The MLB Trade Deadline hasn’t come to an official conclusion yet, with deals still developing and plenty of players expected to be moved. Keeping an eye on the field, the Nationals will be short-handed compared to a week or two ago, and the offense has already started to feel it. Recent scuffling could get worse after the departure of Luis Garcia Jr., but this team has continued to show that they can fight with anyone.
Philadelphia has cooled off tremendously recently, but are still among the top
teams in the NL standings and have a firm hold on a Wild Card spot. They have fallen out of striking distance of the first-place Atlanta Braves, and the Nats could make some waves this week. The Phillies are only 3.0 games above Washington, and this week’s series could really shake up the standings.
Game One – Monday 6:40 PM EST
PHI: RHP Aaron Nola (3-9, 5.61 ERA)
WSH: LHP Andrew Alvarez (7-6, 4.90 ERA)
Nola’s big-time contract extension continues to look rough for Philadelphia, but his last few starts have been much improved. Capitalizing on mistakes is where he gets hurt, something the Nats have done quite well when their offense has been right this year.
The southpaw needs to string together some better outings if he wants to stay in the rotation when Connelly Early makes his debut. He has likely the best on-paper pitching matchup, and the Nats would love to see him come out of the gate hot to begin the series.
Game Two – Tuesday 6:40 PM EST
PHI: LHP Jesus Luzardo (9-5, 3.57 ERA)
WSH: RHP Zack Littell (7-8, 4.94 ERA)
Luzardo has fully instilled himself as one of the premier starters in the National League, and Washington hitters will have their hands full figuring out his fantastic arsenal. His combination of velocity and stuff is simply disgusting, and he’s been absolutely rolling as of late.
One tough appearance has muddied the stats of Littell’s month of July, but it’s impossible to ignore his 4 other passable outings. He has steadied himself in the back of the rotation, something the Nats need to continue if they want to push for October.
Game Three – Wednesday 6:40 PM EST
PHI: RHP Andrew Painter (1-8, 6.72 ERA)
WSH: RHP Jake Irvin (2-5, 5.56 ERA)
Painter’s demotion to AAA lasted just a few starts before getting the call back to the majors, and he looked energized in his first game back. His fastball had some extra ride to it and his offspeed offerings were moving well. Straight up, this could be a far different pitcher than he was for most of his rookie campaign.
Irvin’s first action since May didn’t go as planned, surrendering 5 runs to Atlanta in 5.0 innings. The Phillies offense is far less consistent than the Braves, but is still a difficult draw for the righty.
Game Four – Thursday 6:05 PM EST
PHI: LHP Cristopher Sanchez (14-4, 2.61 ERA)
WSH: LHP Foster Griffin (12-3, 3.06 ERA)
The Cy Young conversation might not have Sanchez at the forefront anymore, but he’s likely the 3rd best pitcher in the NL at worst. Getting to him seems impossible at times, and this is a game where the new-look Nationals offense will really be tested.
If Griffin isn’t moved prior to the deadline, he could be lined up to make easily the most important start of his early Washington tenure. If the Nats can take 2-3 games to start off the series, ending this one out with Griffin on the mound is exactly where they’d want to be.
