedde hard this season, what does he need to this time around?

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Game 24: Scherzer "Delivers" A Complete Game Victory May 03, 2021

The division leading Nationals topped Miami 3-1 to complete the weekend sweep and return to .500. Al & Mark provide many accolades to Max Scherzer, who authored a dominant performance on the same day that his wife was due to give birth, adding to his long list of legendary outings in Washington.

(14:58) Ryan Zimmerman continued his excellent season so far with a decisive 3-run HR in the 3rd. Does Zim have more left to his career than we might have thought a few months back?

(20:30) Al's interest was piqued by seeing Victor Robles return to the leadoff spot. Will we see this again or just a product of having a right handed heavy lineup?

(27:22) Mark assesses the chances that Juan Soto could be activated for Tuesday night's game vs. slumping Atlanta. Finally, an update on the organization's Minor League situation as rosters will be announced this week (31:26).

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Game 23: Corbin & Bell Lead the Way to a 3rd Straight Win May 02, 2021

The Nats beat Miami 7-2 for their first three-game winning streak of the season. Al & Mark react to the good vibes surrounding the team at the moment and Patrick Corbin's stellar start. Why has he had such a "Jekyll & Hyde" season so far?

(13:47) The offense had a good day and Josh Bell led the way with 4 RBIs, including a 3 run double off former National Ross Detwiler. Mark then points out the pace that Trea Turner is on so far offensively and how his defensive statistics are just as impressive.

(20:56) Austin Voth struck out the side to end it in the 9th and was seen hitting 97 MPH on the radar gun. Have the Nationals unexpectedly stumbled onto a real asset in the bullpen?

(27:22) Max Scherzer takes the mound Sunday as the Nats look for their first series sweep of the season. What to expect from Scherzer after he struggled on Tuesday? Finally, another "Tale from Little League," email yours in to natschatpodcast@gmail.com (30:31).

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Game 22: Another Schwarber Walk-Off After a Scoreless Lester Debut May 01, 2021

The Nationals beat the Marlins 2-1 in extras as Kyle Schwarber hit a lead-off 2 run HR in the 10th (Yes, you read that last part correctly). Al & Mark react to the victory which prior to extra innings saw yet another anemic game for the Washington offense. Why was Ryan Zimmerman not given at least one at bat in this game?

(12:42) Victor Robles was caught stealing again and the Nats difficulties on the bases continue. Does the team simply need to stop attempted steals unless it's Trea Turner?

(15:33) Jon Lester threw five scoreless frames in his franchise debut. The hosts give their thoughts on what they saw from the veteran southpaw on Friday night. While breaking down the pitching, they dare ask... is the bullpen good? (23:36)

(27:06) Patrick Corbin gets the nod Saturday despite his terrible start to the season. Is his place in the rotation on the line? Plus, Mark updates the injury situations for both Juan Soto & Stephen Strasburg.

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Game 21: Fedde & the Offense Cruise to a Comfy Win Apr 29, 2021

The Nationals beat up on the Blue Jays 8-2 in Dunedin, FL to split the short series. Mark & Al marvel at another strong outing by Erick Fedde, who has an ERA of 2.61 over his last four starts. Has he staked a claim to stay in the rotation long-term this season?

(13:46) The offense gave Nats fans a lot to enjoy between Trea Turner's four hits, Ryan Zimmerman's continued production when given the chance, and Josh Bell's much needed homer. How should Davey Martinez balance Zim & Bell for the upcoming homestand as there will no longer be a DH in the lineup?

(29:16) The "Varsity" Bullpen was back in action again and will be fresh for this weekend against Miami. Finally, a call to action for all Little League parents to email in your best anecdotes. Send them over please to natschatpodcast@gmail.com

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Game 20: Scherzer Off-Night as Vlad Jr. Goes Deep 3 Times Apr 28, 2021

The Nats lost 9-5 to the Blue Jays in Dunedin, FL despite hitting four home runs. Al & Mark discuss Max Scherzer's worst start of the season as he allowed 5 earned runs, including a grand slam crushed by Vlad Guerrero Jr. Why did it seem like Max was uncomfortable all evening? They also dive into Josh Harrison's rough game, between committing a pivotal error and being thrown out on a steal attempt.

(15:53) Josh Bell was 0 for 4 Tuesday with two strikeouts and his current average is .109. Will he be dropped down in the order or will Davey Martinez keep letting him try to hit his way out of the prolonged slump? This leads into more examination of the lineup as Trea Turner homered twice from the lead-off spot, but the lack of offense around him has led to a smaller than should be RBI total.

(31:20) Finally, a preview of Erick Fedde vs. Steven Matz on Wednesday. Where does Fedde stand in the rotation as Jon Lester is expected to join the team soon?

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Game 19: Bats Quiet Again & Turner Exits After HBP Apr 26, 2021

The Nats were shutout 4-0 at the Mets, the 5th time they have been held scoreless this season. Al & Mark run through all the reasons the offense couldn't plate a run; ranging from bad luck, no production, poor base running, and Trea Turner missing a crucial at bat due to a forearm contusion.

(13:17) Mark gives all the latest that we know regarding Juan Soto returning to the roster.

(16:43) Patrick Corbin regressed and had a bad outing despite pitching well earlier in the week. The hosts react to his alarming numbers so far in April, as his ERA is north of 10 and his WHIP is above 2. How stable is his spot in the starting rotation?

(26:03) Austin Voth pitched three scoreless frames as his ERA is just above 2. Have we discovered his proper role on the pitching staff? Finally, a look ahead to the 2 game series against the Blue Jays at their Spring Training facility in Dunedin, FL.

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Game 18: Shuffled Lineup & Ross Bounce Back in Queens Apr 25, 2021

The Nats beat the Mets 7-1 as a new look lineup card scored in each of the first five innings. Mark & Al praise Davey Martinez for pushing the right buttons as Josh Harrison and Yadiel Hernandez provided a much needed spark to the offense at the top of the lineup.

(14:20) Joe Ross was impressive in victory, vastly improving upon his last outing. What are realistic expectations this season for him in the rotation, can he go past six innings?

(26:35) Time for an evaluation of #thelittlethings. Nationals base running, defense, sliding catches, the shift, and other facets get a look underneath the microscope.

(36:04) Finally, Patrick Corbin takes the mound in the series rubber match on Sunday. Which version of the lefty will we see in New York?

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Game 17: deGrom Untouchable in Complete Game Shutout Apr 24, 2021

The Nats were held scoreless 6-0 Friday night in New York as Jacob deGrom stole the show. Al & Mark tip their caps to the best pitcher in the game after he struck out 15 and only allowed two hits.

(13:02) Free agent additions Josh Bell & Kyle Schwarber are both hitting below. 200. How soon before this changes from early season slump to long-term concern? The hosts then analyze Erick Fedde's outing as he was unscathed through four innings before it fell off the rails in the fifth.

(24:08) They close by looking at the defense from the loss and a look ahead to Joe Ross' Saturday start.

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Game 16: Scherzer & the "A" Bullpen Blank St. Louis Apr 22, 2021

The Nats shutout the Cardinals 1-0 behind Max Scherzer & their main trio of relievers. Al & Mark put in perspective the team's record thus far, considering all the obstacles the team has dealt with. They then evaluate Scherzer's performance thus far this season as his ERA is 1.80 through four starts, including back to back scoreless outings.

(13:08) Tanner Rainey, Daniel Hudson, and Brad Hand for the 2nd straight game got the final nine outs in a victory. The guys run through their efforts, especially Rainey's bounce back appearance. Is this the deepest bullpen the Nats have had in awhile?

(18:50) Backup catcher Alex Avila was the offensive star of the day with two doubles and the lone RBI. The hosts look at his play this season with both the bat and his defense behind the plate, as he threw out Justin Williams attempt at stealing second base on Wednesday.

(28:51) After a much needed day off, the Nats Friday night will face Jacob deGrom in New York. A preview of this weekend's series and Mark updates the situations for Jon Lester & Stephen Strasburg.

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Game 15: Soto's Shoulder to the IL Before Nats Rally in the 8th Apr 21, 2021

The Nationals edged St. Louis 3-2 after an eventful day at the ballpark. Al & Mark set the scene as less than a hour before the game Juan Soto was scratched from the lineup and placed on the 10 day IL due to a left shoulder strain. Once the game began, the Nats fortunes changed as Patrick Corbin bounced back in a big way with 6 shutout innings. Why didn't Corbin stay in the game though to pitch the 7th as he was under 80 pitches?

(20:33) Josh Bell hit a solo HR, his first with the franchise. Could this lead to him getting out of his slump? Plus, Mark lays out Cardinals Manager's Mike Shildt's thinking in the bottom of the 8th when he brought in 5 infielders.

(28:36) Finally, a preview of Max Scherzer's start Wednesday afternoon in the series rubber match vs. RHP Carlos Martinez.

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Game 14: Cards Score 10 on Ross in an Ugly Defeat Apr 20, 2021

The Nats were routed 12-5 in a series opener at home against St. Louis as Joe Ross allowed ten runs and four homers in less than five innings. Al & Mark recap yet another poor outing by a Nationals starting pitcher and how the bullpen has been continually been put in bad situations as a result.

(11:52) The hosts discuss Josh Bell's slumping start to his Washington career as he is hitting well below the "Mendoza Line". Will he be moved down in the order or will the team be patient with him since he had a COVID pause?

(16:54) A preview of Patrick Corbin's extremely crucial start Tuesday night against Adam Wainwright. We've declared this game a "Must Quality Start". If he flops again, who do the Nats turn to?

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Game 13: Strasburg Placed on the IL Before a Loss to Arizona Apr 19, 2021

Sunday was not a good day for the Nationals as it began with news that Stephen Strasburg has been placed on the 10 day IL due to right shoulder inflammation. Veteran Paolo Espino then started in Strasburg's place and Washington lost 5-2 to Arizona for a series split. Mark & Al update everything we know so far about Strasburg's injury.

(12:27) The circumstances behind Espino's start reminds Mark of the "Miss Iowa" moment from years back at Nationals Park and explains the reference. The guys then highlight how the bullpen has been taxed this past week, a mixture of no off days and many starters not lasting 6 innings.

(22:03) Juan Soto committed his 2nd TOOTBLAN of the season. Al gives an empassioned plea for Soto to ease up on the bases (After this recording, Ronald Acuna Jr. left Atlanta's game following a head-first slide). Plus, is the experiment of Victor Robles in the lead-off spot already over?

(34:36) A preview of the three game series that begins Monday night in D.C. against St. Louis. All eyes will be on Patrick Corbin on Tuesday.

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Game 12: Fedde Impresses & McGowin Overcomes Shaky Defense Behind Him Apr 18, 2021

The Nationals have won two straight for the first time this season as they defeated Arizona 6-2. Al & Tim Shovers analyze Erick Fedde's impressive start, that saw him strikeout 9 Diamondbacks, tying a career high.

(9:32) The offense was impressive as it tallied 15 hits, including a trio of Nats who had 3 hits apiece. However, Victor Robles did not start as Andrew Stevenson got the nod in CF. Anything to make of that, or just off for a day game? Plus, has the organization fully moved on from him in the lead-off spot?

(16:25) A discussion on the defense as Washington had 2 errors in the game and another blunder in the 9th that almost was very costly. The bullpen on the other hand, had an active day as Luis Avilan was placed on the IL, Wander Suero left early with an apparent injury, and the two Kyle's came through in the clutch.

(27:09) A preview of Sunday's starting pitching match-up between two World Series MVPs, Stephen Strasburg vs. Madison Bumgarner. How important is this start for Strasburg? Finally, Tim has some Bumgarner inspired trivia for Al, diehard Nats fans please feel free to play along.

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Game 11: Schwarber Blast Ends It After Scherzer Dominates Apr 17, 2021

The Nationals had their 2nd walk-off win of the season as Kyle Schwarber slugged a mammoth solo homer for 1-0 win over Arizona. This came on the heels of Max Scherzer striking out 10 in 7 innings.

Al & Mark focus on the importance of the Nats taking advantage of a fantastic start from Scherzer, the ace passing a historic name on the all-time strikeout list, and the impressive roar from the reduced crowd all night; especially after Schwarber's HR.

(19:55) Mark updates Jon Lester's status and ties it into Erick Fedde's upcoming start for Saturday afternoon. Plus, the Nats made a roster move within their bullpen.

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Game 10: Corbin Gets Shelled Early & Often Apr 16, 2021

The Nationals lost the opener of their home stand 11-6 to Arizona, as Patrick Corbin allowed 10 runs in just 2 innings. Al & Mark try and figure out what has been plaguing Corbin in his first two starts to the season, as his ERA is currently above 21. How concerned should fans be about the lefty?

(14:00) Victor Robles was replaced mid-game by Andrew Stevenson in CF in the top of the 5th. Was it a benching or just an early use of the double switch?

(18:21) The Nats bullpen had a strong evening after only allowing 1 run in 7 frames, including another appearance for Wander Suero. However, the Diamondbacks were HBP 5 times on Thursday, will there be a retaliation this weekend?

(20:51) Finally, a look ahead at Max Scherzer's now crucial start on Friday night against Arizona.

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Game 9: Ross Shines in the Shutout Win Apr 15, 2021

The Nats blanked St. Louis 6-0 on Wednesday afternoon to win their first series of the season. Mark & Al react to Joe Ross' second straight scoreless outing. What are realistic expectations for Ross in 2021? What do we need to see to no longer think of him as the 5th starter?

(12:55) Josh Harrison had 6 hits in St. Louis after missing the first 6 games of the season due to COVID protocol. The guys look at how the organization has a crafty knack for finding veterans that have been passed on elsewhere. While on the subject of veterans, Ryan Zimmerman took Adam Wainwright deep for his first homer since the World Series.

(23:18) Juan Soto was thrown out trying to steal 2nd despite him having a great series. Is it worthy of a TOOTBLAN?

(26:52) Al is quite fired up about the decision to hit Joe Ross 8th and Victor Robles 9th. What led to the lineup card decision to have the pitcher hit 8th?

(33:07) We close with an update on Stephen Strasburg and preview the rotation for the 4 game series in D.C. vs. Arizona.

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Game 8: Strasburg Struggles in St. Louis Apr 14, 2021

The Nats were routed 14-3 by the Cardinals Tuesday evening as Stephen Strasburg had one of his worst career starts, allowing 8 runs in 4+ innings. Al & Mark run through Strasburg's outing and the camera controversy in the tunnel that dominated the postgame conversation. Anything physically wrong with Strasburg or was it just poor mechanics?

(13:37) The 5th inning was a nightmare for Washington reliever Luis Avilan and the guys recap the 9 run frame for the Cardinals. On the bright side, the bullpen was effective in the final 3 innings of work, including a memorable bottom of the 8th pitched by a position player.

(22:56) Finally, a preview of the series rubber match Wednesday afternoon as Joe Ross takes on veteran right-hander Adam Wainwright, and an update on Will Harris.

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Game 7: New Lineup Ends the Skid Apr 13, 2021

The Nationals topped St. Louis 5-2 as Josh Bell, Kyle Schwarber, and Josh Harrison returned to the field and added a much needed punch to the struggling offense. Mark & Al go through what we finally saw from the intended Opening Day lineup and the positive trickle down effect to pinch hitting options.

(13:16) A breakdown of Nats pitching on Monday night, starting with Erick Fedde who was much more effective than his last outing. Did we also just see what Davey Martinez's preferred late inning bullpen setup looks like?

(21:02) Mark gives an update on Jon Lester's status and when to maybe expect him to take the mound for Washington.

(23:22) Finally, many members of the Nationals were given the Johnson & Johnson vaccine while in Missouri. The guys explain what this means in a baseball sense in both the short & long-term.

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Game 6: Kershaw & Co. Extend the Offensive Woes Apr 12, 2021

The Nationals were swept over the weekend in L.A., and were shutout in the series finale 3-0 for a fifth consecutive defeat. Clayton Kershaw blanked the struggling offense, despite a strong outing by Max Scherzer.

Al & Mark shine a spotlight on how Washington has been held scoreless 3 times in their first week, and discuss how much of it is related to them being shorthanded. Just how much bad luck has the franchise been dealt so far in the young season?

(13:17) Scherzer was impressive and did not allow any homers like on Opening Day. Mark breaks down what he saw from Max's cutter & slider.

(17:40) Tanner Rainey gave up a 2 run HR in the 7th that seemingly put the game out of reach. How concerned should fans be that he has allowed a homer in both his appearances this season? This leads into a conversation on where the unofficial bullpen hierarchy currently stands for the team.

(22:05) They close with a look at the upcoming 3 game series in St. Louis. Will Kyle Schwarber & Josh Bell be back in the lineup?

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Game 5: Corbin Hit Hard in 4th Straight Loss Apr 11, 2021

The Nationals fell 9-5 at the Dodgers as Patrick Corbin's season debut did not make it a full 5 innings. Al & Mark dig into his start and wonder how much cause for concern there should be due to the decreased velocity on his fastball. Is it rust or a continuation from his last season?

(15:30) L.A. swelled their lead in the 7th on a liner that got past a diving Andrew Stevenson in the outfield. Should Stevenson have left his feet or approached it differently with the bases loaded? They then focus their attention to the offense, as Juan Soto and Ryan Zimmerman are carrying more than their fair share for the lineup at the moment.

(25:37) Sunday afternoon will see a combined 6 Cy Young Awards on the mound as Max Scherzer takes on Clayton Kershaw to avoid the sweep. How important is it for Scherzer to have a strong opening frame after allowing 4 solo homers on Opening Day?

(28:42) Finally, we circle back to the Universal DH debate after so many listeners chimed in from our previous episode. Our twitter poll resulted in 57% supporting for current NL rules to keep starting pitchers in the lineup.

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Game 4: Shutout in L.A. Apr 10, 2021

The Nationals were blanked 1-0 by the Dodgers in their first road game of the season. It was Washington's first time back in L.A. since the 2019 NLDS, and ironically the pregame festivities were marked by the Dodgers receiving their 2020 World Series rings with the Nats (and fans) there to watch.

Mark & Al look at Victor Robles' crucial base-running miscue in the 8th with Trea Turner in the batter's box, and the extent to which it cost the team. While chatting on stolen base attempts, an examination of what led to Juan Soto's aggressive steal attempt in the 4th (and why that part of his game might be short-lived).

(14:56) Joe Ross had an excellent outing, as he meaningfully took the mound for the first time since the World Series. Was he pulled too early, as LA scored in the 6th after his exit?

(19:09) Ross' strikeout in the top of the 5th prompted a conversation on the merits of Universal DH vs. pitchers hitting in the NL. Where do you stand on this age old debate? This leads into an update on the rotation, where Patrick Corbin is likely slated to make his season debut Saturday night.

(28:08). They close by chatting about D.C. approving an attendance increase for the next home-stand at Nationals Park.

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Game 3: Strasburg Gem Wasted Apr 08, 2021

The Nationals were shutout 2-0 by Atlanta to lose both games of the Wednesday doubleheader. Mark & Al look at how the shorthanded lineup was unable to give Stephen Strasburg any help, despite his dominant day on the mound. Should Ryan Zimmerman have started both games to provide an offensive lift?

(15:18) The guys close the episode by previewing the weekend series in Los Angeles and what to expect rotation-wise. Will any of the players that have been held out due to the virus return to the field?

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Game 2: Fedde Gets Hammered Apr 08, 2021

The Nationals dropped the opener of their Wednesday doubleheader vs. Atlanta 7-6, as starting pitcher Erick Fedde was pulled in the 2nd inning. What led to the decision to hold Joe Ross until Friday night?

Al & Mark give their stances on the 7 inning doubleheaders that were introduced last season before looking at what went wrong for Washington, despite getting to Max Fried in the bottom of the 1st.

(11:52) They discuss the solid performance by the bullpen, headlined by southpaw Sam Clay, making his Major League debut. Finally, a look at the top of order so far on the young season, as Trea Turner already has gone deep twice.

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Game 1: Soto Walks-off Atlanta Apr 07, 2021

The Nats opened their 2021 season with a 6-5 victory over the Braves, capped by a Juan Soto walk-off hit.

Al & Mark recap the very busy Opening Day in D.C., which included fans in the stands for the first time since Game 5 of the 2019 World Series. Mark gives a firsthand account of what the 5k attendance felt like, and the role they played in the rally. The guys also praise the contributions from a slew of Nationals not originally expected to be on the Big League roster.

(17:31) A look at Max Scherzer's outing which had its share of both HRs and Ks in the no decision, before an examination of how the shorthanded bullpen debuted vs. the Braves.

(25:49) Finally, where the pandemic-affected roster stands and when to potentially expect some regulars to return to the field.

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Opening Day Delayed + Dr. Fauci Interview Apr 02, 2021

Mark & Al break down the team’s postponement of Opening Day, why it happened, and when they expect the Nats to finally take the field in 2021.

(21:41) For an update on the latest phase of the pandemic, the guys turn to expert (and Nats fan) Dr. Anthony Fauci, NIAID Director. He shares when fans might be able to return in larger numbers, when he started rooting for the Nationals, and more.

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Season Preview: Kieboom Sent Down Mar 29, 2021

In our final installment of Spring Training episodes, Al & Mark react to the news that Carter Kieboom will not begin the season on the Opening Day Roster. What happens at 2B as Starlin Castro moves over to 3B? They explain what the chances are of Kieboom getting called back up in the near future.

(16:47) The guys look at the rest of the roster with updates on pitchers Stephen Strasburg, Jon Lester, and Will Harris' injury. How is the early season rotation plan shaping up? Plus, how the 1B options have been tearing the cover off the ball this Spring.

(29:17) We close with a NL East Preview. Where does Washington fit in as Atlanta goes for a fourth straight divisional crown? Are the Phillies ready to end their decade-long playoff drought? Were the Marlins a fluke last season? How much does the new Mets owner's spending matter? Al gives you his preseason prediction on how he thinks the division will shake out.

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Castro Instead of Kieboom at 3B? Mar 24, 2021

On Tuesday, Starlin Castro got the start at 3B. Will he be at the Hot Corner on Opening Day instead of the struggling Carter Kieboom?

(16:45) Mark & Al explain the significance of the Washington Post report that Erick Fedde no longer has minor league options. Will the team now have to decide between keeping him or Austin Voth?

(24:48) Juan Soto and Trea Turner have not been slugging this Spring. The guys wonder if this is any cause for concern for the Nationals fans.

(28:55) Finally, this week's "Storytime with Mark" is the Gio Gonzalez Edition.

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Interview with Max Scherzer, Opening Day Starter Mar 22, 2021

Al & Mark are joined by three-time Cy Young Winner Max Scherzer to discuss fans returning to the stadium, how long he might pitch for, the future of the DH, and looming labor talks in the sport (23:51).

The show leads off with news that Manager Davey Martinez named Scherzer his Opening Day starter where he will face the Mets Jacob deGrom (just like 2019).

(14:53) The bullpen situation is murkier with the news that Will Harris has a blood clot in his throwing arm right as Tanner Rainey makes his Spring debut. How is the relief pitching shaping up for Washington?

(40:10) Following Max's interview, the guys round out the show by unpacking his comments on ways to address pace of play in the sport.

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Should the Nats Have Been More Aggressive in Free Agency? Mar 18, 2021

Al & Mark lead off with all you need to know regarding the top 4 starters and how the rotation is shaping up for the start of the season. Plus, as the focus on Carter Kieboom's Spring increases, Mark updates whether or not Luis Garcia will be playing in the Big Leagues this year.

(9:20) Al asks if the Nats should have been more aggressive in Free Agency this offseason. Would George Springer have made financial sense? What sort of budget was GM Mike Rizzo working with?

(17:44) Washington D.C. just announced that there will be some fans at Nationals Park on Opening Day. How will it be decided who gets access to the limited tickets?

(23:05) The guys close with the debut of Nats Trivia. These not-for-the-faint-of-baseball heart stumpers go beyond asking, "Who's on first?" with some pre 2012 Nats history.

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Strasburg Leaves Start Early Mar 15, 2021

On Sunday, Stephen Strasburg left the mound early with a calf strain and is day to day. With just a few weeks left until Opening Day, Al & Mark dissect what this means for Strasburg and the rotation as a whole.

(19:22) With Victor Robles' encouraging Spring at the plate, do the guys feel good about him as the 2021 leadoff hitter? And as Carter Kieboom struggles, what are the 3B options for the Nats as the season nears?

(31:45) The Nationals are the only MLB team that don't know whether or not they'll be able to have fans in attendance in April. The guys give the latest update on the timeline for that decision.

(37:01) Finally, in another edition of "Storytime with Mark," he relays a gem from the Frank Robinson era, a true Hall of Famer.

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Will Soto or Turner sign an extension? Mar 11, 2021

Starting off with a lot of rotation updates. Stephen Strasburg made his 2021 debut after barely pitching in 2020, Max Scherzer dominates the Cardinals, the 5th starter situation starts to crystallize, and a clarification on Jon Lester's surgery.

(18:15) Mark & Al discuss the likelihood of stars Juan Soto and Trea Turner signing long-term extensions before becoming free agents. How will the Fernando Tatis Jr. deal affect their decisions?

(28:20) DC Mayor Muriel Bowser spoke this week about the possibility of fans at Nationals Park. Could it happen by Opening Day? The guys compare the Nats situation to that of the Orioles after MD Governor Larry Hogan's recent announcement.

(33:06) Finally, Mark thinks back to exactly a year ago when 2020 Spring Training came to a halt due to the pandemic.

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Surprising Release of Jeremy Jeffress Mar 08, 2021

The Nats off day on Sunday got busy following news that reliever Jeremy Jeffress was released for unspecified "personnel reasons". Al & Mark discuss how it affects the current bullpen situation and give an update on Tanner Rainey.

(13:48) The guys also evaluate how the present and future front-lines of the rotation are looking so far this Spring. Max Scherzer, Patrick Corbin, Cade Cavalli, and Jackson Rutledge have all finally taken the mound.

(29:34) Last season, the Nats defense was the worst in the MLB. With Josh Bell and Kyle Schwarber now on the roster, what should we expect from Washington in the field in 2021?

(36:46) Finally, Mark has another story from the Jim Bowden Era in Viera. This one, from their first ever Spring Training game in 2005, and it's can't miss.

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Ryan Zimmerman Interview + Lester Latest Mar 04, 2021

Mark & Al talk about the news from Florida of Jon Lester leaving camp for thyroid surgery, plus take a look at where the 3B position stands this Spring. Tune in to find out what Carter Kieboom now has in common with Cristian Guzman.

(20:41) In news out of DC, Mayor Muriel Bowser denied the request to have fans at Nationals Park. Mark explains all the angles as the decision is expected to be reconsidered again later this month. When will fans finally be able to celebrate the World Series title inside the stadium?

(28:06) Last but not least, Ryan Zimmerman, aka Mr. National, joins to talk about his longevity with the organization, the early years that were filled with losing, his life at home during the 2020 season, and his take on analytics that is not exactly Galdi certified.

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Grapefruit League Opener Starts with... a Tie Mar 01, 2021

We promised you in-depth discussion on the fifth starter on this podcast and that's exactly what we give you after Erick Fedde took the mound against the Cardinals in Jupiter, FL. Who has the inside track between him, Joe Ross, and Austin Voth?

(11:07) Mark & Al react to the first lineup card of the season. Is it an indication of where Juan Soto might be slotted this year? What do they think of Victor Robles maybe hitting leadoff?

(19:17) The guys give an update on Max Scherzer's ankle, when to expect to see him this Spring, and what to expect of Stephen Strasburg after he barely pitched in 2020.

Finally (33:41), Mark takes a trip down Spring Training memory lane when the Nats trained in Viera during the Jim Bowden era. A Jose Vidro reference awaits.

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Welcome to Nats Chat! Feb 23, 2021

Nats fans, we are excited to bring you "Nats Chat" podcast, a year-round podcast that will have episodes after every single game! Hosted by Mark Zuckerman & Al Galdi.

Mark of MASNsports.com, has been covering the team since it all began in 2005. Al has been talking baseball on the DMV airwaves for over 20 years, back when the Expos were still in Montreal.

Enjoy this quick trailer, explaining what we are all about.

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