The Washington Nationals have an extremely easy schedule for the next couple weeks; they must take advantage of this opportunity and win as many games as possible.
Now that we’re about halfway through May, the Washington Nationals have an extremely easy schedule. Until they play the Dodgers on June 5, they don’t play anyone projected to finish .500. This is a great opportunity for the Nats to distance themselves from the rest of the division, and it is imperative that they take advantage of it.
Despite all their bullpen struggles, the Nats have won nine of their 12 series so far. They can’t win every game, but they will be in a good position if they are able to continue to win series.
If the Nats take advantage of their easy upcoming schedule, they should distance themselves from the rest of the division, allowing Dusty Baker to rest starters. It could also allow the bullpen to attempt to work things out in a low stress situation. The Nats have lots of quality arms in their bullpen, but most of them have underachieved thus far.
The Nats should be able to make the playoffs with a struggling bullpen, but that will not fly in the playoffs. Relievers working things out will be the difference between keeping prospects and forcing Mike Rizzo to trade prospects to address the bullpen.
The easy upcoming series present a great opportunity for the Nats on multiple fronts. The next few weeks could end up making a huge difference in how the Nats fare for the rest of the season and postseason.