Trump may attend Series
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said Thursday that he will attend World Series Game 5 on Sunday, if the game is required, at Nationals Park.
A Nationals team spokesperson said the president would not deliver a ceremonial first pitch if he attends, however.
Trump is the first president since William Howard Taft not to have thrown a pregame pitch at a Major League Baseball game, although he took part in pregame activities before being elected.
Nationals pitcher Anibal Sanchez, who is from Venezuela, was asked at Thursday’s workout day if he would take issue with the president attending, given that some Hispanic players have criticized Trump for immigration policies.
“He’s the president of this country,” Sanchez said. “If he (wants) to come to the game, it’s something that he (wants) to do. Of course, everybody has to respect that situation.”
Astros third baseman Alex Bregman, asked during a news conference if he had any thoughts on the president’s possible attendance, replied, “No.”
4 Astros finalists for Gold Glove Awards
Astros named as American League finalists for Gold Glove Awards for fielding Thursday included first baseman Yuli Gurriel, second baseman Jose Altuve, third baseman Alex Bregman and right fielder Josh Reddick.
In addition, righthander Zack Greinke was named as a National League finalist for his portion of the season with the Diamondbacks.
Meanwhile, Bregman of the Astros and Anthony Rendon of the Nationals, the former Lamar High School and Rice player, were announced as finalists in their respective leagues for the Players Choice Awards to be presented by the Major League Baseball Players Association.
Hinch has decision pending on Alvarez
If and when manager A.J. Hinch writes him into the lineup at Nationals Park with the designated hitter not in play, rookie Yordan Alvarez will take the field for only his 11th game as a major league outfielder.
Alvarez handled 11 chances in his 10 games in left field, with one assist and an error. He played 45 games this year in left at Class AAA Round Rock.
The question of whether to play Alvarez has taken on increased weight in light of his hitting performance during the World Series after struggling against the Rays and Yankees. He has three hits, all singles, with two walks and two strikeouts against the Nationals.
Hinch said that while he has been pleased with Alvarez’s at-bats against the Nationals, he has concerns about Alvarez’s challenges on defense at Nationals Park. He said Alvarez is not likely to start in Thursday’s Game 3.
“This is a really big left field, and I’m taking that into consideration,” he said. “(Offense) is important as it can be unless we don’t make a play in the outfield and I’ve got two guys out of position and we give up runs that way.
“If I’ve got to play three to six innings of defense in order to get those two at-bats … or do I wait for the big at-bat and have him pinch-hit. That’s the nature of managing, I’ll have to make that decision.”
Chance of weekend rain in the forecast
The National Weather Service office for Washington, D.C., has projected a 30 percent chance of rain Saturday, the date of World Series Game 4.
The Washington Post’s Capital Weather Gang also has set the chance of rain at 30 percent, with cloudy skies and temperatures in the mid-50s.
The National Weather Service forecast for Sunday, the day of a potential Game 5, includes a 60 percent chance of rain, but with showers ending before game time.
Nats tab lefty Corbin as Game 4 starter
The Nationals on Thursday said that lefthander Patrick Corbin would get the start in Game 4. The Astros have not disclosed a Game 4 starter.
Corbin pitched the sixth inning of Game 1 in relief of Max Scherzer, allowing one hit with two strikeouts.