Wire Taps: Washington Nationals take 2 of 3 from Miami; Next stop Baltimore on Friday + more Nats links...

After scoring 24 runs on 39 hits in back-to-back wins over the Marlins in the first two games of the series in Nationals Park, Davey Martinez’s club scored just one run in a 3-1 loss in last night’s game, connecting for just six hits and going 0 for 7 with runners in scoring position, and seven left on base in the extra innings loss. What went wrong?

“You got to kind of give credit to the Marlins’ pitching as well,” Martinez said, after Marlins’ righty Nick Neidert gave up one run on three hits in five innings, and the four relievers that Miami used combined for five scoreless.

“They made some good pitches. Neidert threw some good pitches early, he made some mistakes that we didn’t capitalize on, but when we had to make a pitch, he made decent pitches. It’s just one of those days.”

In one of those years. Enjoy your off day. Go read your links...

NATS BEAT:

Nats won't decide to buy or sell until right before deadline - (MASN)
"If their general manager is to be believed, the Nationals have nine more days to prove they deserve to be trade deadline buyers and not sellers."

Mike Rizzo says Kyle Schwarber is 'doing things he needs to do to return' - (NBC Sports Washington)
"'He took batting practice on the field [on Tuesday] and was hitting balls in the upper deck,' Rizzo said."

As Gomes and Avila rehab, Barrera earning starts behind plate - (MASN)
"The Nationals’ sixth-round pick in 2016 out of the University of Texas, Barrera has been on the organization’s radar ever since."

Mike Rizzo says shooting outside of Nationals Park was 'unsettling' - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Speaking on the Sports Junkies on Wednesday, Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo called the situation 'frightening' but commended authorities for quickly getting the situation under control."

Dusty Baker: It was ‘cool’ to see son Darren drafted by Nationals - (NBC Sports Washington)
"Four years after the Nationals unceremoniously parted ways with manager Dusty Baker, the club has signed his son Darren to a professional contract."

2021 hottest MLB rookies through July 20 - (MLB.com)
"7. Tres Barrera, C, Nationals - Barrera was on the fringes of the Washington roster when he was brought up earlier this month following injuries to veterans Yan Gomes and Alex Avila..."

MLB Draft picks Branden Boissiere, Dustin Saenz sign with Nationals - (MLB.com)
"A week following the 2021 MLB Draft, the Nationals have inked eight of their top 10 picks."

NATIONAL(S) BEAT:

Trea Turner Is Quietly Putting Together a Career Year - (FanGraphs)
"But as these louder storylines dominate the conversation this season, Trea Turner is quietly building on his improvements from the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign."

MLB trade deadline cheat sheet: What to watch for all 30 teams; Bowden's Big Board 2.0 of top trade candidates – (The Athletic)
"Washington: Buyers — The Nationals need an upgrade at third base and another starting pitcher."

In the shadow of Nationals Park, longtime residents face threats beyond gunfire - (WaPost)
"As national media zeroed in on D.C. gun violence in the wake of a shooting near the stadium, low-income residents say gentrification and rapid redevelopment put them at risk."

MLB trade rumors roundup: Updates on Rangers’ Joey Gallo, Pirates’ Adam Frazier, Nationals’ Max Scherzer - (nj.com)
"MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand and Jon Morosi think the Nationals will trade the three-time Cy Young Award winner."

Astros manager Dusty Baker's son Darren signs with Nationals - (Houston Chronicle)
“Fifty-four years after Dusty Baker was drafted, his son Darren has signed with the Nationals...”

RHS grad signs with Nationals - (Franklin County Times)
"Former Russellville High School and Auburn University baseball standout Cody Greenhill has signed a free agent deal with the Washington Nationals."

Schoff signs free agent rookie contract with Nationals - (Rome Daily Sentinel)
"Tyler Schoff, who pitched for Rome Free Academy and then Division I Bryant University, has signed a free agent rookie contract with the Washington Nationals organization."

NL EAST UPDATES:

Bryce Harper on possible Phillies Trade Deadline moves - (MLB.com)
"Everybody wants to see how the Phillies improve their team before the July 30 Trade Deadline. Bryce Harper is no exception."

Dominic Smith fooled just about everyone with grand slam - (NY Post)
"Dom Smith fooled the announcers, the analytics and the Mets’ dugout."

Marlins top prospect Sixto Sánchez undergoes right shoulder surgery - (MLB.com)
"Marlins top prospect Sixto Sánchez underwent surgery on Tuesday to repair a capsular tear and clean out the back side of his right shoulder, general manager Kim Ng revealed prior to Wednesday's road trip finale against the Nationals."

Another day brings another Braves’ backward step - (AJC.com)
"Six times these Braves have come within a game of nosing above .500. Six times they’ve lost their next game."