Washington Nationals: September storylines to follow

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Despite the obvious results, there are important stories for the Washington Nationals to follow this month. Here are five.

The end of the marathon is at hand with the Washington Nationals entering September. Less than 30 games remain on the schedule as their return visit to the playoffs all but assured.

Over the next four weeks, there are questions and storylines that not only will determine what happens after the regular season but in the years ahead. Despite playing out the string, these games are important. The grand scheme of 2017 remains set, but the dynamic of the fall and offseason are set over the next month.

With fall approaching, and another Redskins season dawning, your attention will drift elsewhere. Still, the Nats have unresolved loose ends that will settle before October rolls around. Will Max Scherzer place himself in a position to win another Cy Young? Does Teddy finally win a mascot race?

Seriously, how does a team who has been on top by a comfortable margin since May stay focused and prepare for the toughest part of the season? With only the Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Dodgers on the schedule with winning records, the Nats play mostly teams with nothing to play for except pride. That is a grind.

As the sun sets earlier and the rosters expand perhaps to 40, September promises to provide answers to questions some do not want to ask.

With that in mind, here are five storylines to watch as Washington moves through the end of the regular season. A mix of today, tomorrow and the future.

TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS

There is “Captain Obvious” with this one but it is true.

Trailing the Dodgers by ten games, and ahead of the Chicago Cubs by nine, the Nats are the presumed second seed in the National League. They will play the NL Central champions in the NL Divisional Series and probably host crucial Game 1 and Game 5.

As they hold a 15-game lead over the Miami Marlins, they start the last day of August with a magic number of 16. Considering Washington had at one point 13 players on the disabled list this month, the ease and breadth of their domination is amazing.

Yet, the Nats have to close the deal. First, they will clinch a Wild Card spot then, a few days later, will clinch the franchise’s first ever back-to-back divisional championships. In the 49 years the Nationals existed—counting their time in Montreal—the team never made consecutive trips to the playoffs.

The Expos came close between 1979 and 1981 in the NL East before 1981’s strike-forced split season put them in the playoffs. Everyone remembers 1994, but Montreal nearly beat out Philadelphia in 1993 to win the division.

Since the move, the Nats are on the verge of a fourth title in six years. Not a wild card, but a division championship. Forget what happened in those playoffs a moment, winning four outright postseason spots in six years is an accomplishment worthy of celebration.

The goals are deeper this time, but they at least got there.

STAY HEALTHY

Yes, another one from the Tim McCarver school of easy answers.

A whopping 47 players have worn a Washington Nationals uniform this year, not counting any new players promoted from the minors with roster expansion. From Wilmer Difo struggling in center field to Jeremy Guthrie’s forgettable start in April, the Nats have made the best out of a situation that sinks teams.

The team today, even without Bryce Harper, can take a round in the playoffs. Depending on luck and skill, the Nats could stun their presumed NL Championship Series opponent Los Angeles and make their first World Series. But, Washington cannot afford to lose any more players.

Because it is a matter of time before the postseason is a done deal, Dusty Baker will spend September keeping his regulars sharp and rested. Before the month ends, you may see the Nats expand the starting rotation to six. Certainly, there will be a zillion pitching from the bullpen too.

As Jayson Werth and Trea Turner play themselves into shape, others such as Anthony Rendon, Daniel Murphy and Ryan Zimmerman will rotate out.

The last thing the Nats needs is another Wilson Ramos moment in September. Although the bench has proven their worth that depth must be preserved.

OCTOBER ROSTER SPOTS

As with the Grapefruit League every spring, there are roster spots to fight for in September.

With four starters, you know Edwin Jackson will become the long man out of the bullpen. Enny Romero is returning from his injury. Whether we see Koda Glover this year remains a mystery but, if he returns, there is a good chance he joins Romero and Jackson.

You know Brandon Kintzler, Ryan Madson and Sean Doolittle are locks if healthy. Sammy Solis, Oliver Perez and Matt Albers are October bound. Assuming an eight-man pen, where does that put Shawn Kelley and Joe Blanton?

This month is crucial to their future. If Glover does not return, there is a spot for one, but which? Do not count out the possibility of Erick Fedde making starts and cracking the postseason roster if he is effective. Without the designated hitter, the Nats cannot afford to carry 13 pitchers. They need a fifth bat off the bench.

The other place to watch is catcher. Matt Wieters will carry the October load, but who backs him up? Jose Lobaton has struggled all year. With Pedro Severino due when Triple-A Syracuse finishes, can he unseat Lobaton with a strong September?

Enquiring minds want to know.

BRYCE HARPER’S KNEE

Although he has yet to start running, Bryce Harper hopes to return before the playoffs start.

Two things work against him. Because there is no defined timetable, it is unclear how much game action he might get before the postseason. Getting your timing at the plate does not happen overnight, which leads us to another problem.

With Labor Day passing next week, the minor league season are ending. It will be difficult to get Harper real game action before he returns to Washington. Sure, there is extended Spring Training in West Palm Beach. But, there is no substitute for real live pitching and fielding with real players.

In a best-case scenario, Harper returns the last week of the regular season and grabs enough at bats to feel comfortable, but there are no guarantees he will meet that goal.

Harper returning barely before the playoffs, and getting comfortable in Games 1 and 2, is better than the alternative. Still, the Nats want him playoff ready as soon as possible. If only for peace of mind.

There is comfort in Jayson Werth having years of experience in right with Howie Kendrick and Adam Lind holding down left. If Brian Goodwin returns, he is a better overall defensive option on the corner.

However, none match Harper’s ability and importance. Washington needs him back.

KEEPING THE BAND TOGETHER

The Nats have five potential key free agents once the season ends.

More from District on Deck

You know about Werth, Kintzler and Kendrick, but General Manager Mike Rizzo and manager Dusty Baker fit the role too. Although the Lerners have time after the season ends to re-sign their players, Rizzo and Baker are available the moment Washington’s season ends.

Werth may not decide his playing future until his year finishes. Although likely to switch leagues and split between the outfield and designated hitter, the affection between him and Washington is real. A World Series win might be the perfect excuse to retire.

Kendrick plays with a constant smile on his face. Yet, here is not an obvious starting position available next year here. His return depends on if he thinks he can start elsewhere or be satisfied in a utility role in DC.

Kintzler will field offers to close outside the Beltway. Again, everything depends on what he wants to do. After last offseason’s inability to land bullpen help, the Nats want that security heading into 2018.

The player decisions are minor to Rizzo and Baker.

With how the season played out, Baker’s steady hand and Rizzo’s patented trades shored up Washington and put them in a position where they are now. The longer the pair remain unsigned, the whispers of change will grow louder.

Next: Surviving Harper's injury

Heading into Harper and Murphy’s contract year, stability is crucial. The less distraction for October the better.

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