Wire Taps: Patrick Corbin and his slider; Dodgers prove Nationals have a way out; Victor Robles could drop in lineup...

Oh, that’s what winning without stress feels like. How novel!

Here’s the news from Nationals Park:

So you’re saying there’s a chance for the Nationals? Last year’s Dodgers proved it. (WaPo)
The Dodgers were 16-26 last May. Then they won the NL pennant, which is to say: a turnaround of epic proportions is possible — but it's rather uncommon in the history of baseball. Then again, the problems—inconsistency and injuries—sound pretty familiar.

Struggling near top of order, Victor Robles could drop down soon (MASN)
The low pressure in the early part of the year helped Victor Robles succeed in April. But due to injury, he had to move up in the lineup, and he's played worse for it — when he bats second, he's hit .188. When Trea Turner gets back, expect Robles to drop back down to the nine hole.

Corbin sets the tone as Nats cruise to victory over Mets (MASN)
“You know what? It’s great for tonight,” infielder Howie Kendrick said. “But we got to do it consistently.”

Corbin plays role of stopper as Nats drop Mets 5-1 (MASN)
Slider after slider after slider was just what the doctor ordered for the Nats, whose bats got off to a quick start, slamming the door before the Mets could even creak it open on Wednesday night. It was a refreshing evening for a team that's had very few reassuring wins.

Trea Turner and Trevor Rosenthal head back out to rehab assignments (MASN)
Both Rosenthal and Turner went back to their rehab games, with Turner going to Potomac and Rosenthal to Harrisburg to work out some kinks.

Patrick Corbin dominates Mets as Nats’ offense shows signs of life (WaPo)
The Nationals are still eight games under. But last night, everything finally all came together on defense, offense, and from the arms on the mound — though it didn't hurt that the bullpen only got one inning.

Patrick Corbin strikes out 11 in 8 innings vs. Mets (MLB.com)
Patrick Corbin has taken on the stopper role in a rotation that also features Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg, getting the Nats where they need to be after a loss.

Firing Dave Martinez Won't Solve the Washington Nationals' Problems (Baseball Essential)
"Martinez isn’t the solution, but he’s also not the problem. Unfortunately for the second-year manager, he’s likely going to be jettisoned midseason, or at the conclusion of the regular season."