DAVE MARTINEZ

Kyle Schwarber has hit two of Philadelphia’s five homers in the first four innings to help the Phillies get a much-needed win as they try to end an 11-year playoff drought, salvaging a split of a day-night doubleheader with an 8-2 victory over the Washington Nationals in a rainy Game 2.

Mets ace Max Scherzer exited with left side fatigue after five sharp innings and 67 pitches and NL East-leading New York lost to the Washington Nationals 7-1.

Major league losses leader Patrick Corbin ended Washington’s record 43-game drought without a starting pitcher earning a victory as the Nationals beat the Cincinnati Reds 3-2 to avoid a series sweep.

San Diego and new slugger Juan Soto repeatedly failed to come through in the clutch against his former club, and the last-place Washington Nationals beat the wild-card-chasing Padres 4-3.

There are no Latino general managers left in Major League Baseball after the Detroit Tigers fired Al Avila.

Marlins Nationals Baseball Washington Nationals' Josh Bell reacts toward the dugout after he hit a home run during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins, Sunday, July 3, 2022, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass) (Nick Wass)WASHINGTON — (AP) — Dave Martinez writes Josh Bell's name on the Washington Nationals lineup card virtually every single game this season and plans to keep doing so. Bell, who turns 30 on Aug. 14, is batting .304 with 13 home runs and has driven in a team-leading 53 runs. Honestly, he’s really good about being where his feet are. “He’s really cut down his chases and is really trying to put the ball in play,” Martinez said.

Juan Soto could be the biggest star dealt before the Major League Baseball trade deadline if the Washington Nationals choose to make that move.

Juan Soto’s RBI triple capped a four-run fifth inning and the lowly Washington Nationals defeated the NL West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers 4-1.

(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) (Ross D. Franklin)PHOENIX — (AP) — LeBron James liked the clown nose. Dave Martinez wasn't as big of a fan. James posted the picture of Robles wearing the clown nose on his Instagram story with the caption “Something I would do for sure!” Robles posted James' reply on his own Instagram story. Nationals manager Martinez wasn't as thrilled with Robles' light-hearted jab after Washington's 4-3 win Sunday. “Clown,” Bumgarner said.

LeBron James liked the clown nose.

Washington Nationals outfielder Juan Soto expressed irritation hours after a report that he had turned down a record contract with the rebuilding club.

Jesse Winker hit his second solo homer of the day and the Seattle Mariners won their 10th straight game, edging the Washington Nationals 2-1 to sweep a doubleheader.

Marlins Nationals Baseball Miami Marlins' Bryan De La Cruz celebrates his two-run home run as he rounds the bases during the 10th inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Monday, July 4, 2022, in Washington. De La Cruz hit a two-run homer off the foul pole in the 10th inning to keep the Miami's domination of the Washington Nationals going with a 3-2 victory. De La Cruz became the latest Miami player to come up with a big hit during this run, after Sánchez hit a go-ahead two-run home run in the ninth Sunday and Aguilar homered and doubled Saturday. It was the first time De La Cruz homered in the ninth inning or later in his major league career. Nationals: RHP Paolo Espino (0-1, 2.80) starts at LHP Christopher Sanchez and the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday in the start of a three-game series.

Bryan De La Cruz hit a two-run homer off the foul pole in the 10th inning to keep the Miami Marlins’ domination of the Washington Nationals going with a 3-2 victory.

Washington star Juan Soto is being checked out after exiting a game early because of an injured left calf.

Major League Baseball is moving forward with its oft-delayed plan for a 13-pitcher limit on active rosters. MLB is hoping the 13-pitcher limit will help hitters and the pace of play. Detroit used three position players to finish a 13-0 loss to the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday, a performance that Tigers manager A.J. Through Saturday's games, 31 position players had taken the mound a total of 42 times, according to Sportradar. The numbers are nearly identical to last year, when 34 position players had taken the mound a total of 42 times through June 18.

Come Monday, there is going to be a little more room in big league bullpens, from Seattle to Tampa Bay, and plenty of places in between.

Come Monday, there is going to be a little more room in big league bullpens, from Seattle to Tampa Bay, and plenty of places in between. Major League Baseball is moving forward with its oft-delayed plan for a 13-pitcher limit on active rosters. The move could affect the game in a variety of ways, from more position players taking the mound to a few more trips to the minors for pitchers with options.

Dansby Swanson and the Braves go for their 14th straight victory Wednesday night when they wrap up a series at Washington.

Yankees third baseman Josh Donaldson will serve a one-game suspension for a remark to White Sox star Tim Anderson about Jackie Robinson when New York opens a home series against Tampa Bay after the ban was upheld on appeal.

Dansby Swanson and the Atlanta Braves won their 12th straight game, beating the Washington Nationals 9-5 despite losing All-Star second baseman Ozzie Albies to a broken left foot.

Strasburg, who turns 34 next month, has been sidelined for most of the past two seasons. The 2019 World Series MVP made three minor league rehab starts in the lead-up to his debut. Strasburg signed a seven-year, $245 million contract to remain with the Nationals after their championship season. TROUT SITSMike Trout is listed as day to day after the Angels star exited a game because of tightness in his left groin. Alonso was hit in his right hand by a pitch Tuesday, but X-rays and a CT scan showed no breaks or fractures.

Nationals star Stephen Strasburg is set to pitch in the majors for the first time since June 1, 2021, when he starts against the Marlins in Miami on Thursday night.

Nationals Strasburg Baseball FILE - Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg throws live batting practice in a drizzle during the team's spring training baseball workout March 15, 2022, in West Palm Beach, Fla. Strasburg is scheduled to make his season debut against the Miami Marlins on Thursday. Strasburg, who turns 34 next month, has been sidelined for most of the past two seasons. The 2019 World Series MVP made three minor league rehab starts in the lead-up to his debut. Strasburg signed a seven-year, $245 million contract to remain with the Nationals after their championship season. TROUT SITSMike Trout is listed as day to day after the Angels star exited a game because of tightness in his left groin.

Several of Gabe Kapler’s fellow managers are offering their support for his decision to avoid the field during the national anthem as a protest following the school shootings in Texas that left 19 children and two teachers dead.

With Kris Bryant expected to return from a back injury, Colorado called off Friday’s game with 3 to 5 inches of snow forecast at Coors Field. His control remains an issue, with 20 walks in 33 1/3 innings, but he also has 44 strikeouts. Francona is expected back Saturday, while Hinch’s status is less certain. Kieboom has been dealing with a strained flexor mass and sprained ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing elbow. Kieboom, 24, batted .207 with a .301 on-base percentage, six homers and 20 RBIs in 62 games last season.

A late-spring snowstorm in Denver postponed Friday’s opener between the Mets and Rockies and could threaten a doubleheader scheduled for Saturday.

Eric Lauer feared his bid to keep the Washington Nationals scoreless was in jeopardy as soon as Lane Thomas hit the ball. Good defense and equally good fortune kept the shutout intact and extended the Nationals’ frustrations. The Brewers were clinging to a 2-0 lead in the seventh inning Friday night when Thomas ripped a shot to deep center field for a triple but was thrown out at home trying to score on the play. Milwaukee broke the game open an inning later and rolled to a 7-0 victory.

Yadiel Hernandez and Maikel Franco homered and the Washington Nationals ended the Houston Astros’ 11-game winning streak with a 13-6 romp.

Taijuan Walker pitched seven no-fuss innings and the New York Mets remained unbeaten in 10 series this season, cruising past the sloppy Washington Nationals 4-1.

Nationals rookie Lucius Fox vomited next to the pitcher's mound during the first inning of Sunday's 12-3 loss to the Giants.

The Washington Nationals infielder became a hurler for one gross moment — which was caught on video — against the San Francisco Giants.

Giants Nationals Baseball San Francisco Giants' Austin Slater singles during the third inning of the team's baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Friday, April 22, 2022, in Washington. The Giants remained in their dugout, and the incident didn't escalate further as San Francisco beat Washington 7-1. “We scored seven runs in an inning tonight. That chased Corbin (0-3), who allowed seven runs on seven hits and three walks while recording just five outs. He entered as a pinch-hitter in the eighth inning and became the 1,000th person to play for the San Francisco Giants (1958-present).

Austin Slater smacked a three-run homer as part of a seven-run second inning against struggling Washington starter Patrick Corbin, and the San Francisco Giants cruised past the Nationals 7-1.

A six-run lead in the ninth inning wasn't enough for Giants manager Gabe Kapler, and the Nationals took exception. With two outs in the top of the ninth on Friday night and San Francisco ahead 7-1, the Giants' Thairo Estrada took off on an 0-1 pitch and Brandon Crawford blooped a single over Washington shortstop Alcides Escobar, who grabbed the ball and threw out Estrada at the plate.

Mets Nationals Baseball Washington Nationals' Juan Soto, left, celebrates with his teammates after a baseball game against the New York Mets at Nationals Park, Sunday, April 10, 2022, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) (Alex Brandon)WASHINGTON — (AP) — The Lerner family that has owned the Washington Nationals since 2006 is exploring the possibility of selling the Major League Baseball franchise. “Those are big decisions that the Lerner family had to make. This doesn’t mean my relationship with the Lerner family goes away. “We always talk about the circle of trust, and the Lerner family and this organization is part of that circle,” he said.

The Lerner family that has owned the Washington Nationals since 2006 is exploring the possibility of selling the Major League Baseball franchise.

Cruz, who put the Nationals ahead in the first inning with his first home run for Washington. The Mets have not swept the Nationals in Washington since 2018. Francisco Lindor’s first homer tied the game in a 34-pitch fifth, when Canha hit a go-ahead single. Mets starter Carlos Carrasco retired 15 consecutive batters after allowing a first-inning single to Josh Bell. Nationals: RHP Aníbal Sánchez is “doubtful” for Monday’s expected start in Atlanta because of a stiff neck.

Nelson Cruz hit his 450th home run and added a tiebreaking two-run single in three-run eighth inning that lifted the Washington Nationals over the Mets 4-2 and prevented New York from an opening four-game sweep.

Benches and bullpens emptied and the Mets and Nationals confronted each other on the infield grass after Francisco Lindor was struck by a pitch from Steve Cishek in the fifth inning.

Will Strasburg bounce back from surgery? Will Corbin and Robles hit their strides? Unknowns make interesting baseball.

Washington Nationals fans have reasons to doubt 2022 will be their year. Pitchers Anibal Sanchez and Cade Cavalli allowed 10 runs each while the Nationals were shellacked 29-8 by the St. Louis Cardinals in a spring training game — a laugher even by exhibition standards. “Things just got a little bit out of hand,” Washington manager Dave Martinez said.

Nelson Cruz quickly showed the Washington Nationals he could bring more than a booming bat to his new team. After standing in the batter’s box as Erick Fedde threw a live bullpen, Cruz approached right-hander with a message: He was tipping his pitches. “I saw something before he threw me the last pitch,” Cruz said Thursday.

Nationals-Strasburg Baseball Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg delivers a pitch during a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, May 21, 2021, in Washington. Strasburg, the 2019 World Series MVP, threw the ball on flat ground Sunday, March 13, 2022 as the Nationals held their first official workout of spring training and is slated to go through a live batting practice session Tuesday. Manager Dave Martinez and GM Mike Rizzo described Strasburg as prepping for the regular season and no longer rehabilitating from last year's surgery. “I’m looking forward to watching that, and then we’ll go from there,” Martinez said during a video conference with reporters from the team’s spring training complex in West Palm Beach, Florida. The 32-year-old Adrianza started games in the outfield and at third base, second and shortstop last season for the World Series champion Atlanta Braves.

Stephen Strasburg is slated to throw a live bullpen session next week as the Washington Nationals get spring training camp started.

Longtime Washington Nationals star Ryan Zimmerman has announced his retirement at age 37.

The Boston Red Sox have clinched a playoff berth on the regular season’s final day and will host the New York Yankees in the AL wild-card game after coming back to beat the Washington Nationals 7-5 on a tiebreaking two-run homer by Rafael Devers in the ninth inning.

Nationals Braves Baseball Washington Nationals starting pitcher Sean Nolin is ejected after hitting Atlanta Braves' Freddie Freeman with a pitch during the first inning of a baseball game Wednesday, Sept 8, 2021, in Atlanta. (Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP) (Curtis Compton)NEW YORK — (AP) — Major League Baseball suspended Washington Nationals starting pitcher Sean Nolin five games on Friday for intentionally hitting Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman. The league also suspended Nationals manager Dave Martinez one game and fined him an undisclosed amount. Nolin was ejected in the first inning on Wednesday after throwing behind Freeman and then hitting him in what became a 4-2 Nationals victory. Nolin plunked Freeman a day after Atlanta closer Will Smith hit Washington star Juan Soto.

Major League Baseball has suspended Washington Nationals starting pitcher Sean Nolin five games for intentionally hitting Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman.

Andrew McCutchen drove in four runs and the Philadelphia Phillies erased a six-run deficit against the Washington Nationals to earn a 7-6 victory and a three-game sweep.

Javier Báez and his New York Mets teammates turned the boos at Citi Field to cheers this weekend — and turned their thumbs upside down at frustrated fans.

Max Scherzer delivered a signature performance in what might be his last start for the Nationals, allowing three hits in six innings as Washington beat the Philadelphia Phillies 3-1 in the opener of a doubleheader.

Rangers Tigers Baseball Texas Rangers designated hitter Joey Gallo is greeted in the dugout after scoring during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers, Thursday, July 22, 2021, in Detroit. The New York Yankees made Wednesday’s biggest splash, reaching a deal to get All-Star slugger Joey Gallo from the Texas Rangers. Turner was among the four players who tested positive. Manager Dave Martinez said all but one of those who tested positive have been vaccinated. The Cardinals announced he had a bruised forearm and is day to day.

The baseball trade deadline is fast approaching, and teams are starting to get busy before Friday’s 4 p.m. EDT cutoff.

"Some of the guys are asymptomatic, some are symptomatic. It's unfortunate this happened but we've got to follow MLB protocols," the team's manager said.

Nationals Phillies Baseball Washington Nationals' Trea Turner hits a single during the first inning of the team's baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Tuesday, July 27, 2021, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Laurence Kesterson) (Laurence Kesterson)PHILADELPHIA — (AP) — Four Washington Nationals players and eight staffers have tested positive for COVID-19, forcing Major League Baseball to postpone their game against the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday night. The postponement came one day after Nationals star Trea Turner exited the game against Philadelphia in the first inning following his positive test for the virus. This was the ninth MLB game called off this year because of coronavirus concerns. ___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_SportsCopyright 2021 The Associated Press.

Four Washington Nationals players and eight staffers have tested positive for COVID-19, forcing Major League Baseball to postpone their game against the Phillies in Philadelphia.

Nationals-Strasburg Baseball FILE - In this April 13, 2021, file photo, Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg stands on the mound after giving up a two-run home run to St. Louis Cardinals' Matt Carpenter during the third inning of a baseball game in St. Louis. Strasburg will have season-ending neck surgery, Nationals manager Dave Martinez said Tuesday, July 27, 2021, ending another frustrating year for Washington's 2019 World Series hero. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File) (Jeff Roberson)PHILADELPHIA — (AP) — Stephen Strasburg will have season-ending neck surgery, Nationals manager Dave Martinez said Tuesday, ending another frustrating year for Washington's 2019 World Series hero. The three-time All-Star right-hander felt discomfort after a 27-pitch bullpen session last week and saw a specialist on Monday. Martinez said he expects Strasburg to be ready for the start of spring training next year.

Stephen Strasburg will have season-ending neck surgery, ending another frustrating year for the Washington Nationals' 2019 World Series hero.

The Chicago White Sox and Brewers close a weekend full of impressive pitching matchups in Milwaukee with arguably the best of the bunch Sunday night.

After more than 100 years, the Cleveland Indians are getting a new name — the team will be called the Guardians next season.

Washington Nationals General Manager Mike Rizzo says he doesn't plan on having infielder Starlin Castro back with the team this season.

Four San Diego relievers combined to toss four scoreless innings and the Padres defeated the Washington Nationals 10-4 in the completion of a game that was suspended the previous night because of a shooting outside the stadium.

The San Diego Padres and Washington Nationals have finished playing, a day after their game was suspended when gunfire erupted outside the stadium.

Jake Cronenworth hit for his first career cycle, Wil Myers had two homers including a grand slam, and the San Diego Padres blew out the Washington Nationals 24-8.

Nationals Padres Baseball Washington Nationals' Starlin Castro hits a two-RBI single during the second inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres, Wednesday, July 7, 2021, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) (Gregory Bull)WASHINGTON — (AP) — Washington Nationals infielder Starlin Castro was placed on administrative leave Friday as part of the joint Major League Baseball-MLB Players Association domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy. Castro can be on administrative leave for up to seven days barring an extension. Washington faces San Diego this weekend in the first series out of the All-Star break. He is in his second season with the Nationals after stints with the Cubs, Yankees and Marlins.

Washington Nationals infielder Starlin Castro has been placed on administrative leave.

The Washington Nationals slugger exited Friday night’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers because of an injured right hamstring. Schwarber grimaced rounding first on a single, grabbed the hamstring and immediately left the field. “When you see a guy grab his leg like that, you’ve got to get him out of the game,” manager Dave Martinez said. TWO-WAY GOFans hoping Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani will hit and pitch in the All-Star Game might just get their wish. Marlins manager Don Mattingly also was tossed.

After a historic June homer binge, Kyle Schwarber’s July got off to a less promising start.

The Washington Nationals slugger exited Friday night’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers because of an injured right hamstring. Schwarber grimaced rounding first on a single, grabbed the hamstring and immediately left the field. “When you see a guy grab his leg like that, you’ve got to get him out of the game,” manager Dave Martinez said. TWO-WAY GOFans hoping Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani will hit and pitch in the All-Star Game might just get their wish. Marlins manager Don Mattingly also was tossed.

Rays Nationals Baseball Washington Nationals' Kyle Schwarber hits a solo home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Nationals Park, Tuesday, June 29, 2021, in Washington. Only Frank Howard — a star slugger in Washington a half-century earlier — had hit 11 in nine. I love when you guys come at me with some cool stats," Schwarber said this week after being told he now stood alongside Howard. Nobody is confusing Schwarber with Bonds — Schwarber has been intentionally walked just once this year, and it was back in April. You look at Mike Trout, you look at what Shohei Ohtani’s doing," Schwarber said.

Kyle Schwarber’s exploits have now progressed into truly rarified air.

Kyle Schwarber led off the first inning with his 12th home run in 10 games, and the Washington Nationals beat the Tampa Bay Rays 4-3 to move above.

Starlin Castro hit a go-ahead, two-run single off closer Hector Neris in the ninth inning and the Washington Nationals rallied three times to beat the Philadelphia Phillies 13-12.

Three of baseball’s best pitchers are hurting.

Giants Nationals Baseball Washington Nationals starting pitcher Erick Fedde delivers a pitch during the first baseball game of a doubleheader against the San Francisco Giants, Saturday, June 12, 2021, in Washington. He began the day with a 1.27 ERA, but Schwarber quickly put a dent in that impressive number. Fedde (4-4) last pitched on May 16 and was placed on the COVID-19 list three days later. He rejoined the rotation by limiting the Giants to four hits while striking out seven and walking none. The Giants got five hits and were shut out for the third time this season and first since April 12.

Erick Fedde returned after nearly a month on the COVID-19 injured list and pitched five sharp innings, Kyle Schwarber hit a leadoff homer and the Washington Nationals beat the San Francisco Giants 2-0 to open a doubleheader.

No doubt every New York Mets fans shuddered when they heard the news that star pitcher Jacob deGrom was pulled from his latest start with an elbow injury.

Giants Nationals Baseball Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer stretches on the mound during the first inning of the team's baseball game against the San Francisco Giants, Friday, June 11, 2021, in Washington. Scherzer left the game with an injury. (AP Photo/Nick Wass) (Nick Wass)WASHINGTON — (AP) — Nationals ace Max Scherzer exited with an apparent injury after throwing just 12 pitches in Friday night's start against San Francisco. Scherzer got Giants leadoff hitter LaMonte Wade Jr. to fly out for the first out of the game. Scherzer got down and squatted, then stretched from side to side before throwing one pitch in front of Martinez and Lessard.

Nationals ace Max Scherzer exited with an apparent injury after throwing just 12 pitches in his against San Francisco.

Nationals Phillies Baseball Washington Nationals starting pitcher Austin Voth throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Sunday, June 6, 2021, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola) (Chris Szagola)ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — (AP) — The Washington Nationals put pitcher Austin Voth on the 10-day injured list with a fractured nose on Tuesday. He exited with a towel covering a gash across his nose after the ball deflected off the bill of his batting helmet. Washington manager Dave Martinez said Voth's nose was broken in a few places and his left eye is pretty much swollen shut. He wanted to thank everybody for their concerns.”Martinez said Phillies manager Joe Girardi called Tuesday to check on Voth.

Nationals Phillies Baseball Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Voth was hurt Sunday in a 12-6 loss to the Phillies. Hit by a pitch from Vince Velasquez, Voth exited with a towel covering a gash across his nose after the ball appeared to deflect off the bill of his batting helmet. After Pablo López (1-3, 2.82 ERA) takes on Boston’s Nick Pivetta (6-1, 3.77 ERA), the Marlins head home to host Colorado on Tuesday. Angels righty Dylan Bundy (0-6, 6.49 ERA) aims for his first win in his 11th start of the season.

Nationals Phillies Baseball Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Voth was hurt Sunday in a 12-6 loss to the Phillies. Hit by a pitch from Vince Velasquez, Voth exited with a towel covering a gash across his nose after the ball appeared to deflect off the bill of his batting helmet. After Pablo López (1-3, 2.82 ERA) takes on Boston’s Nick Pivetta (6-1, 3.77 ERA), the Marlins head home to host Colorado on Tuesday. Angels righty Dylan Bundy (0-6, 6.49 ERA) aims for his first win in his 11th start of the season.

The Giants have won six of eight and continue to be a surprise contender alongside the Dodgers and Padres in the NL West. Cole's 1.78 ERA is tops in the American League, and his 97-to-9 strikeout-to-walk ratio was best in the majors entering Wednesday. MLB has suspended four minor league pitchers — two in the White Sox system, one with San Francisco and another with Texas — after umpires ejected them for having illicit sticky stuff. Many believe the proliferation of those foreign substances is partially responsible for baseball’s offensive freefall. The league increased its monitoring of baseballs in the majors this season in an effort to suppress use of foreign substances, but that investigative work hasn't led to any suspensions.

CHICAGO — (AP) — An unidentified Washington Nationals player who is vaccinated and asymptomatic has tested positive for COVID-19, manager Dave Martinez said Wednesday. That player was deemed to have been in close contact with another Nationals player who is not vaccinated. Martinez said neither player would have been in the starting lineup against the Chicago Cubs and neither was available off the bench. Martinez thought the vaccinated player, who he said “feels fine,” might be available in a few days. Washington players were tested for COVID-19 on Monday.

The team said deGrom had inflammation in his right lat and wouldn't throw for the next few days. TAKE IT EASYNL batting champion Juan Soto will be limited to pinch-hitting duty for now with Washington after coming off the injured list. Soto missed 10 games with a strained left shoulder and wasn’t in the starting lineup Tuesday night against Atlanta. Manager Dave Martinez said the injury no longer bothers Soto while hitting, but he is not yet ready to play the outfield. The reigning AL Cy Young Award winner has fanned at least eight batters in a major league-record 18 straight starts.

The team said Tuesday that deGrom had inflammation in his right lat and wouldn't throw for the next few days. TAKE IT EASYNL batting champion Juan Soto will be limited to pinch-hitting duty for now with Washington after coming off the injured list. Soto missed 10 games with a strained left shoulder and wasn’t in the starting lineup Tuesday night against Atlanta. Manager Dave Martinez said the injury no longer bothers Soto while hitting, but he is not yet ready to play the outfield. The reigning AL CY Young Award winner has fanned at least eight batters in a major league record 18 straight starts.

Red Sox Mets Baseball New York Mets' Jacob deGrom delivers a pitch during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox Wednesday, April 28, 2021, in New York. “He let us know earlier today that he had some tightness on his right side,” Mets manager Luis Rojas said. TAKE IT EASYNL batting champion Juan Soto will be limited to pinch-hitting duty for now with Washington after coming off the injured list. Soto missed 10 games with a strained left shoulder and wasn’t in the starting lineup Tuesday night against Atlanta. Manager Dave Martinez said the injury no longer bothers Soto while hitting, but he is not yet ready to play the outfield.

Diamondbacks Nationals Baseball Washington Nationals' Juan Soto hits a sacrifice fly during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Nationals Park, Saturday, April 17, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) (Alex Brandon)WASHINGTON — (AP) — The Washington Nationals reinstated outfielder Juan Soto from the 10-day injured list on Tuesday, but last year's NL batting champion will be limited to pinch-hitting duty for now. Washington also reinstated right-handed reliever Will Harris from the IL, optioned right-hander Kyle McGowin to Triple-A Rochester and designated utilityman Hernán Pérez for assignment ahead of Tuesday's opener of a three-game series against NL East rival Atlanta. Manager Dave Martinez said the injury no longer bothers Soto while hitting, but he is not yet ready to play the outfield. Soto is hitting .300 with two homers and eight RBIs in 14 games.

Marlins Nationals Baseball Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins at Nationals Park, Sunday, May 2, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) (Alex Brandon)WASHINGTON — (AP) — Max Scherzer delivered in a hurry, tossing a five-hitter to lead the Washington Nationals over the Miami Marlins 3-1. He’s hit safely in eight of his 10 starts. Nationals: RHP Stephen Strasburg (right shoulder) threw a 32-pitch bullpen on Saturday and could throw another bullpen session this week. Nationals: RHP Joe Ross (2-1) opens a three-game series against the visiting Atlanta Braves on Tuesday.

FILE - In this Nov. 2, 2019, file photo, Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez celebrates with fans during a parade to celebrate the team's World Series baseball championship over the Houston Astros in Washington. Martinez says the World Series champs will raise their banner and present their rings at their stadium with fans in attendance -- no matter how or when or if the 2020 season starts. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)WASHINGTON The Washington Nationals will unveil their World Series championship rings during a virtual ceremony shown on television and online Sunday -- an unprecedented approach brought about by the coronavirus pandemic. The ring ceremony will be shown on MASN, MLB Network and online. A year ago, Washington went into that day of the calendar with a 19-31 record before starting a turnaround that led to the franchises first World Series appearance and championship.

Jayne Kamin-Oncea | Getty ImagesSAN DIEGO Surrounded by over a dozen reporters at the Major League Baseball winter meetings in San Diego, Joe Maddon did not sugarcoat his feelings when asked about a proposed new league rule. Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez, who just led his team to a World Series title in October, said the rule change is "going to be hard" for teams. Alex Trautwig | Major League Baseball | Getty ImagesThe rule change will undoubtedly impact roster moves as more teams will seek pitchers who have success against both right and lefty batters. Though MLB has not publicly made the rule official for the 2020 season, most team managers at the winter meetings anticipate the change. On the league's website, it says previous rules regarding pitching changes "will be in effect through the end of the 2019 season."

Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo and manager Dave Martinez #4 hold up the World Series trophy after the Nationals defeat the Houston Astros in Game 7 to win the 2019 World Series at Minute Maid Park on Wednesday, October 30, 2019 in Houston, Texas. The Washington Nationals have revived baseball in the nation's capital, and the television ratings are proof Major League Baseball is making a comeback in the D.C. area. The ratings for Game 7 of the World Series between the Nationals and Houston Astros were the best ratings for any MLB telecast in the Washington, D.C. market since 1998, according to league officials. Officials said the World Series in the D.C. area finished with an average rating in the local market of 23.3% across all seven games. Additionally, five of the seven World Series games were the highest-rated MLB games in D.C. since Game 7 of 2001 World Series featuring the Arizona Diamondbacks and the New York Yankees.

Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo and manager Dave Martinez #4 hold up the World Series trophy after the Nationals defeat the Houston Astros in Game 7 to win the 2019 World Series at Minute Maid Park on Wednesday, October 30, 2019 in Houston, Texas. The Washington Nationals plan to visit the White House on Monday, less than a week after claiming their first World Series victory. Trump has not followed prevailing presidential practice on sports traditions on several fronts, including not yet throwing out an opening pitch at a World Series game while in office. The Nationals beat the Astros, 6-2, in Game 7 in Houston on Wednesday, becoming the first Washington team to win the World Series since the 1924 Senators. "Congratulations to the Washington Nationals on a great season and an incredible World Series," Trump tweeted hours later.

Carlos Correa #1 of the Houston Astros celebrates as he rounds the bases on his two-run home run against the Washington Nationals during the 4th inning in Game 5 of the 2019 World Series at Nationals Park on Oct. 27, 2019, in Washington, DC. (CNN) - You could almost say the Washington Nationals have the Houston Astros right where they want them. The National League champs have perennial all-star pitcher Max Scherzer starting the deciding World Series contest and Wednesday night's Game 7 is for the Nationals a road contest. And the road team winning the World Series decider is a recent trend; the past five events were won on the road. The Nationals won when they scored 10 runs in the final three innings.

Gerardo Parra #88 of the Washington Nationals celebrates with the trophy after winning the National League Championship Series against the St. Louis Cardinals at Nationals Park on Oct. 15, 2019, in Washington, DC. But it's hard to think of many guys better than that trio to kick off a World Series." The Astros are in their third World Series in franchise history, having reached the series in 2005 and winning it all in 2017. While the Astros were a favorite throughout the season to get this far, the Nationals were on more uneven footing. The San Francisco Giants are the last wild card team to win a World Series, in 2014.