Wire Taps: Washington Nationals still need starting pitching; Wilmer Difo’s breakout month; Chris Heisey released

Happy deadline day! Where nothing will likely happen, much to everyone’s chagrin!

Here’s the latest from South Beach.

To be contenders, the Nats have to make a move for starting pitching
The situation is dire, and even though the Nats don't have a clear hole in the top of their rotation, they should still make a last-minute push for Sonny Gray or someone of his caliber.

For the Nats to get Zach Britton, they would have to overcome a whole lot of history with the Orioles
The Nats and Orioles are in the midst of a TV rights dispute. The two clubs strongly dislike each other, and one even tried to prevent the other from existing. Unfortunately for both sides, it's necessary to swallow some pride and make a deal both sides need to be made.

Wilmer Difo has ignored the launch angle revolution, and is hitting .375 in July because of it
After popping out again and again and again, Dusty Baker suggested to Difo he might do better to hit the ball on the ground more often -- and so far, the suggestion has worked wonders.

Montreal Expos come back to life, even if it's just for a weekend
For one weekend in Cooperstown, the italicized M and lower-case E were back in full force to celebrate newly-inducted Hall-of-Famer Tim Raines.

Nats release Chris Heisey to make room for Erick Fedde
Heisey was given the choice between being put on the 60-day DL or being released by the club so the team could make room on the 40-man roster for Erick Fedde. Heisey took the latter option.

Today’s Game: Nationals vs Marlins — 7:10 PM
Probable Pitchers: Gio Gonzalez vs Jose Urena