:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49366431/GettyImages-522721644.0.jpg)
Joe Ross is not usually associated with "Johnny Wholestaff" nights. But on Wednesday night, Nats fans got to see why Yusmiero Petit is on the team, got to watch Oliver Perez's funky windup, and got to see Jonathan Papelbon strike out Giancarlo Stanton in dramatic fashion. The bullpen pitched so well, that it may not be a crime to be cautiously optimistic about the bullpen, and that's something we haven't been able to say for a long, long time.
Here's the news from Marlins Park.
Ben Revere starts swinging, running
The injured outfielder took hacks from the right side (as a test) and will likely resume baseball activities in a few days. Dusty Baker was not yet sure if Revere would need a minor league rehab assignment.
Joe Ross exits early with blister
The Nationals' young righty was taken out of the game after his first at bat, due to a blister on his right middle finger. Pickle juice, here we come!
Werth exits game with tightness in hamstring
The outfielder claimed that it was a precautionary measure. Incidentally, Werth had a scheduled day off today.
The Nats lead the majors in ERA
Although there's a sizable gap between their FIP and their ERA, it's still an impressive feat.
This year may be the real year that Harper and Strasburg shine
Although they gained lots of attention in Harper's rookie year (2012), it could be argued that both players weren't close to their full potential. This year, it may finally be the year that Harper and Strasburg lead the team together.
"Johnny Jonathan" Papelbon reacts to his new nickname perfectly
Thanks to MASN Dan, preceding the interview, Jonathan Papelbon turned into Johnny Jonathan Papelbon, and his reaction is perfect.
Stephen Strasburg has a new pitch, and he really means it this time
Although the righty toyed with a slider last spring, it seems like Strasburg has fully incorporated the cutter/slider into his repertoire, and it could put him in the same category as Jake Arrieta and Corey Kluber.
The window for the Nationals is actually wide open
Instead of focusing on players getting ready to leave, Nats fans should focus on the rest of the NL East, and their tanking plans.
Today's Game: Nationals vs Marlins - 1:10 PM (MASN, WJFK)
Probable Pitchers: Max Scherzer (2-0, 3.15 ERA) vs Tom Koehler (0-2, 6.30 ERA)