Washington Nationals: Nats Host Braves in Colossal Series

The Washington Nationals come into Friday’s game having won four consecutive games.  They must stay strong against the division-leading Braves.

After a sweep of the Philadelphia Phillies, the Washington Nationals surpassed the New York Mets in the National League East standings.

While it is a small milestone, it is a necessary one.

The Nats took care of their business against the second-place Phillies, sweeping them out of Washington D.C.  The Nats have now won seven of eleven against the Phillies this season.

Next, the Nats turn their sights to the division leaders: The Atlanta Braves.

The Nats swept a two-game series down in Atlanta at the end of May and will attempt to hold home-field advantage this weekend.

Despite playing their best ball of the season, the Nats still sit 7.5 games back of the Braves.  This is because the Braves are also red hot, winning 11 of their last 13 games.

Here are some factors to watch for in a huge series for the home team.

Best Third Basemen in NL Square Off

Josh Donaldson, nicknamed “The Bringer of Rain,” is one of the hottest hitters in baseball.  Anthony Rendon, nicknamed “Tony Two Bags,” is one of the best hitters in baseball.  And both are vying for the starting third baseman position on the N.L. All-Star team.

Rendon is posting insane numbers in his contract season.  He is slashing .314/.407/.655 with a minuscule 15.5 strikeout percentage.  His 166 wRC+ ranks fourth in all of baseball, behind Cody Bellinger, Christian Yelich, and Mike Trout.

Rendon will share the hot corner with Donaldson who has been scorching hot of late.  The former American League MVP, over his last ten games, has slashed .385/.429/.897 with a 234 wRC+.

Over the course of the season, Donaldson is a .260 hitter with a 124 wRC+.  Still above average numbers, but not even close to the level of production Rendon is giving his team.

Dallas Keuchel Returns

After an extended free agency wait, Dallas Keuchel is a Brave.  He will start for the first time in 2019 tonight against Stephen Strasburg.

Keuchel is a former Cy Young winner and a two-time all-star, so the Braves are getting a great pitcher.

Last season with Houston, Keuchel posted a 3.74 ERA with solid peripheral stats.

Keuchel has always been a guy that plays to weak contact. Over his career, Keuchel strikes out 19.1% of the batters he faces and induces soft or medium contact on three-fourths of batted balls.

After his long layoff, it is likely he won’t be 100% back to normal in his first start.  If he is not right, and the Nats can pounce on him and get into the bullpen early, it sets them up for success on Saturday and Sunday too.