After beginning the season 4-0, the Washington Nationals have lost three in a row. Now, they receive a much-needed day off.
Good morning, Washington Nationals fans!
Today is Friday, April 5, 2018 and a day off for the Nats.
With Saturday’s forecast of rain and snow, there is a strong possibility of an extremely rare two days off in a row during the season.
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Whether the Nats and New York Mets play a split-doubleheader Sunday is a mystery. The regularly scheduled game is ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball at 8 ET. If they do the doubleheader, it fits perfectly.
The Nats need a day off.
Injuries are affecting catcher and second base, along with Adam Eaton‘s scare Thursday on an awkward slide. A game today would be a no-go for him. In the games he has played in, he has yet to play a full nine innings.
Hard to believe Washington starts another year banged up. At least the pitchers, outside of Joe Ross, are healthy.
The good news is Daniel Murphy continues to take infield and batting practice. Hopefully he and Matt Wieters return soon.
A final thought before the reads of the day, it is too early to get a good read on this team. We have yet to see the offense in full. Hard decisions about the bench and bullpen are due soon. ntil then, be patient.
Now, the links:
District on Deck analyzes Mike Rizzo’s extension
The Nats have several high-profile impending free agents this year, such as Bryce Harper, Murphy, and Gio Gonzalez, but nobody talks about Mike Rizzo, whose contract was also set to expire. However, the Nats wisely inked Rizzo to a two-year contract extension before Thursday’s home opener.
ESPN previews the impending free agent class
Along with Harper, who has just embarked on possibly the most scrutinized season of all time, several of the game’s best players could hit free agency at the season’s end. Charlie Blackmon just signed an extension with the Rockies, but Manny Machado, Josh Donaldson, and Dallas Keuchel can all hit the market. Jerry Crasnick previews the monstrous free agent class.
MLB.com updates Jeremy Hellickson
A.J. Cole was named the fifth starter to begin the year, but got off to a horrendous start in his season debut. Meanwhile, Jeremy Hellickson is getting stretched out in the minors and will be ready to pitch in the majors soon. Jamal Collier updates Hellickson’s status.
The Washington Post highlights the home opener
Despite being the site of a Nats loss, Nationals Park was a beautiful spectacle on Thursday. After a long offseason, there was finally a meaningful game played at Nats Park. The Washington Post provides us with some of the best sights from the home opener.
Next: Adam Eaton suffers ankle injury
Although the Nats will not play today, the Wizards have your daily sports fix covered, as they host the Hawks at 7:00 PM EST. Before you know it, the Nats will be back as well!