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Late last night, the Nationals acquired Howie Kendrick from the Phillies. Earlier in the day, Washington signed reliever Neil Ramirez to a minor league deal. According to the latest rumors, the Nats still remain interest in adding relief help, with Brad Hand just the latest potential target as GM Mike Rizzo and Co. in the front office consider some upgrades for the bullpen. Justin Wilson is still a possibility, at least according to one of the reports below...
Catch up on the last 24 hours in Nationals news before the start of tonight’s game with the Rockies... weather permitting:
NATIONALS ACQUIRE HOWIE KENDRICK:
Nats get veteran Kendrick from Phillies for minor league pitcher
"Once Werth and Taylor, in particular, return healthy, Kendrick would likely slot into a reserve role, offering Baker another experienced right-handed bat..."
Nationals upgrade their bench, land Howie Kendrick from Phillies - The Washington Post
Kendrick upgrades the Nationals’ right-handed hitting options off an increasingly decrepit bench decimated by injuries.
Phillies trade Howie Kendrick to Nationals
"The Phillies were motivated to move Kendrick. First, he is a free agent after the season. Second, the Phillies had nowhere for him to play..."
NATS BEAT:
Off-The-Field Recap: A Pigeon in the On-Deck Circle is Worth Two in the Bush
"The Washington Nationals gave Max Scherzer a whole lot of offense for his birthday on Thursday, outdoing any birthday present you’ve ever given or gotten."
Nationals outfielders close to returning
"Because his left toe injury hasn't healed quickly, Werth has stopped running. He's still able to perform most baseball activities, such as hitting."
Even with trip to DL, Desmond savoring return to Nationals Park
“'It’s tough, Desmond said. 'This is one I had marked on my schedule. First time back. I wanted to get back out in front of the fans who rooted me on for so long.'"
Nationals sign reliever Neil Ramirez to minor league deal
"Ramirez burst into the realm of well-regarded relievers when he pitched to a 1.44 ERA in 50 games as a rookie for the Cubs in 2014."
NATIONAL(S) BEAT:
The Crazy Probabilities in the Nationals Five-Homer Inning
"Let’s say I told you four Washington Nationals hitters in a row hit homers, and you had to name the four hitters, how many guesses would it take."
Heyman | Brad Hand Drawing Significant Interest As Trade Deadline Looms
"The Washington Nationals, Houston Astros, and Los Angeles Dodgers appear to be the main teams in on Hand as the deadline approaches."
Five challenges to big deals as MLB trade deadline closes in
"The Astros, Dodgers and Nationals all are in on the Tigers’ Justin Wilson."
Bryce Harper Just Keeps Getting Better
"As of July 26th, the leg-kick-less swing remains, and it continues to get results. It has helped Harper become the best two-strike hitter in baseball..."