The last time Max Scherzer was listed as the starting pitcher, the Nationals were deep in a 5-game losing streak. Like the great stoppers, Scherzer threw an absolute gem in a complete game shutout to secure the much needed win for the Nationals who are now embroiled in another losing streak. This skid is at 3-games.
For today, Anthony Rendon is not in the starting line-up due to a swollen toe on his foot that he suffered on a foul ball he hit off of the tip of his cleat. Rendon was removed from yesterday’s game and x-rays showed no broken bone. Add to that what we suspected yesterday that Brian Goodwin was not healthy as he was not used in a pinch-hitting spot he would normally take in the 7th inning with bases empty. Goodwin was a late scratch today with what the Nationals officially said, “Brian Goodwin has been scratched with a sore left wrist.”
Without unfettered access, we turned to beat writer Byron Kerr to check on Goodwin’s health two days ago and received a “good to go” directly from Goodwin via Kerr.
Yes. Just fine but maybe davey has more on this
— Byron Kerr (@masnKerr) April 12, 2018
Brian goodwin told me he is good to go. No concerns. Ready to play
— Byron Kerr (@masnKerr) April 12, 2018
What can you do when a player tells you he is okay when he knew he was not. Not the first time that has happened. Goodwin’s absence has now spread over 3 games, and gives the Nationals a much weaker offense/defense.
In addition, Nolan Arenado has decided to start sitting out his suspension from a brawl on Wednesday against the San Diego Padres. Charlie Blackmon is back in the line-up after he was nursing a sore leg.
Colorado Rockies vs. Washington Nationals
Stadium: Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.
1st Pitch: 1:05 pm EDT
TV: MASN2; MLB App out-of-market
Nats Radio: 106.7 The Fan and via the MLB app
Line-ups subject to change without notice:
- Trea Turner SS
- Wilmer Difo 2B
- Bryce Harper RF
- Matt Adams 1B
- Matt Wieters C
- Michael Taylor CF
- Moises Sierra LF
- Matt Reynolds 3B
- Max Scherzer RHP
