This was a team I predicted to win 64 games. We’re well on pace to clear that and we’re doing it in quite a fun fashion. The reason we’re losing games is not because of players expected to be contributors on a future contending team. Can’t win em all! Still a lot to be positive about.
Making the trek up to DC tomorrow, 4th Nats game of the year already and 2nd at Nats Park! Hoping for a curly W tomorrow
DJ Herz and Trevor Williams are still expected back no later than the second half, although Herz has started throwing bullpen sessions and appears the closest to returning, and could be available as early as June, although probably unlikely. Josiah Gray seems furthest off, assuming his flexor strain is not worse than it seems.
Can they wait that long if Littell and Mikolas continue to implode under an avalanche of hits and runs? I assume they are waiting for both to settle into their historic middle to back-end rotation selves, with ERAs below 5 and the ability to go 5 innings regularly.
Otherwise, do they try to bring another starter up, or try out more creative bullpen games with starters and long relievers using Lord and Parker (and now Schultz?!) in combination with Littell and Mikolas? Or decide they don’t have adequate internal options and sign an available free agent? Not that there are any sure-fire FA to sign.
He was limited last season due to arm soreness in his throwing elbow he had internal brace surgery on the year before, so he’s an injury/durability risk.
During his 2025 season, his Expected ERA (xERA) of 5.04 and FIP of 4.17 were significantly higher than his actual ERA, suggesting he benefited from luck or good fortune.
He rated below the 50th percentile in nearly every highlighted category on Baseball Savant, including a 22nd percentile average exit velocity.
And there is concern about a drop in his velocity as the 2025 season wore on, making him more hittable.
He will need to lower his salary demands for a team to accept the above risks.
Nats need a win today so they stay close to reaching .500. Recognize how good Cavalli can be But, IMO, Cavalli needs to be viewed for how he is pitching and not as we wish he was. Sadly, he hasn’t been the ace we all are hoping. Maybe he will be, just hasn’t been so far.
There is a reason no team is willing to meet his salary demand, he isn't worth the long-term risk. His agent may have ruined his career by putting silly thoughts in his head.
I posted this in response to another comment below, but these are the reasons Giolito is not signed yet:
Wants $19M for 2 years, or $10M for 1 year.
He was limited last season due to arm soreness in his throwing elbow he had internal brace surgery on the year before, so he’s an injury/durability risk.
During his 2025 season, his Expected ERA (xERA) of 5.04 and FIP of 4.17 were significantly higher than his actual ERA, suggesting he benefited from luck or good fortune.
He rated below the 50th percentile in nearly every highlighted category on Baseball Savant, including a 22nd percentile average exit velocity.
And there is concern about a drop in his velocity as the 2025 season wore on, making him more hittable.
He will need to lower his salary demands for a team to accept the above risks.
If I had a nickel for every time the Nats followed up a promising road trip with a goose egg at home I’d have two nickels.
That would be a dime.
I’d keep the two nickels, they feel heavier in one’s pocket.
" a nickel ain't worth a dime anymore"
The offense is still fine.
5 runs should be more than enough.
This was a team I predicted to win 64 games. We’re well on pace to clear that and we’re doing it in quite a fun fashion. The reason we’re losing games is not because of players expected to be contributors on a future contending team. Can’t win em all! Still a lot to be positive about.
Making the trek up to DC tomorrow, 4th Nats game of the year already and 2nd at Nats Park! Hoping for a curly W tomorrow
Good take, love the optimism. The guys we need to hit are hitting, who cares if we lost?
The pitching is so damned frustrating.
Eh days like this happen. Not the end of the world. Let’s get a win tomorrow.
you trigger My favorite quote on the subject "The reason these things happen is because people say These Things Happen. when these things happen "
Nats got blown out by Pittsburgh 16-5 before coming back to win the next day and go on to split the series.
Clearly they do not like to play at home and perform their best for the fans. Does this need a /s?
Saw what you did there.
DJ Herz and Trevor Williams are still expected back no later than the second half, although Herz has started throwing bullpen sessions and appears the closest to returning, and could be available as early as June, although probably unlikely. Josiah Gray seems furthest off, assuming his flexor strain is not worse than it seems.
Can they wait that long if Littell and Mikolas continue to implode under an avalanche of hits and runs? I assume they are waiting for both to settle into their historic middle to back-end rotation selves, with ERAs below 5 and the ability to go 5 innings regularly.
Otherwise, do they try to bring another starter up, or try out more creative bullpen games with starters and long relievers using Lord and Parker (and now Schultz?!) in combination with Littell and Mikolas? Or decide they don’t have adequate internal options and sign an available free agent? Not that there are any sure-fire FA to sign.
Make Giolito an offer he can't refuse before Padres do
Seriously. I've been lobbying for Giolito since January. May not be the panacea but why not.
Wonder why he's unsigned?
Wants a two year contract
Here are your reasons:
Wants $19M for 2 years, or $10M for 1 year.
He was limited last season due to arm soreness in his throwing elbow he had internal brace surgery on the year before, so he’s an injury/durability risk.
During his 2025 season, his Expected ERA (xERA) of 5.04 and FIP of 4.17 were significantly higher than his actual ERA, suggesting he benefited from luck or good fortune.
He rated below the 50th percentile in nearly every highlighted category on Baseball Savant, including a 22nd percentile average exit velocity.
And there is concern about a drop in his velocity as the 2025 season wore on, making him more hittable.
He will need to lower his salary demands for a team to accept the above risks.
You've made the case. Thanks.
Nats need a win today so they stay close to reaching .500. Recognize how good Cavalli can be But, IMO, Cavalli needs to be viewed for how he is pitching and not as we wish he was. Sadly, he hasn’t been the ace we all are hoping. Maybe he will be, just hasn’t been so far.
Side thought: Gioloto is still available
There is a reason no team is willing to meet his salary demand, he isn't worth the long-term risk. His agent may have ruined his career by putting silly thoughts in his head.
Perhaps, but he will get paid by someone willing to take an extra year or buyout risk
Move to front burner
I posted this in response to another comment below, but these are the reasons Giolito is not signed yet:
Wants $19M for 2 years, or $10M for 1 year.
He was limited last season due to arm soreness in his throwing elbow he had internal brace surgery on the year before, so he’s an injury/durability risk.
During his 2025 season, his Expected ERA (xERA) of 5.04 and FIP of 4.17 were significantly higher than his actual ERA, suggesting he benefited from luck or good fortune.
He rated below the 50th percentile in nearly every highlighted category on Baseball Savant, including a 22nd percentile average exit velocity.
And there is concern about a drop in his velocity as the 2025 season wore on, making him more hittable.
He will need to lower his salary demands for a team to accept the above risks.
Maybe Giolito has been “working out at home” and can step right into the rotation like Zack Littell and his agent thought before we signed him. 😒
Historic moment last night at Nats park that was easy to miss.
First woman umpire on home plate.
Congratulations to Jen Pawol!
Look for her today at 3b.
Saw her in spring training a few years ago as she was moving up the ranks. Her crew chief in that game was C.B. Bucknor. Yikes.
She is a “call up umpire” right now so she floats between crews. Goes to AAA when not needed at ML.
And she was upheld in her first ABS challenge. I thought she called a good game.
Jen was the plate umpire in the Braves-Marlins game on August 10, 2025.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jen_Pawol
One of those games where you are glad that there are 2 more you can still win and potentially win the series..
Averaging 5.6 runs a game, third in MLB yet their run differential is -15. That tells you all you need to know about the pitching this year.
In the we-already-knew-that Department,
the Nats bullpen is dead last since 2025 in ERA and OPS against.