Wire Taps: Nationals, Braves split doubleheader; Jayson Werth talks Mets; Erick Fedde + new friend...

In case you were wondering why Adam Eaton sat out of both of yesterday’s games with the Braves, Nationals’ manager Davey Martinez cleared things up after the second of two with Atlanta in Washington, D.C.

“He’s good,” Martinez said. “He’s playing tomorrow. I thought Michael [A. Taylor] did well. I wanted him to play both games today.”

Also, Eaton has a .130/.231/.130 in 26 plate appearances vs LHPs this season (a SSS, I know), and he does have a .277/.351/.343 career line vs left-handers. So, he probably won’t end up sitting against every lefty the Nationals face. That’s all for now, read your links...

NATS BEAT:

Nationals squander another strong Max Scherzer start, settle for split vs. Braves - (WaPost)
"Washington trounced the Braves, 8-3, in the opener behind the best start of Rodriguez’s short career before wasting another strong outing from Scherzer in a 3-1 loss."

Kelvin Herrera exits with shoulder tightness - (MLB.com)
"Herrera, who gave up the game-winning two-run triple to Ender Inciarte, will undergo an MRI on Wednesday morning."

Nationals blow lead, split twinbill with the Braves - (Washington Times)
"Max Scherzer was yelling again Tuesday night, urging his fellow Washington Nationals to capitalize on an opportunity to make a statement on South Capitol Street."

Juan Soto can be face of the Nats -- with or without Bryce Harper - (ESPN)
"Whether Harper was genuinely unfazed by the trade whispers, nobody knows for sure. How his free agency plays out remains to be seen."

Will the Nationals' latest bullpen issues lead to their demise? - (ESPN)
"This was supposed to be the year that the Washington Nationals didn't have to worry about their bullpen. Funny how things work out."

Jayson Werth on dropping Scott Boras, Bryce Harper in Philly and MLB’s ‘super nerd’ problem - (WaPost)
"'So I took matters into my own hands and I called every team [but one], and tried to get a job,' Werth said. 'The only team I didn’t call? The Mets. I wouldn’t play for them.'"

With six-hit day, Zimmerman sustaining success at plate - (MASN)
"Zimmerman was a one-man wrecking crew with the bat on a long day at the ballpark."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

VIDEO: Praying Mantis Goofs Around During National Anthem, Nationals Pitcher Does Not - (The Big Lead)
"Erick Fedde is not a household name. The Washington Nationals pitcher has 1-4 record and 7.06 ERA in his nine career starts."

Joe Simpson apologizes for Juan Soto comment - (MLB.com)
"Simpson's comments drew the ire of Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo, who expressed his displeasure and concerns with Simpson between games of the doubleheader."

Surprises for all 30 teams in MLB - (MLB.com)
"Soto homered in his second game and hit .342 in his first month. He has barely slowed down since."

Big League Bullying: The Conspiracy To Humiliate MLB Umpire Steve Fields - (Deadspin)
“'When the big league umps went on strike he was told he could either be a replacement ump, or content himself to be a career minor leaguer,' says [Phil] Wood, a longtime friend of Fields."

NL EAST UPDATES:

Rosenthal: Braves broadcaster Joe Simpson draws more ire with comments about Nationals’ Juan Soto – (The Athletic)
“'I had a definite reaction,' Rizzo said. 'I handled it face to face, privately with him. I believe he understood my stance on his comments.'"

Brad Lidge approves of Gabe Kapler's bullpen ways | Extra Innings - (Philly.com)
"Tne facet that will be critical during the final weeks of the season is how the Phillies respond to tough losses."

New York Mets to limit relievers Robert Gsellman, Seth Lugo - (ESPN)
"New York Mets manager Mickey Callaway said he will limit the usage of relief pitchers Robert Gsellman and Seth Lugo for the remainder of the season."

Pablo Lopez solid in Marlins loss to Cardinals - (MLB.com)
"Don't let Lopez's seventh inning distract you, however, from how good the 22-year-old was. The Marlins' No. 18 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline, continues to impress and show that he belongs."