Wire Taps: Nationals win third straight, Max Scherzer Ks 11, Juan Soto homers in third straight game...

Max Scherzer struck out 11 and picked up his 200th K of the season. Juan Soto homered for the third straight game, and the 13th time this season, and tied Mickey Mantle for the sixth-most HRs as a teenager.

Oh, and Washington won their third straight overall as both Philly and Atlanta lost. 6.0 games back! 6.0 games back! 6.0 games back!!! On. to. the. links!!!!:

NATS BEAT:

Nationals' Stephen Strasburg, on DL with neck injury, could begin throwing Sunday - (WaPost)
"Strasburg, 30, received the shot from a neurologist in Los Angeles. He is expected to rejoin the Nationals on Saturday."

Strasburg receives shot in neck, could resume throwing Sunday - (MASN)
"The Nationals have received what they believe to be good news about Stephen Strasburg, though it’s still an open question when the right-hander will be ready to pitch again."

Robles activated onto Triple-A Syracuse's roster (Nats up 9-1) - (MASN)
"They may not have room for him in their crowded outfield right now, but Victor Robles is healthy again and available should the Nationals require his services before season’s end."

Juan Soto ties Mickey Mantle with 13th homer - (MLB.com)
"Soto's latest home run was a laser off Marlins right-hander Pablo Lopez that traveled 420 feet and came off the bat at 104.3 mph -- according to Statcast™..."

Max Scherzer dominates Marlins on birthday - (MLB.com)
"Scherzer retired the first 10 batters in order and carried a no-hitter into the fifth inning. He fanned 11, reaching the 200-strikeout mark for the seventh consecutive season."

The Nationals Should Absolutely Not Trade Bryce Harper – (The Nats Blog)
”Trading Bryce allows him to see what life outside the Nats looks like, test the waters. You let Mike Bordick do that. Not Harper.”

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Miami Marlins vs. Washington Nationals game recap, July 27 - (Miami Herald)
"Max Scherzer wasn’t Max Scherzer the first two times he faced the Marlins this season. Friday he was."

MLB trade rumors: The Nationals shouldn’t sell at the trade deadline - (SBNation.com)
"But if you’re looking for reasons why the Nationals should think they’re still in it, here is a program that looks at hundreds of seasons and thousands of seasons and comes to that exact conclusion."

Washington Nationals' top prospect returns to Syracuse Chiefs lineup - (syracuse.com)
"The Syracuse Chiefs player most worth watching is finally back on the field for that team again."

MLB trade rumors: Could Yankees' Brian Cashman deal for Nationals' Bryce Harper or Giants' Andrew McCutchen? Never say never - (NJ.com)
"The idea of the Washington Nationals selling off Harper before the deadline had sounded ludicrous, until the team tanked this year."

MLB trade deadline roundtable: Will Jacob DeGrom be moved? - (SI.com)
"Multiple reporters have floated the idea that ownership wants general manager Mike Rizzo to cut payroll and keep the team under the luxury tax, especially if it falls further out of contention."

NL EAST UPDATES:

Nick Pivetta allows two homers in Phillies' loss to Reds - (Philly.com)
"Friday was Pivetta’s final start before Tuesday’s trade deadline. He has a 6.70 ERA in 10 starts in June and July and has completed six or more innings in just three of those 10."

Asdrubal Cabrera on being traded to the Phillies - NorthJersey.com
WATCH: Now-former Mets' infielder Asdrubal Cabrera on being traded to the Phillies.

Pablo Lopez shows promise in loss to Nationals - (MLB.com)
"In Friday's 9-1 loss to the Nationals, however, Marlins fans were reminded that although [Pablo Lopez] has shown signs of greatness, this rookie still has a lot to learn..."

Snitker confident Braves can emerge from struggles - (AJC.com).
"Having lost 11 of their past 16, they now trail Philadelphia in the National League East by 2-1/2 games. Manager Brian Snitker, not appearing panicked or fazed, said he is eager to see that flip."