Soto is supposed to return today; Photo by Sol Tucker for TalkNats
In this two-game series with the Rays, it looks like a complete mismatch in the ERA comparisons with today’s starters. Anibal Sanchez is at 6.48 for his earned run average, and the Rays have lefty Ryan Yarbrough almost 3-runs better at 3.65. The first place Tampa Bay team had been scoring over five runs a game at a time that the Nats need to go on a prolonged winning streak. Which Anibal Sanchez shows up tonight? Sanchez had that one great start on August 23rd when he held the Marlins to one run over 7.0 innings. The rest of his starts have averaged 4.38 innings and a 7.86 ERA.
In his pre-game presser, manager Dave Martinez said “as of right now” Juan Soto is his designated hitter for tonight. They want to continue to rest Soto’s sore elbow from throwing on defense.
We still have not heard if Howie Kendrick, Asdrubal Cabrera, or Luis Garcia will be available. We know Garcia is dealing with a bruised heel, Cabrera with some back pain, and nothing disclosed this time with Kendrick who has been dealing with aches and pains all season although we have been told by a source he is out again.
The lineups should be out shortly, and there is a short time for the Nats to right their season that is teetering on a 15-25 record and needed pitchers not names Max Scherzer and Patrick Corbin to step up.
This game wraps up this quick two-game before a day-off tomorrow, and then next Tuesday the Nats travel to Tampa for a quick two-game series before a long Miami series after that to complete their Florida state schedule for the year.
Tampa Bay Rays vs. Washington Nationals
Stadium: Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.
1st Pitch: 6:05 pm EDT
TV: MASN; FOX Sports Sun; MLB Network (out-of-market); MLB App out-of-market
Nats Radio: 106.7 The Fan and via the MLB app
Line-ups subject to change without notice:
