Wire Taps: Washington Nationals to have full capacity at home in June? Phillies in D.C. this week + more...

As noted on Twitter by Washington Post writer Michael Brice-Saddler on Monday, D.C.’s Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that restrictions on public and commercial activity in Washington, “... including capacity limits, will lift Friday, May 21 — with a full reopening coming June 11.” Does that mean? Could it be? I mean, is it?

“The Washington Nationals are delighted by Mayor Bowser’s announcement today,” the Nats wrote in a press release last night, “... which will permit the ballpark to operate at full capacity beginning June 11. The team was also granted a waiver to expand seating to 36% effective May 14. We want to thank Mayor Bowser and her administration for their partnership and collaboration over the past several months as we worked together on a safe and comprehensive plan to get fans back into the ballpark. Our organization will continue to work diligently to ensure the safety of our players, staff, and fans as we welcome everyone back to Nationals Park.” - The Washington Nationals.

It’s all happening.

Go read your links...

NATS BEAT:

Capital One Arena, Nationals Park have capacity limits increased - (Washington Times)
"Additionally, the mayor approved opening up Nationals Park for more fans beginning May 14, although the Nationals will embark on a two-series road trip at the end of this week and won’t play at home until May 21."

D.C. will allow full capacity at Nationals Park beginning June 11 - (MASN)
"The Nationals have been granted approval by the District of Columbia to increase capacity at Nationals Park for their homestand later this month and to operate at full capacity in mid-June."

Nationals planning to open stadium to full capacity by June 11 - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Nationals announced Monday that the team was granted a waiver to expand seating to 36% of the stadium beginning on May 14, which is Friday of this week."

Juan Soto working to improve after return from IL - (MLB.com)
"For as many home runs as Juan Soto has pummeled in his young career, there still is a rhythm to be established at the plate after being sidelined."

Soto feels good at plate, now looking for more results - (MASN)
"Put it all together, and the young superstar is 2-for-15 with two walks and three strikeouts since coming off the IL."

Nationals Notebook: If you’re not first, you’re last - (WTOP)
“Last week’s heroes: Starlin Castro hit .400 while Trea Turner batted .308 with a team-high 4 RBI. Yan Gomes and Kyle Schwarber also drove in four runs last week.”

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

"This must be what LeBron feels like!" | MIC'D UP with Nationals infielder Josh Harrison - YouTube
"On our 4th episode of Play Loud, we mic'd up Nationals utilityman Josh Harrison, and he had fun with it to say the least!"

"For FredNats, winning obviously isn't the only thing - (starexponent.com)
"Entering Tuesday night’s long-awaited home debut, his Fredericksburg Nationals are 0–6, having been outscored by a combined 65–15 last week in Lynchburg.

Philadelphia Phillies finally get a day off after consecutive losses to Atlanta Braves - (Philadelphia Inquirer)
"The Nats are next up for the Phillies following Monday’s off day, which manager Joe Girardi believes his team badly needs."

NL EAST UPDATES:

Phillies’ road woes need to improve to make postseason - (NBC Sports Philadelphia)
"Despite being a game over .500 and a game out of first place in the tightly packed National League East, the Phillies have not won a road series this season."

Mets' hitting improving after hiring new coaches - (NY Post)
"One week into the regime of new hitting coach Hugh Quattlebaum and assistant Kevin Howard, the Mets are focused on swinging at strikes. And if that approach happens to create walks, the players will take them."

Luis Madero joins Marlins' bullpen - (MLB.com)
"Miami hasn't been able to get reliable production from the fourth and fifth spots in the rotation, with Elieser Hernandez and Sixto Sánchez sidelined."

Braves send two relievers to Gwinnett, recall Camargo - (AJC.com)
"The Braves recalled infielder Johan Camargo from Gwinnett Monday and sent two relief pitchers back to the Triple-A team."