Wire Taps: Nationals’ September call-ups; Gio Gonzalez honored; finale with Brewers today...

Rain delays at this time of year are about as exciting as innumerable late-game pitching changes with the expanded rosters.

We are definitely excited to see another Jefry Rodriguez start today. That’s not sarcasm. We’re really interested. Why don’t you believe us? Go read your links:

NATS BEAT:

With Gio Gonzalez gone, what’s next for the Nationals’ starting rotation? - (WaPost)
"Gonzalez’s last start for the Nationals came on Wednesday — an 8-6 loss to the Phillies in Philadelphia — so he would have been expected to pitch next against the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday."

Hellickson progresses to throwing curveballs (plus other notes) - (MASN)
"Hellickson said he was unsure of what his next step in his recovery would be, but Martinez said that he would need to throw another bullpen session in a couple of days..."

Nationals add catcher Pedro Severino and pitcher Austen Williams to big-league roster - (WaPost)
"The Nationals’ annual roster expansion began Saturday, as the team recalled catcher Pedro Severino and right-handed pitcher Austen Williams."

Nats call up Pedro Severino, Austen Williams - (MLB.com)
"The Nationals made their first additions to their expanded September roster on Saturday when they promoted catcher Pedro Severino and right-hander Austen Williams from Triple-A Syracuse."

Who are the Sleepers in the Nationals’ Farm System? - (NatsGM)
”But in the spirit of looking ahead toward next year, who will be the burgeoning prospects we will be discussing next summer?”

Stephen Strasburg, the Nationals and rethinking Tommy John surgery - (WTOP)
”You can’t talk about Tommy John surgery in Washington and not talk about Stephen Strasburg.”

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Nationals Trade Emotional Gio González To Milwaukee During Brewers Series - (Deadspin)
"The best moment in there is at about the 0:56 mark, when González starts to crumble while talking about soaking in his final moments as a National."

Widow of slain reporter spreads his ashes at Nationals Park - (Yahoo!Sports)
"The widow of a slain Maryland newspaper reporter has spread his ashes at Nationals Park."

Washington Nationals: Quick thoughts on the haul for Gio Gonzalez - (Minor League Ball)
"Harrison is an interesting one to say the least. He was an offense-first catcher when the Brewers drafted him in the third round of the 2017 MLB Draft out of Oregon State."

Brewers Proved Best at Beating Deadline - (Forbes)
"No other club was as busy as the Brewers at the deadline. Gonzalez, though pitching poorly lately, steps right into the rotation..."

MLB division races: Sizing up each after final trade deadline - (USA TODAY)
"The Washington Nationals, who waved the white flag two weeks ago, are the team that keeps on giving, sending veteran reliever Ryan Madson to the Dodgers and starter Gio Gonzalez to the Brewers."

NL EAST UPDATES:

Zach Eflin, Phillies fall to Cubs - (MLB.com)
"The Phillies fell to three games behind the first-place Braves in the National League East race after Atlanta rallied to beat the Pirates at SunTrust Park."

Despite 11-inning win, Mets' offense fails starting pitcher again - (Newsday)
"As the Mets contemplated their bigger-picture future and the option of subtracting from their homegrown rotation this summer, manager Mickey Callaway pleaded his case: Please don’t."

Wei-Yin Chen leads Marlins to win vs. Jays - (MLB.com)
"Chen lowered his ERA to 1.77 (71 IP/14 ER) over 12 home starts, as opposed to his 9.35 ERA in 10 road starts."

Kyle Wright joins Braves bullpen for playoff push - (AJC.com)
"It was the missed call of a lifetime, as Kyle Wright will remember it."