18 Washington Nationals (Fedde) @ Philadelphia Phillies (Pivetta)

LoneStarPhan 2018-06-30 02:54:17 UTC #141

Not much to say tonight.

Back tomorrow with a chance for a win.

Homestand now 2-3. Record falls to 43-37. Nationals 42-38.

zambonir 2018-06-30 03:14:17 UTC #142

It was hard to imagine Hector sticking with three guys coming off the DL, even if Davis and/or Curtis won't either. I don't think it much matters tonight though, just like I don't think the signs of offensive life matter. It's cool that they didn't give up, but if the game had been 4-0 or even just 7-0 they would have been pitched to differently, so there's no what-might've-been.

DurhamBull 2018-06-30 03:15:45 UTC #143

Valentin didn't pitch! That's not nothing.

LoneStarPhan 2018-06-30 08:14:26 UTC #144

On the plus side, Dominguez didn't pitch tonight so should be ready for the game later today (Sat).

Perhaps that is countered by knowing that Morgan and Hunter are in the same boat.

We really need Velasquez to pitch well and go at least six innings.

Austinfan 2018-06-30 12:11:59 UTC #145

Pivetta is struggling, wouldn't surprise me if he was sent down (does he have options left?) and De Los Santos promoted.
It's something mechanical I think, his command of both the FB and curve are off, but also the FB lacks the movement he had earlier in the year, a straight FB over the plate between the knees and waist screams "hit me" even if it's 95 MPH.

Kingery might be finally getting it together.

Looking like Santana was the better FA acquisition, since his slow start has been the steadiest player in the lineup.

zambonir 2018-06-30 17:01:42 UTC #146

I think they will stick with Pivetta unless or until they make a trade. Promoting someone who pitches great for four weeks still doesn't really tell you they are better than Pivetta, or ready to finish the season. A lot of people have had a rough June (and a big part of that is the schedule).