Wire Taps: Washington Nationals place Wander Suero & Roenis Elías on IL; Nats’ “prospect” Jeff Garber impresses + more

Washington Nationals’ Field Coordinator Jeff Garber found himself living out a baseball fantasy on Monday night. Garber was called upon to help the Nationals out by going to right field in Nationals Park to play the outfield in the simulated game, and he actually, according to Washington Post columnist Jesse Dougherty, made a nice play out on the warning track.

What did Nats’ skipper Davey Martinez see out of the outfielder? What does he want to see from him as Opening Day 2020 approaches?

“I want to see him sit in that dugout and watch,” Martinez joked, noting that the club is in a bit of a bind with a number of players unavailable, since they’re still quarantining after they came into contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.

“Not having those other guys — we miss them, we didn’t plan on this to happen,” Martinez said.

“We’ve got to get those guys back to actually have a really — two teams out there. But you know what, kudos to Garbs. We asked him to go out there and do it and to stand out there for five innings and that’s pretty impressive.”

Did he give any consideration to giving Garber an at bat in the sim game?

“None whatsoever,” Martinez said.

Go read your links...

NATS BEAT:

Suero & Elías:

Nationals place Wander Suero and Roenis Elías on injured list for undisclosed reasons - (WaPost)
“Teams do not have to specify which list a player is on, and the Nationals didn’t with Suero and Elías.”

Nationals place Wander Suero, Roenis Elías on injured list - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Neither were listed as having a specific injury. Both players have not participated in the Nationals' relaunch of training before the start of the 60-game season."

Suero, Elías placed on IL for undisclosed reasons (updated) - (MASN)
"No reason for Suero and Elías’ placement on the IL was provided, but neither pitcher has been present through the first 11 days of at workouts at Nationals Park, both required to remain in quarantine."

Daniel Hudson Talks:

Nationals’ Daniel Hudson isn’t sure a 60-game MLB season can determine the best team - (NBC Sports Washington)
"In a normal season, Cy Young candidates typically clear 200 innings. This year, they will be lucky to rack up 90."

After euphoric '19, Hudson set for season's start - (MLB.com)
"He purchased a backyard net and a bucket of 25 baseballs to keep his arm ready; a strength trainer came to his house for kettle bell workouts..."

With family's blessing, Hudson sets out to duplicate 2019 - (MASN)
"It was the final, fitting moment of Hudson’s breakthrough season after a career of ups and downs and injuries. And it only left him determined to prove it wasn’t a fluke."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

7 reasons why Nationals could repeat as champs - (MLB.com)
"So if some of you Nats fans are feeling a bit cheated that your team hasn’t gotten the traditional coronation of regular-season standing ovations and raucous ring ceremonies, don’t sweat it."

Washington Nationals Star Max Scherzer Buys $9.75M Florida Mansion - (realtor.com®)
"In the midst of the nationwide pandemic, Washington Nationals ace Max Scherzer and his wife, Erica, have settled down in style in the Sunshine State."

NL EAST UPDATES:

Bryce Harper plays third base at Summer Camp - (MLB.com)
"Bryce Harper and Joe Girardi made a pact Monday night at Citizens Bank Park. Do not hurt yourself."

Robinson Cano, Brad Brach uncertainty has Mets facing roster decisions - (NY Post)
"Cano has been absent for the last week, after initially reporting to camp and working out over the first weekend."

Marlins' Jordan Yamamoto looks to adjust in Year 2 in majors - (South Florida Sun-Sentinel)
"Miami Marlins right-hander Jordan Yamamoto details how he can remain consistent throughout a season after he couldn't maintain his hot start as a rookie in 2019."

Braves won’t rule out using ‘opener’ this season - (AJC.com)
"Speaking with reporters Monday, Braves manager Brian Snitker was asked if the team would consider the unique strategy, which involves starting a reliever to get the first outs of a game before bringing in the starting pitcher (or long reliever) who normally would’ve begun the game."