Wire Taps: Stephen Strasburg, Stephen Drew nearing return; How MAT can help out; Trea Turner named to AAA All-Stars

The Nats will wrap up their series with Philadelphia tonight (but the two teams will meet again in D.C. in less than two weeks), and then enjoy a much needed off-day in New York before they face the Mets in a series that most people probably thought was going to mean a lot more than it actually does. Oops.

For the last time this season, here's the beat from Citizens Bank Park.

Stephen Drew, Stephen Strasburg nearing return
Stephen Drew, recovering from inner-ear issues, is finally close to coming back to the big league squad along with Stephen Strasburg.

Can Michael A. Taylor help out down the stretch?
Taylor has made his return to the Nats, but has struggled both in the majors and minors. How will Dusty Baker use him?

Wait, so did the Nats attend Tim Tebow's workout?
There's a lot of confusion as to whether or not a Nats' scout went to Tim Tebow's baseball showcase (ultimately, it seems like one scout attended after all).

Daniel Murphy, Bryce Harper lead way for Nats
There are "M-V-P" chants at Nationals Park this year, but they aren't for Bryce Harper -- but both Daniel Murphy and Bryce Harper have been crushing the ball, leading the way for a first-place club.

Trea Turner named to International League All-Star team
Turner has been named as the starting shortstop for the team. Oddly, it seems like he won't be able to make the event.

Today's Game: Nationals vs Phillies - 7:05 PM (MASN2, WJFK)
Probable Pitchers: Gio Gonzalez (9-9, 4.25 ERA) vs Adam Morgan (1-8, 6.50 ERA)
Magic Number: 22