Wire Taps: Washington Nationals drop another in Chicago; Twix talk; Carter Kieboom talk...

Candy Corner: You all heard the story, right? Kris Bryant left a pile of candy, including or completely comprised of Twix bars, we’re not sure, and we’re not sure if it was left Twix, perhaps, or maybe right Twix, but we digest... Bryant left it out in left field for his former teammate, Kyle Schwarber, who ate a Twix and then homered later in the game. Clearly, that candy was the key. Schwarber said he might eat another one before the second of Washington’s four games in Chicago this week. His manager said he’d make sure he did.

“Just you you know, he will have a Twix bar before the game today,” Davey Martinez told reporters in his pregame Zoom call on Tuesday afternoon. He said Schwarber’s reaction Monday night, and his positive demeanor on a daily basis are part of the package.

“He loves it,” Martinez said of the fun with Bryant. He wants to keep it fun. And he enjoys it.

“And one thing for Kyle is that he stays in the moment. So he had his chuckles and and he ate the Twix bar, and got back to business.”

We think it’s right Twix, actually. But have no proof. Go read your links...

NATS BEAT:

Bote, Happ homer as Cubs beat Nationals 6-3 - (Washington Times)
"Bote broke a 3-all tie with a two-run homer against reliever Will Harris (0-1) in the sixth inning. Happ made it 6-3 with his drive to the basket in left-center against Wander Suero leading off the eighth."

Nationals take frustrating loss to the Cubs - (WaPost)
"Washington was left to ponder another game in which the offense failed to capitalize in key situations after dropping a 6-3 decision at Wrigley Field."

Patrick Corbin makes first start since birth of son - (MLB.com)
"Patrick Corbin and Will Harris faced the same opponent on Tuesday, but they had very different takeaways in the Nationals’ 6-3 loss to the Cubs at Wrigley Field."

Why has the Nationals offense been grounded? - (MASN)
"One by one, they swung at hittable pitches. And one by one, they pounded the ball into the ground."

Kyle Schwarber returns to Wrigley Field - (MLB.com)
"Kris Bryant, who started in left like Schwarber, imparted a candy gift to his former teammate in Schwarber’s first return to Wrigley Field."

Nationals manager Davey Martinez sees Trea Turner as ‘candidate for MVP’ - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Heading into play Tuesday, Turner ranks second among NL players in hits (49), third in batting average (.329), tied for third in home runs and stolen bases (7) and sixth in OPS (.957)."

Notes on Strasburg's bullpen, tonight's game and more - (MASN)
"If you’ve been anxiously waiting for news on when Stephen Strasburg will make his next start, you’re unfortunately going to have to wait at least another day."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Mariners Top MiLB Overall Standings, Nationals Bring Up The Rear - (Baseball America)
"But the roughest start by far has been that of the Nationals farm teams. Washington's .250 combined winning percentage is significantly worse than anyone else and its -148 run differential is exactly double the next worst team (St. Louis)."

Carter Kieboom struggling at the plate on eve of Red Wing home opener - (Democrat and Chronicle)
"Carter Kieboom, one of the top prospects in the Nationals' farm system now playing for the Red Wings, has switched from shortstop to third base."

NL EAST UPDATES:

Heartbroken Kevin Pillar opens up after 'scary' Mets moment - (NY Post)
"Kevin Pillar walked into the Mets’ clubhouse Tuesday, a day after getting hit in the face with a 94.5 mph fastball, and asked if he was in the lineup."

Jacob Webb on Kevin Pillar's HBP, nose injury - (MLB.com)
"Braves manager Brian Snitker communicated with Kevin Pillar on Tuesday morning, and then spent some time attempting to comfort right-handed reliever Jacob Webb, who was unsettled after hitting the Mets outfielder’s nose with a pitch on Monday night."

Jazz Chisholm impressed by Jumbo Shrimp lineup - (MLB.com)
"Chisholm was itching to rejoin the big league team while on the injured list with a left hamstring strain. But his abbreviated time in the Minors allowed him a peek into the Marlins' future."

Phillies' Joe Girardi, Jean Segura patch things up after dugout confrontation - (NBC Sports Philadelphia)
"The air is clear. Joe Girardi and Jean Segura still love each other."