Washington Nationals: Back to the wild wild west

SAN DIEGO, CA - AUGUST 18: Michael Taylor #3 of the Washington Nationals is tagged out by Yangervis Solarte #26 of the San Diego Padres as he slides into third base during the second inning of a baseball game at PETCO Park on August 18, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - AUGUST 18: Michael Taylor #3 of the Washington Nationals is tagged out by Yangervis Solarte #26 of the San Diego Padres as he slides into third base during the second inning of a baseball game at PETCO Park on August 18, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)

On this edition of the DoDCast, Blake is joined by Brian Foley to discuss the Washington Nationals west coast trip, starting with the San Diego Padres.

After a strong 7-3 home-stand, the Washington Nationals are back on the road again. Blake and District on Deck contributor Brian Foley preview the upcoming series with the San Diego Padres.

On this episode, they talk about:

  • What’s making the Nationals tick right now?
  • Will Bryce Harper stay in the leadoff spot?
  • Review the series against the Philadelphia Phillies
  • Look ahead to the Padres series, giving some players to watch
  • Answer your listener questions

More from District on Deck

The Padres have had a disappointing season in 2018, but they won’t be a pushover that some expect them to be. They just took two out of three against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Mexico, and have some promising players to look out for.

Obviously Eric Hosmer is the most notable name on the team. He signed an 8 year, $144 million deal in the off-season to try and steer this franchise back on the right path.

He’s hitting .296 so far this season, and hit his fifth homer of the year on Sunday against the Dodgers. He’ll need to be on form if the Padres want to get anything from this series.

Their rotation, despite lacking a true ace, has some solid depth with a few good starters. One of those is Tyson Ross. The brother of Nats pitcher Joe, Tyson is enjoying a solid bounce-back season in San Diego.

The Nationals will face off against the elder brother on Monday, who has a 2-2 record with 3.28 ERA. The 2014 all-star has rediscovered his strikeout ability with a 10.1 K/9, and his success seems sustainable based on his 2.83 FIP. Keep an eye on him in the series opener.

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Next: Difo deserves praise

The DoDCast will be back on Thursday as the Washington Nationals head to the desert to face the Arizona Diamondbacks. Remember, stay caffeinated this week as the late games return.

Schedule