Wire Taps: Nationals shut out for second straight game; Stephen Strasburg update + Hero Dad + Bryce Harper’s bat

Before the Nationals lost last night, getting shut out for the second game in a row and the 13th time this season, Washington got some good news about Sean Doolittle getting back on the mound in the near future. There was also an update on Stephen Strasburg, who will make his next start in spite of some concerns. Catch up on the latest news before the next games with the Mets at 4:05 PM this afternoon...

NATS BEAT:

Nationals shut out again, fall back under .500 (updated) - (MASN)
"So much for any positive momentum to come out of their back-to-back, come-from-behind wins over the Phillies to begin the week."

Gio Gonzalez goes 7 in Nationals' shutout loss - (MLB.com)
"Visits to Citi Field usually turn out well for Gio Gonzalez (Double G). He pitches well. The Nationals win."

Against a below-average left-hander, Nationals can’t rise above - (WaPost)
"So Vargas did what many left-handed starters have done to the Nationals: He utterly flummoxed them in a 3-0 Mets win..."

Nationals shut down by journeyman pitcher, lose to Mets - (Washington Times)
"It was the 13th time the Nationals were blanked this year, and the second day in a row. Washington is now 13-23 against lefty starters this season after being held to four hits."

Strasburg will make next start on regular turn (Nats down 1-0) - (MASN)
"Though his return from the disabled list earlier this week raised some red flags, Stephen Strasburg will make his next scheduled start for the Nationals early next week."

Stephen Strasburg slated to make next start following successful bullpen session - (WaPost)
"So Strasburg proceeded as normal. He played catch the next day. On Friday, he threw a 40-pitch bullpen at Citi Field."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Mets fan saved his son from Bryce Harper's flying bat - (Yahoo!Sports)
"A New York Mets fan has achieved hero status at Citi Field after saving his two sons from being struck by Bryce Harper’s dangerous broken bat."

Potential September callups for each MLB team - (MLB.com)
"The enormous success of 19-year-old Juan Soto has made Robles a bit of an afterthought in the Nationals' outfield..."

Padres’ reliever Craig Stammen should be on the radar for any contending teams - (Beyond the Box Score)
"With Stammen pitching so well and with a week still left on the waiver trade deadline, Stammen could be dealt to contending team..."

Cole Hamels and Daniel Murphy fit right into a Cubs team that knows how to roll with the punches – (The Athletic)
“One of the best ways I’ve been able to describe it in talking with my wife about competing against the Cubs is that there’s a lot of organizations that can give a punch." - Daniel Murphy

NL EAST UPDATES:

Phillies struggle to knock in runners in loss - (MLB.com)
"Sure, Phillies right-hander Jake Arrieta (Snake) allowed four runs in six-plus innings, but the offense had a few good opportunities to break open the game throughout the night."

Three takeaways from Marlins 1-0 win over Braves - (Sun Sentinel)
"After being shut out the night before, the Marlins returned the favor on Friday, blanking the Braves 1-0."

Braves' bats quiet, Foltynewicz sharp in loss - (MLB.com)
"Atlanta scattered just three hits and went quietly, unable to crack the hits column for the final five frames."