Wire Taps: Trea Turner benched after blunder; Turner wins Nats hustle award; Nationals’ GM Mike Rizzo talks buying at deadline...

Here’s a fun thought: if everything falls apart rapidly, Bryce Harper may only have 5 days left as a Na— just kidding, that’s not happening. But hug a veteran today, because they may not be here tomorrow. Just in case.

Mike Rizzo on ‘wait-and-see mode’ and what the Nationals need to improve (The Athletic)
Rizzo wants to improve his starting pitching and his catching, but wants to do it from within. Which doesn't really make sense, because there's nothing left within. Then again, the Marlins want Victor Robles or Juan Soto for J.T. Realmuto, and the Rays want one of those two or Luis Garcia for Chris Archer. So maybe they'll stay put and pray for a miracle. Yay, limbo!

By benching Trea Turner, Dave Martinez is setting a precedent for his Nationals (WaPo)
Martinez has been slowly putting his foot down all season. Last night, he slammed it to the floor. There are some double standards with Bryce Harper, for sure. But he has the right to expect some more out of his team.

The Nationals may trade for a starter, but Cole Hamels probably isn’t the target (WaPo)
MLB.com reported Monday that the Nats had talked about Cole Hamels with the Rangers, but apparently that didn't happen, because the Nationals don't feel like paying up to $27 million for a 4.72 ERA. Who would the Nationals view as an upgrade as a starting pitcher, though?

Trea Turner is Nats' 2018 Heart and Hustle Award nominee (MASN)
Welp.

Little mistakes not allowing Nats to get on a roll again (MASN)
Failed bunts, missed plays, lots of walks, and missed opportunities. They've come day in and day out, and the Nationals haven't been able to get rolling. It's getting late, folks.

Trea Turner not in lineup after angering Dave Martinez (ESPN)
"I felt after yesterday that he probably needed a day off,'' Martinez said. "Let him ponder about it. We need Trea, and he's a very good player. I don't ask these guys to be perfect, but I want them to be present, and I know he knows that. I've got a lot of respect for him.''