District Daily: Outfield Work Has Helped Zimmerman’s Throws, Harper Must Play Like An MVP

Jul 1, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals first baseman

(11) reaches for a throw from shortstop

(not pictured) during the eighth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Nationals Park. Washington Nationals defeated Colorado Rockies 7-1. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Start off your weekend with some great Washington Nationals articles from around the web:

Outfield work has helped Zimmerman’s throws

(Bill Ladson, MLB.com)

WASHINGTON — Since returning to third base this past Monday, Nationals slugger Ryan Zimmerman seems to have more zip on his throws to first base.

He was able to turn a double play on Monday, for example, in the seventh inning against the Rockies. Read full article here.

Washington Nationals’ Bryce Harper Must Play Like An MVP

(Gregory Philson, Rant Sports)

Bryce Harper has battled injuries throughout his young career, but the slugging phenom is back healthy for the Washington Nationals and must be the second half National League MVP.

Everyone still believes Harper has all the tools to be one of MLB‘s best players, and if that is the case, he must starting flashing that potential now. Read dull article here.

Jayson Werth’s adjustment to his stance pays off at the plate

(Isabelle Khurshudyan, Washington Post)

Standing taller was all it took for Jayson Werth to go from a slump to a streak.

Since the right fielder made a slight alteration to his stance at the start of July, he’s 6 for 10 with five extra-base hits in three games. He had six extra-base hits in all of June.

Though the Nationals lost to the Cubs, 7-2, on Friday, Werth continued his success at the plate, going 2 for 3 with a home run and a double. Read full article here.