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One of these days, the Nats are going to hit consistently, enjoy a good performance from the bullpen, and win a ballgame cleanly.
Yesterday was not that day. Today seems unlikely, too, but Mad Max is on the mound, so things won’t get depressing until at least the seventh inning. Here’s the news from N Street:
Victor Robles, Juan Soto Complete Journey From Santo Domingo To Washington Nationals (Baseball America)
Juan Soto and Victor Robles didn't know each other in Santo Domingo until about age 15 — but they knew of each other, crossing paths at a few tournaments, and were good friends from the first moment on. It's a stark comparison to the 2009 scandal that nearly ended the Nats' operations in Latin America, and the two rep the DR in the outfield every night.
Dan Jennings wants to pitch every day; Erick Fedde's key role still undecided (MASN)
Dan Jennings was the second pitcher from Harrisburg to scramble down to Washington in three days, and can pitch almost every day if need be. (Also, the Nats don't know what to do with Erick Fedde, unsurprisingly.)
On Trevor Rosenthal, Anthony Rendon and why the Nationals always seem short-handed (The Athletic)
"In almost every way, Rosenthal has been a consummate professional. Except where it matters most: on the mound."
Aníbal Sánchez happy with outing except for two costly walks in 3-2 setback (MASN)
The Nats were up 2-0. Then Anibal Sánchez walked two batters in the fourth. Then they scored, and a third run scored, and it was all over. But he thought that some of it was luck—a perfect bunt single for instance—a few bad calls, and despite remaining winless, was still pleased with the outing.
Depleted lineup again struggles during 3-2 loss (MASN)
“We can score,” manager Davey Martinez said, perhaps wistfully. “I know we can score.”
The Nationals hoped Anthony Rendon would get better. Now he’s on the IL. (WaPo)
“You have to balance if Anthony Rendon is going to be ready in four or five days, rather than putting him on the 10-day IL. I’d rather play short for three, four, five days then lose Rendon for an extra five days,” General Manager Mike Rizzo said Tuesday. "I think that went into the decision until we felt that it was time to give this some significant time. We’ll see where he’s at on May 7 when he can return, and hopefully he will be ready to come back.”
Once situation became a "stalemate," Nats placed Rendon on IL (MASN)
It seemed like one of these days, Anthony Rendon would come around. But in typical Nats fashion, the injury just never got better, and they finally gave in and put him on the 10-day, meaning he'll be ready to play by May 7th. Hopefully.
Nationals’ offense struggles again in another close loss to the Cardinals (WaPo)
The Nats don't really know how to score on anything but the homer without Anthony Rendon in the lineup, and the dichotomy from earlier this season—the team scores, the bullpen blows it—has at least reversed for the last few games. Davey Martinez is *sure* the wins will come, just sure of it.
Anthony Rendon injured list, Dan Jennings added - (MLB.com)
"An MRI taken Saturday confirmed Rendon's injury is just a bone bruise and there is no fracture. The Nationals drained fluid from the elbow recently and the roster move should give time for the bruise to heal. Rendon had been attempting to swing before each game to see if he would be available to pinch-hit, but this should allow him a few days off from baseball activity."