Wire Taps: Juan Soto tearing up Single-A; Nationals play it safe with Max Scherzer; Ryan Zimmerman misses second straight game

Walk off hero Wilmer Difo ahead of Bryce Harper in the leadoff spot, just like we all predicted a month ago!

Here’s what’s staying classy in San Diago.

Soto continues demolition of minors
Juan Soto's line: .388/.492/.857 in 12 games. This is mildly absurd.

Nationals are wise to be playing it safe with their stars
As Clayton Kershaw goes down, as Jacob deGrom goes down, as many other important Nationals go down, the Nats are prioritizing the health of this generation's greatest starter over nearly everything. At this point, that's what matters, because their bench guys are stepping up.

Four takeaways from the Phillies’ brutal loss in Arrieta-Scherzer battle
The Phillies have an approach at the plate that makes pitchers throw considerable numbers of pitches. They trust their bullpen (except their closer). They're scary.

Starting Pitching Carrying the Load
The team's batting average is a paltry .244, but the team is still winning. How, you ask? Three words: Scherzer, Strasburg, Gonzalez.

Ryan Zimmerman out of Nationals’ lineup for second straight day
Also, Adam Eaton was in a boot for weeks, and hasn't been willing to talk about his ankle, so nobody really knows where he's at right now.

Juan Soto smashes sixth homer
If you wanted to see Juan Soto in Potomac, go now, because he's not long for Single-A.

Max Scherzer Is A Fire-Breathing Dragon, Strikes Out 15
It's the first time a pitcher has struck out fifteen batters in just 6.1 innings.

Today’s Game: Nationals vs. Padres — 10:10 PM
Probable Pitchers: Stephen Strasburg vs. Tyson Ross