Washington Nationals: Three takeaways during slump

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Warmer weather will help with how pitchers grip the ball. That should help Brandon Kintzler’s sinker and some wildness we have seen from the starters.

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Still, they must last longer in games or the bullpen will get exhausted early. Grace has not appeared in three games. He is on pace to pitch in 108. Way too much.

Although rookie manager Dave Martinez would like to wait until Murphy returns to re-configure his lineup, he needs to do something now. Sandwich Harper between Turner and Rendon. Drop Zimmerman down to take the pressure off.

Brian Goodwin is playing well. Give him more time in centerfield when Eaton can finally play a full game.

Consider recalling Wander Suero and Andrew Stevenson from Syracuse. Stevenson has power and his bat has improved from last year. Suero is a fresh arm which can rest Kintzler and Madson from overuse.

Speaking of Syracuse, Severino deserves to stay when Wieters returns. Outside his adventures catching Scherzer in Atlanta, he has exceeded expectations.

Next: 2018 minor league preview

The knee jerk reaction to losing is making hasty decisions. Yes, there are tough ones on the horizon. But, Washington is still a 90-95-win team. All the expectations of October are in play. This year, the road is steeper.

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