CJ Abrams hit .577 with six home runs and 12 RBIs during the week, including his 27th homer of the season, a new Nationals record for a shortstop. (AP/John McDonnell) CJ Abrams hit .577 with six home runs and 12 RBIs during the week, including his 27th homer of the season, a new Nationals record for a shortstop. (AP/John McDonnell) The Washington Nationals wrapped up their series with Arizona by outslugging the Diamondbacks 10-7 Sunday, taking two of three from the team they’re chasing for the National League’s third Wild Card spot.
One week before the trade deadline, the Nats are making their case for being buyers rather than sellers. Washington is 6-3 since the All-Star break, but the club still made a notable move Saturday night, sending one of its bigger bats, Curtis Mead, to Boston in exchange for pitching prospect Connerly Early. Despite career highs of 17 home runs and 48 RBIs, Mead wasn’t viewed as part of the Nationals’ long-term plans.
His departure clears the way for Brady House’s return to the big leagues. House went 2-for-5 with a run scored and an RBI on Sunday. The deal also brings in a pitching prospect whom Nationals Director of Baseball Operations Paul Toboni helped draft during his time with the Red Sox.
The question now: Will more moves follow before Aug. Digesting the Division: Atlanta (62-43) remains in first place, getting a major boost from catcher Drake Baldwin, who’s batting .435 with five home runs and 10 RBIs since the All-Star break. Philadelphia (56-49 entering Sunday Night Baseball) has lost three straight series, giving the Braves some breathing room atop the division.
Washington sits in third place, while Miami (52-54) has lost 12 straight and slipped from contender to pretender. The Marlins have scored just 30 runs during the skid. The New York Mets (43-62) are now without Juan Soto, who landed on the 10-day injured list because of a calf injury.
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