Wire Taps: Washington Nationals lose second straight to Phillies; Nats at trade deadline + more...

“We didn’t, honestly we didn’t hear anything, we were getting ready for the game as normal. I just now started reading what was happening, what was going on.

“I would say this though, proud of the NBA, proud of all the people who stand for justice.

“You know the way I feel about all this stuff. It’s horrible. We need change.

“We’re people. We’ve got to come up with some kind of conclusion, because this is bad. So, I’m going to talk to the players, let’s see what happens. I get it. I understand. And like I said, I tip my hat off to all those guys.” - Davey Martinez

Go read your links...

NATS BEAT:

Martinez hopes to get Romero back soon, Cabrera's value soars - (MASN)
"Left-hander Seth Romero is also having surgery on his right hand. The Nats are hoping to get him back this season."

Nationals troll Phillies' 'Ring the Bell' motto with pictures of World Series rings - (NBC Sports Washington)
"So, it was no surprise that when the teams began a three-game series on Tuesday, the Nationals came out swinging on social media with a jab at the Phillies' 'Ring the Bell' mantra."

Nationals play on, lose another to Phillies - (MASN)
"Despite getting a quality start from Patrick Corbin and just enough early offense to take a lead into the late innings, the Nats couldn’t finish off the Phillies..."

Bill Ripken: Nationals should trade for a starting pitcher but cannot mortgage their future- (NBC Sports Washington)
"With the MLB trade deadline approaching, the question remains as to whether the Nationals should consider trading for a starter to fill the void left by Strasburg."

Nationals send down top prospect Carter Kieboom amid weeks-long slump - (WaPost)
"In a surprise move, the Washington Nationals optioned infielder Carter Kieboom to their alternate site in Fredericksburg, Va., on Wednesday."

Nationals demote Carter Kieboom, reinstate Sean Doolittle - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Kieboom departs with a .559 OPS, a perpetually late bat and mounting frustration."

Corbin solid, but outfield miscue costs Nats - (MLB.com)
"It was one of the defensive mishaps in a critical seventh inning in Washington's 3-2 loss to the Phillies on Wednesday at Nationals Park."

Nationals falter again vs. Phillies, then reflect on racial injustice - (WaPost)
"Miscues in the field send club deeper into last place, but focus after game is on unrest."

Corbin solid for six-plus innings, but one defensive miscue changes game - (MASN)
"What could have been a single turned into Gregorius standing at third base representing the tying run."

Kendrick on society: 'Needs to be a change' - (MLB.com)
"When the Nats went back into the clubhouse, there had been a social justice movement taking place in professional sports while they were on the field."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Nationals trade deadline preview: Washington's biggest needs, top targets, trade chips - (CBSSports.com)
"J.D. Martinez would be an amazing fit. Think about a top four in the order of Turner, Adam Eaton, Soto and Martinez? That's pretty scary."

Ghiroli: Fans allowed at an alternate site, but still not scouts? – (The Athletic)
"Why are scouts prohibited from entering parks if they are able to enter safely, socially distance and leave?"

NL EAST UPDATES:

Ian Anderson lives up to hype with 1-hit debut - (MLB.com)
"Per Elias, Anderson’s 5 1/3 no-hit innings was the longest bid in a debut since the Rays’ Brendan McCay also allowed his first hit with one out in the sixth inning of his June 29, 2019, debut against the Rangers..."

Bryce Harper puts a run on the board and a tear in Joe Girardi's eye - (NBC Sports Philadelphia)
"Joe Girardi died 1,000 deaths on his way to his 1,000th career managerial victory Wednesday night."

Mets 'trust our guys' late in close ballgames - (MLB.com)
"That has been a theme for deGrom, who has endured 14 outings over the last three seasons in which he has gone at least seven innings with one or zero runs, and not won the game."

MLB: Marlins' Jon Berti steals home in absurd fashion vs. Mets - (Yahoo!Sports)
"And yet, the Miami Marlins and New York Mets found a way to make the play embarrassing for nearly all involved."