Washington Nationals: 5 story lines for Marlins tilt

MIAMI, FL - AUGUST 01: Max Scherzer
MIAMI, FL - AUGUST 01: Max Scherzer
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THE IMPORTANCE OF SAMMY SOLIS

With Enny Romero on the disabled list for an indefinite period, Sammy Solis moves to fill his role.

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This year has been a struggle for Solis. Stints on the disabled list mixed with a nightmare performance on the mound makes for a season he longs to forget. But, as the team works around a massive amount of injuries, the Nats need him to regain form.

Saturday at Wrigley Field gave positive answers.

Closing out Washington’s 7-4 loss to the Cubs, Solis turned in his best performance of the year. He needed to get five outs and did. Four coming on swinging strikeouts. When you can fool the white-hot Willson Contreras, you are doing something right.

Solis is not as bad as his 11.81 ERA, but his struggles are real. His FIP is 6.23 and has never owned good control.

The good news is his injuries have kept his left arm “fresh” for the stretch drive. Romero’s troubles are forearm related, and the severity remains unknown. If the Nats need a sixth-inning reliever, or someone to keep a game close later, Solis will help fill the role.

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Last year, he pitched well around a 4.6 BB/9 rate. If healthy, there is no reason why he cannot do it again.

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