Martinez on Harper, Madson, Difo and more (Nats win 5-2)

Martinez on Harper, Madson, Difo and more (Nats win 5-2)
MIAMI - Nationals manager Davey Martinez provided more insight on Bryce Harper's struggles at the plate in this series as the team prepares for the Sunday finale. The slugger has had six strikeouts in the last two games. He has reached base on two hits and a walk since Friday. Harper is hitting .203 in his last 15 games and .200 in his last 30 contests. He has 18 strikeouts in his last 15 games. "He hit some balls hard," Martinez said. "Yesterday, obviously, he's fouling more pitches off...

Bautista out for season; plus news on Wieters, Goodwin and 26th man

Bautista out for season; plus news on Wieters, Goodwin and 26th man
With all the inclement weather and postponed games this week, plus rain again Saturday morning, Nationals manager Davey Martinez joked he got to Nats Park by kayak this morning. "I'm ready, woke up at 8 o'clock this morning," Martinez said. "I'm fired up. Hopefully we get a game in. Hopefully, two. We are ready to play. The mini-All Star game is good enough." Martinez opted to give Tanner Roark the day game start and sees a silver lining in all these days off. "It was kind of Roark's...

Martinez on Eaton, bench-clearing brawls, plus other notes

Martinez on Eaton, bench-clearing brawls, plus other notes
Nationals manager Davey Martinez had some good news on the progress of outfielder Adam Eaton who is on the disabled list with a left ankle bone bruise. Martinez predicted it might be a short stay on the 10-day for Eaton. "I saw him today and he's getting his workouts in," Martinez said. "We miss him on the field, but it's actually pretty good that he's able to continue to do his strengthening for his knees. But he'll be back. I think he's going to be back sooner than we think. He's...

Baker's knee locks up during game, will get checked out: "I'm fine"

Baker's knee locks up during game, will get checked out: "I'm fine"
Injuries to the offense continue to mount up for the first place Nationals. Manager Dusty Baker confirmed that second baseman Daniel Murphy did not start Tuesday's 7-3 loss to the Marlins because of a sore hip. Left fielder Howie Kendrick already missed the game because of a tender back. The club has also been playing without starters Trea Turner, Jayson Werth and Michael A. Taylor. Then Tuesday night watching right-hander A.J. Cole battle the Marlins, Baker deferred to pitching coach Mike...