144 Comments
User's avatar
mongo's avatar

Sorry, but I will be watching what may be Alex Ovechkin's final NHL game. The Caps are out of the playoff chase so this may be it for the Great 8.

I'll check in with the Nats during commercial breaks.

Susan H aka pitchingfan's avatar

I'll be checking in on Ovi & company during commercial breaks.

Bernie Gilbert's avatar

Parker has a 6.08 ERA in three starts, 13.1 innings pitched, two home runs, 1.500 WHIP.

Doesn't seem to have improved over last season.

TheWerthWhisperer's avatar

I guess this is the last time we’ll have Jackson Rutledge to kick around.

Jim Knack's avatar

I remember seeing him pitch the first couple of times last year, and thought he looked pretty good. Since then he essentially throws batting practice.

GLH aka NatsFan4Ever's avatar

I just hope that some how, some way the pitching is a lot better than last night, and that the offense does a good 6 - 9 runs! GO NATS!!!

Jeff's avatar

I wonder why Vivas frequently starts at 3rd base instead of House. Is he now the regular 3rd baseman?

mulch spider's avatar

He's a lefty and hitting well so far, no reason not to put him in the lineup against a righty. Why he's at 3B and House is DHing when House is a far superior defender is a bit more mystifying

Bob Loeb's avatar

Mikolas should be at most a reliever. He may be able to effectively work through one or two innings.

Nats Fan in Exile's avatar

Interesting to give DH to House. First time this year? Seems everyone gets some DH time.

Douglas Swanson's avatar

I don't believe that is his first start at DH this season.

Nats Fan in Exile's avatar

Mmmm yeah, believe it is.

Dave Nemec's avatar

Douglas is correct. House was the DH on Sunday, and also in the home opener vs. LA

Rod Shepard's avatar

I suspect Butera wants to give House some "half-days off" to keep him fresh or something.

Douglas Swanson's avatar

I think it's more about getting Vivas on the infield

Mark's avatar

Mark - is there any hope a credible MLB level starting pitcher still unsigned that Nats may sign to help get through this season? Or has that door closed?

GLH aka NatsFan4Ever's avatar

Only Lucas Giolito who apparently does not want a one year prove it deal. He wants a multi-year deal at a pretty steep price.

Mark's avatar

Would love to have him, but know he’s not signing here ($). He would be worth a gamble for the Padres with Pivetta hurt.

Mark Zuckerman's avatar

FYI: It was pouring here in Pittsburgh a little while ago, but it has since cleared up and they're about to pull the tarp. The Pirates say the game will start "after a short delay."

Mark Zuckerman's avatar

It'll be a 6:55 p.m. first pitch.

Mark Zuckerman's avatar

And we're underway on a 68-degree Tuesday evening following an 18-minute delay. The Nationals are wearing their navy blue alternate jerseys for the first time this season.

Gray Moon's avatar

Is Brady House injured at all? Last night he was not in the lineup, maybe to avoid Skenes? But tonight he is DH and Vivas is again at 3B. To me, Brady is a lot better defensively than Vivas, so I was wondering.

Dave Nemec's avatar

Good start so far. Give PJ (and later Mikolas and Parker) a nice cushion. Get some more!

Dave Nemec's avatar

But we don't need more baserunning blunders.

GLH aka NatsFan4Ever's avatar

That's what I am talkin' about! ⚾️⚾️⚾️

Mark P's avatar

They've got to stop giving away outs on the basepaths!!

DCSportsfan63's avatar

How do we get so many guys picked off? I thought it was Davey

cipherlockinexile's avatar

The good, the bad, and the ugly that inning.