Wire Taps: Stephen Strasburg in 2019; Nationals’ Wild Card roster + Nats’ Wild Card opponent?

Davey Martinez told reporters last night, after the Nationals completed a five-game sweep of the Phillies, that as he’s scoreboard watching the last few days, things are getting really interesting. While you’re checking flights to Milwaukee, planning on a trip in case the Nats ended up playing on the road in the Wild Card, the Brewers are knocking on the door in the NL Central. Will the Nationals end up playing the Cardinals on Tuesday?

“[The Brewers are] playing really well,” Martinez said. “St. Louis, they’re right behind St. Louis. Everybody keeps talking about Milwaukee.

“We might end up playing St. Louis, so I mean, we’ve got guys — I know we’ve got scouts flying all over God’s green Earth to watch different teams play.”

It’s a big weekend for everyone involved. Where will the Wild Card end up being played?

Who will make the Nationals’ Wild Card roster? You have questions, we have links. Go read your links...

NATS BEAT:

Nats sweep Phillies:

250 K’s & a big hug Stras totally, definitely loved - (MLB.com)
“'They cornered me,' Strasburg said with a laugh after Thursday’s 6-3 win against the Phillies. 'I had nowhere to go, so I just had to embrace it.'"

Strasburg dominates as Nats sweep five from Phillies - (MASN)
"We don’t know yet when Stephen Strasburg will make his next start for the Nationals. Or his first career relief appearance. Or perhaps whether he’ll take the mound again in 2019 at all."

Phillies match a ghastly team record as Nationals complete 5-game sweep - (NBC Sports Philadelphia)
"The Phillies, through Wednesday of this week, were the only team in the majors to be over .500 all season."

Washington completes five-game sweep - (WaPost)
"Strasburg baffled the Phillies, facing two more than the minimum in his six innings, and his only mistake was a solo homer in the fourth."

Wild Card Roster:

Martinez believes Zimmerman can flourish in new role, even into 2020 - (MASN)
"[Ryan] Zimmerman has played in only 50 games this season, a full season career-low, as he battled plantar fasciitis in his right foot."

Taylor's case for a spot on wild card roster - (MASN)
"With a full pitching staff unnecessary for the singular, winner-take-all game, the Nationals can afford to keep more bench players than they’d normally keep on a 25-man roster."

Dave Martinez at heart of Nationals turnaround - (Washington Times)
“'I was scared,' the 54-year-old said. 'I can tell you that. When I started getting those chest pains, I didn’t know what it was. I never experienced anything like that before.'"

The Nationals have been so good it’s hard to figure out who to use in the NL wild-card game - (WaPost)
"Manager Dave Martinez has a number of tough decisions to make before Tuesday, and there are few bad choices."

Clemente and Sotomayor:

Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor throws out first pitch vs. Phillies - (NBC Sports Washington)
"The Nationals welcomed Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor Thursday afternoon to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the team's matchup against the rival Phillies."

Clemente made a big impact on Martinez and his family - (MASN)
"Clemente, as a baseball player and humanitarian, had a tremendous impact on Nationals manager Davey Martinez and his family."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Nationals' potential NLDS opponent Dodgers have Baby Shark fever too - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Sparks could also fly if the Nationals see this video. Parra has famously embraced Baby Shark as his good-luck walk-up song..."

Cleveland Indians, Washington Nationals series preview, pitching matchups - (cleveland.com)
"The Nationals and Indians have not faced each other since 2016. The overall series between the two clubs is tied at 8-8."

Phillies return home after being swept in five-game series for first time in 40 years - (Philadelphia Inquirer)
"At the very least, we should have a verdict on manager Gabe Kapler’s future soon."

Miami Marlins, Jeter still fixing MLB-low attendance numbers - (Miami Herald)
"The peak for Martin Prado — and Marlins Park — this year was Aug. 10. A season-high 29,720 fans were inside the ballpark for University of Miami night..."