Wire Taps: Washington Nationals in Fenway on Jackie Robinson Day; Nats at the 2020 trade deadline + more...

Max Scherzer’s reaction to tying Sandy Koufax for 4th on the list of MLB pitchers with 97 10+ strikeout games in his career?

“I’m flattered,” Scherzer said after striking out 11 in the Nationals’ 10-2 win over the Red Sox last night in Fenway Park.

“I didn’t go into tonight even thinking about that,” the 36-year-old, three-time Cy Young award winner said.

“So when you mention that — I just put in a lot of hard work over the years, the fact that you can even mention me in the same breath with him is an honor, for what he was able to accomplish. It’s pretty cool that you can say that, but for me, I just want to go out there and continue to keep pitching well.”

Go read your links...

NATS BEAT:

Nationals' Max Scherzer makes a tweak, dominates Red Sox - (NBC Sports Washington)
"There was no letdown at the end of the outing this time. Max Scherzer, granted a 5-0 lead, just charged ahead."

Robles and Turner help ignite offense in 10-2 rout of Red Sox - (MASN)
"Three times in the game, No. 9 hitter Robles contributed a base hit in front of Turner that helped score a run or two, supporting Max Scherzer’s third win of the season."

Martinez: 'Jackie united our brotherhood' - (MLB.com)
"After a couple of emotionally charged days, including the decision not to play a game against the Phillies on Thursday, Martinez said it was appropriate to play on Jackie Robinson Day."

Martinez on legacy of Jackie Robinson: "He means a lot to this game" - (MASN)
"Martinez spoke before today’s game about where his team is at mentally after yesterday’s decision to postpone their series finale against the Phillies."

Eaton moved down in order, pairing Turner and Soto at top - (MASN)
"Adam Eaton, who has batted second in each of the 25 games he’s played so far this year, was bumped down to the sixth spot for tonight’s series opener against the Red Sox."

Juan Soto moves up in Nationals lineup change - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Davey Martinez and the Nationals made two shifts Friday."

Marlins return Rule 5 pick Sterling Sharp to Nats - (MASN)
"Apparently, no other team claimed Sharp, so the Marlins had to offer him back to the Nats. Sharp is placed on the Nats’ minor league roster."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

All options on table for Nationals as trade deadline nears - (106.7 the FAN)
"'We're going to attack this trade deadline like we do most others,' Rizzo said. '(If) opportunity arises, we'll be aggressive.'"

Separating MLB’s Buyers From Sellers At The Weirdest Trade Deadline Ever - (FiveThirtyEight)
"The Nationals, Mets and Brewers, on the other hand, look good on paper but have gotten off to poor starts; they might benefit from either adding talent for a September playoff push or selling parts to reload for the future."

What MLB’s data-sharing network might tell us about teams making trades – (The Athletic)
"While interest remains in Nationals infielder Carter Kieboom, who was recently demoted, there are no indications general manager Mike Rizzo — who took Kieboom off the table last trade deadline — has changed his stance."

NL EAST UPDATES:

Andrew McCutchen on Jackie Robinson, Phillies - (MLB.com)
"McCutchen loves Jackie Robinson Day. He loves honoring him, and he loves wearing his No. 42 jersey."

Mets sale talks haven't included Jeff Wilpon - (NY Post)
"Mets COO Jeff Wilpon is not involved in talks with suitors about selling the team after complicating a prior sale agreement with Steve Cohen, sources told The Post."

Marlins return Rule 5 Draft pick Sterling Sharp to Nationals - (Fish Stripes)
"Developed as a starter during his rise through the Nats farm system, Sharp made the Marlins Opening Day roster as a long reliever."

Freddie Freeman on conversations about race, injustice - (MLB.com
"Freddie Freeman admits he felt somewhat uncomfortable before calling his good friend Jason Heyward about a month ago."