Wire Taps: Washington Nationals split four-game set in Atlanta; Next stop Philadelphia + more...

Davey Martinez’s club won two of four in Atlanta and now they play three in Philadelphia before an off day on Monday. It was a disappointing finish mostly because the bats went silent in the finale in Truist Park, but the Nationals’ skipper said on Thursday afternoon it’s time to turn this thing around after a 23-30 start.

“We really wanted to win this game today, come out of here with three wins,” Martinez said in his post game Zoom call yesterday. “We kind of pushed at the end, so you know, tough place to play here. The fans are good, loud, and we come out of here winning two games, but we got to go. It’s go-time.

“We got the Phillies next, so get ready for tomorrow and try to win that first game tomorrow.”

It’s looking like the rain will stop in time to play tonight... Go read your links.

NATS BEAT:

A timeline of Stephen Strasburg's ample trips to the injured list - (Washington Times)
"Stephen Strasburg’s injury history doesn’t define the Washington Nationals’ right-hander, but the various ailments have played a role in his career."

Patrick Corbin struggles in sixth inning as Nationals fall to Braves - (WaPost)
"With the loss to Atlanta, Washington fell to 23-30, deeper into last place in the National League East."

Juan Soto heats up in series vs. Braves - (MLB.com)
"Juan Soto picked up some souvenirs in the Nationals’ four-game road series at Truist Park -- five hits, six runs, two homers, six RBIs and six walks."

Nats go silent at the plate, can't win series in Atlanta - (MASN)
"Corbin was outstanding for five innings, but wilted during a four-run bottom of the sixth that spoiled his start..."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Why the Nationals are more likely to be sellers than surprise contenders after another poor 50-game start - (CBSSports.com)
"These Nats don't look like they have a 2019-style run in them."

Intentionally Walking the Bases Loaded: A Primer - (Fangraphs)
"This time, the number seven hitter was up, but the Nats often bat their pitcher eighth, and Joe Ross lurked in the on-deck circle."

Will the Nationals will move on from Scherzer – (101 ESPN)
"Neil Greenberg of the Washington Post on if the Nationals will move on from Max Scherzer."

Davey Johnson goes from Manager of the Year to ‘House Manager’ - (tbnweekly.com)
"'That's the one thing that bothers me about baseball today. The analytics people are hurting the game, especially the pitchers,' he said."

NL EAST UPDATES:

Phillies rotation lines up top three vs. Braves - (MLB.com)
"The Phillies reshuffled their rotation to line up their three best pitchers to face the Braves next week at Citizens Bank Park."

Jarred Kelenic's early woes ease Mets' trade angst - (NY Post)
"The agita level registers impressively low in the Mets’ universe, further proof that winning cures all."

Elieser Hernandez exits early vs. Pirates - (MLB.com)
"Not only were the Marlins unable to snap a season-long skid, but they also lost right-hander Elieser Hernandez to a right quad strain..."

June 3, 2021 game: Braves 5, Nationals 1 - (AJC.com)
"The Braves managed a split with the Nationals after Thursday’s 5-1 win at Truist Park. They did so behind a four-run sixth inning and the arm of starter Tucker Davidson."