Wire Taps: Washington Nationals lose opener to Philadelphia Phillies; Victor Robles and his big throw + more Nats links...

Impressive as Victor Robles is right now, and all you have to do is watch his 8-3 double play below for evidence, Washington Nationals’ skipper Davey Martinez said last night that there is still room for improvement in the 22-year-old outfielder’s game.

“He’s still maturing as a player, he really is. And he’s learning. He’s learning, he’s trying to play the game the right way.

“I still believe the sky is the limit for him. Here’s a kid that’s going to, potentially, hit 25 home runs, drive in 60-70-80 runs, steal a bunch of bases, and win a Gold Glove. I really believe that.

“He’s still learning, but the one thing I know about him is that he loves to play the game.

“He’s all in every day. The days that I try to give him a day off, he fight me on it, but I love his attitude.”

Go read your links, and watch that Robles’ play again:

NATS BEAT:

Robles Section:

Victor Robles amazing catch and throw double play - (MLB.com)
"What does a Glove Glove Award finalist look like? Roll the tape on Victor Robles."

Nationals’ Victor Robles turns improbable double play from the warning track - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Victor Robles is building a case for his first career Gold Glove in 2020, building out a highlight reel that has seen many opponents robbed of extra-base hits."

Other Nats Stories:

Nats lose battle of bullpens to Phillies after rain delay - (MASN)
"Rarely do we think of D.C.’s summer weather as an advantage for the Nationals, who lament the heat, humidity and evening thunderstorms as much as any commuter from Fairfax or Silver Spring."

For Nats, it’s one step forward, two steps back in loss to Phillies - (WaPost)
"The rain was welcomed by the home team, just this once, because it chased Arrieta and gave the Nationals 12 outs against the worst bullpen in baseball."

Notes: Kendrick's workload, Voth's slider - (MLB.com)
"Howie Kendrick, who played for the Phillies during the 2017 season, was not in Tuesday's lineup against his former team at Nationals Park."

With scouts not attending games, Nats digging deep for information before trade deadline - (MASN)
"So video and television have been one way the Nats have been able to scout players on other teams and Rizzo said they also reach back to past performances."

Juan Soto is the best all-around hitter in baseball - (MLB.com)
"The beauty of Fernando Tatis Jr. and Juan Soto taking over the game of baseball is that two 21-year-old phenoms can both be so amazing as different types of superstars."

Martinez sticking with Voth, wants him to trust fastball more - (MASN)
"Voth indeed has used his fastball with less frequency this season: He threw it 60.4 percent of the time as a rookie, only 57.7 percent so far in 2020."

Davey Martinez’s contract hold up can be traced to Matt Williams - (NBC Sports Washington)
"He’s already outlasted Matt Williams, who could well be the reason Martinez is still waiting for a call to say his option has been picked up."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Bryce Harper's stats this season show a mesmerizing talent on an elite path - (WaPost)
"No, you can’t go to Nationals Park this week to boo Bryce Harper. That might be for the best, given Harper’s start to this season..."

Loss Of Stephen Strasburg Comes At Awful Time For Washington Nationals - (Forbes)
"Strasburg’s injury is listed as carpal tunnel neuritis, and it’s affecting his throwing hand enough that he will need surgery to correct it."

Ex-LSU Eunice pitcher Braymer called up to Washington Nationals - (theadvocate.com)
"Former LSU Eunice pitcher Ben Braymer had a lifelong dream come true as the Washington Nationals called up the 26 year old to the Major Leagues..."

Ben Braymer Earns Auburn’s Second MLB Callup of Week - (WLTZ)
"With his debut, Braymer will become the 53rd Auburn baseball alum to play in the big leagues, including head coach Butch Thompson’s 16th former pitcher and the 10th since 2014 to make his MLB debut."

NL EAST UPDATES:

Realmuto will never hit a HR like this again - (MLB.com)
"It seems that everything is breaking J.T. Realmuto's way in 2020."

Mets' Jacob deGrom likely loses chance at facing Yankees - (NY Post)
"Assuming deGrom stays on regular rest, his next turn would not come in time to face the Yankees this weekend in a series that will include a pair of doubleheaders."

Notes: Díaz sticking around; Brinson's slump - (MLB.com)
"Unlike his first big league stint, which lasted a mere three days, the Marlins intend to have first-base prospect Lewin Diaz stick around awhile."

What to expect from Ian Anderson in bigs - (MLB.com)
"What else does [Ian] Anderson bring with him to the mound? Here’s a closer look at what the No. 42 prospect in baseball has to offer..."