Wire Taps: Nationals drop opener to Marlins; Austin Adams called up; Nats’ 11th on Forbes’ Most Valuable franchise list

We’ve mentioned it elsewhere, but the Miami Marlins were on a four-game losing streak, with losses in 9 of 10 and 15 of 19 games before they beat the Washington Nationals last night. Maybe they were just due for a win?

That is all. Go read your links...

NATS BEAT:

Joe Ross a bright spot in series-opening 3-2 loss to Marlins - (MASN)
"Left-hander Caleb Smith was a little bit better than Nats right-hander Aníbal Sánchez, but it was close."

Nationals can’t connect the dots in loss to bottom-feeding Marlins - (WaPost)
"They failed to move runners in critical situations. Their Nos. 7, 8 and 9 hitters — a combination of Wilmer Difo, the pitcher, Matt Adams and Victor Robles — struck out eight times."

Messy sixth sinks Nationals in Miami - (MLB.com)
“'It was one of those innings,' manager Dave Martinez said."

Adams is up, Williams to injured list; Doolittle could have night off - (MASN)
"The Nationals placed right-hander Austen Williams on the injured list prior to Friday’s opener at Miami, and have recalled right-hander Austin Adams from Triple-A Fresno."

After surviving opening stretch, time for Nats to start thriving - (MASN)
"Things have not gone swimmingly for the Nationals so far in 2019. And yet after hanging on for Thursday’s 4-2 win over the Giants, they left town with a 9-8 record..."

Nats recall Adams, Williams goes on injured list - (MLB.com)
"Washington is hopeful Adams can continue where he left off in the Minors. In six innings over five games at Triple-A, Adams retired all but two of the 20 batters he faced..."

Nationals recall reliever Austin Adams and place Austen Williams on the injured list - (WaPost)
"Austin Adams became the latest player to make an overnight trip from Class AAA Fresno to meet the Washington Nationals after an injury to reliever Austen Williams created a need in the bullpen."

Where Nats, Orioles rank on Forbes’ ‘most valuable’ franchises list - (WTOP)
"Forbes’ annual list of most valuable Major League Baseball franchises ranks the Washington Nationals just outside of the Top 10, at No. 11, this year."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Miami Marlins vs Washington Nationals game recap, April 19, 2019 - (Miami Herald)
"Behind six dominant innings from Caleb Smith and enough production from an offense that has been lethargic at times, the Marlins pulled out a 3-2 win over the Washington Nationals..."

Craig Kimbrel could help any NL East contender solve a division-wide problem - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Craig Kimbrel’s demands reportedly are receding during his extended unemployment. The needs of contenders in the National League East’s rock fight continue to increase day by day."

MLB Power Rankings: Red Sox drop while Mets, Phillies rise - (SI.com)
"The Nationals’ 8.04 relief ERA is the worst in baseball, by a long shot. Of course, there are some outliers skewing this..."

Mets Place Jacob deGrom on Injured List With Sore Elbow - (The New York Times)
"DeGrom experienced soreness in his right elbow on Thursday, and on Friday General Manager Brodie Van Wagenen announced that deGrom would undergo a magnetic resonance imaging examination..."

Marlins fire hitting coach after miserable start - (ESPN)
"Mike Pagliarulo has been fired as hitting coach for the Miami Marlins, who rank last in the majors in runs."