Wire Taps: Washington Nationals win 3rd in a row; Max Scherzer lands on 10-Day IL; Patrick Corbin bounces back...

Davey Martinez challenged the assertion that Monday’s 3-2 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates was a relatively drama-free victory when a reporter described it as such to the Washington Nationals’ skipper, but the 8-1 win last night? Is it fair to call that one drama-free? Patrick Corbin tossed 8 ¹⁄₃ strong, giving up just one run, and the Nationals went up 5-0 on a Yan Gomes grand slam in the bottom of the first before the team cruised to a win.

“Yeah, I will say something though,” Martinez said. “If there’s anybody that wanted Corbin to finish the game and have a complete game, besides Corbin, it was me. I wanted him to finish, but when he got up to 110 pitches, which was the max, that was it. We got to understand that this is a long season and we got a long way to go, so we need him for the duration, but he was outstanding tonight. Outstanding. He threw strikes, kept the ball down, he pounded the strike zone. I think he only gave up one walk, it was a really good night. It was fun to watch him pitch tonight.”

It was fun. Will Paolo Espino’s outing be as much fun?

Go read your links...

NATS BEAT:

Nationals beat Pirates:

Patrick Corbin finishes 2 outs short of complete game vs. Pirates - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Corbin entered the game with a 6.21 ERA on the year. He had gone five straight appearances without a quality start but turned things around against the lowly Pirates..."

Patrick Corbin, Yan Gomes push Nationals past Pirates - (WaPost)
"Yan Gomes had a first-inning grand slam and Corbin nearly went the distance as the Nationals posted their fifth victory in seven games."

Yan Gomes hits grand slam in Nationals' win vs. Pirates - (MLB.com)
"After Saturday’s nightcap loss to the Giants in extra innings, manager Dave Martinez noted the Nationals’ squandered offensive opportunities and missed chances with runners in scoring position that resulted in zeros on the scoreboard."

Gomes' slam, Corbin's gem lead Nats to easy win - (MASN)
"With one mighty swing, Gomes sent that pitch soaring into the left field stands and did what so few of his teammates have been able to do this season with the bases loaded..."

Scherzer to IL:

Max Scherzer goes on injured list with groin inflammation - (WaPost)
"Scherzer’s IL stint was backdated to Saturday, meaning he could return to face the Philadelphia Phillies next week after missing just one start."

Scherzer makes case for pine tar, not stickier stuff - (MASN)
"Scherzer mentioned pine tar among the officially illegal substances for pitchers commonly used for grip, and noted that it typically doesn’t draw the ire of anyone."

Nationals pitcher Max Scherzer weighs in on MLB's sticky stuff debate - (WaPost)
"The Nationals’ 36-year-old ace declined to comment on being named in a Sports Illustrated report about doctoring baseballs but shared his thoughts on the broader debate."

Scherzer's brief IL stint leaves Nats needing Wednesday starter - (MASN)
"By making the transaction today, the Nationals backdated it to Saturday, which makes Scherzer eligible to return June 22 when they open a two-game series in Philadelphia."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

MLB cracks down on foreign substances with threat of 10-game suspensions - (Washington Times)
"The weeks and months of hemming and hawing over what MLB should or shouldn’t do regarding pitchers using foreign substances — also known as 'sticky stuff' — came to a conclusion Tuesday..."

Whose stock is rising for Trade Deadline? - (MLB.com)
"Schwarber is on a one-year, $7 million deal with an $11.5 million option ($3 million buyout) for 2022, giving the Nationals a solid bat to shop around if they choose to do so."

Nationals' Max Scherzer hits injured list with groin inflammation six weeks ahead of MLB trade deadline - (CBSSports.com)
"Scherzer's fitness is worth monitoring for a variety of reasons, including his availability for the All-Star Game and his expected standing as the top pitcher on the trade block."

NL EAST UPDATES:

Phillies sign Brock Stassi, start Luke Williams at shortstop - (NBC Sports Philadelphia)
"Luke Williams made his third start and first at shortstop as the Phillies looked to get back on a winning track Tuesday night in Los Angeles."

Jacob deGrom to start vs. Cubs - (MLB.com)
"Jacob deGrom has passed every test. An MRI on his right arm came back clean. deGrom played catch multiple times and went through his usual bullpen session routine between starts."

Marlins recall Jesús Sánchez - (MLB.com)
"Marlins fans have been clamoring for the return of outfield prospect Jesús Sánchez, and their wish was granted."

Braves RHP Touki Toussaint begins rehab assignment - (AJC.com)
"Braves right-hander Touki Toussaint began a rehab assignment at Single-A Rome on Tuesday, the team announced. Toussaint, 24, has been on the injured list since late March with a right-shoulder strain."