On a day in which we celebrate our freedom, the Nationals sit on the precipice of a dilemma. With today’s loss to Boston, they’ve lost five straight falling seven games behind Philadelphia in their division and to fifth spot outside the second Wild Card spot. There’s time to recover, but saying time exists and showing signs of making a push remain two separate entities.

Max Scherzer ’s lost his last four starts, Bryce Harper ’s hitting .215 while leading the National League in walks and second in home runs, Stephen Strasburg ’s working his way back but they might have lost Erik Fedde. Their restructured bullpen anchored by Sean Doolittle does not have swing and miss arms outside of him. Daniel Murphy ’s trying to return to second base but lingering issues with his knee has prohibited him from moving their full-time. Plus, the emergence of Juan Soto ’s been overshadowed by the return of Adam Eaton and finding time for Michael Taylor who leads the majors in steals.

With a farm system lacking pieces to make major moves, the Nationals will be limited to players with expiring contracts in which they will have to absorb. Less than ideal. If the Dodgers go all in adding a starting pitcher and bullpen arms, Manny Machado moves to a team in the Nationals division, things will get very intriguing for a team who desperately needs a win streak but lacking the results. Almost like they’re running to stand still.

 

That Just Happened

Eduardo Rodríguez threw six scoreless innings limiting the Nationals to three hits and a walk with six strikeouts. He’s already matched his career high in wins with his 10th prior to the All-Star break. Even better, Boston’s 14-3 when Rodriguez starts.

Save number 26 for Craig Kimbrel despite yielding two hits with two strikeouts. The two hits represent the first ones allowed over his last 6.2 innings with 10 strikeouts but five walks. Kimbrel’s allowed more traffic on the bases this year but still remains a top five closer going forward.

Amidst all the Braves breakouts, Johan Camargo seems overlooked in a strong lineup with additions like Ozzie Albies and Ronald Acuna Jr. Camargo extended his hit streak to 10 games with his ninth home run. He’s hitting .357 within the streak (15-for-42) and has 16 RBI his last 18 games.

Both Aaron Judge (24) and Giancarlo Stanton (21) homered in the Yankees win. Judge loves hitting in the Bronx and has three home runs with two stolen bases his last six games. For those freaking out about Stanton:

 

In the you cannot make this up department, Kyle Higashioka has three hits as a major league player, all three have left the yard.

Jose Urena returned from the disabled list with five shutout innings and six strikeouts against a tired Rays team. Brad Ziegler notched his 10th save giving up a walk and a striking out one. Ziegler’s recorded scoreless outings in 15 of his last 16 with a 0.53 ERA and 14 strikeouts. He’s going to a contender soon and he will fly under the radar but produce in a setup role.

Speaking of unknown Marlins, J.T. Riddle went three for four with two runs, a triple and a home run in Wednesday’s game. Over his last nine games, Riddle’s hitting .359 (14-for-39) with three doubles, two home runs and seven RBI.

Willson Contreras is too talented to not produce. He’s heating up for the Cubs with the second half looming. Contreras doubled and homered against the Tigers driving in three. He’s 14 for his last 30 (.467) and hit safely in 10 of his last 11 games.

After getting yesterday off, Brandon Morrow returned to the ninth inning securing his 19th save. He’s saved 12 in a row and 19 out of 20 this season. As long as he stays healthy, Morrow’s a nice asset in fantasy, but health’s been a problem with back issues this year. Therein lies the rub.

 

Night Moves

Milwaukee’s Travis Shaw has been playing through wrist issues. He slumped to a .200/.361/.323 line in June in 65 at-bats with only one home run after hitting eight home runs in 92 at-bats in May. Shaw did homer in today’s game and will use the break to get healthier. He’s also taking ground balls at second base in case the Brewers add a third baseman for the stretch run.

Gleyber Torres landed on the 10-day disabled list after the Yankees game due to a right hip strain. They will use Neil Walker for a majority of time at second with Brandon Drury to back him up. Masahiro Tanaka will make his rehab start slated for five innings or 70 pitches, whichever comes first.

Stop the presses, Yoenis Céspedes has resumed baseball activities. Planning on him back in the lineup prior to the break could be a reach.

Freddie Freeman left his game early due to a contusion on his arm. Freeman described the area still feeling dead after the game (triceps).

 

What To Watch For

Pittsburgh will send a rookie to the mound against the home run binging Dodgers. Max Muncy and Joc Pederson will be salivating, taking the over on this one.

Nolan Arenado ’s bounced back hitting nine home runs in his last 14 games. Could Charlie Blackmon be next? His fantasy owners hope so. Blackmon showed signs of life with a dinger last night but faces a southpaw tonight in Coors.

Tracking how Marcus Stroman pitches against the Mets. He’s done well since returning from the disabled list and should benefit from the matchup.

Could another shootout ensue at Great American Ballpark between the White Sox and the Reds? Absolutely. Get your Avisail García and Scooter Gennett shares.

Two breakout pitchers will square off in Arizona with Patrick Corbin facing Miles Mikolas .

Be sure to check back in the morning for the latest news and fantasy trends of note. Happy July fourth and be safe.

 

Statistical Credits:

MLB.com

Fangraphs.com