:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60730775/usa_today_11025643.0.jpg)
Washington bounced back from a 7-1 loss to Cincinnati in the first game of Saturday’s split doubleheader with the Reds in Nationals Park to take the nightcap in the nation’s capital, 6-2.
This afternoon they go for a series win after taking two of the first three, with Tanner Roark on the mound against Reds’ right-hander Luis Castillo in the series finale. Catch up on the last 24 hours in Nationals news while you wait for today’s game to start...
NATS BEAT:
Harper leaves game; Madson "didn't mean to hit" Votto in win - (MASN)
"The concern after the game was the status of star outfielder Bryce Harper, who had to leave in the top of the seventh after getting hit by pitch from Austin Brice with two outs in the sixth."
Bryce Harper injured, exits game vs. Reds -(MLB.com)
”He immediately went to the ground, prompting manager Dave Martinez and head athletic trainer Paul Lessard to emerge from the dugout to check on him.”
Madson on Votto: “I didn’t mean to hit him...I hope he’s ok.”
— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) August 5, 2018
Rodriguez likely Tuesday; Strasburg update (Nats fall 7-1) - (MASN)
"Martinez said there will be no hesitation to go to [Jefry] Rodriguez even with it being the Braves, who are currently ahead of the Nats in the division standings."
Desperate for wins, Nationals settle for a split in doubleheader against Reds - (WaPost)
"Assuming that pitch did not render Harper unavailable long-term — and Manager Dave Martinez did not expect him to need X-rays or an MRI exam — the Nationals will look back at Saturday’s split as a tolerable outcome."
#Nationals No. 2 prospect Carter Kieboom (@MLB No. 34) went 2-for-3 with a game-winning solo for @HbgSenators tonight. The 20-year-old is batting .275 with 3 homers in 37 games since being promoted on June 21. Here's how @Nationals prospects are faring: https://t.co/DRua1tjBFw pic.twitter.com/fYbrffgoeh
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) August 5, 2018
Stephen Strasburg could throw off the mound ‘in the next week or so’ - (WaPost)
"Strasburg, 30, has said he believes it’s all behind him now. He expects to return completely healthy for the first time this season."
NATIONAL(S) BEAT:
How close were the Nationals to trading Bryce Harper? - (FOX Sports)
"Ken Rosenthal explains how realistic the chances were of Bryce Harper being traded before the deadline."
Juan Soto is the 1st teenager with multiple hits in both games of a doubleheader since Robin Yount did it at 19 years old on Sept. 13, 1975 against the Red Sox (via @EliasSports). pic.twitter.com/uoq1br87cc
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) August 5, 2018
NL EAST UPDATES:
Young arms have pushed bolstered Phillies bullpen to another level, and best ERA in baseball, since July 1 – (The Athletic)
"The Phillies are 17-11 since July 1. The bullpen has a 2.50 ERA in that stretch, tops in the majors."
Zack Wheeler throws 7 scoreless in Mets' win - (MLB.com)
"Blocking out trade rumors and everything else around him to just focus on the task at hand is something Wheeler has handled well. Saturday wasn't any different."
.@Wheelerpro45 says he felt confident in himself and the defense behind him in tonight's victory. #MetsWin pic.twitter.com/sOPCzNtUO8
— New York Mets (@Mets) August 5, 2018
Surging Phillies pound Urena, Marlins behind balanced attack - (Sun Sentinel)
"Justin Bour and Miguel Rojas homered for Miami, which has dropped five in a row and nine of 12."
Braves shut out by Mets in Gausman’s debut - (AJC.com)
"Kevin Gausman became the first notable July acquisition to start for the Braves in six years Saturday. The former Oriole pitched well, but the sixth inning became his unfortunate defining moment."