Washington Nationals should not read too much into brief slump

After dropping four games in a row, the Washington Nationals will attempt to right the ship on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball.

Good morning, Washington Nationals fans!

Today is Sunday, April 7, 2018.

The Nats have a big one tonight against the New York Mets at 8 PM on ESPN. They dropped the first two and hope Tanner Roark can right the ship against Matt Harvey.

More from District on Deck

Washington will get Adam Eaton back on the field following his awkward slide and loosening of scar tissue during Thursday’s home opener. The Nats need his spark back in the lineup.

More importantly, they must forget Anthony Rendon‘s ejection Saturday and focus on producing runs. Right now, they are putting too much pressure on the starting pitchers to dominate and cannot fight back once behind. This is a better team than what we have seen this week.

But, whether it is re-configuring the batting order or benching slumping players, there must be a sense of urgency at the plate. Perhaps dropping Ryan Zimmerman while sandwiching Bryce Harper between Trea Turner and Rendon.

Still 154 games to go. It is very early.

If you are looking for a positive, how about Pedro Severino. Since his recall, he is hitting .571 with two RBI and a stolen base. Add his two walks and his on-base percentage is .727. We have waited for this breakthrough over a year.

To tie you over until game time, enjoy the links:

District on Deck interviews ESPN’s Karl Ravech

Ahead of the Nats’ first Sunday Night Baseball appearance of 2018, Drew Douglas had the opportunity to interview Baseball Tonight host Karl Ravech. They discuss the Nats’ playoff chances, the Mets, and Bryce Harper’s future, among other topics.

Minor League Ball profiles Juan Soto

Victor Robles gets most of the attention in the Nats’ farm system, and deservedly so, but Juan Soto has a bright future as well. The Nats’ second-ranked prospect impressed this spring and has gotten off to a solid start with the Hagerstown Suns. Wayne Cavadi profiles the 19-year-old outfielder.

Talk Nats reviews the first week of the season

Although the season is just a week old, the Nats have already gone through a roller coaster of emotions. They won the first four games of the year, but have since dropped four in a row. The typically mild-mannered team has also had two players and Dave Martinez ejected in the last two games. Stephen Mears takes a look back at the eventful first week.

The Washington Times ponders a possible future without Bryce Harper

It’s no secret that Bryce Harper is in the final year of his contract year. Whether Nats fans want to believe it or not, he may be playing elsewhere a year from now. Regardless of what he does, all eyes will be on him throughout the season and into the offseason. Matthew Paras ponders a possible future without Harper in DC.

Next: Anthony Rendon's silent ejection

With that, we hope you enjoy your Sunday and some late-night baseball!

Home/Nationals News