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Rapid Reaction: Washington Nationals’ Offense Quiet and Scherzer Struggles

By Matt Holleran

Apr 21, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) makes a catch during the third inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) makes a catch during the third inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 21, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) connects for a solo home run during the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) connects for a solo home run during the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Offense Quiet Outside of Harper 

Bryce Harper has had an outstanding start to the 2016 season. He continued this start in the first inning of today’s game, hitting his eighth homer in the Nationals’ first fifteen games. Harper has also driven in 22 runs, which leads all of baseball.

Outside of Harper and Daniel Murphy, the Nationals offense has not looked great to start the season. Michael Taylor, who had an outstanding spring training, has struggled to a .175 batting average and a .200 OBP. The Nationals need Taylor to get going if they want their offense to click this season.

Shortstop Danny Espinosa has also struggled to start the season. After beating out young prospect Trea Turner in spring, Espinosa has posted a .163 AVG and has not hit his first homerun and only has 3 RBIs.

Lastly, after an injury-shortened season last year Anthony Rendon has not looked like himself in the first 15 games. He has struggled only hitting .241 and has not shown the power we saw from him in 2014, not yet recording his first home run.

If the Nationals want to make a serious playoff run this year, they are going to need Taylor, Espinosa, and Rendon to get going and jump-start the offense.

Next: Nationals Return Home for Key Homestand

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