Latest news with #WashingtonNationals'
Washington Post
a day ago
- Sport
- Washington Post
Michael Soroka exits early — but stays healthy — as Nats fall to Astros
HOUSTON — In the grand scheme of things, what mattered more than the outcome of the Washington Nationals' game Tuesday night — a 7-4 loss to the Houston Astros at Daikin Park — was that Michael Soroka left it healthy. That's exactly what transpired. In the fourth inning, Soroka allowed a game-tying solo homer to Yainer Diaz. At that point, much to Soroka's surprise, interim manager Miguel Cairo came to take the ball from him. The 27-year-old right-hander had thrown just 74 pitches over 3⅓ innings — both season lows. But the reason for his short leash was obvious. Soroka and closer Kyle Finnegan, who are both on expiring contracts, are the players on the Nationals' roster who are most likely to be dealt ahead of Thursday's trade deadline. Others could be moved, too, such as veteran hitters Josh Bell and Nathaniel Lowe or outfielders Alex Call and Jacob Young. Any reliever on a one-year deal could be moved for the right price, too. And then there's ace left-hander MacKenzie Gore. But Soroka and Finnegan would net notable returns, given their track records and contenders' needs for reliable arms this time of year. In the first inning, Soroka hit his MLB-leading 14th batter — Christian Walker — with two outs. Cam Smith hit a double down the right field line to give Houston an early lead. Luis García Jr. hit a changeup at his shins in the third inning for a two-run homer that put Washington (44-63) ahead. Then Diaz tied the score. After Soroka exited, the Astros (61-47) teed off on Andry Lara to snap a five-game skid. Cooper Hummel hit an RBI single in the fifth inning to give Houston a 3-2 lead. One inning later, Jose Altuve had one of his own before Walker added a two-run single to blow the game open. The Nationals signed Soroka to a one-year, $9 million deal this offseason for a shot at redemption. Last year with the Chicago White Sox, he found success as a reliever by altering his pitch mix and delivery. The Nationals gave him a chance to start again and apply what he learned. Soroka's time in Washington started off rocky: He suffered right bicep cramps during his first start in Toronto. He missed more than a month before he returned to the rotation. His results as a starter have been mixed. He has a 4.87 ERA in 16 starts but also has allowed 1.13 walks and hits per inning pitched (WHIP) — his best figure since his 2019 all-star season with Atlanta. His breaking ball has been effective all season, but his fastball velocity has dropped in recent outings. On the surface, Soroka doesn't have the numbers that teams would covet. But his expected stats (including a .217 expected opponent batting average and a 3.25 expected ERA) suggest that he would benefit from having a better defense behind him. If he's moved, Soroka is likely to be a back-of-the-rotation arm who could be a long reliever in the playoffs. If he's moved, Washington would benefit from turning a bounce-back candidate into a young, controllable player who could contribute down the line. The Nationals' young bats performed well in the later innings. James Wood, mired in a post-all-star-break slump, had an RBI single in the seventh but struck out three times. Daylen Lile added an RBI double in the eighth. And CJ Abrams went 3 for 4 with three stolen bases. Note: Dylan Crews played four innings in right field Tuesday for Class AAA Rochester, his first rehab appearance since he suffered an oblique strain May 20. Crews grounded out in his first at-bat and was hit by a pitch in his second trip to the plate but remained in the game and came around to score.
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
'He has said some stuff publicly': MLB insider Jeff Passan breaks down why the Washington Nationals might have fired Dave Martinez and Mike Rizzo
Washington Nationals' decision to fire Dave Martinez and Mike Rizzo has shocked fans.(Image via Scott Taetsch/GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP/File) The Washington Nationals are in a pretty bad shape after losing consecutively in the last 3 matches, the recent one being against the Boston Red Sox, but now, the team is involved in a huge drama. On Sunday, in a shocking move, the Washington Nationals ended up firing their manager, Dave Martinez and general manager, Mike Rizzo. While the team has issued an official statement regarding their decision, MLB insider Jeff Passan has given some insight on it. MLB Insider Jeff Passan reveals what might have led to the firing of manager Dave Martinez and general manager Mike Rizzo from the team Recently, Jeff Passan appeared on ESPN MLB and spoke about the Washington Nationals' move of firing Dave Martinez and Mike Rizzo. Nationals fire GM Mike Rizzo & manager Dave Martinez 👀 Jeff Passan reacts | Baseball Tonight Jeff Passan said, "Yeah, I mean, Dave Martinez has said some stuff publicly, you know, about how the players have to be as accountable as everyone else for these losses…And it did not go over well in the clubhouse.' Jeff Passan added, "I think you look at the development of some of the younger players. Dylan Crews, former number one overall pick, has struggled, you know, as he's gotten to the big leagues." However, neither the team, the Washington Nationals, nor Dave Martinez or Mike Rizzo have reacted to the speculations yet. What the Washington Nationals said in their official statement related to the firings of Dave Martinez and Mike Rizzo On Sunday, in an official statement, the Washington Nationals' owner Mark Lener said, 'While we are appreciative of their past successes the on-field performance has not been where we or our fans expect it to be…We believe a fresh approach and new energy is the best course of action...' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Mike Rizzo has been with the team since 2009 and the decision taken by the Washington Nationals has sent shockwaves across their fans. For the moment, the Washington Nationals have yet to publicly announce the replacement of their manager Dave Martinez but the team has also found a replacement for their general manager. As per sources, senior vice president and assistant GM Mike DeBartolo is all set to replace Mike Rizzo in the team. While the management is going through major changes, the players of the Washington Nationals are gearing up to face the St. Louis Cardinals tomorrow, after consecutively losing in the last three matches. Also Read: What happened to Tampa Bay Rays' Wander Franco? Human trafficking scandal involving 14-year-old victim's mother explained Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
The Mainichi
07-07-2025
- Sport
- The Mainichi
Baseball: Nationals lefty Ogasawara roughed up in MLB debut
WASHINGTON (Kyodo) -- Japanese pitcher Shinnosuke Ogasawara had a sluggish major league debut in the Washington Nationals' 6-4 loss to the Boston Red Sox on Sunday. Ogasawara (0-1) gave up four runs, all in the first, on seven hits in 2-2/3 innings of work at Nationals Park. The 27-year-old left-hander struck out two and walked none. The Red Sox had three consecutive RBI hits in the opening frame, capped by Trevor Story's two-run homer. "I'm frustrated," said Ogasawara, who is in the first year of his two-year deal with the Nationals after nine seasons in Japan, all with the Chunichi Dragons. "The four runs in the first were a huge blow. I wanted to enjoy it but I couldn't. I'll review the video and reflect on my outing. I'll try to pitch well next time." Just hours after the game, the Nationals, who are last in the National League East, announced the firing of manager Dave Martinez and general manager Mike Rizzo. Among other Japanese players, Chicago Cubs designated hitter Seiya Suzuki homered and drove in two runs in an 11-0 rout of the St. Louis Cardinals, extending his major league-leading RBI total to 77. Suzuki doubled home a run in the third and capped the scoring with his 25th home run of the season two innings later. Shohei Ohtani went hitless in four at-bats in the Los Angeles Dodgers' 5-1 loss to the Houston Astros, who completed a three-game series sweep.
Toronto Sun
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Toronto Sun
Nationals slugger Wood joins Acuna, Raleigh as Home Run Derby participants
Published Jul 03, 2025 • 1 minute read Washington Nationals' James Wood hits a single against Detroit Tigers pitcher Jack Flaherty during the first inning in the second baseball game of a doubleheader in Washington, Wednesday, July 2, 2025. Photo by Terrance Williams / AP WASHINGTON — Washington Nationals outfielder James Wood became the third player to announce he will take part in the Home Run Derby. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The derby will be held on July 14, the night before the All-Star Game, at Truist Park in Atlanta. Wood joins Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. and Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, who leads the majors with 33 homers, in the contest. Wood has 23 homers this season. He's the third Nationals player to take part in the Home Run Derby, joining Juan Soto (2022) and Bryce Harper (2013 and '18). Read More The 22-year-old Wood has 12 homers that have been hit harder than 110 m.p.h. It's the second most in the league behind Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani's 13. Wood also has four dingers that have been launched longer than 445 feet. Wood was acquired from San Diego in August 2022 as part of the blockbuster deal that sent Soto to the Padres. RECOMMENDED VIDEO World Editorial Cartoons Movies Money News Toronto Maple Leafs
NBC Sports
02-07-2025
- Business
- NBC Sports
Women's Pro Baseball League to hold tryouts at Nationals Park as it aims for 2026 debut
The Women's Professional Baseball League will hold tryouts next month at the Washington Nationals' home ballpark as it moves closer to its launch. The league is aiming to play its first season with six teams starting in spring 2026. The tryouts, which will be held Aug. 22-25, will determine the 150 players who will be invited to the league's draft in October. More than 600 players registered for the four-day camp, the WPBL said. The first three days will include drill-focused sessions, athletic performance testing and player evaluations at the Nationals' Youth Baseball Academy before an initial round of cuts. Players will then compete in a live game at Nationals Park on Aug. 25, after which the final cuts will happen. Team USA women's baseball star Alex Hugo, who is a special adviser to the league, will lead the tryouts. 'We are really excited to see all of the players at tryouts this summer and see their incredible skills,' Hugo said in a statement. 'We're building a future where girls and women who love baseball can dream as big as they want and now, finally, have a league to call their own.' The WPBL was co-founded by Justine Siegal, who is the first woman to coach for an MLB team. When it debuts, it will be the first pro league for women since the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League — the one immortalized in 'A League of Their Own' — dissolved in 1954. As it nears its launch, the WPBL has already struck a media deal with Fremantle, the production company behind shows like 'The Price Is Right' and 'Family Feud,' as well as brought in global women's sports investor Assia Grazioli-Venier as its chair.
