Washington Nationals

The Washington Nationals currently lead the NL East in baseball with a 42-34 record, and are 8-2 in their last 10 games. The NY Mets, Atlanta Braves, Miami Marlins and Philadelphia Phillies are the team’s division rivals (listed in order of current standing).

Last week, Nationals pitcher Jordan Zimmerman and center fielder Michael Taylor helped lead Washington to 5 wins in one week! The team has had to rely on its bench this season after first basemen Ryan Zimmerman, left fielder Jayson Werth and second basemen Anthony Rendon all suffered injuries. Zimmerman has been out since early June due to plantar fasciitis, Werth has suffered 2 small fractures in his left wrist and Rendon has left quad strain.

The bench has helped contribute to the Nationals’ leading position in the NL East. Second basemen Danny Espinosa and Dan Uggla as well as outfielder Clinton Robinson, have also been instrumental in the team’s recent success. Robinson has performed very well when batting. Uggla is reported to be a team leader and a positive influence for the other players. This is his first season as a reserve player and he is reported saying he is enjoying himself. Espinosa has played often this season, including each infield position as well as left field. The team collectively has scored 108 runs in June.

2 weeks ago, Washington swept the Pittsburgh Pirates in a 3-game home series, before moving on to sweep the Braves in another 3-game series. The team then won 2-3 games against the Phillies on the road, most recently losing, 5-8. The Nationals are facing a 3-game away series with the Braves and will then face off against the reigning World Series Championship team, the San Francisco Giants, at home over the holiday weekend.

Success will continue for the Nationals if the bench remains up for the challenge and continues to step up, filling the team’s voids as a result of injuries. Staying healthy and staying focused is critical to the team remaining victorious and maintaining its leading NL East spot.