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Wire Taps: Frank Howard: Bryce Harper hasn't "scratched the surface"; Marc Rzepcynski shocked to be traded to Nats; Lucas Giolito not satisfied w/ Sunday's outing

Catch up on the weekend that was in Washington Nationals news before the start of the three-game set with the Philadelphia Phillies in Citizens Bank Park.

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The Nationals could really, really, really use a day of rest. The bullpen. The offense. The starting pitching. Heck, the clubhouse attendants could probably use one.

Here's the beat from Citizens Bank Park.

Frank Howard says Bryce Harper "hasn't even begun to scratch the surface"
The Senators' legend joined Frank Robinson and Jackie Robinson in the ring of honor, and talked a little while he was at it. While he answered questions, Howard said some promising things about Bryce Harper.

Marc Rzepczynski shocked (but excited) to be traded to a contender
Rzepczynski was excited to join the club with one of the best records in baseball after spending most of his season with the bottom-dwelling Oakland Athletics.

Wilmer Difo optioned to Double-A Harrisburg to make room for Lucas Giolito
Difo will likely be called up for September when the roster expands.

Despite his longest outing in the majors, Giolito not satisfied with performance
Giolito went five innings, but the 22-year-old wasn't too pleased with how the day went.

Boswell: Trea Turner has taken front seat in prospect talk
Turner, who probably isn't a prospect anymore, and Giolito, who started yesterday's game, were both highly-touted - but Giolito's arrival was supposed to be a godsend, and Turner's an eventual positive impact. Instead, the two have flipped.

Today's Game: Nationals vs Phillies - 7:05 PM (MASN2, WJFK)
Probable Pitchers: Tanner Roark (13-7, 2.99 ERA) vs Jake Thompson (1-3, 9.78 ERA)
Magic Number: 25