Wire Taps: Bryce Harper jogs in Nationals Park; Nats avoid sweep with win over the Braves...

Breathless reports from Nationals Park on Bryce Harper jogging around the warning track during batting practice.

Stopwatches monitoring Victor Robles’s trip around the bases on a triple.

Jose Lobaton leaving the game with an injury that’s hopefully not serious, or it could affect the decision-making on the postseason roster as far as the Nationals’ backup catcher.

It was an exciting night in the nation’s capital. If you weren’t paying attention, there’s time to catch up now, before the start of this weekend’s three-game set with the LA Dodgers...

NATS BEAT:

Victor Robles gives Washington Nationals a glimpse into the future
"Whether Robles impacts the 2017 postseason remains to be seen. When he was first called up a week ago, he seemed like a longshot at best..."

Robles shows off lightning speed as Nats drop Braves
"On Thursday, Robles went 2-for-4 with two runs scored, an RBI and an electrifying triple that had Nats Park in a frenzy as the Nationals dropped the Braves 5-2."

Nationals' Bryce Harper begins running
"Bryce Harper continues to progress as he aims to return to the Nationals in time for the postseason."

Past and future collide for Nats in 5-2 win over Braves
"While the franchise’s present linchpin watched, Werth and Robles shared the diamond Thursday night at Nationals Park."

Bryce Harper takes a jog
"Bryce Harper ran the length of the outfield warning track three times — from the right field to left field corner and back — Thursday afternoon while his teammates took batting practice."

Nationals' Jose Lobaton exits with injury
"Nationals catcher Jose Lobaton exited Thursday night's game against the Braves in the second inning after he was struck on the left foot by an errant slider..."

Koda Glover is out for the season, clarifying the Nationals’ bullpen picture
"Koda Glover tried to get back. He tried to pitch through hip pain, then shoulder pain, then rehab it all in West Palm Beach for a few lonely months."

Use Your Heads, Nats Fans: The Number One Seed Is Good
"Like it or not, the Cubs are going to win the Central. That leaves the Nationals with two likely scenarios..."

Extra meaningful games can pay dividends for Nats prospects in future
"A good number of young players - top prospects, players from Double-A or Triple-A - are getting a chance to play in meaningful September games for the Nats."

Nationals, Dodgers have a lot to play for this weekend. The No. 1 seed isn’t one
"The last thing that the Nats and Dodgers should do is to look too far into the future and imagine themselves in an NLCS with a World Series trip at stake."

2017 Nationals fall instructional league roster and schedule
"The roster includes some familiar names, including many of the top prospects as ranked by Baseball America..."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Olney: X factors in the races for the postseason
"The Los Angeles Dodgers ended a streak of 16 losses in 17 games on Tuesday night, but almost all of their lead over Washington is wiped out -- the Nationals now trail the Dodgers by 4.5 games."

Alex Wood looking to regain All-Star form Friday against Nationals
"He is running out of time to rectify his issues. That will create more scrutiny on his outing against the Nationals, who have already clinched first place in the National League East."

The dangers of having nothing to play for in September
"You'd be amazed how quickly you can get out of shape -- mental, spiritual and physical shape,'' Baker says."