A much-needed win

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Rick Ankiel is congratulated after scoring the winning run.

After losing five straight series dating back to before the All-Star break, the Nationals finally broke through in a 3-2 win against the New York Mets on Sunday afternoon. Washington took the win and the series on an Ian Desmond walk-off single that bounced off Mets' pitcher Bobby Parnell's glove.

It was a win that, while not pretty, could be just what the club needs to get back on the road to .500.

"That stopped the bleeding," outfielder Jayson Werth said. "It's a good day, we won the series and hopefully we can build on it."

Werth and the Nationals have had a year of ebbs and flows, but just recently they lost a season-high six straight games. Now with two consecutive victories and a much-needed series win, there was a sense in the clubhouse that maybe things are back on the way up.

Read Chase Hughes' full game story on CSNwashington.com.

Storen stays as deadline passes

Updated at 6:40 p.m.

Mike Rizzo insisted all along it would be "very difficult" to trade Drew Storen, unless the Nationals received an overwhelming return for the 23-year-old closer.

The Nationals general manager stayed true to his word as the clock ticked down to Sunday's 4 p.m. trade deadline, refusing to pull off a blockbuster deal with the Twins that would have sent Storen (and probably others) to Minnesota in exchange for center fielder Denard Span (and possible others).

A frantic 72-hour countdown to the non-waiver deadline reached its conclusion Sunday afternoon without the Nationals completing any more moves. Not that Rizzo wasn't working furiously to try to get something done.

The Nationals and Twins had been in discussions for days about a Storen-Span swap. The sticking point, according to sources familiar with the discussions: Twins GM Bill Smith wanted more players in addition to Storen included in the trade, while Rizzo was willing to deal the 23-year-old closer only if he got more than Span in return.

"We felt we couldn't come to a deal that we were getting back enough for what we were giving up," Rizzo said. "The quality of players, the youth of the players, the control of the players, the contract of the players ... it wasn't enough in return for us to be satisfied to make the
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Game 107: Mets at Nats

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

Jordan Zimmermann faces Jon Niese in today's series finale at Nationals Park.

As the drama of the trade deadline plays out in the general manager's office, the Nationals take the field this afternoon to face the Mets in the rubber game of this weekend series. Last night's 3-0 victory was nice; another win today to ensure a series victory would be even nicer.

Jordan Zimmermann gets the ball for the Nats, coming off back-to-back shaky outings. Everyone will be very interested to see how he responds today. Left-hander Jon Niese starts for the Mets, and he'll face a lineup loaded with right-handed hitters (including Brian Bixler, who makes his first career start in center field).

I'm here at the ballpark today, but I'm going to be handling all the trade deadline stuff. Fortunately, Chase Hughes is right here by my side, and he'll be providing updates on this blog for your enjoyment. Please treat him just as you treat me. On second thought, treat him better than me...

METS at NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 1:35 p.m.
TV: MASN2, Ch. 50
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 183
Weather: Mostly sunny, 94 degrees, Wind 7 mph in from CF

STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (50-56)
CF Brian Bixler
SS Ian Desmond
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Michael Morse

Trade deadline day [updated]

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The Nationals got to celebrate after snapping a six-game losing streak.

July 31 has arrived, and it promises to be a furious countdown to the 4 p.m. trade deadline. Though the Nationals have already pulled off three trades this week -- acquiring Jonny Gomes and dealing away Jason Marquis and Jerry Hairston -- the big one could still come today.

It's no secret Mike Rizzo is desperately seeking a center fielder. And it's no secret Minnesota's Denard Span is at the top of his wish list. The only remaining question is whether Rizzo and Twins GM Bill Smith can agree upon the names it would require to get this done.

Smith, of course, wants Drew Storen. And probably more. Rizzo is reluctant to deal Storen, though willing if he feels like he's getting something significant in return. As best as I can tell right now, Span alone isn't enough to trade away the 23-year-old closer.

In the meantime, perhaps the Nationals' best fallback option in case they can't get Span is no longer available. The Astros traded Michael Bourn to the Braves this morning for four players: center fielder Jordan Schafer and minor-league pitchers Brett Oberholtzer, Paul

An enjoyable win before an anxious Sunday

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The Nationals got to celebrate after snapping a six-game losing streak.

They spent all of Saturday trading away veterans and wondering who else might get dealt before Sunday's 4 p.m. deadline, then went out and played their best ballgame in a week to snap a six-game losing streak.

The Nationals' 3-0 victory over the Mets -- with emergency starter Yunesky Maya tossing 5 1/3 scoreless innings, Jayson Werth clubbing a three-run homer on his bobblehead night and Drew Storen escaping a bases-loaded jam in the ninth inning -- was impressive on its own merits.

Throw in the drama unfolding in the clubhouse and in the general manager's office, and it was downright remarkable.

"That's part of baseball," manager Davey Johnson said. "It's never easy on a ballclub, because you have all these attachments. Having to talk to talk to two guys and telling them they're going somewhere else is not easy for the manager. But the players responded. They went out there and played hard. It was a great game."

At the end of the night, though, there was still some question where the Nationals currently stand and what they plan to do before Sunday's deadline passes.

Jason Marquis and Jerry Hairston were gone, traded away for minor-leaguers who won't be helping the big-league club for some time. But Storen, Tyler Clippard and plenty of others remained in the clubhouse
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Maya likely going to DL

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Yunesky Maya earned his first career win but strained an oblique muscle.

The excitement of securing his first career victory in his 10th big-league start Saturday night was somewhat tempered for Yunesky Maya, who also strained his right oblique muscle while running the bases and now is likely headed for the disabled list.

Maya, who tossed 5 1/3 scoreless innings against the Mets in an emergency start after Jason Marquis was traded to the Diamondbacks, injured himself trying to avoid a tag running toward second base in the bottom of the fifth inning. He convinced manager Davey Johnson to let him take the mound for the top of the sixth but was pulled after allowing a pair of one-out singles.

"We checked him again and he said: 'No, I'm OK,'" Johnson said. "And then [catcher Wilson] Ramos kept saying he was OK. But obviously he wasn't OK."

Johnson said Maya, whose future was already unclear in the wake of this spot start, will probably need to be place on the DL. The 30-year-old right-hander, however, insisted he can avoid a DL stint and

Marquis traded to Arizona

Updated at 8:15 p.m.

Jason Marquis always figured to be the most-tradeable veteran on the Nationals' roster, a designation that led to plenty of speculation as the clock ticked down toward Sunday's non-waiver deadline.

When the move finally came Saturday, though, it was both expected and surprising. Not because Marquis was traded (to the Diamondbacks for minor-league shortstop Zach Walters) but because he was traded only two hours before he was scheduled to start at Nationals Park against the Mets.

Actually, Marquis didn't get official confirmation of the deal until 6 p.m., just one hour before scheduled first pitch. Still wearing a Nationals T-shirt and shorts at his locker when he was summoned by team officials, Marquis watched as right-hander Yunesky Maya (who had been flown in from Syracuse earlier in the day to serve as emergency starter) entered the clubhouse and was handed his jersey for the night.

"Obviously, the rumors were swirling around here, but you've got to focus on what you do," Marquis said. "But ultimately, when they came and got me and people started saying I might be traded, I've still got
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Game 106: Mets at Nats

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

Jason Marquis is scheduled to start -- emphasis on scheduled -- tonight.

We're now just outside of 24 hours until tomorrow's trade deadline, and it's already been an active day for the Nationals. Jerry Hairston was traded to the Brewers for minor-league outfielder Erik Komatsu. That left a void on the Nats' bench, so they've recalled Brian Bixler from Syracuse. (For those wondering about Roger Bernadina, you must wait 10 day to recall a player after optioning him, unless he's replacing an injured player.)

Meanwhile, Jason Marquis is scheduled to start tonight's game against the Mets. Unless, of course, he's traded before then. What are the odds of that happening? Well, enough that the Nationals have flown Yunesky Maya in from Syracuse to stand on-call just in case they need an emergency starter for this game. (Maya was supposed to start tonight for Syracuse, which is why he got the call over Tom Milone or Brad Peacock.)

Suffice it to say, everyone's in standby mode here at the ballpark, just waiting to find out what will happen next. Check back here for all your updates throughout the afternoon and evening...

METS at NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 7:05 p.m.
TV: MASN
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 183
Weather: Partly cloudy, 92 degrees, Wind 8 mph out to RF

STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (49-56)
CF Rick Ankiel
SS Ian Desmond
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Michael Morse

Hairston traded to Brewers

The Nationals traded Jerry Hairston to the Brewers today, moving the veteran utilityman to a contender but leaving themselves short-handed in center field and on the bench for the moment.

In exchange for the 35-year-old Hairston, the Nationals will receive Erik Komatsu, a 23-year-old outfielder who was hitting .294 with a .393 on-base percentage for Milwaukee's Class AA affiliate in Huntsville, Ala.

The Nationals haven't announced the trade yet, but a source familiar with the deal has confirmed it.

A pending free agent, Hairston was an attractive commodity for contending clubs. Versatile enough to play just about anywhere on the field, and due only $700,000 for the remainder of the season, he will join a Brewers team currently in first place in the NL Central and trying to make up for the recent injury to second baseman Rickie Weeks.

In 75 games with the Nationals, Hairston hit .268 with four homers, 24 RBI and a .342 on-base percentage. He filled in admirably at third base for nearly two months while Ryan Zimmerman was on the
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Disappointing result, encouraging sight

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Chien-Ming Wang struggled through the first inning but settled down after that.

He stood atop the mound at 7:06 p.m., a big-league hitter stepping to the plate 60 feet and 6 inches from his position, a crowd of 30,114 settling into the ballpark and a throng of media members from his native country chronicling his every move.

Chien-Ming Wang is as stoic a ballplayer as they get, and it's tough to detect what emotions are buried underneath his nondescript exterior. Make no mistake, though. The Taiwanese right-hander was feeling something as he stood there preparing to throw his first pitch in a major-league game in more than two years.

"I was really happy that I can still come back on the mound, and I can still pitch in a game," he said later through translator John Hsu.

If anything, Wang admitted he was thinking too much about the fact he was pitching in the major leagues again and not enough about the actual hitters standing before him. By the time his nerves and emotions were in check, it was too late. He'd allowed the Mets' first
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Bernadina optioned to Syracuse

Updated at 6:46 p.m.

Needing to clear a roster spot for Chien-Ming Wang to make his first big-league appearance in more than two years, the Nationals optioned outfielder Roger Bernadina to Class AAA Syracuse shortly before tonight's game.

The option wasn't made official until minutes before gametime, on the off chance the Nationals made another move before then (a trade or an injury to someone else) but manager Davey Johnson informed Bernadina of the plan earlier in the day.

"A brief stint down there playing every day is not going to be a setback so much," Johnson said. "And it's really not a demotion. It's out of necessity, to keep other players here in this organization without having to make massive change."

Bernadina's demotion leaves the Nationals with a 13-man pitching staff, including six starters, for the moment. It also leaves them with only Rick Ankiel and Jerry Hairston as available center fielders.

Game 105: Mets at Nats

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

Chien-Ming Wang makes his first start in two years tonight at Nationals Park.

Though plenty of attention is being thrust upon the July 31 trade deadline that is now barely more than 48 hours away, there is something taking place on the field tonight at Nationals Park that deserves and is getting plenty of attention itself: Chien-Ming Wang's return to the big leagues after more than two years.

By now, you know Wang's story, how he suffered a major shoulder injury, signed with the Nats in Feb. 2010, missed the entire season, re-signed with the Nats last winter, showed few signs of progress and then finally began a rehab assignment last month.

So, what should you expect from the 31-year-old right-hander? Don't get your hopes up too much. In an ideal world, Wang would be able to spend more time in the minors building up stamina and refining his pitches. Unfortunately, you're only allowed 30 days on rehab before you have to be activated off the DL, so he's here now even though he's probably not 100 percent ready. The Nats will monitor him closely, limiting him to about 80 pitches, and not putting too much stock in this one performance.

The Nationals needed to remove someone from the 25-man roster to make room for Wang, and that someone is Roger Bernadina, who has been optioned to Class AAA Syracuse. Interesting move in that it leaves the club with a 13-man pitching staff (for the moment) and only Rick Ankiel and Jerry Hairston as center fielders (for the moment). Suffice it to say, there's probably more moves to come this weekend.

Updates to come...

METS at NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 7:05 p.m.
TV: MASN2
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 183
Weather: Mostly sunny, 96 degrees, Wind 9 mph out to RF

STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (49-55)
CF Rick Ankiel
2B Danny Espinosa
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Michael Morse

Series preview: Mets at Nats

Friday, 7:05 p.m. -- RHP Dillon Gee (9-3, 3.76) vs. RHP Chien-Ming Wang (first start)
TV: MASN2 Radio: 106.7 FM, 1500 AM, XM 183

Saturday, 7:05 p.m. -- RHP R.A. Dickey (5-8, 3.74) vs. RHP Jason Marquis (8-5, 3.95)
TV: MASN Radio: 106.7 FM, 1500 AM, XM 183

Sunday, 1:35 p.m. -- LHP Jon Niese (10-8, 3.97) vs. RHP Jordan Zimmermann (6-9, 3.27)
TV: MASN2, Ch 50 Radio: 106.7 FM, 1500 AM, XM 183

METS UPDATE
New York has been known in the past to wilt at the first sign of controversy or trouble. Not this year. Despite plenty of off-the-field drama and the recent trades of two key veterans, the Mets continue to play competitive baseball and come to the District riding a four-game winning streak.

This is a different-looking roster, though, than the last time the Nationals saw it. Closer Francisco Rodriguez was traded over the All-Star break to the Brewers, and on Wednesday, outfielder Carlos Beltran was shipped to the Giants. Veteran Jason Isringhausen, enjoying a nice comeback season, has taken over as closer in Rodriguez's wake. Lucas Duda, meanwhile, appears to be the new right fielder with Beltran gone and came through yesterday with a three-run double in the Mets' win over the Reds, capping a wild week.

"The last two games speaks volumes about these guys," manager Terry Collins told reporters. "They were drained. They were wiped out

Slogging their way through a losing streak

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Ryan Zimmerman, who had four hits, tries to cool off on a hot afternoon.

Their starting pitcher issued four walks, three of them to begin innings. They ran themselves into a needless out on a double steal that was never called by the manager. Their newest acquisition came up to bat with the bases loaded and one out, then grounded into a double play on the first pitch he saw.

By the time they had slogged their way through Thursday's 3-hour, 38-minute ordeal, the Nationals had dropped a 5-2 decision to the Marlins, their fifth-straight loss and the latest in a growing string of uninspired performances from a ballclub that suddenly appears headed in the wrong direction.

"I'd say up until this point we've been doing the little things to help us win games, help us stay in games," said right fielder Jayson Werth, who drove in both runs. "I'd say the last few nights, for sure, seems like fundamentally we haven't been that sound."

That's an understatement. The Nationals had already looked a bit sluggish in the field and on the bases at various points since the All-Star break. On Thursday, though, they appeared to sleepwalk their way through this matinee on a scorching afternoon in the District.

It certainly didn't help that starter John Lannan was uncharacteristically out of sync, issuing four walks, plunking Marlins slugger Mike Stanton in the head and needing a whopping 115 pitches
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Game 104: Marlins at Nats

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

The Nationals need to beat the Marlins today to avoid a series sweep.

We've got an extra-early, weekday matinee at Nationals Park today, and these are desperate times for the home ballclub. Losers of four in a row, they need a victory today against the Marlins to avoid falling 2 1/2 games out of fourth place in the NL East, not to mention just feeling a little better about themselves.

John Lannan takes the mound, riding a prolonged hot streak both on the mound and at the plate. Over his last 11 starts, the lefty is 5-1 with a 2.28 ERA, a span during which he's limited the opposition to a paltry .593 OPS. He's also got four hits (including a homer) in his last six at-bats.

Rookie left-hander Brad Hand starts for Florida, so Davey Johnson is stacking his lineup with right-handed hitters. Jerry Hairston is leading off in center field for the second straight day. And newly acquired Jonny Gomes makes his first start in left field.

Plenty of updates to come...

MARLINS at NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 12:35 p.m.
TV: MASN
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 189
Weather: Partly cloudy, 91 degrees, Wind 8 mph out to LF

STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (49-54)
CF Jerry Hairston
2B Danny Espinosa
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Michael Morse

Rotation suddenly faltering

They had been the one constant during a season that had featured plenty of ups and downs in other areas. If nothing else, the Nationals knew they could count on whichever starting pitcher they sent to the mound to churn out a quality performance and give his teammates a chance to win.

Perhaps it was inevitable this rotation would hit a bump in the road at some point. It's not like we're talking about the 1971 Orioles staff or the current Phillies unit. This is a rotation that gets by on guile and guts more than physical prowess, and that can only take you so far.

On Wednesday night, Livan Hernandez became the latest culprit, knocked out by the Marlins before recording an out in the fifth inning and putting his Nationals teammates in a deep hole. Despite their best effort to catapult themselves out of it with a stirring, ninth-inning rally, they still came up short in a 7-5 loss that ended on Laynce Nix's drive to the right-field warning track.

Thus the Nationals lost their fourth straight game, all of them featuring less-than-stellar performances from their starting pitchers. During that stretch of starts by Tom Gorzelanny, Jason Marquis, Jordan Zimmermann and Hernandez, the unit has combined to post an 8.24
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Gomes embraces new surroundings

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Jonny Gomes is available on the Nationals' bench tonight.

Jonny Gomes arrived at Nationals Park Wednesday afternoon, still somewhat surprised at having been traded from Cincinnati to Washington, still unsure what role he will hold with his new club.

"We just kind of figured out what my number would be," he said laughing, his Nationals No. 30 jersey hanging behind him. "We've still got to iron some things out. I'm just willing to do whatever it takes. ... I just left the door open to [manager Davey Johnson] and let him know I'm ready when my number's called. Whatever he's got planned for me, I'm all right with it."

Johnson himself is still trying to formalize his plan for Gomes, but it probably includes starts against left-handed pitchers, plus frequent pinch-hitting appearances late in games.

"I will communicate to him what I expect out of him, but it really goes back to players. It's how you use them," Johnson said. "Players are pretty smart. They can sense when they're needed and what their role should be to help this ballclub win. It's my job to figure out exactly what his role should be, where he's going to be best-suited for himself.
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Game 103: Marlins at Nats

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

Livan Hernandez faces Javier Vazquez tonight at Nationals Park.

Davey Johnson suggested last night there might be lineup changes in store for today's game, and the Nationals manager was true to his word. No Jayson Werth. No Ian Desmond. No Roger Bernadina. No Wilson Ramos. All of them are getting a mental day off, as Johnson explained.

Davey also held a closed-door meeting with his troops before batting practice, letting them know his reasons for some of these changes today, and more importantly, how he intends to try to get more players involved moving forward.

"I basically had a set lineup going on [previously]," Johnson said. "I wanted everybody to know what I thought was the best chance we had to win, and the order they came up in. I also felt like you don't win pennants with 15 guys. You win pennants with 25. And I was going to be doing even more of that."

Livan Hernandez gets the start against former Expos teammate Javier Vazquez. Also, Jonny Gomes is here and in uniform and is available off the bench. Johnson said he'll start tomorrow's series finale.

Updates to come...

MARLINS at NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 7:05 p.m.
TV: MASN2
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 189
Weather: Partly cloudy, 87 degrees, Wind 6 mph LF to RF

STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (49-53)
LF Jerry Hairston
SS Alex Cora
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Michael Morse

Stairs DFA'd to clear space for Gomes

Updated at 5:08 p.m.

Needing to clear a roster spot for newly acquired outfielder Jonny Gomes, the Nationals designated Matt Stairs for assignment today, likely ending the veteran's career after 19 seasons.

The Nationals signed Stairs over the winter, hoping even at the age of 43 he could provide a potent bat off the bench. But the pinch-hitting specialist never got on track, beginning the season 0-for-16 and finishing with a .154 average (10-for-65 in 56 games).

Baseball's all-time leader in pinch-hit home runs with 23, Stairs recorded only one extra-base hit (a double) and two RBI with the Nationals. His lone contribution of significance came July 1 against the Pirates, when he roped a run-scoring single off the right-field fence to secure a 2-1, walk-off victory.

"He never got sharp, and we never really got him sharp," manager Davey Johnson said. "And he didn't have the kind of production

Beltway Baseball Live - 7/27/11

It's turning into an eventful week for the Nationals, who yesterday made a trade for Jonny Gomes, continue to field calls about Jason Marquis and others, will make a roster move today to clear space for Chien-Ming Wang to make his much-awaited Nats debut on Friday and last night got trounced by the Marlins to fall into last place in the NL East.

Chase Hughes and I discussed those topics (and answered your questions) at 1 p.m. in this week's live edition of Beltway Baseball. If you missed the broadcast, here's the full show posted in two segments (Part 2) is below...

Approaching the "boiling point"

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Ryan Zimmerman reacts after striking out in the eighth.

Since taking over the manager's office at Nationals Park one month ago, Davey Johnson has maintained an even-keel demeanor, never getting too high after wins, never lashing out after losses.

After an 11-2 thumping at the hands of the Marlins Tuesday night, one that knocked the Nationals into last place in the NL East for the first time since June 14, Johnson's calm exterior began to show a few cracks.

"It's not sitting well with me," he said. "I have a high boiling point, and I'm getting closer to it."

Johnson had every right to be seething after a tepid performance from his team. Returning home following a disappointing 3-6 road trip that featured several unsettling losses, this was the time to get things back on track and make some headway against a division rival.

Instead, the Nationals fell behind early and never had a chance. Jordan Zimmermann was roughed up for the second time in seven days. Counterpart Ricky Nolasco didn't surrender a hit until the fifth. Reliever Henry Rodriguez imploded late, giving up five runs in
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Harris clarifies Harper-Robinson comparison

Nationals director of player development Doug Harris issued a statement Tuesday evening clarifying remarks he made in a Sports Illustrated article about Bryce Harper in which he compared the scrutiny the 18-year-old phenom is facing to the pressure Jackie Robinson faced after breaking baseball's color barrier.

In the SI article written by Tom Verducci, Harris was asked about the scrutiny Harper has faced in his first professional season, one that has seen the young outfielder criticized for every move he makes on and off the field.

"This is really unfair and it's totally different, but if I can make a comparison to one guy that has been scrutinized like this, it would be Jackie Robinson," Harris said in the article. "And it's unfair because it was a different standard. He was under a microscope in an era when we didn't have Internet, didn't have cellphones.

"Now, Jackie Robinson had his life threatened. I'm not comparing Bryce to that. But as far as nonstop scrutiny? Absolutely. Day to day."

The release of the article Tuesday sparked heavy criticism of Harris' comparison, prompting the head of the Nationals' farm system to issue
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Nats acquire Gomes for 2 minor leaguers

Updated at 9:00 p.m.

The Nationals have acquired outfielder Jonny Gomes from the Reds in exchange for minor leaguers Bill Rhinehart and Chris Manno, a subtle move designed to add a veteran bat to their bench in advance of Sunday's trade deadline.

Gomes, 30, was hitting .211 with 11 homers, 31 RBI and a .336 on-base percentage in 77 games with Cincinnati this season. A career .244 hitter in parts of nine big-league seasons with the Reds and Rays, he could wind up serving as a right-handed platoon option in left field alongside Laynce Nix.

Gomes' 2011 salary is $1.75 million, but the Reds are covering some of the roughly $600,000 he's due the remainder of the year. He'll be a free agent at the end of the season, and he could qualify for "Type B"
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Game 102: Marlins at Nats

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

The Nationals are finally back home tonight against the Marlins.

It's been 16 days since a ballgame was last played at Nationals Park, a long stretch that finally comes to end tonight when the Nationals host the Marlins in the first game of a key, nine-game homestand that will also see the Mets and Braves come to town.

The Marlins, of course, have been nemesis No. 1 for the Nats in recent years, though the matchup has been far more even so far this season (Florida has won five of nine). The Nationals also catch something of a break this week in avoiding Josh Johnson (DL) and Anibal Sanchez. They do have to deal tonight with Ricky Nolasco (career 8-3 vs. the franchise).

With everyone rested and refreshed following an off-day, Davey Johnson goes with his regular lineup: Roger Bernadina leading off and in center field, Jayson Werth batting fifth, Laynce Nix batting sixth and Wilson Ramos behind the plate. Jordan Zimmermann takes the mound, trying to bounce back from his worst outing of the season (six runs allowed in five innings).

Plenty of updates to come...

MARLINS at NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 7:05 p.m.
TV: MASN
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 189
Weather: Sunny, 90 degrees, Wind 8 mph out to CF

STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (49-52)
CF Roger Bernadina
2B Danny Espinosa
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Michael Morse

Series preview: Marlins at Nats

Tuesday, 7:05 p.m. -- RHP Ricky Nolasco (6-7, 4.08) vs. RHP Jordan Zimmermann (6-8, 3.00)
TV: MASN Radio: 106.7 FM, 1500 AM, XM 189

Wednesday, 7:05 p.m. -- RHP Javier Vazquez (6-9, 5.35) vs. RHP Livan Hernandez (5-9, 4.04)
TV: MASN2 Radio: 106.7 FM, 1500 AM, XM 189

Thursday, 12:35 p.m. -- LHP Brad Hand (1-3, 2.77) vs. LHP John Lannan (7-6, 3.51)
TV: MASN Radio: 106.7 FM, 1500 AM, XM 189

MARLINS UPDATE
What a strange season it's been in Miami. A club that had high hopes to compete for the NL East title (or at least the wild-card) got off to a strong start, then crashed and burned in June like few teams have ever done. The Marlins' record that month: 5-23. That cost manager Edwin Rodriguez his job and brought 80-year-old Jack McKeon out of the cryogenic freezer and back into the dugout.

So what have the Marlins done since? Well, they're 13-8 in July, attempting to dig themselves out of that seemingly inescapable hole they created last month. Now they enter this series 1/2-game behind the Nationals for fourth place in the division.

Florida's lineup has come alive during this recent surge. After hitting an abysmal .225 with a .624 OPS in June, the group is batting .266 with a .772 OPS in July. Old friend Emilio Bonifacio has been front-

Important week ahead

US Presswire photo

Victory has often been just out of the Nationals' reach since the All-Star break.

It's been more than two weeks since the Nationals were last seen in the District, two weeks that saw one of baseball's hottest clubs hit the All-Star break with a .500 record, then stumble out of the restart gate with a disappointing 3-6 road trip.

The team that returned home on a red-eye from Los Angeles Sunday night is frustrated by its play, still struggling to produce at the plate on a regular basis and showing some cracks in its previously air-tight pitching staff and defensive alignment.

With the exception of an 11-1 thumping in Atlanta to open the season's second half, the Nationals have been highly competitive. Seven of their last nine losses have come by one run; Sunday's loss to the Dodgers came by two runs. That only compounds the frustration level among a clubhouse of players and coaches that believes this team should be winning more of these close games.

They'll have a chance to get themselves back on track during a nine-game homestand that begins Tuesday, a homestand that could be as significant as any this club has experienced in 2011.

From a straight competitive standpoint, these nine games against the Marlins, Mets and Braves are important. All are division opponents, the

Wang to start Friday vs. Mets

Chien-Ming Wang will start Friday night against the Mets, the right-hander's first big-league appearance in more than two years, the Nationals announced Sunday evening.

The announcement came hours after Wang made his sixth (and final) minor-league rehab start, allowing five runs and eight hits over five innings for Class AAA Syracuse against Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. It was by far the 31-year-old's least-effective start during his month-long rehab assignment, and it perhaps raised some questions about his readiness to face big-league hitters, but the Nationals don't have the ability to keep him in the minors any longer.

Pitchers are allowed only 30 days on rehab assignments before they must either come off the disabled list, establish they've suffered a new injury or otherwise be removed off the franchise's roster. Wang's assignment ends on Wednesday, and because he's out of minor-league options and has been deemed healthy, he would have to be released if not activated.

A two-time 19-game winner with the Yankees in 2006-07, Wang hasn't pitched in the major leagues since July 4, 2009. He underwent surgery
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Game 101: Nats at Dodgers

US Presswire file photo

The Nationals face the Dodgers today in the rubber game of their series.

On July 7, the Nationals stormed out to an 8-0 lead against the Cubs, then proceeded to blow it in stunning fashion and lose 10-9. Since that night, they've gone 4-8, falling from two games over .500 to two games under .500.

On the bright side, they've lost seven of those eight games by one run. It's not like they're no match for the competition. If anything, they're making one bad pitch, failing to come through in one key at-bat, on a nightly basis. Basically, it's the exact opposite of what they did during their remarkable hot streak in June.

Today, the Nats will look to reverse the trend and in the process end their road trip on a high note. Jason Marquis makes what could be his final start for this franchise should another team come calling before the trade deadline. He'll face right-hander Chad Billingsley, trying to win the series for the Dodgers.

As you know by now, I'm not in Los Angeles. I'll be back on site Tuesday for the start of the Nationals' upcoming homestand. Until then, please enjoy the conversation as always...

NATIONALS at DODGERS
Where: Dodger Stadium
Gametime: 4:10 p.m.
TV: MASN2, Ch. 50
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 189
Weather: Sunny, 74 degrees, Wind 8 mph out to RF

STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (49-51)
LF Roger Bernadina
2B Danny Espinosa
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Michael Morse

Game 100: Nats at Dodgers

US Presswire file photo

Tom Gorzelanny faces Ted Lilly tonight at Dodger Stadium.

Behind a couple of surprising home runs (John Lannan's two-run shot, Jerry Hairston's grand slam) and some impressive pitching from Lannan, Sean Burnett, Tyler Clippard and Drew Storen, the Nationals won last night's series opener against the Dodgers, 7-2. In order to make it two in a row tonight, they'll need a similarly strong performance from starter Tom Gorzelanny, who has plenty of incentive when he takes the mound tonight.

Gorzelanny had to depart his last start in Atlanta in the third inning after spraining his ankle in a collision at the plate with Braves catcher Brian McCann. Whether there's any lingering effect remains to be seen. The left-hander also has some pressure on him to perform given the likely addition of Chien-Ming Wang to the Nats' rotation in the next week. If another starter (ie. Jason Marquis) is traded, Wang could take over that spot in the rotation. If not, someone is going to have to get bumped, and Gorzelanny would be a candidate for demotion to the bullpen.

Fellow lefty Ted Lilly starts tonight for the Dodgers, facing a Nationals lineup that has struggled against southpaws this season. They're hitting just .219 with a .651 OPS against lefties, as opposed to .242 and .691 against righties.

I'm going to be out most of the evening, but I'll try to insert the lineups here once they're posted. Enjoy the game and the conversation...

NATIONALS at DODGERS
Where: Dodger Stadium
Gametime: 10:10 p.m.
TV: MASN2
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 189
Weather: Clear, 69 degrees, Wind 7 mph out to RF

STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (49-50)
LF Jerry Hairston
2B Danny Espinosa
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Michael Morse

Game 99: Nats at Dodgers

US Presswire file photo

The Nationals open a weekend series at Dodger Stadium.

If you're like me, currently sweating it out in D.C. and wondering what exactly the formula is for determining the heat index, you may not want to look closely below at tonight's forecast in Los Angeles. Suffice it to say, those of us not on this road trip are mighty jealous of those who are.

There is, however, a tangible effect those cool temps in La-La Land should have on tonight's series opener between the Nationals and Dodgers: The ball probably won't be carrying very well through the cool, dense air. Dodger Stadium is notoriously a tough hitter's park at night, only more so when the temperature is down.

Of course, neither the Nats nor the Dodgers boast especially potent lineups, so that could have more to do with the result tonight than anything. John Lannan and Hiroki Kuroda should be poised to put forth a couple of quality starts.

Like I said, I'm not covering this series in person, but I'll be staying up late to watch the game on TV and will probably share a few thoughts along the way. I'll try to answer some of your questions, too, if you want to ask them in the comments section. Just do me a favor and wait until the game starts to post them, because I'm not going to be in front of my computer until then...

NATIONALS at DODGERS
Where: Dodger Stadium
Gametime: 10:10 p.m.
TV: MASN2
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 189
Weather: Sunny, 68 degrees, Wind 7 mph out to RF

STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (48-50)
CF Roger Bernadina
2B Danny Espinosa
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Michael Morse

Series preview: Nats at Dodgers

Friday, 10:10 p.m. -- LHP John Lannan (6-6, 3.62) vs. RHP Hiroki Kuroda (6-11, 3.13)
TV: MASN2 Radio: 106.7 FM, 1500 AM, XM 189

Saturday, 10:10 p.m. -- LHP Tom Gorzelanny (2-6, 4.07) vs. LHP Ted Lilly (6-10, 4.83)
TV: MASN2 Radio: 106.7 FM, 1500 AM, XM 189

Sunday, 4:10 p.m. -- RHP Jason Marquis (8-4, 3.92) vs. RHP Chad Billingsley (8-8, 4.07)
TV: MASN2, Ch 50 Radio: 106.7 FM, 1500 AM, XM 189

DODGERS UPDATE
It seems like all the attention on baseball in L.A. this year has been focused on the courtroom and the ongoing saga of owner Frank McCourt's divorce and MLB's attempted takeover of one of the sport's great franchises. On the field, though, 2011 has been just as dour.

The Dodgers enter the weekend at 43-55, sharing the NL West basement with the Padres and trying to figure out how they can possibly get their offense going. You think the Nationals have had trouble getting runners across this plate? The Dodgers have scored a total of 37 runs this month, fewest in the majors.

The lack of offense cost hitting coach Jeff Pentland his job this week. Dave Hansen takes over for the rest of the season, hoping he can get several of the club's most disappointing sluggers to find their swing

Beltway Baseball Live - 7/21/11

Thanks to everyone who watched today's live edition of Beltway Baseball at 1 p.m. Chase Hughes and I discussed plenty of topics, including the upcoming July 31 trade deadline, Chien-Ming Wang's pending arrival in D.C. and Stephen Strasburg's soon-to-be-pending return to Nationals Park. And as always, we answered your questions on the Nats.

If you missed the show live, no worries. Here's the entire episode, split into two parts, for your enjoyment. You can watch Part II below...

Game 98: Nats at Astros

US Presswire file photo

Livan Hernandez faces Brett Myers in today's series finale at Minute Maid Park.

Remember that remarkable run the Nationals went on in early-to-mid June? You know, when they won 12 of 13 games, seemingly all of them by one run? Well, they've fallen back into a more consistent pattern since then. Basically, they win a game or two, then they lose a game or two.

Indeed, since June 17, the Nats have been no better than two games over .500, nor have they been worse than two games under .500. Consistent mediocrity, I guess you could call it. Which is still a significant improvement from years past, of course.

Today, the Nationals try to get back to the break-even point yet again, needing a win over the Astros to take this series in Houston. Livan Hernandez, who went only four innings in his last start and boasts a 5.27 ERA in his last five outings, needs to get himself back on track. Veteran Brett Myers will face a Nats lineup that is without Ian Desmond or Laynce Nix (both getting a day off to rest nagging ailments).

As you know, I haven't been in Houston for this series. Enjoy the weekday matinee and the back-and-forth conversation as always...

NATIONALS at ASTROS
Where: Minute Maid Park
Gametime: 2:05 p.m.
TV: MASN2
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 185
Weather: Dome (Outside: 91 degrees, Wind 6 mph in from RF)

STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (48-49)
LF Roger Bernadina
2B Danny Espinosa
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Michael Morse

Game 97: Nats at Astros

US Presswire file photo

Jordan Zimmermann faces J.A. Happ tonight at Minute Maid Park.

Though his team managed to scrape together five runs last night, Davey Johnson is making one significant tweak to tonight's lineup against the Astros: Danny Espinosa will lead off, with Ian Desmond bumped all the way up to the No. 2 slot.

The primary reason for this: J.A. Happ is starting for Houston, amazingly the first left-hander to start against the Nationals since Johnson took over as manager. And since Roger Bernadina doesn't fare all that well against lefties (career .225 average), it seems like a logical move to bump him down to the 7-hole and go instead with Espinosa (career .277 average vs. lefties).

But there's another byproduct of this: Desmond moving up to the No. 2 slot. He's fared much better up there in his career (slash line: .282/.319/.396) than he has when he's hit eighth (.236/.286/.344). Perhaps this switch might help get Desmond going.

Jordan Zimmermann makes his first start of the second half, as the countdown to his 160-inning limit begins. He enters tonight at 115 innings, so figure seven or eight more outings before he's shut down.

I'm not in Houston for this series, so please enjoy the game and conversation among yourselves...

NATIONALS at ASTROS
Where: Minute Maid Park
Gametime: 8:05 p.m.
TV: MASN2
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 185
Weather: Dome (Outside: 87 degrees, Wind 8 mph in from RF)

STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (48-48)
2B Danny Espinosa
SS Ian Desmond
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Michael Morse

On Marquis, Werth and Strasburg

US Presswire photo

Jayson Werth is tagged out by catcher Carlos Corporan in the ninth inning.

Three thoughts to share in the wake of the Nationals' 5-2 victory over the Astros last night in Houston...

1. MARQUIS' STOCK GOES UP
From a competitive standpoint, the Nationals couldn't have gotten a better performance out of Jason Marquis than they did last night: eight innings of two-run ball, saving a bullpen that had been maxed out over the weekend in Atlanta.

From a long-term-planning standpoint, they couldn't have asked for anything more, either.

It's no secret each of Marquis' starts these days carries significant weight, with the July 31 trade deadline looming and scouts from across the majors chronicling his every move. Marquis' stock had perhaps taken a slight tumble before the All-Star break, especially when he was ravaged by the Pirates July 3 for seven runs in 1 1/3 innings.

But the veteran right-hander has gotten back on track his last two times out, authoring back-to-back quality starts. For the season, he's now 8-4 with a 3.92 ERA. His 12 quality starts rank second on the

Game 96: Nats at Astros

US Presswire file photo

Minute Maid Park hosts the Nationals for the next three days.

After an eventful weekend in Atlanta that featured both positives and negatives, the Nationals continue their road trip in Houston, where the Astros boast the majors' worst record and have lost 16 of 19. Quite simply, this is the kind of series the Nats have to win if they've truly made that all-important leap into the fringes of contention.

Davey Johnson fields his regular lineup, with Wilson Ramos back behind the plate after getting yesterday off and Laynce Nix in left field. He's also got an important bench piece back, with Jerry Hairston activated off the DL after missing three weeks with a fractured wrist.

The Astros send rookie Jordan Lyles (a promising right-hander) to the mound for his ninth career start. Lyles, a first-round pick in 2008, is still in search of his first big-league win.

I'm not on the rest of this road trip, but please keep the conversation going as always here...

NATIONALS at ASTROS
Where: Minute Maid Park
Gametime: 8:05 p.m.
TV: MASN2
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 185
Weather: Partly cloudy, 89 degrees, Wind 9 mph out to LF

STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (47-48)
CF Roger Bernadina
2B Danny Espinosa
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Michael Morse

Series preview: Nats at Astros

Monday, 8:05 p.m. -- RHP Jason Marquis (7-4, 4.05) vs. RHP Jordan Lyles (0-4, 4.60)
TV: MASN2 Radio: 106.7 FM, 1500 AM, XM 185

Tuesday, 8:05 p.m. -- RHP Jordan Zimmermann (6-7, 2.66) vs. LHP J.A. Happ (3-11, 5.76)
TV: MASN2 Radio: 106.7 FM, 1500 AM, XM 185

Wednesday, 2:05 p.m. -- RHP Livan Hernandez (5-9, 4.09) vs. RHP Brett Myers (3-10, 4.86)
TV: MASN2 Radio: 106.7 FM, 1500 AM, XM 185

ASTROS UPDATE
If nothing else, the Astros are consistent. They beat the Rangers on June 22 ... and proceeded to lose five straight. Then they beat the Rangers again on June 30 ... and proceeded to lose five straight. Then they beat the Pirates on July 6 ... and proceeded to lose five straight. Guess what? They beat the Pirates on Saturday, then lost yesterday in extra innings. If history holds form, the Nationals are guaranteed a sweep at Minute Maid Park.

Suffice it to say, it's been a long season already deep in the heart of Texas. The Astros have baseball's worst record (31-64) and haven't exactly been playing competitive baseball of late. When Mark Melancon recorded the final three outs of Saturday's victory, it marked

Maxed-out bullpen can't hang on

Associated Press photo

Sean Burnett reacts after giving up a three-run homer in the fifth inning.

ATLANTA -- Presented an opportunity to take a series from the wild-card-leading Braves and gain a little ground in the standings, the Nationals instead squandered it, losing 9-8 Sunday afternoon when rookie Ryan Mattheus allowed a walk-off single to Freddie Freeman.

Really, though, this game was lost the moment Tom Gorzelanny had to depart before the bottom of the third, having sprained his ankle trying to bowl over catcher Brian McCann in a rare baserunning adventure for the Nationals starter.

From that moment on, manager Davey Johnson was forced to max out his bullpen, asking four relievers to churn out seven quality innings of work.

The end result was perhaps all too predictable. All four relievers were scored upon, two of them serving up titanic homers that tied the game and deflated the Nationals' dugout.

"I used about everybody," Johnson said. "I went as far as I could."

Making matters worse, Johnson didn't have his designated long reliever available. Normally, a situation like this would scream for that
Read more

Hairston coming off DL, Bixler optioned

Updated at 5:43 p.m.

ATLANTA -- Injured utilityman Jerry Hairston will join the Nationals in Houston tonight and be activated off the 15-day disabled list in time for tomorrow's series opener against the Astros, according to a club source.

To clear space on the roster for Hairston, the Nationals optioned infielder Brian Bixler to Class AAA Syracuse following today's 9-8 loss to the Braves. Bixler was hitting .196 with one extra-base hit in 45 games, but he had contributed to several recent victories with his baserunning.

Hairston hasn't played since June 29 in Anaheim, when he took a fastball from the Angels' Dan Haren off his right wrist, suffering a slight fracture in the process. The 35-year-old hoped to play through the injury, but it was severe enough to require a stint on the DL.

Hairston spent the last two nights on a rehab assignment with Class AA Harrisburg, where he went 1-for-6 with two walks while playing shortstop. The Nationals initially wanted him to play a third rehab

Game 95: Nats at Braves

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

The Nats have a chance to win the series this afternoon at Turner Field.

ATLANTA -- Funny how much can change in only 24 hours. When the Nationals arrived at Turner Field yesterday, they were coming off an ugly loss and wondering whether they really could hang with the wild-card-leading Braves. Then they put together one of their best all-around performances in a while, winning 5-2 and putting themselves in a position to win the series today.

That's still no small task. Atlanta sends All-Star right-hander Jair Jurrjens (the league leader in wins and ERA) to the mound against a Nats lineup that has admittedly had trouble sustaining hot stretches this season. Laynce Nix is back in left field today, though he's been dropped to the No. 6 spot behind Jayson Werth. Jesus Flores also starts behind the plate, giving Wilson Ramos the day off.

Tom Gorzelanny gets the start for the Nationals. He hasn't won since May 7 (though some of that has been a product of poor run support) but he does get a favorable matchup against a Braves lineup that has hit only .210 (with a .619 OPS) against left-handers this season.

Updates to come. Oh, and for those curious, The B-52s did NOT close with "Love Shack" last night, opting instead for "Rock Lobster." Upset of the year...

NATIONALS at BRAVES
Where: Turner Field
Gametime: 1:35 p.m.
TV: MASN, Ch. 50
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 184
Weather: Partly cloudy, 83 degrees, Wind 11 mph RF to LF

STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (47-47)
CF Roger Bernadina
2B Danny Espinosa
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Michael Morse

Bouncing back

Associated Press photo

John Lannan delivered his first two hits of the season during tonight's win.

ATLANTA -- Given what transpired here 24 hours earlier, the Nationals easily could have arrived back at Turner Field Saturday night and doubted their ability to play a clean ballgame against one of the NL's toughest opponents.

To a man, though, players insisted Friday night's 11-1 thrashing at the hands of the Braves was nothing to fret about, merely a one-time bump in the road.

That they then went out and proved it during a 5-2 victory over Atlanta speaks volumes about the confidence this team has in itself.

"There's no doubt about it," manager Davey Johnson said. "The character over here is unbelievable. You're never as bad as you look when you lose, and especially when you lose like we did the other day. You just brush it off and you play the next day. We played an outstanding game."

That they did. The Nationals saw John Lannan bounce back from a frightening moment eight days ago to toss 5 2/3 strong innings, not to mention drive in two runs with his first hit of the season. They saw
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Game 94: Nats at Braves

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

The Nationals (and The B-52s) play tonight at Turner Field.

ATLANTA -- It's another surprisingly pleasant day here in Atlanta, with mild temperatures and a nice breeze to boot. Not that the Nationals enjoyed the fine weather last night during one of their ugliest losses of the season.

They'll try to get back on track tonight, with John Lannan on the mound for the first time since taking a line drive off his face July 8 against the Rockies. What looked at the time like a potentially devastating injury instead turned out to be incredibly mild. The lefty suffered only a nasal contusion, and if you look at him now, you'd never know anything happened.

In talking to Lannan yesterday, he insisted he won't take the mound tonight worried about the same thing happening again. He does, however, plan to make a slight mechanical tweak, reverting to a form he used to use. On his follow-through, Lannan wants to tuck his head down and to the right a little more. He said he'd fallen into a bad habit of leaving his head up, which may have left him more susceptible to comebackers like the one last week.

Meanwhile, the Braves have painted a giant "10,000" into their outfield, in commemoration of the franchise's 10,000 all-time win last night. It sounds impressive, but they've also lost 9,992 games in their history. In fact, of the 16 original MLB franchise, the Braves' .5002 winning percentage ranks 12th (behind, among others, the Indians, Pirates and Cubs).

And finally, you'll notice in the above photo a big stage taking over the infield. The B-52s will be performing after tonight's game. So I'll be writing my game story with "Love Shack" blaring in the background. Can't wait...

NATIONALS at BRAVES
Where: Turner Field
Gametime: 7:10 p.m.
TV: MASN
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 184
Weather: Partly cloudy, 77 degrees, Wind 11 mph RF to LF

STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (46-47)
LF Roger Bernadina
2B Danny Espinosa
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Michael Morse

One ugly ballgame

US Presswire photo

Ian Desmond committed one of the Nationals' five errors tonight.

ATLANTA -- Eleven runs allowed on 13 hits. Nine runners left on base. Zero hits with men in scoring position. Oh, and five errors, matching a season high.

Safe to say the Nationals came out of the All-Star break a little flat?

"We were ahead 1-0 after our first half of the first, against a guy like that who has historically dominated our team," insisted Ryan Zimmerman, citing the early run he and his teammates scored off Braves ace Tim Hudson.

Fair enough. At one point Friday night, the Nationals looked very much capable of winning this game.

Then the Braves came up to bat in the bottom of the first.

Two hours and 56 minutes of repugnant baseball later, the Nationals were on the wrong end of an 11-1 ballgame, an unsightly opening act to the second half of their season.

Were they flat? Tepid? Off their game? Victimized by a poor infield? Simply outplayed by a better opponent? It doesn't really matter. The
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September return still in play for Strasburg

ATLANTA -- Stephen Strasburg crossed another significant milepost in his rehabilitation from Tommy John surgery on Wednesday when he faced live hitters for the first time at the Nationals' spring training complex in Viera, Fla.

Strasburg threw 45 pitches during a "live batting practice" session and reported no problems. He's expected to throw another round on Monday, moving him one step closer to a potential return to the Nationals' rotation before the end of the season.

General manager Mike Rizzo reiterated today that the club has not determined yet whether Strasburg will pitch in the majors in 2011, though he hasn't ruled it out.

"I think it's in play, yeah," Rizzo said before the Nationals' second-half opener against the Braves. "If his rehab progresses on schedule, there's a chance he could get a major-league start in September."

Before that can happen, Strasburg still needs to pitch in some simulated games in Florida, then begin a minor-league rehab
Read more

Game 93: Nats at Braves

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

The Nats open the second half of the season at Turner Field.

ATLANTA -- Hello from Turner Field in not-so-Hotlanta. It's been overcast all day, and that's kept the temperature reasonable. It's also created the distinct possibility of rain throughout the afternoon and evening, which could impact the Nationals' second-half opener against the Braves.

Assuming the game starts on time -- NOTE: First pitch on Friday nights here is 7:35 p.m. -- Livan Hernandez will take the mound against longtime Nats nemesis Tim Hudson. Hudson, you'll recall, is 11-3 with a 2.00 ERA in 20 career starts against this franchise. That said, the Nats have beaten him in two of their last three encounters (last September and this May).

Davey Johnson is going with what has become his "A" lineup for the second-half opener, with one twist: Michael Morse and Laynce Nix have swapped spots. Before the break, when both guys played, Nix hit cleanup and Morse hit fifth. Tonight, Morse is in the 4-hole ahead of Nix.

Plenty of updates to come here, and be sure to tune into Comcast SportsNet at 6 p.m. for my live report from Turner Field...

NATIONALS at BRAVES
Where: Turner Field
Gametime: 7:35 p.m.
TV: MASN
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 184
Weather: Chance of rain, 76 degrees, Wind 11 mph RF to LF

STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (46-46)
CF Roger Bernadina
2B Danny Espinosa
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Michael Morse

Zim's blog: "We have a real chance"

In his latest blog entry for CSNwashington.com, Ryan Zimmerman talks about his recent ziMS Foundation event at Nationals Park, the opportunity the Nats have put themselves in to make things interesting during the season's second half and Tyler Clippard's All-Star selection.

Oh, Zimmerman also reveals what he did over the break. Hint: It required a passport and probably plenty of sunscreen.

Read Zim's full blog here.

Series preview: Nats at Braves

Friday, 7:35 p.m. -- RHP Livan Hernandez (5-8, 4.01) vs. RHP Tim Hudson (8-6, 3.57)
TV: MASN Radio: 106.7 FM, 1500 AM

Saturday, 7:10 p.m. -- LHP John Lannan (5-6, 3.64) vs. RHP Tommy Hanson (10-4, 2.44)
TV: MASN, MLB Network Radio: 106.7 FM, 1500 AM

Sunday, 1:35 p.m. -- LHP Tom Gorzelanny (2-6, 3.94) vs. RHP Jair Jurrjens (12-3, 1.87)
TV: MASN, Ch. 50 Radio: 106.7 FM, 1500 AM

BRAVES UPDATE
The Nationals have gone 23-15 since June 1, their best prolonged stretch of baseball in quite some time, yet they've actually lost two games in the wild-card race. Why? Because the Braves have been better than anyone else in the NL over that same span, going 24-12.

Atlanta has been able to sustain such a torrid pace because of stellar pitching across the board. Right-hander Jair Jurrjens has enjoyed a breakthrough season, leading the league in wins (12) and ERA (1.87). Fellow young hurler Tommy Hanson has been nearly as impressive, going 10-4 with a 2.44 ERA and 109 strikeouts in 103 1/3 innings.

The real domination, though, has come out of a bullpen that boasts a 2.90 ERA (second-best in the majors) and a whole lotta power arms.