In addition to welcoming Kelvin Herrera to Washington, D.C., and explaining how he would fit into the Nationals’ bullpen mix, Davey Martinez told the Nats’ new reliever that he’d look sharp in his new uniform as he tried to get the 28-year-old comfortable in his new digs.
“I even told him, ‘You know the color red looks pretty good on you. I know you’re used to blue,’ but his Winter ball team, I think, was red, so I just told him, ‘Hey, just look at it as you’re playing on your Winter ball team, you’ve got a different color on and let’s move forward.”
Clearly, that played a role in inspiring Herrera to success in his six-pitch, three-out debut in last night’s win. Or he’s just pretty good. On to the news...
NATS BEAT:
Kelvin Herrera excited to join Nationals - (MLB.com)
"When Herrera arrived in Washington on Tuesday afternoon, Martinez sat down with him to discuss the right-hander's role as a late-inning reliever."
Kelvin Herrera welcomes chance to aid Nats bullpen - (Washington Times)
"The right-hander realizes he could be used in a setup role with the Nationals, as lefty Sean Doolittle has been the closer this year and has 18 saves in 19 tries with an ERA of 1.47."
The Nationals' Bryce Harper is facing a lot of issues at the plate. Like, a lot, a lot - (WaPost)
"To be fair, Harper is leading the National League with 19 home runs, and his OPS is a still 20 percent higher than the league average, but something is amiss."
Martinez said Murphy came out of the game only because they were double-switching so Miller could pitch two innings. Nothing physically wrong.
— Mark Zuckerman (@MarkZuckerman) June 20, 2018
Nationals place Matt Adams on DL after X-rays reveal ‘slight fracture’ to finger - (WaPost)
"Martinez said the Nationals will not 'push the envelope' with Adams’s recovery."
Adams lands on DL with fractured left index finger - (MASN)
"Just when it looked like they were getting healthier, the Nationals found out today they’re losing another key regular for some time."
Nats secure first season series win over O's since 2007 - (MASN)
"The hits finally came, in rapid succession, both from guys who have been hitting recently and from guys who haven’t been doing it for a while."
Trea Turner has 4 hits in Nationals win - (MLB.com)
"One of the most noteworthy moves was Trea Turner, who usually hits first or second, moving to the six spot."
#Nationals LHP Nick Raquet showed a grade crisper stuff airing it out in short stint, where I think he ultimately profiles best. FB 91-93, tight 82-83 SL w/ tough slant to LHH. Firm circle-CH 85-86. #OnePursuit @federalbaseball @TalkNats2
— Adam McInturff (@2080adam) June 20, 2018
NATIONAL(S) BEAT:
Rosenthal: Why were the Royals so quick to deal Kelvin Herrera? – (The Athletic; Subscription Only)
"A number of rival executives expressed surprise the Royals accepted the Nationals’ offer."
Washington Nationals' addition of Kelvin Herrera shows they mean business - (ESPN)
"Getting Kelvin Herrera is huge for the Washington Nationals. Getting him without giving up a whole lot is even huger."
Nationals players, fans excited to add Kelvin Herrera - (Kansas City Star)
"Sean Doolittle is the Nationals' closer and likely will continue in that role. He's thrilled to have Herrera in the same bullpen."
Hunter Strickland punched a door after coming out of game last night. He fractured his pitching hand and is having surgery. Out at least six to eight weeks.
— Alex Pavlovic (@PavlovicNBCS) June 19, 2018
NL EAST UPDATES:
J.P. Crawford exits after HBP - (MLB.com)
"The Phillies will be without J.P. Crawford for a lengthy stretch, as the infielder sustained a fractured left hand in Tuesday night's tough 7-6 loss to the Cardinals at Citizens Bank Park."
Coach leads Mets’ chorus: It would be ‘crazy’ to trade deGrom - (NY Post)
"It’s crazy, it’s asinine, these guys don’t just fall off trees, it’s total nonsense,’’ Mets' pitching coach Dave Eiland on idea of trading Jacob deGrom
Martin Prado, Garrett Cooper improve in rehab - (MLB.com)
"Third baseman Martin Prado and first base/outfield candidate Garrett Cooper are each progressing from their respective injuries and could be back in the big leagues in less than a month."
Foltynewicz likely to start Sunday; wither McCarthy? - (AJC.com)
"Veteran starter Brandon McCarthy is with the Braves, and they don’t plan to have him start him again until at least before next week..."