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Washington Nationals Reaction: Nats Getting it Done with the Glove

By Matt Weyrich

Jun 1, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Nationals second baseman Daniel Murphy (20) fields a ground ball during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 1, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Nationals second baseman Daniel Murphy (20) fields a ground ball during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 1, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos (40), right celebrates with third baseman Anthony Rendon (6) and first baseman Ryan Zimmerman (11) after hitting a three run home run during the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 1, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos (40), right celebrates with third baseman Anthony Rendon (6) and first baseman Ryan Zimmerman (11) after hitting a three run home run during the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

Bottom of the Lineup Putting in Work

Last night, the 6-7-8 third of the lineup went 5-for-12 with five RBIs and a pair of runs scored. Wilson Ramos and Danny Espinosa each left the yard, and Michael Taylor smacked a single to join the hit parade. At full strength, the Nats’ lineup will see Anthony Rendon in the six spot with Ramos and Espinosa right behind him.

So far this season, the primary focus has been on the top of the order, and rightfully so. The reigning MVP hits third, and some guy hitting .394 bats right after. However, aside from Daniel Murphy, a majority of the team’s offense has been coming from the bottom of the lineup in recent weeks.

Bryce Harper is slumping and resting injured knee, the team has gotten absolutely nothing out of the leadoff spot, and Jayson Werth is a .225 hitter in the no. 2 spot. Meanwhile, Anthony Rendon has raised his batting average from .211 on May 9 to .262 today. Wilson Ramos is hitting .338, and it’s June. Seriously. Even Danny Espinosa’s made an impact recently, hitting four homers in his last seven games.

Next: Washington Nationals: Ramos Helps Nats Sweep Phillies

Is a lineup reshuffle in order? If I were to take a stab at it, would it be crazy to entertain the idea of Rendon-Ramos-Harper-Murphy-Zimmerman-Werth-Revere-Espinosa? Revere could take the time in lower leverage situations to find his groove. Ramos has the least strikeouts among position players on the team, and would fit well hitting in front of Harper. We shouldn’t be talking about how well the bottom of the lineup is performing, rather about how many times Harper and Murphy are driving them in.

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