District Daily: Nationals Game Postponed, NL Final Vote Rally

Jul 8, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; A rainbow seen over the field during a rain delayed game between the Baltimore Orioles and Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

There was no baseball for the Nationals last night, but that didn’t stop the stories from making headlines. Below are the latest Nationals news and links.

Orioles-Nationals postponed; makeup game is Aug. 4

(Bill Ladson, MLB.com)

WASHINGTON — Tuesday’s game between the Nats and Orioles at Nationals Park was postponed because of rain.

The makeup game is scheduled for Aug. 4 at Nationals Park. Fans who have tickets for Tuesday’s game will be able to use them on Aug. 4.

According to Nationals manager Matt Williams, there wasn’t any talk about playing a day-night doubleheader — one game at Nationals Park and the second game at Camden Yards — on Wednesday. Read full article here.

Rendon needs a rally in Final Vote to join All-Stars

(Bill Ladson, MLB.com)

WASHINGTON — A National League Final Vote candidate, Nationals infielder Anthony Rendon needs the support of Nats fans to become a member of the NL All-Star team.

As of Tuesday, Rockies first baseman Justin Morneau had jumped out to an early but narrow lead, trailed most closely by Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo and outfielder Justin Upton of the Braves. Rendon and Marlins third baseman Casey McGehee were in fourth and fifth places, respectively.

Rendon proved as recently as Monday night that he belongs on the All-Star team. In the sixth inning of an eventual 8-2 loss to Baltimore, Rendon was the one who put Washington back in the game. Rendon swung at the first pitch from right-hander Chris Tillman and hit a two-run homer to tie the game at 2-2. Read full article here.

Barrett forced to change delivery to avoid balks

(Daniel Popper, MLB.com)

WASHINGTON — On June 30 against the Rockies, Nationals reliever Aaron Barrett was called for his second balk in more than three seasons since implementing an unorthodox pre-pitch routine while with short-season Class A Auburn.

The delivery involved Barrett doing a double pump with his glove before coming to a complete stop. And despite the fact that, according to Barrett, home-plate umpire Joe West had umpired two previous innings during which he had pitched with runners on base, West called the right-hander for a balk, citing the movement of his glove.

Barrett altered his delivery and removed the hitch for the remainder of the inning. He returned to his normal routine against the Cubs in his next appearance on Friday, originally under the impression that the alteration would only be necessary when West was a part of the umpiring crew. Read full article here.

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