Wire Taps: Washington Nationals’ Stephen Strasburg makes rehab start; Nats make plans for return; Juan Soto & grounders

What did Davey Martinez hear about Stephen Strasburg’s rehab start for the Rochester Red Wings? You can read all about it below, and there are multiple articles going up here today about what to do when he’s ready to return, likely soon. Martinez talked after the finale out in Arizona about what reports he got from Trenton, NJ, where the Wings played the Buffalo Bisons.

“[Strasburg] felt good. His shoulder felt good, there was no issues. He was a little erratic the first inning, but he settled down a little bit and threw the ball better,” Martinez said.

“We’ll see how he feels tomorrow and then we’ll reassess and from there. I want to talk to him probably tomorrow and really hone in and see how he really felt.”

Go read your links. There are decisions to make.

NATS BEAT:

Stephen Strasburg's rehab start - (MLB.com)
"Stephen Strasburg throws 75 pitches and strikes out six batters over 4 1/3 innings in a rehab start."

Erick Fedde leads Nationals to win over D-backs - (MLB.com)
"Fedde has stepped into the Nationals’ shorthanded starting rotation, like he did last year."

Erick Fedde dazzles for Nationals against Diamondbacks - (WaPost)
"Erick Fedde pitched seven scoreless innings Sunday, but he may soon have to make room for Stephen Strasburg in the Nationals’ rotation."

Groundball-heavy Soto believes he's close to breaking out - (MASN)
"Soto has set the bar for himself extraordinarily high. But having said that, it’s not inappropriate to point out he’s not hitting like himself right now. And hasn’t been for a while."

Nationals reliever Austin Voth following Daniel Hudson's blueprint - (WaPost)
Hudson became a full-time reliever at 28 years old. Right now, Voth is following that timeline.

After 75-pitch rehab start, Nats face decision on Strasburg - (MASN)
"Stephen Strasburg appears to have done what he needed to do in today’s rehab start for Triple-A Rochester. Now, the Nationals have to decide if it’s enough to activate the right-hander off the injured list."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Chicago Cubs: Jon Lester returns to Wrigley Field on Monday - (Chicago Tribune)
"Chicago Cubs manager David Ross had an idea for Jon Lester’s return to Wrigley Field on Monday night. Free beer for everyone."

Admitting there will be 'emotions involved,' Washington Nationals pitcher Jon Lester enthused to start in former home, Wrigley Field - (ESPN)
"Lester, 37, was never offered much in the way of a new contract with the Cubs before signing a 1-year, $5 million deal with Washington."

Prospect roundup for May 14 - (MLB.com)
"Nationals: Israel Pineda, C (No. 15), High-A Wilmington - Pineda’s first career multi-homer game propelled Wilmington to its come from behind, extra-inning win over Jersey Shore."

Hansen, Cavalli top former Suns players in the minor leagues - (berkshireeagle.com)
"Cavalli was Washington’s first-round pick in 2020, and the big right hander is making his professional playing debut this year. He tossed five innings in his first game..."

NL EAST UPDATES:

Phillies' rally falls short, Bryce Harper strikes out - (MLB.com)
"Segura and manager Joe Girardi appeared to have a disagreement in the Phillies’ dugout during a 10-8 loss to the Blue Jays in Dunedin, Fla."

Marcus Stroman allows three homers as Mets lose - (MLB.com)
"Right-hander Marcus Stroman was hurt by the home run Sunday afternoon as New York fell to the Rays, 7-1, at Tropicana Field, completing Tampa Bay's three-game sweep."

Jazz Chisholm Jr. activated from IL - (MLB.com)
"The return also marked just the third time this season that the rookie has started at shortstop."

Acuna pinch-hits after being out of lineup for third game since ankle injury - (AJC.com)
"The Braves have considered outfielder's status day-to-day since he injured his left ankle sprinting across first base Thursday, May 13, 2021."