Wire Taps: Nationals look for split with Phillies after dropping 3-2 decision on Saturday + discriminatory shifts...

In one of the links below, Scott Boras, super agent to the stars, talks about how defensive shifts discriminate against left-handed hitters, which is like, yes, obviously. Nats’ GM Mike Rizzo talked about all the shifted defenses Bryce Harper has seen a few weeks back when he was asked how they were affecting the Nationals’ slugger during the GM’s weekly visit with 106.7 the FAN in D.C.’s Sports Junkies.

“I think the shift — you can see throughout baseball, the shift has had an effect on hitters, specifically left-handed hitters,” Rizzo explained. “I think the shift at large has been fairly effective against left-handed hitting. It’s no different with Harp. He hits the ball really hard, he hits balls on the line and on the ground, and ground balls these days are outs with the shift as it is.”

We’re just placing those two things side by side and moving on to the links now, okthxbye:

NATS BEAT:

Sammy Solis optioned to Triple-A Syracuse - (MLB.com)
"Washington had been carrying nine relievers in its bullpen, but the only one with options available was Solis."

Notes on Zimmerman, Read, Strasburg, Robles, Ross (Nats lose 3-2) - (MASN)
“'We’re hoping that he’ll want to go play some games,' manager Davey Martinez said. 'We’ll have to talk to him. But I watched him take BP today, and he was smoking balls.'"

Sammy Solis sent to Triple-A, Zimmerman moved to 60-day DL - Washington Times
"Solis, 29, has appeared in 40 games out of the bullpen for Washington and that was tied for second in the National League through Friday."

Same lineup, old results for Nats in 3-2 loss to Phillies - (MASN)
"The Nationals wound up getting something far less than the best during a 3-2 loss to the Phillies."

Nationals fall in Jeremy Hellickson's return - (MLB.com)
"In his first start in more than four weeks, Hellickson's release point and command were a bit off as he gave up three runs on seven hits in 4 2/3 innings."

The Jekyll-and-Hyde Nationals reach season’s midpoint with loss to Phillies - (WaPost)
"For 81 games, they have oscillated between a club with no business advancing to the postseason and the team many projected to win the National League East."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Jon Heyman: Scott Boras says the severe shift is unfair to lefty hitters - (Fancred Sports)
"Agent Scott Boras says the defensive shifts now being employed are unfairly targeting left handed hitters, especially lefty power hitters, and MLB should consider instituting rules to level the playing field."

A's closer Blake Treinen having All-Star caliber season - (Mercury News)
"On the occasion of his 30th birthday, Treinen goes into Satruday’s game against the Cleveland Indians having converted 21 of 23 save opportunities..."

Why Yankees must win AL East, Mets' deGrom plan, Phillies' ceiling, Tim Tebow's future - (NJ.com)
"Washington looks, well, off—and has all year. The Braves, like the Phillies, are young and unproven."

Senators shortstop Carter Kieboom, the Washington Nationals No. 2 prospect, is focused on the present - (PennLive.com)
"Baseball, at every level, is still a game to Carter Kieboom. It's one he tries to enjoy."

NL EAST UPDATES:

Vince Velasquez hurts his forearm but finishes off incredible play left-handed - (NBC Sports Philadelphia)
"Vince Velasquez is one athletic dude."

Jacob DeGrom after NY Mets loss: 'I'm tired of losing, to be honest' - (USA TODAY)
"I’m definitely frustrated, frustrated with how the night went. I’m tired of losing to be honest. Everybody else in here I’m sure is," deGrom said after the 5-2 loss to the Marlins Park on Saturday night."

A Closer Look: Miami Marlins 5, New York Mets 2 - (Sun Sentinel)
"Right-hander Pablo Lopez became the second Marlin in as many days to win his first major league start by throwing six innings of two-run ball..."

Fried, Markakis help Braves rout the Cardinals
Maybe all the Braves needed was to get away from SunTrust Park.