WASHINGTON NATIONALS NEWS

Jon Lester - Lasts just 2.1 innings Lester (1-3) was tagged with the loss Friday against the Marlins after allowing seven runs on five hits and three walks across 2.1 innings. He struck out one.

Impact Lester had a woeful performance Friday, as he tossed 64 pitches before being lifted and also showed big command issues, missing the strike zone in 29 of those deliveries. The veteran left-hander also ended a streak of five straight appearances allowing two or fewer runs. His next start is scheduled for next week at home against the Rays.

JUNE 26, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Another rocky start for Jon Lester puts the Nationals behind early in loss to the Marlins Nationals starter Jon Lester didn't have it Friday night against the Marlins, getting chased in the third inning of an 11-2 loss.

JUNE 26, 2021 • WASHINGTONPOST.COM

Kyle Schwarber - Records three hits Schwarber went 3-for-4 with a solo home run in Friday's loss against the Marlins.

Impact Schwarber recorded his 22nd homer of the season in the third inning off Pablo Lopez, and he was the biggest offensive threat in a Nationals lineup that looked anemic at times Friday. The slugging outfielder is riding a six-game hitting streak and has recorded four multi-hit performances during that span.

JUNE 26, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Josh Bell - Cleared to return Saturday Bell (side) is slated to return to the lineup for Saturday's game against the Marlins, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Impact Bell was scratched from Thursday's lineup due to right side soreness that kept him out Friday, but he underwent an MRI that revealed no structural damage. He took swings ahead of Friday's matchup and was available off the bench if needed, and manager Dave Martinez said that the 28-year-old will be back in action Saturday.

JUNE 26, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Schwarber's 13th HR in 14 games not enough to beat Marlins Kyle Schwarber hit 13th home run in the last 14 games but Miguel Rojas hit a three-run homer in a four-run first inning and the Miami Marlin...

JUNE 26, 2021 • SANDIEGOUNIONTRIBUNE.COM

Schwarber's 13th HR in 14 games not enough to beat Marlins

Kyle Schwarber hit 13th home run in the last 14 games but Miguel Rojas hit a three-run homer in a four-run first inning and the Miami Marlins went on to beat the Washington Nationa...

JUNE 26, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Max Scherzer trade rumors: Agent says Nats ace wants extension in exchange for waiving no-trade Scherzer would be one of the most sought-after deadline pickups if Washington makes him available.

JUNE 26, 2021 • SPORTINGNEWS.COM

Josh Bell - Out of Friday's lineup Bell (side) is not in the lineup Friday against the Marlins, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Impact The 28-year-old was scratched from Thursday's starting nine with soreness in his right side, and the results from his MRI have yet to be announced. Bell should be considered day-to-day until the Nationals provide an update. In the meantime, Ryan Zimmerman will receive another start at first base.

JUNE 25, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Daniel Hudson, eager to contribute to the surging Nationals, is mired in a slow recovery Hudson has been on the injured list since June 12 with right elbow inflammation.

JUNE 25, 2021 • WASHINGTONPOST.COM

Nationals Get Bad News With Josh Bell Injury Update The Washington Nationals got some bad news with a new Josh Bell injury update.

JUNE 25, 2021 • FANDUEL.COM

Stephen Strasburg - Playing long toss from 150 feet Strasburg (neck) is still limited to long toss but has extended his distance to 150 feet, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reports. "Stephen still has a ways to go, but he's throwing...

Impact The right-hander is inching closer to getting back on a mound, but the Nationals will be cautious with him after Strasburg lasted only 11.2 innings over three starts in his most recent return from the IL. Given how much ramp-up time he'll need once he does get cleared for the next steps in his recovery, Strasburg seems very unlikely to be back in the rotation before the All-Star break.

JUNE 25, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Washington Nationals suddenly back at .500 It seemed unlikely that the Mets would finish the season as the only NL East team over .500. The division has too much talent for that to ha...

JUNE 25, 2021 • CALLTOTHEPEN.COM

LEADING OFF: Cubs follow up no-hitter, Astros seek 12 in row

Jake Arrieta pitches against the World Series champion Dodgers on Friday, one night after Zach Davies and three Cubs relievers combined for the majors' seventh no-hitter this year...

JUNE 25, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Washington visits Miami, looks to build on Ross' strong performance

Washington looks to follow up a dominant outing by Thursday starter Joe Ross

JUNE 25, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Trea Turner - Scores twice, reaches base thrice Turner went 1-for-3 with two walks and two runs scored in Thursday's 7-3 win over the Marlins.

Impact Turner reached base safely three times on two walks and a single and scored in the second and seventh innings on doubles by Juan Soto. The shortstop is slashing .315/.365/.481 with 34 RBI and 41 runs in 315 plate appearances. He still has premium power and speed, with 11 long balls and 15 steals this season.

JUNE 25, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Juan Soto - Doubles twice, drives in two Soto went 2-for-5 with two doubles, two RBI and a run scored in Thursday's 7-3 win over the Marlins.

Impact Soto doubled off Cody Poteet in the second inning, knocking in Trea Turner. He added another double in the seventh, scoring Turner for a second time. Soto is slashing .277/.402/.432 with eight home runs, 45 RBI and 40 runs in 259 plate appearances. He has reached base safely in 11 straight games.

JUNE 25, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Joe Ross - Dominant over Marlins Ross (4-7) fired seven scoreless innings on four hits and two walks while striking out eight to earn the win over the Marlins on Thursday.

Impact Ross dominated the Marlins in his second-best performance of the season. In his last four appearances, he has three quality, scoreless starts. The 28-year-old has a 4.12 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP with 73 strikeouts in 74.1 innings. His next start is scheduled for Tuesday against the Rays.

JUNE 25, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Kyle Schwarber - Two more home runs Schwarber went 2-for-4 with two home runs, four RBI and a walk in Thursday's 7-3 win over the Marlins.

Impact Schwarber homered in each of the first two innings off Cody Poteet, totaling four RBI in the game. The 28-year-old is on an impressive power streak with eight bombs in his last five games. His 21 home runs are just one shy of Fernando Tatis for the most in the National League. Since becoming the everyday leadoff hitter, Schwarber is slashing .359/.409/1.051 in 10 games. He is batting .245 on the season with a .874 OPS and 49 RBI.

JUNE 25, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Schwarber's 11th, 12th HRs in 13 games lifts Nationals

Kyle Schwarber homered twice, raising his season total to 21 by hitting 12 in his past 13 games, and the Washington Nationals beat the Miami Marlins 7-3 for their 10th win in 11 ga...

JUNE 25, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Cubs fans react to Kyle Schwarber's historic HR tear with Nats While Chicago can't buy a hit, Kyle Schwarber is on a historic tear for the Nationals and it has Cubs fans in their feelings. It's been an i...

JUNE 25, 2021 • FANSIDED.COM

Kyle Schwarber, discarded by Cubs in offseason, hitting homers at historic rate for Nationals Chicago thought the slugging outfielder was too expensive to keep. Washington is reaping the rewards of bringing him on in the offseason.

JUNE 25, 2021 • SPORTINGNEWS.COM

Josh Bell - Dealing with side soreness Bell was scratched from Thursday's lineup with right side soreness and will get an MRI, Maria Torres of The Athletic reports.

Impact Bell was both scratched and held out of batting practice due to the discomfort. It's unclear if the injury will cause him to be placed on the injured list, though the results of the MRI should provide clarity to the situation. If Bell remains sidelined, Ryan Zimmerman figures to get the majority of playing time at first base.

JUNE 25, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Schwarbs: 2 HRs in first 2 innings vs. Marlins When Kyle Schwarber signed a one-year deal with the Nationals in January following a down 2020 season in Chicago, the slugging left fielder...

JUNE 25, 2021 • MLB.COM

Jordy Mercer - Receives lip stitches Mercer may only be available in an emergency Thursday at Miami after receiving three stitches in his lip, Maria Torres of The Athletic reports.

Impact The veteran infielder had a grounder pop up and hit him in the mouth during the ninth inning of Wednesday's win over the Phillies, though he remained in the contest since the Nationals were out of bench players. It doesn't appear to be a serious injury, but Mercer's usage may be limited for a couple days while he deals with the discomfort.

JUNE 24, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Josh Bell - Scratched from Thursday's lineup Bell was scratched from Thursday's lineup for undisclosed reasons, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

Impact Bell was penciled in to start at first base and bat cleanup for the Nationals, but he didn't take batting practice and has now been removed from the lineup. He appears to be dealing with an injury, though the specifics remain unclear. Ryan Zimmerman has replaced him in the lineup for Washington.

JUNE 24, 2021 • ROTOWIRE