Washington Nationals July 2016 Month In Review

Offense: C

In the month of July, the Washington Nationals hit the fourth most home runs in the National League (32), but their offense had its fair share of struggles. They were seventh in the NL in runs scored (108) and dead last in batting average (.233).

By far, the best player on the Washington Nationals this past month was Murphy. Murphy hit .346 with six home runs, 23 RBI’s, and a .372 on-base percentage in 22 games. His 23 RBI’s are about double the second best total (Danny Espinosa and Anthony Rendon with 12).

When Zimmerman went on the disabled list, the Nats called up Trea Turner from triple-A to play some second base and eventually center field. Turner hit .281 with seven RBI’s and was 7-for-7 in stolen bases. He is the spark the offense needs to start being more consistent.

Rendon is starting to heat up at the right time. Even though he only hit .272 in July, he had six home runs (tied with Murphy for team lead) and he is hitting .364 in his last six games. Plus. Jayson Werth goes into the month of August with a 33-game on-base streak and Ramos keeps putting up strong number (.291, three home runs, ten RBI’s).

But, there are three regular players on the Washington Nationals who hit under .200. Ben Revere hit .198 in 23 games and is now splitting time with Turner in center field, Espinosa hit .193 with three home runs and 12 RBI’s, and Bryce Harper hit only .176 with four home runs and ten RBI’s

If the Washington Nationals are going to make the postseason, they need Harper to start putting up the power numbers that he did in April. Plus, his on-base percentage of .303 was the lowest he has had in any month this season. This is an offense that needs to do a better job with hitting with men in scoring position. If they can do that, they can get bigger leads in games and put less pressure on the bullpen.

Next: Starting Pitching