Wire Taps: Washington Nationals drop 2 of 3 in New York; Brad Hand struggles again + more Nats links...

An ovation in his first pinch hit appearance after an extended stint on the Injured List reminded Juan Soto of what he missed while he was out, and after the trip to NY this weekend, the 22-year-old slugger, who went 2 for 12 with a home run against Yankees’ pitching, said he was excited to get back home for three with the Phillies.

“Oh, yeah. Definitely,” Soto told reporters after the second straight loss in Yankee Stadium.

“Can’t wait to hear those fans again,” he said. “To hear my crowd cheering for us. It’s a different feeling when you have your crowd on your side and everything is going to be better, you’re getting to your home. I’m excited to be back and ready to get rolling.”

Get rolling with your links. Or, go read your links...

NATS BEAT:

Brad Hand was struggling before giving up game-winner - (Washington Times)
"But Washington Nationals reliever Brad Hand was already struggling to throw strikes consistently, walking the first two batters he faced."

Nationals’ Brad Hand struggles against Yankees again - (The Washington Post)
"Brad Hand has his second straight rough outing, and it costs the Nationals in a 3-2 loss to the Yankees."

Nationals lose series to Yankees on walk-off - (MLB.com)
"Hand opened the inning by issuing back-to-back walks to Tyler Wade and Aaron Judge. He got DJ LeMahieu to ground out, but that wasn’t enough..."

Hand is unsteady again, Nats lose late to Yanks again - (MASN)
"Davey Martinez’s day began with a follow-up question about his decision Saturday to use Brad Hand in the bottom of the ninth against the Yankees’ big right-handed bats."

Max Scherzer adds to Hall of Fame resume after reaching another milestone - (Washington Times)
“Two weeks ago, after another strong start from Max Scherzer, catcher Alex Avila summed up how it feels to watch a future Hall of Famer continually add to his resume.”

Hernandez's role changes with Soto's return to field - (MASN)
"Martinez has always been enamored of Hernandez’s approach at the plate and the thought that a guy who slugged 63 homers in three minor league seasons in the Nats' system could run into a pitch and do some damage."

Soto is DH again today, but plans to be in right field Tuesday - (MASN)
"The Nationals return home to open a three-game division showdown with the Phillies, and they won’t be playing in another American League park until June 8..."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

F.P. Santangelo, Nationals' MASN broadcaster, accused of sexual misconduct: report - (Washington Times)
"F.P. Santangelo, the former MLB outfielder and the current television analyst for Nationals games on MASN, has been accused of sexual misconduct, according to The Athletic."

F.P. Santangelo accused of sexual misconduct, off Nationals broadcast - The Washington Post
Santangelo has been on and off Nationals broadcasts over the past week, leading to questions that neither the team nor MASN would answer.

Nationals broadcaster F.P. Santangelo accused of sexual misconduct – (The Athletic)
"The Nationals and the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network (MASN) have been made aware of a sexual misconduct allegation against broadcaster F.P. Santangelo, who was not allowed to work Saturday’s telecast, the fourth time in eight days he was kept off local airwaves."

F.P. Santangelo accused of sexual misconduct, off Nationals broadcast - The Washington Post
Santangelo has been on and off Nationals broadcasts over the past week, leading to questions that neither the team nor MASN would answer.

NL EAST UPDATES:

Mark Appel makes season debut for Reading – (Phillies Nation)
"After more than three years, Mark Appel can finally say he’s pitching in the pros once again. The 2013 No. 1 overall draft pick made his first professional appearance since September of 2017 for the Double-A Reading Fightin Phils on Saturday night..."

Jacob deGrom leaves game early with right side tightness - (Amazin' Avenue)
"deGrom missed his previous start with a lat issue and exited this start after five innings."

Marlins' roster moves: Daniel Castano, Luís Madero - (MLB.com)
"The Marlins made a series of roster moves prior to Sunday's homestand finale against the Brewers at loanDepot park, and ahead of a three-city, 10-game trip that begins on Monday in Arizona."

Ronald Acuna hit by pitch, avoids serious injury - (AJC.com)
"Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna exited in the seventh inning of Saturday’s game against the Phillies after he was hit in the hand by a pitch. X-Rays were negative..."