Wire Taps: Kelvin Herrera injures foot; Bryce Harper gets day off; Juan Soto’s workload

That series with the Mets felt like a pretty accurate representation of the season: stifling mediocrity, and then an annoying win that reminds you this team should be good.

Here’s the scoop from Philly, where the Nats can pull themselves within 2.5 games of the Phillies, because nothing seems to matter.

Kelvin Herrera exits with foot injury vs. Mets (MLB.com)
The Nationals' bullpen, already worn thin with injuries, suffered yet another blow as Kelvin Herrera injured his foot covering first on a slow roller.

Nationals closer Kelvin Herrera leaves Sunday’s win with left foot injury (WaPo)
“I don’t know anything,” Martinez said. “… He said it was the top of his left foot. That’s all I know.”

Nationals keeping eye on Juan Soto's workload (MLB.com)
Soto has started 46 consecutive games and is hitting .228 in August, though he has walked 20 times in 100 plate appearances.

Nationals give an under-the-weather Bryce Harper his first day off since Aug. 9 (WaPo)
Harper said he had been sick for about a week, and his hitting had suffered as a result. Davey Martinez gave him a day off in return, especially given that Juan Soto refused a day off when Martinez offered it to him.

Hawaiian Shirt Giveaway is a Hit (The Nats Blog)
"Out of all of these giveaways, there is one that rises above the rest: The MASN Hawaiian Shirt."

After brushback and plunking, Eaton defends his slide (MASN)
Eaton was brushed to the ground and drilled in the hip in response for injuring Phillip Evans earlier this month, but he stood his ground after the game on Saturday.