WASHINGTON NATIONALS (48-48, 3RD PLACE, NL EAST) BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT
BIG PICTURE
The Nationals were hit hard by injuries early, but as they got healthier they continued to underperform. After rallying to go 11 games over .500 and take over first place in the division in early June, they lost 17 of 22 to fall below .500 and a season-high seven games out of first place in early July. The focus is on Bryce
Harper, who will be a free agent at the end of the season and has by far the lowest batting average (.214) of his career.
BEST PERFORMANCE
Max Scherzer has won the National League Cy Young Award the last two seasons, and nothing he did in the first half suggests he won’t win it again. He’s 12-5 with a 2.41 ERA, which is better than his winning numbers in 2016 and 2017.
BIGGEST SURPRISE
The Nationals had high hopes for 19year-old outfielder Juan Soto, but they never planned that a kid who began the season in low Class A would be in their major league outfield before the end of May and be hitting .301 with nine homers at the break. Soto got there because of injuries and his own strong performance at three levels of the minor leagues. The Nationals as a whole fit this category. It can’t be pinned on one player.
TRADE-DEADLINE FORECAST
Aggressive general manager Mike Rizzo acquired reliever Kelvin Herrera in June and figures to seek more help.
KEY SERIES
vs. Atlanta Braves July 20-22
Danny Knobler