Wire Taps: Washington Nationals drop series opener in Los Angeles; Nats get four back off IL + more...

While the Washington Nationals were in LA for the start of their road trip, back in D.C. there was news about the amount of people who’ll be allowed in Nationals Park once the club is back in the nation’s capital.

A waiver request to allow 25% capacity in the park received approval effective immediately, so there will be bigger crowds in the ballpark when the Nationals get off the road.

Manager Davey Martinez was told of the development after the series opener with the Los Angeles Dodgers last night.

“You know what ... you just brightened my day today,” Martinez told the reporters who shared the news.

“Thank you, that’s awesome. Very excited about that. Like I said, I love our fans, let’s keep them coming. I’m very happy, thanks.”

Go read your links...

NATS BEAT:

Roster Moves:

Nationals activate four players from injured list - (MLB.com)
"Four players remain on the IL following the testing and contact tracing last week -- starter Jon Lester, first baseman Josh Bell, second baseman Josh Harrison and left fielder Kyle Schwarber."

Four players activated, Corbin could start Saturday - (MASN)
"If Corbin can’t take the mound Saturday, the Nationals would likely need to start Austin Voth instead."

Other Nats Links:

Joe Ross strong in Nationals' loss to Dodgers - (MLB.com)
"Even Joe Ross’ first start of the 2021 had a World Series tie to it. The last time Ross, who elected not to play last season, made a start was Game 5 of the ‘19 World Series."

Nationals’ offense stays dormant in 1-0 loss to the Dodgers - (WaPost)
“There was a lot to consider: Ross hadn’t pitched in a major league game in 530 days, going back to Game 5 of the World Series on Oct. 27, 2019. He hadn’t pitched against an opponent since March 23.”

Nats waste another pitching gem, get shut out in L.A. - (MASN)
"Despite five scoreless innings from Ross in his first start since the 2019 World Series, a Nationals lineup that also wasted Stephen Strasburg’s gem against the Braves on Wednesday could not offer him any run support."

Ryan Zimmerman thinks Nationals could’ve swept Braves with full roster - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Nationals first baseman Ryan Zimmerman joined 106.7 The Fan’s Sports Junkies on Friday and explained why he took away several positives from the opening series."

New challenge awaits Nationals in L.A. - (MASN)
"What comes next? Possibly an even tougher challenge than they just faced in D.C."

18 months removed from his last start, Joe Ross tasked with facing Dodgers - (NBC Sports Washington)
"A lot has changed since Joe Ross last started a regulation baseball game."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

'To know him is to love him': Baseball is back, so is Jimmy Wilson - (Yahoo!News)
"Baseball season marks a return to normalcy for one Washington Nationals stadium staffer, Jimmy Wilson. NBC News' Vaughn Hillyard reports."

Most extreme home run pitches on record - (MLB.com)
"Despite Nationals catcher Matt Wieters practically coming out of his crouch to get his glove up for the pitch, Trumbo lifted a drive well up into the left-field seats at Camden Yards."

NL EAST UPDATES:

Phillies vs. Braves: What to expect a week after first series - (NBC Sports Philadelphia)
"Acuña was on fire in D.C. after doing nothing in Philly. In his last three games, he’s 5 for 11 with two homers, a double, four RBI, four runs scored and two steals."

Even Mets’ broadcasters were disturbed by Michael Conforto walkoff win - (NY Post)
"Nobody was happy about the way the Mets won their Thursday afternoon game against the Marlins – not even their broadcast team."

Nick Neidert makes first MLB start for Marlins - (MLB.com)
"For a few moments on Thursday afternoon, Marlins right-hander Nick Neidert allowed himself to soak in his surroundings at Citi Field."

Braves acquire RHP Edgar Santana from Pirates - (AJC.com)
"The Braves made a move to add depth Thursday evening, acquiring right-hander Edgar Santana from the Pirates for cash considerations."