Wire Taps: Nationals agree to terms with Greg Holland; Nats and Braves start big series in D.C.

In a press release this morning, the Washington Nationals announced that they have agreed to terms with right-handed reliever Greg Holland. To make room on the major league roster, the Nats optioned right-hander Jimmy Cordero to Triple-A Syracuse on Tuesday.

Additionally, right-handed starter Jefry Rodriguez was added as the Nationals’ 26th man for the first game of Tuesday’s doubleheader with the Atlanta Braves.

Rodriguez starts against the same Braves he faced in his MLB debut in the first of two today at 1:05 PM EDT in D.C.

NATS BEAT:

Washington Deals Shawn Kelley To Oakland - (NatsGM)
"Oakland has one of the largest bonus pools available for the 2018-2019 international class, yet like Washington, is unable to sign any one player for more than $300,000 due to penalties from exceeding signing limits in previous years."

Gio Gonzalez's down year part of team's slide - (Washington Times)
Despite rough patches, Gonzalez feels the Nationals can make a playoff push. “Why not? It has happened before in baseball. You can’t count it out."

Scherzer's emphasis on hitting another phase to his unbeatable success - (MASN)
”A pitcher that can rake can be a difference maker in the National League. Similar to a catcher that can hit for average, or a second baseman with power..."

Nationals-Braves series preview: Washington has a golden chance to make up ground - (WaPost)
"While the Nationals must play a couple doubleheaders in four days, Tuesday marks the beginning of a long, grueling stretch for the Braves."

Nats open daunting four-game series with Braves today - (MASN)
"Rodriguez has made three big league starts, and he has yet to complete more than five innings or surrender fewer than four runs."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Washington Nationals pitcher Shawn Kelley not a risk for A's - (Mercury News)
"As risks go, the A’s acquisition of Shawn Kelley is not to be mistaken for drawing to an inside straight."

Bryce Harper has asked Jayson Werth about playing for Phillies - (New York Post)
"Bryce Harper is curious about Philadelphia. Former Phillies star Jayson Werth can confirm it."

A Baseball Player Needed a Haircut. His Barber Flew 7,000 Miles to Give Him One - (The New York Times)
“'I tried others before but I didn’t feel comfortable with anyone but Henry,' said Roger Bernadina, a former Washington Nationals outfielder who is from Curaçao and is now playing in South Korea."

NL EAST UPDATES:

Phillies waste Jake Arrieta's gem as win streak snapped in extras by Diamondbacks - (NBC Sports Philadelphia)
"Seranthony Dominguez blew his second save in as many days. The Phils came back to win Sunday’s game against Miami, but not this one."

Mets' Jeff McNeil homers, continues to earn playing time - (Newsday)
"Jeff McNeil just continues to hit. Mickey Callaway, forced to turn to youngsters after injuries and the trade deadline decimated his roster, said he’s happy with the way the rookie second baseman has produced."

Wei-Yin Chen, Marlins beat Cardinals in opener - (MLB.com)
"Kyle Barraclough's struggles continued as he was unable to secure the save in the ninth, allowing one run on two hits and two walks in one-third of an inning."

Leadoff: How Phillies, Braves and Nationals have built their records
The three teams still in the National League East race have built their records very differently: