Wire Taps: Greg Holland reportedly signs with Nationals; Bryce Harper’s post-ASG tear; Shawn Kelley to Oakland

Was the Nationals’ offense impressive yesterday? No, it wasn’t. Did they win? Yes, they did. Does this feel normal for 2018? No, it does not.

Here’s the scoop from South Capitol:

Nationals in discussions with veteran reliever Greg Holland (WaPo)
The Cardinals released Holland from his $14 million deal after he pitched to an ERA of nearly 8.00. It would seem as if the Nationals are giving him another shot.

A weight has been lifted off Bryce Harper, and he’s ready for Nationals’ final stand (WaPo)
Since the All-Star break, Harper has driven in 14 over 15 games during which he's posted a .367 AVG. He finally looks comfortable, and not a moment too late: the Nats are about to enter their most difficult stretch of the year.

Nationals trade reliever Shawn Kelley to the Athletics (WaPo)
Kelley cleared waivers after firing his glove onto the ground, and is now headed to Oakland in exchange for international cap space.

Shawn Kelley traded from Nationals to A's
"A's manager Bob Melvin defended Kelley, calling the episode an "isolated incident." He was aware of the trade before his team played the Tigers on Sunday, and spoke with closer Blake Treinen, who was teammates with Kelley in Washington from 2016-17."

Tanner Roark rounding into form right as Nationals need it (MASN)
Having Roark consistent and dominant like his old self would be a huge get for the Nats. Since the All-Star break, the Nats have seen the old Roark, who has pitched to an 0.82 ERA with 20 strikeouts, thanks to some mechanical and mental tweaks.

Carter Kieboom homers in Harrisburg (MLB)
Kieboom went 2 for 3 and hit the game-winning homer in a 1-0 Harrisburg victory over Binghamton.

Nationals agree to deal with Greg Holland (MLB)
Jon Heyman had the story after the Cards released Holland.

This time, Jayson Werth returns to cheers from Phillies crowd: ‘It’s good to be back’ (The Athletic)
Jayson Werth got raucous cheers from the Philly crowd. Also, he's talked to Bryce Harper about the Phillies: "What happens if Harper reaches out and asks Werth about Philadelphia? “‘I think he already has asked me about Philadelphia,’ Werth replied."

Hellickson on his cutter; Soto on success in both games of twinbill (MASN)
Jeremy Hellickson thought his fastball command was the key to beating the Reds on Saturday night, a game in which he only allowed two runs on four hits.