So, today’s a decently big day for D.C. sports... Erick Fedde comes back up! (Probably?)
Here’s the news from Nats Park:
Whatever it is Juan Soto can give them, the Nationals still need a lot more
Juan Soto could be a phenomenal addition to the team. But ultimately, he can't replace the versatility of Howie Kendrick, nor will his bat likely be as consistent. Who can the Nats find, though, that could play like Kendrick? Is it finally time to trade for J.T. Realmuto, miraculously still a Marlin?
Is Bryce Harper Doing Too Much?
Bryce Harper started the year strong and then lost a ton of steam, but it isn't because he's not seeing pitches to hit. Instead, he's chasing more and running into some really bad batted ball luck, especially given that he's pulling the ball a ton, making himself more prone to shifts.
Let's talk about other 19-year-olds that came up
On one hand, there's Jurickson Profar, and on the other, there's Mike Trout. But only Trout has Soto's eye for the zone and ability — maybe Soto won't stick around this year, but he will very soon.
Nationals will be more cautious with Ryan Madson’s workload when he returns
Madson is throwing again after what he thought was a cramp never went away. When he comes back, Davey Martinez will limit his use a whole lot more and make sure he's not throwing a ton back-to-back.
After brutally difficult month, Taylor finally gets his moments
Michael A. Taylor did not have a good month, to say the least. However, two late-inning events — a miraculous put-out at home and a walk-off double — could turn things around for him.
Erick Fedde has seen an up-tick in his fastball velocity at Syracuse
Fedde will likely start tomorrow, and has seen an improvement in his stuff over the last few weeks since a rough patch to start the season in Triple-A.
The A’s Traded a Dominant Closer (Doolittle) for a Dominant Closer (Treinen)
Blake Treinen figured it out in the middle of last season, and has since been a semi-dominant closer for the slightly-less-dominant A's. It's partially due to the fact that his fastball is moving more, and partially due to the fact that he got his late-inning demons in check.
After DFA shuffle, Brady Dragmire pitching well in Nationals system
Brady Dragmire was DFAd five times last year. In Double-A Harrisburg, he's pitched to a 2.45 ERA with a 1.13 WHIP. Could the Nats be the team with which he finally breaks through?