Wire Taps: Nationals take series and second-half opener 5-0 over Reds; Joe Ross updates; bullpen additions...

Washington started the second half with a win in the series opener in Cincinnati, with Gio Gonzalez putting together an impressive start and Bryce Harper homering twice in a 5-0 win over the Reds.

It wasn’t all good news on Friday, however, with word on Joe Ross’s MRI (right elbow sprain) and Dusty Baker telling reporters that Jayson Werth won’t be back as soon as they’d hoped.

Catch up on the last 24 hours in Nationals news before the second of four in Great American Ball Park...

NATS BEAT:

Nationals’ Gio Gonzalez picks up where he left off as he shuts down Reds
"Gonzalez, who made his own all-star case without a nod, continued his standout campaign with his best start in nearly two years."

Jayson Werth’s toe injury more serious than expected, pushing back his return
“'It’s just that his foot is not responding as we had hoped,' Nationals Manager Dusty Baker said. 'So we had to make alternative plans now.'"

Just How Bad Has The Nationals’ Bullpen Been?
"Essentially, FanGraphs thinks the Nationals should have been able to find any seven guys sitting around waiting to throw baseballs and they should be better than what the Nats have rolled out in relief in 2017."

THE NatsGM Show #105 – Guest Pete Kerzel
"THE NatsGM Show Episode #105 is now available and we proudly welcome from MASNSports.com, Pete Kerzel!"

Nationals call up Trevor Gott, Austin Adams
"The Nationals opened the second half of the season with a number of roster moves that will result in two relievers bringing depth to their struggling bullpen."

Nats awaiting results after Ross undergoes MRI arthrogram
"'I don’t want to speculate on things and I don’t want to think the worst (but) we’re preparing it to be a longer situation.'" - Dusty Baker on Joe Ross

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Josh Shepardson’s 10 Bold Predictions (Mid-Season Review)
1). The Nationals produce two top-5 overall ranked players.

Washington's Daniel Murphy not in Friday's lineup
"numberFire's algorithms project Murphy for 12 home runs, 48 RBI and a .326 average across 288 plate appearances over the remainder of the 2017 season."

Cincinnati Reds' Bryan Price describes his team's 'calling card'
"'That’s the only expectation I have, that guys show up prepared to play and they do that every day.'" - Bryan Price on the Reds

Panel's Close Call on MLB-Network Dispute May Set Up Extra Legal Innings
"[A]ccording to Thomas Hall, counsel for the broadcasting company, the split decision has set up a sure-fire appeal to be sought by both his client and the Orioles."