Washington Nationals April 2016 Month In Review
By Ricky Keeler
We look back at the first month for the Washington Nationals in 2016.
After finishing the month of April at 10-13 last season, the Washington Nationals are off to a much better start in 2016. With their win yesterday over the Cardinals, the Nats head into the month of May with a 16-7 record and in first place in the National League East.
As is the case in any month, there were many highs and lows for this team in the month of April. For example, there was the three game sweep of the Minnesota Twins that ended on a 16th inning walk-off home run by Chris Heisey, but also being swept by the Phillies this week where the offense managed only two runs and was shut out in back-to-back games. Plus, there were the two grand slams by Bryce Harper and the seven run seventh inning in Miami back on the 19th.
Of course, April didn’t happen without one major injury as center fielder Ben Revere got hurt in the season opener against the Atlanta Braves and had to go on the disabled list because of an oblique injury. Revere is currently rehabbing in triple-A Syracuse and could return to the big league club this weekend against the Cubs.
Starting today, we are going to be handing out grades for three facets of the Washington Nationals each month. Those three are the offense, the starting pitching, and the bullpen. So, without further adieu, here is my report card for the first month of the 2016 season. Feel free to share your grades as well in the comment section. All stats are as of April 30.
Next: Offense