Today’s District Daily features stories on Anthony Rendon’s recent offensive resurgence and the Washington Nationals’ success under Mike Rizzo and Dusty Baker.
Good evening DoD readers, and welcome to today’s District Daily. Get caught up on the latest Nats news and opinions with some great Washington Nationals articles from around the web below.
In today’s Daily, MLB.com’s Jamal Collier discusses Anthony Rendon’s recent resurgence at the plate. As Collier notes, Rendon is hitting the ball much better of late and is beginning to resemble his production from 2014 — a breakout season for him in which he was a candidate for the NL MVP Award.
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Rendon was one of several oft-injured players last year who were never able to reach their career norm levels of production. The Nationals needed Rendon’s bat last season, but the third baseman played in just 80 games, batting .264 with five home runs and 25 RBIs.
After a slow start to the season, however, Rendon appears to have overcome his 2015 struggles. The third baseman is batting .306 with five home runs and 17 RBIs over his last 30 games.
Rendon isn’t the only Nationals player who has improved this season. Ryan Zimmerman, Wilson Ramos and Danny Espinosa have all been hitting better of late, and the Nationals are scoring and winning more because of it.
Hopefully for the Nationals, Rendon and the rest of the offense can stay hot throughout the summer and down the stretch.
Here’s what manager Dusty Baker had to say about Rendon’s improvement, via Collier’s article:
"“Water seeks its own level sooner or later,” Baker said. “We welcome Anthony back. He hadn’t been anywhere, but the ball is jumping off his bat again and he’s getting some clutch hits for us.”"
Also in today’s Daily, MLB.com’s Phil Rogers discusses how manager Dusty Baker and general manager Mike Rizzo have played a key role in the Nationals’ hot start to the 2016 season.
Be sure to check out both articles below, they’re definitely worth a read. And as always, stay tuned to DoD for all your Washington Nationals needs.
Rendon heating up, flashing 2014 form
CHICAGO — Anthony Rendon has insisted he has not changed anything with his approach at all. And yet after getting off to a slow start to begin the season, Rendon has been one of the Nationals’ most productive hitters recently.
Rendon collected three hits, including a two-run home run in the fourth inning, and drove in three runs to help pace the Nationals in their 10-5 victory Tuesday night over the White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field.
Rendon is hitting .348 (31-for-89) with eight doubles, one triple, four homers, 15 RBIs and 16 runs scored in his past 25 games. Read full article here.
Next: Washington Nationals: Takeaways From 10-5 Win Vs. White Sox
Nationals in good hands with Rizzo, Baker
CHICAGO — Trea Turner played shortstop and hit leadoff on Tuesday night. Isn’t that what so many Washington Nationals fans have been clamoring for? Not so much, as it turns out.
Turner was in Syracuse, N.Y. He packed up his 1.000 batting average in his Nationals equipment bag and headed back to Triple-A after spending the weekend in Cincinnati.
Danny Espinosa, the supposed place-holder who took over for Ian Desmond, is still standing as the regular shortstop. And guess what? Read full article here.