Detwiler ready for another shot

Detwiler ready for another shot
Nationals left-hander Ross Detwiler gets the start today in the final game of the series against the Milwaukee Brewers. Detwiler pitched seven scoreless innings Wednesday afternoon for the Harrisburg Senators. Detwiler thinks it will actually help him having only four days rest. "I think it will be better. It is close to my bullpen day so I think I will be better because my location is finer. "I felt good after my seven inning game Wednesday. Normally, I ride the bike for 15 to 20...

NatsTown Green-Up

NatsTown Green-Up
Here in this Nats Buzz space, I often have the opportunity to write about the many ways that Nationals players and front office staff give back to the community around Nationals Park and in the greater Washington D.C. metro area. Well, on July 30th, you can get involved right alongside those players and front office staff in an effort to "green-up" the area around the ballpark. The Washington Nationals Dream Foundation is teaming up with the Earth Conservation Corps to host a NatsTown...

More than just an outfielder, Harris is a teacher

More than just an outfielder, Harris is a teacher
Nationals outfielder Willie Harris doesn't play as much as he would like. But he doesn't sulk when he is not in the game. He gets up and helps coach young outfielders like Roger Bernandina. During a game last week in Cincinnati, Harris directed Bernadina where to stand off of first base and how much of a lead he needed to try to get to second on a quicker pace. Harris had a big series against the Reds. He scored at least a run in every game of the four game set. "It feels good for...

Washington Nationals Dream Foundation Hosts NatsTown Green-Up

Washington Nationals Dream Foundation Hosts NatsTown Green-Up
The Washington Nationals Dream Foundation is once again teaming up with the Earth Conservation Corps to host the second annual NatsTown Green-up, which gives area residents and local businesses the opportunity to make a difference by beautifying the neighborhood surrounding Nationals Park. Three locations have been selected to benefit from this year's Green-Up: · Matthew Henson Center, 2000 Half Street, SW · 1st and Q Streets, SW and surrounding...

Atilano to DL with "floating chips" in elbow

Atilano to DL with "floating chips" in elbow
Nationals starter Luis Atilano has floating chips in his injured right elbow and will be placed on the disabled list, effective today. He will miss at least two starts, according to general manager Mike Rizzo. Atilano will get a cortisone shot when he returns to Washington. Rizzo said they have decided on the pitcher who will start Sunday, but will not make that announcement just yet. Possible candidates include Matt Chico, Ross Detwiler or someone like Miguel Batista. Scott Olsen and...

Livan gives bullpen needed rest, 7-1 over Reds

Livan gives bullpen needed rest, 7-1 over Reds
CINCINNATI, Oh. --- The Nationals took their second straight over Cincinnati, 7-1, behind a complete game seven-hitter from workhorse Livan Hernandez (7-6) and a suddenly potent offense. After scoring just six runs in their first four games out of the break, the Nats have exploded for 22 runs in the last 27 innings. Hernandez allowed just a single run, an RBI groundout by Ramon Hernandez in the fourth, struck out five batters, walking none. Livan said he kept hydrated in the 83-degree...

Get to Know: Joel Peralta

Get to Know: Joel Peralta
You asked (through Ben Goessling's in-game chats), and Nats Buzz answered. We'll try to do more of these throughout the season, featuring new faces and players who you don't usually hear much about. First up is Joel Peralta, new to the organization after stints with the Angels, Royals and Rockies. Peralta was called up to join the Nationals on June 21st after going 2-0 with 20 saves and a 1.08 ERA in 28 appearances with the Syracuse Chiefs. Since the callup, Peralta has pitched in 13...

Strasburg gives it to Reds and heckling fan, 8-5 Nats

Strasburg gives it to Reds and heckling fan, 8-5 Nats
The Nationals got on the board in the series with the Reds, 8-5, thanks to another solid performance by Stephen Strasburg and a big sixth inning by the offense for the second game in a row. Strasburg went 5 and 2/3rds innings allowing three runs on seven hits, walking one and striking out seven batters. All you need to know about the fire of the competitor that is Strasburg occurred when he was taken out of the game in the sixth. With the Nats up 7-3, a Reds fan behind the visitor's...

Nationals Option Justin Maxwell to Syracuse

Nationals Option Justin Maxwell to Syracuse
Following tonight's 7-2 loss at Great American Ball Park, the Washington Nationals optioned outfielder Justin Maxwell to Syracuse of the Triple-A International League. Nationals Senior Vice President and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Maxwell, 26, has 14 walks and a .340 on-base percentage in 24 games with the Nationals this season. He is 4-for-38 (.105) with one double, one home run, three RBI and three stolen bases.

Morse: "we never gave up" in 8-7 loss to Reds

Morse: "we never gave up" in 8-7 loss to Reds
CINCINNATI, Oh. --- It would have been very easy for the Nats to give up in this one. Fresh off a long two and a half hour rain delay, Washington allowed three more runs and suddenly found themselves down 8-1 to the Reds in the fifth inning. Cincinnati ended up winning 8-7 but not without a battle to the end. A six run comeback in the sixth inning showed what this team is capable of and their never-say-die attitude. It all came from extra base hits the Nats had not been able to produce in...

Strasburg on target when the lights turn on

Strasburg on target when the lights turn on
Fresh off his 22nd birthday, Nationals right-handed pitcher Stephen Strasburg gets the call tonight against the Reds Bronson Arroyo. With the win last Friday night in Miami, Strasburg is now the last Nats starter to post a win. He has won his last two decisions for Washington. It seems he has been counted on to stop losing streaks for the Nats in almost every outing this season. Strasburg has been "lights on" at night for the Nats this season. According to STATS, Inc. he is in the...

Report: Nats agree to terms with top Cuban pitcher

Report: Nats agree to terms with top Cuban pitcher
CINCINNATI, Oh. --- ESPNdeportes.com reports the Nationals have agreed to terms with Cuban right handed pitcher Yunesky Maya. Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo would not confirm or deny the report but spoke in general terms about scouting Maya for some time. "He is a terrific, young and poised major league caliber pitcher. He was the number one pitcher on the Cuban National team, even ahead of Aroldis Chapman. Maya won the Cuban equivalent of the Cy Young award. A lot of teams want...

Strasburg named baseball's 4th most marketable player

Strasburg named baseball's 4th most marketable player
It is readily apparent to the Nationals and their fans the immediate impact pitcher Stephen Strasburg has had on the team since he made his major league debut June 8. What is more amazing is the soon-to-be 22-year-old's potential impact on corporate America. In today's Sports Business Daily, Strasburg is already ranked as the number four most marketable baseball player after only eight big league starts. The Daily asked 49 corporate brand managers, marketing and branding executives,...

Lunch with a Legend: Stan Kasten

Lunch with a Legend:  Stan Kasten
Join Nationals president Stan Kasten and ESPN 980 personalities Thom Loverro and Kevin Sheehan for "Lunch with a Legend" on Wednesday. Kasten, a true "legend" in sports entertainment and business, will be the special guest at Morton's on Connecticut Ave. This event is part of a continuing series. The $40 tickets include a salad, main course, sides and dessert and the opportunity to participate in and watch the live show. The program begins at 11:30 a.m. with a reception. Lunch and...

Chico's consistency can't be ignored

Chico's consistency can't be ignored
Syracuse Chiefs pitcher Matt Chico has not allowed a run in two consecutive starts, a span of 14 innings in a pair of home-and-away matchups against Pawtucket. The numbers are impressive in those last two starts: 14.0 IP, 6 hits, 0 runs, 2 walks, 7 strikeouts. His shutout streak is currently 14 innings. Chico (4-3, 3.00) says the key to his recent success has been "hitting both sides of the plate. I have been using the two-seam fastball a lot. The changeup has been pretty good lately. ...

Martin's walks and sloppy play doom Nats

Martin's walks and sloppy play doom Nats
CINCINNATI, OH. --- Right fielder Willie Harris was a picture of frustration in the clubhouse after the Reds slammed the door on the Nationals 7-2 in the series opener at Great American Ball Park. Harris had one arm leaning against his locker as he recounted the second inning where the Reds scored four times. It held up because Johnny Cueto was on target, allowing only four hits in six innings. The critical rally for the Reds came with no score in the bottom of the second inning. Jonny...

The view from Cincinnati

The view from Cincinnati
CINCINNATI, Oh. --- The Nationals arrived here in Cincinnati getting ready to face a Reds team that is feeling a little desperate themselves after falling 1-0 to the Rockies in their series finale Sunday at the Great American Ball Park. Both the Nats and the Reds lost their respective series finales, 1-0. Of course, this has been an amazing season for Cincinnati, who were knocked out of first place in the Central and now are a half-game back of the Cardinals for the top spot. Travis...

Zimmermann sees paved road back to Nats

Zimmermann sees paved road back to Nats
Nationals pitcher Jordan Zimmermann has made very good progress in three rehab starts for the Potomac Nationals as he embarks on another start tonight in Woodbridge. Zimmermann is expected to pitch four innings with a pitch count capped at 65. He has been outstanding in his control and velocity. His fastball has been consistently in the mid-90s (once hitting 96 mph in hot and muggy Frederick). He has had great success in refining the changeup and getting its speed down to 84-86 mph. ...

Lannan allows one earned run, but H'Burg falls

Lannan allows one earned run, but H'Burg falls
Nationals pitcher John Lannan struggled in the fifth inning of the Harrisburg Senators' 18-15 loss to the Altoona Curve. Most of the offense occurred after the left-hander exited the game. Lannan allowed just one earned run in 4 2/3 innings, leaving the game leading 4-3. The Curve scored three runs in the fifth inning to tie the game 4-4. The Curve made a dramatic comeback in the ninth inning. With Harrisburg leading 14-8, Altoona scored 10 runs in the ninth inning and won 18-15. Lannan...

Detwiler pitches well in loss

Detwiler pitches well in loss
Nationals pitcher Ross Detwiler went five innings Friday night and took the loss for Harrisburg in their 3-0 setback versus Altoona. Despite the loss, Detwiler allowed only three hits, two runs (of which only one was earned), one walk and had a season high seven strikeouts. Detwiler said the start went well but he had some bad luck. He told me his mechanics were a lot better and he "felt like (he) had a clue tonight." Ross told me that was the one thing he wanted to work with pitching...