Wire Taps: Washington Nationals’ win streak ends; Juan Soto returns; Victor Robles dives for amazing catch...

There wasn’t much to get excited about in last night’s 6-1 loss to the Braves, but if you were looking for something, like we were, you could highlight Nationals’ outfielder Victor Robles and his diving catch last night in center field. Robles tracked a Ronald Acuña, Jr. liner into deeeeep center, and dove at the track to rob the Braves’ phenom of extra bases and an RBI.

“The way it was hit, it was a rocket, and he goes back and catches it over the shoulder like that, that’s a heck of a play,” manager Davey Martinez told reporters.

“Like I said, the ball was hit really sharp, so he made a great play.”

That he did. Go watch the play. Then go read your links...

NATS BEAT:

Nationals’ Juan Soto, Will Harris return from injured list - (WaPost)
Soto is coming back from a strained left shoulder and was not in Tuesday’s lineup. He’ll be available to pinch-hit off the bench.

Juan Soto activated off injured list - (MLB.com)
"The Nationals got their biggest bat back on Tuesday, when superstar outfielder Juan Soto was activated off the injured list."

The minors are back, which means real games for Nats prospects - (WaPost)
As minor league baseball ends a 20-month hiatus because of the pandemic, the return of actual games could help fuel the push of Nationals prospects Carter Kieboom and Luis García in their bids to make it back to the majors.

Nationals reinstate Juan Soto, Will Harris from injured list - (Washington Times)
"The Nationals activated right fielder Juan Soto and reliever Will Harris off the injured list Tuesday prior to Tuesday’s game against the Atlanta Braves."

Soto back, but limited to pinch-hitting; Harris ready to pitch - (MASN)
"Juan Soto is back on the Nationals roster, just not in their lineup. Will Harris is back in their bullpen, and hoping he will remain available as much as he’s needed."

How call-ups and rehab assignments will work in 2021 - (MASN)
"Beginning today, all major league clubs will have the ability to call players up from their Triple-A affiliate, with a few twists."

Nationals activate Juan Soto, Will Harris off injured list - (NBC Sports Washington)
"The Nationals got a bit of good news Tuesday before kicking off a big NL East clash with the Braves."

Carter Kieboom's progress, Luis García's next steps and more Nationals minor league storylines – (The Athletic)
"Kieboom, 23, has been away from the major-league team for the better part of five weeks, save for a five-day stint in which he took a spot on the active roster."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Why is the NL East so blah? A team-by-team look at division struggles - (Sporting News)
"At some point, the Nationals will get healthy. At least, that’s the hope. And if the regulars get back to their regular production, there’s no reason this team can’t contend."

NL EAST UPDATES:

Inconsistent Phillies need a healthy Harper, improved defense - (The Morning Call)
"The Phillies are struggling to find consistency and a long-term injury to star outfielder Bryce Harper would be a huge blow to the team."

Jacob deGrom scratched from Mets start with lat inflammation - (NY Post)
"The franchise’s crown jewel is hurting (sound the alarm bells), but not enough as of yet to warrant a stint on the injured list."

Brian Anderson returns from injured list, Marlins injury updates - (MLB.com)
"The Marlins activated third baseman Brian Anderson from the injured list and optioned No. 14 prospect Monte Harrison to Triple-A Jacksonville..."

Max Fried returns with clean health, adjustments after tough start - (AJC)
"Max Fried is back, and the Braves lefty expects to be a much more refined pitcher than he was across his first three outings."