Wire Taps: Howie Kendrick activated; Bullpen survives a day; Adrian Sánchez’s opportunity

Hey, a win! And the bullpen didn’t even implode en route to a walk-off this time!

Here’s the news from New York:

Nationals bench gets boost with Kendrick's return (MASN)
Howie Kendrick has returned without a rehab assignment, and his presence in the clubhouse will be felt immediately, though his performance on the field may take some time to come into shape.

Howie Kendrick returns from injured list (MLB.com)
“I probably got five or six games, four at-bats a game,” Kendrick said. “And we had some guys that stayed back for extended [spring camp] that threw to me and [Michael A. Taylor] down there. So I’ve gotten quite a few at-bats. It’s not like I’ve been just sitting around. I was able to hit the whole time. Running was just the last thing to come.”

Beleaguered bullpen steps up to close out tough win (MASN)
Matt Grace, Justin Miller, and Tony Sipp had five batters to get before Sean Doolittle could get the ball, and they did their work without complaint or much drama. It may also be that until Trevor Rosenthal figures himself out, Justin Miller will fill in for the ninth.

NY Mets drop home opener to Washington Nationals as offense cools down (USA Today)
Manager Mickey Callaway downplayed it, saying, "I thought it was good energy. You've got to give credit to their pitcher... they just beat us."

With Trea Turner out, opportunity knocks for Adrián Sanchez and Wilmer Difo (WaPo)
Adrian Sánchez was all set to start the year in Fresno. Then Trea Turner broke his finger, and Sánchez was suddenly traveling right back across the country. Now, he and Wilmer Difo have a chance to make a case for themselves as long-term bench players.

Stephen Strasburg and a sturdy bullpen give Nationals a drama-free 4-0 win over Mets (WaPo)
It took almost none of the members of the bullpen the Nats expected to use for their slots, a stellar start from Stephen Strasburg, and a Victor Robles homer, but all went according to the latest plan yesterday.

Strasburg dominates early, bullpen comes up big late in 4-0 win (MASN)
Both Strasburg and Syndergaard dominated in their starts — but the Nats' bullpen held up, while the Mets' faltered after Noah Syndergaard allowed two earned runs.

After Stras gem, bullpen seals shutout of Mets (MLB.com)
“Like I’ve said before, if we're going to do this, I've got to trust the bullpen to get the job done,” Martinez said. “And they got it done.”

5 things we've learned about the NL East (MLB.com)
Ronald Acuña looks great — the Braves’ pitchers less so. Pete Alonso is legit. The Nats' bullpen is on fire. The Phillies are dangerous.