Wire Taps: Washington Nationals three games from the end; Patrick Corbin makes final 2020 start + more...

Go read your links...

NATS BEAT:

Patrick Corbin closes book on his Nationals season with a loss to Mets in his final start - (WaPost)
“Patrick Corbin struck out Amed Rosario looking, a sinker on his 113th pitch, and made his final exit of the season to the hum of fake crowd noise.”

High-energy Harrison 'just as advertised' - (MLB.com)
“'He’s just as advertised,' manager Dave Martinez said following the Nationals' 3-2 loss to the Mets on Thursday night."

Corbin battles, Nats' late rally fizzles in 3-2 loss to Mets - (MASN)
"The game did not turn out the way the Nationals wanted, but one thing is for certain: Patrick Corbin battled."

Which surprise Nationals from 2020 could be in future plans? - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Kyle Finnegan, RHP: He starts this list because he’s the most likely to be back in a prominent role next season."

Looking back: One-year anniversary of Nationals clinching Wild Card berth - (NBC Sports Washington)
"t’s been one year since the Nationals made their first in a series of clinches that culminated in the franchise’s first World Series title and the first for D.C. since 1924."

A lost year finally leads to Nationals being eliminated from postseason contention - (NBC Sports Washington)
"The flag was often limp in a light breeze Wednesday. It’s an easy metaphor for what went on around it this season."

Kieboom looks back on his 2020 season - (MLB.com)
"Kieboom, who entered the season as the Nationals’ No. 1 prospect as ranked by MLB Pipeline, described this year as having positive takeaways."

Kieboom update, lineup notes and Corbin's final start of season - (MASN)
"With the Nationals out of the playoff race, manager Davey Martinez has the chance to see a lot of different lineup combinations over the final four games against the Mets."

Juan Soto is getting a shot to play right field for the Nationals - (WaPost)
“Soto, 21, played right field in the minor leagues before switching to left as a rookie with the Nationals.”

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

How Will the Clustered National League Playoff Race Shake Out? - (The Ringer)
"One way or another, the NL postseason picture will be determined this weekend. But there are many ways things could shake out."

Five Baseball Things: The amazing José Ramírez, and fun with conversion charts – (The Athletic)
"This year, the Nationals were also 19-31 after 50 games. But there is no chance of saving this year. They will finish with one of the worst records ever for a team coming off a championship."

After a Radical Rebuild, the Chicago White Sox Are Among Baseball’s Elite - (WSJ)
"Meanwhile, after Sale, the White Sox shipped out outfielder Adam Eaton to the Washington Nationals for three pitchers, including Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo López.

"The Red Sox and Nationals went on to win the World Series in 2018 and 2019 with the help of those former White Sox."

NL EAST UPDATES:

Phillies in NL wild card playoff race: Learning how to win big games is the hardest part - (Philadelphia Inquirer)
"Winning, like hitting a breaking ball, must be learned. And after the Phillies wilted down the stretch in 2018 and 2019, class is still in session."

Steve Cohen to hire Sandy Alderson as president of New York Mets if sale approved - (ESPN)
"Sandy Alderson will be returning to the New York Mets as the team's president under new owner Steve Cohen."

Mattingly's Marlins could clinch berth at Yankee Stadium - (Yahoo!Sports)
"Don Mattingly returns this weekend to the Bronx, where his best years as a player always ended when the regular season did."

Max Fried expected to make Game 1 postseason start - (AJC.com)
"Braves ace Max Fried is expected to make his next start, which will be Game 1 of next week’s wild-card round postseason series, after results on his tweaked left ankle came back negative."