The Washington Nationals pivoted strategically to pitch Cade Cavalli yesterday and Miles Mikolas today. This all had to be done prior to their appeals for their suspensions during the fracas in Boston.
The plan going forward for the starting pitchers will be dependent on the suspensions. For Tuesday, Andrew Alvarez is scheduled, and Foster Griffin on Wednesday. It would be the Yankees series where Zack Littell is the only pitcher who we know will pitch in that series. We could see some minor leaguers called up if needed.
The Nationals announced that they acquired LHP Matt Krook off outright waivers from the Athletics, and the assumption was that he would be added to the active roster as of yesterday. He was not and still has not been added. Instead the Nats optioned Eddy Yean to Triple-A Rochester and called up Cole Henry.
❝[Eddy Yean] was outstanding in his debut. He had to pick us up in the spot that we were in. Obviously didn’t plan on going to him in the third inning. But to come in there, get us out of a jam and then keep us in the game. I thought he looked great.❞
— manager Blake Butera said after the game yesterday
On offense, the Nats have the 1st in MLB for the most runs scored this season at 485 runs, and that is an impressive 5.33 runs per game. With the Nats pitching giving up 4.72 earned runs per game, the difference is really those pesky unearned runs due to the errors. Overall, the Nats have a +9 run differential on the season.
The FanGraphs WAR chart is now large in its sample size. You can certainly start to extrapolate the numbers for the full-season. The OAA defense stat is now giving us a picture of what the Nats have — and don’t have.
Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Washington Nationals
Stadium: Nationals Park, Washington, D.C. 1st Pitch: 6:45 PM EDT TV: Nationals.TV Radio: 106.7 The Fan radio and via the MLB app. On Sirius/XM, tune to Channel 89 for the home broadcast and the road team is online only.
I said that my goal is to make the Nationals the envy of sport.
To me, that means an organization defined by our relentless pursuit of excellence, strengthened by our connection to each other and fueled by our positive energy. As a result, we become an organization that players and staff are itching to join because they know it’s where they will develop and thrive most; a place that energizes our loyal fans and attracts new ones, and where success is achieved – and sustained – over time.
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