Wire Taps: Washington Nationals finish road trip 5-2; start four-game set with New York Mets tonight...

Washington’s bullpen blew a late lead last night when Nationals’ skipper Dusty Baker decided to go with the matchups and mixed things up, but the Nats came back and won it in extras so it’s all good, right?

Two of three from the Astros in Houston is not a bad way to end a road trip.

Here’s the latest Nationals news before the start of this weekend’s four-game set with the Mets:

Nats’ bullpen buckles in ninth, holds on in 11th for a 5-4 win
"By the time it ended, after another gem (and trainer’s trip to the mound) for Stephen Strasburg, after an ill-fated experiment led to the Nationals’ first blown save in more than a month..."

Baker to monitor starters' schedules as final month approaches
"Manager Dusty Baker is monitoring how many games his starters will play in the next four weeks as the club closes in on its second straight division title."

Max Scherzer close to coming off disabled list
"That bullpen session could come as soon as Friday, the day he was scheduled to come off the DL and start against the Mets at Nationals Park."

A.J. Cole will start Friday, Max Scherzer not ruling out Sunday return
“Not full tilt but good day,” Scherzer said. “Bullpen soon. Two days after that — start.”

Scherzer improving, Cole will start Friday
"Right-hander Max Scherzer could be the starter for Sunday night if he throws a bullpen session without issues Friday in D.C."

For seven years, Jayson Werth has called Washington home. He wants one more run
"This is the last season, and approaching the last month, of Werth’s contract. The full-scale assessment of his tenure can’t come in a minor-league dugout in August."

Trea Turner, Jayson Werth to rehab Friday with Potomac Nationals
"The Washington Nationals have assigned both OF Jayson Werth and SS Trea Turner to the Potomac Nationals, where they will continue their respective rehabilitation assignments."

Trea Turner, Jayson Werth off to slow but healthy starts in rehab assignment
"He went through a boring process of running, swinging with his one healthy arm, running some more and waiting for the wrist to heal."

Up Next: Nationals vs Mets - 7:05 PM EDT in D.C.

Matchup: A.J. Cole (1-3, 5.32 ERA) vs Jacob deGrom (13-7, 3.49 ERA)