MLB: Nats owner explains stance

In a letter to fans, Nationals principal owner

Mark Lerner on Wednesday acknowledged the organization seriously considered a roster makeover ahead of Tuesday’s non-waiver trade deadline before deciding not to make wholesale alterations to a disappointing club that was a game under .500 on deadline day.

“In spite of a player payroll that exceeds $200 million — the second highest in baseball — and exceeding the luxury tax threshold, so far this season has not lived up to everyone’s expectations,” Lerner wrote. “The trade deadline forced us to take a hard look at the roster and contemplate whether to keep the team we have for the remainder of the season or make significant changes. At the end of the day, my family and [General Manager] Mike Rizzo decided that we just couldn’t give up on this team.”

Washington had multiple trades involving multiple players, including Bryce Harper, in place Monday night, but ownership backed out, according to people with knowledge of the situation.

In Seattle, Marwin Gonzalez hit two of Houston’s four home runs, and the Astros knocked the Mariners from the lead for the second AL wild card.

Houston has a five-game cushion over Seattle in the AL West and dropped the Mariners into a tie with surging Oakland for the second AL wild-card spot. The Giants announced that pitcher

Johnny Cueto, 32, will have Tommy John surgery Thursday and will miss all of next season.

Rays shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria was designated for assignment to open a roster spot for outfielder Tommy Pham.