Washington Nationals’ GM Mike Rizzo was all over the place talking about Bryce Harper on Wednesday and the trade that brought Kelvin Herrera over from the Kansas City Royals. It’s been an interesting 24 hours in Nationals news.
Catch up on all of it now before the Nats go for a series win in the D.C.-half of the Battle of the Beltways.
NATS BEAT:
Mike Rizzo on Bryce Harper’s struggles: ‘I think he’s handled them with class and dignity’ - (WaPost)
"Whatever Harper is thinking, he won’t let on. Asked how he is feeling at the plate this weekend, Harper said, 'I feel great.'"
Today I was invited to a ceremony at the WW2 Memorial to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of WW2’s air war. It was a great privilege to share the stage with these heroes and it was an honor to meet a members of the 8th Air Force as well as a legendary Tuskegee Airman, Col. McGee. pic.twitter.com/k4IzHhmdJy
— Obi-Sean Kenobi (@whatwouldDOOdo) June 20, 2018
Injury updates: Brandon Kintzler nearing return; no timetables for Matt Wieters, Ryan Zimmerman - (WaPost)
"Activating Kintzler will require them to let one of those eight relievers go, and only one of them, Sammy Solis, has minor league options remaining."
Bryce Harper working to break out of slump - (MLB.com)
"While the Nationals' manager has acknowledged he has seen Harper grow frustrated at times lately, Martinez has raved about Harper's attitude during the skid."
Martinez insists Taylor will play despite recent stretch on bench - (MASN)
"Davey Martinez has been saying Taylor will continue to get his at-bats, and the manager reiterated that point today."
Podcast https://t.co/sgveKwD3TL A conversation with Nationals GM Mike Rizzo about the Herrera trade and how it went down, Juan Soto's discipline, Harper's struggles.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) June 20, 2018
NATIONAL(S) BEAT:
The Nationals bolster their strong bullpen with Kelvin Herrera - (Beyond the Box Score)
"The Nationals are right in the thick of a playoff race. That is not surprising. What is surprising is that it is a race at all right now."
Caleb Joseph, Corban Joseph relish role as teammates on Orioles - (Washington Times)
"The story got even better at Nationals Park on Tuesday, as Joseph and his brother Caleb — a catcher for the Orioles — were teammates at the major league level for the first time."
My favorite part of this story: Anyone that wants to watch Scherzer throw a bullpen session has to sign a waiver. Seriously. https://t.co/jcyzino16k
— Eddie Matz (@ESPNeddiematz) June 20, 2018
NL EAST UPDATES:
Odubel Herrera saves day in Phillies' win over Cardinals - (NBC Sports Philadelphia)
“'Bet on me,' said [Odubel] Herrera, showing confidence that he was about to heat up. Herrera was right. He’s hot again."
Noah Syndergaard discusses his status - (NorthJersey.com)
"Noah Syndergaard discusses his status while he recovers from a right index finger strain."
AJ Ramos to have surgery on torn labrum - (MLB.com)
"The Mets announced Tuesday that Ramos will undergo surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder, ending his season and perhaps his Mets career."
Jose Urena unravels in 6th, Giants hang on for series win - (Sun Sentinel)
"After two games filled flaring tempers and alleged beanballs, the Giants and Marlins finally learned to play nice together in their season series finale."
What Mike Soroka said after Canada native's start Tuesday in Toronto - (AJC.com)
"Braves rookie pitcher Mike Soroka made his fifth major league start and his first in his Canadian homeland."