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Game 118: Ross' Elbow to the IL & Skid Hits 7 Aug 16, 2021

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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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