Saunday: In addition to Doolittle and Zimmerman, the club also activated Jeremy Hellickson from the 60-day injured list and lefty reliever Roenis Elías from the 10-day IL.
Saturday: The streaking Nationals, at 8-2 over their last ten games, are doing seemingly everything needed to retain their claim on the premier Wild Card spot in the National League. Now comes word that Sunday will see the club welcoming back two veteran reinforcements to the active roster, as Byron Kerr of MASN reports that reliever Sean Doolittle and first baseman Ryan Zimmerman are both expected to return to Dave Martinez’s dugout in time for tomorrow’s game against the Marlins (link).
Though adding two grizzled vets to a contending roster can always pay intangible dividends, it will be hard for D.C. to know what to expect in terms of on-field contributions from these two players. Doolittle, for his part, was placed on the injured list on August 18th with a knee injury that was suddenly brought to light after a string of rough appearances in the closing spotlight. Over his last ten appearances before being injured, Doolittle allowed seven home runs–a factor that played a large role in doubling his ERA from 2.72 to 4.33. Still, Martinez has made it clear that Doolittle will resume closing duties for the club upon activation.
Zimmerman, at 34, is far removed from his heyday as a 6 WAR player at the end of the last decade. Though he provided above-average offensive contributions in 2017 (137 wRC+) and 2018 (118 wRC+), this season has been truncated by injuries and defined by sub-par output at the plate. Across 132 at-bats in 2019, Zimmerman is slashing .246/.311/.390 (79 wRC+). He has been out since July 21st with a lingering foot issue.
Unfortunately, the braves are doing just as well.
Don’t worry all they have to do is hold on to the wildcard slot and they are a surefire winner in the wildcard game
Would like to think that. But historically the Nats have found a way to not have success in October. And a WC game most likely means burning a Scherzer start which could have a significant impact on the 1st round
the wild card game is far from a sure bet, and the Nats are certianly not thr best team to ever make a wild card.
Their upcoming series against the Braves will probably decide who will win the division and who will take one of the wild card spots. The Nats probably should not worry either way. The Braves need the division.
The Braves have more room for error than Washington does. The Braves don’t need the division. They’ll win it, but they don’t need it.
We need the division bro lol..not only will the WC game burn Kuechel or Soroka but it insures we don’t face LA
Nats will be fine as long as they take care of buissness. they’re in control in the 1st wild card spot and dont need to win the division to get in. not having to play a one-game playoff is great, but they should at least have the upper hand in the game.