Five news and observations from the Washington Nationals

Washington, D.C.- Thank goodness the Nationals will not be playing the San Diego Padres this season. Man, that series was rough.

Here are five things we learned about the Nationals this week...

The San Diego Padres' Absence of Relief

Washington Nationals fans can breathe a sigh of relief. After a rough series against the San Diego Padres, capped off by a no-hitter from Dylan Cease, the Nationals won't face them again this season. Some might say it's payback for the Juan Soto trade, but regardless, the Nationals are done with their nemesis for now.

If the Nats never played the Padres this year, the Nats would be 3-games under .500 at 47-50. And the Padres would be 1-game under .500 at 49-50.

In the first game between the two teams on June 24, the Nats were up 3-runs in the final inning when Hunter Harvey gave up that hit…
— Talk Nats (@TalkNats) July 26, 2024

Trade Deadline Buzz

The trade deadline is upon us, and the Nationals are expected to be sellers. This morning's news of the Seattle Mariners acquiring Randy Arozarena adds fuel to the fire. With Thomas now boasting the longest on-base streak in the Majors (22 games), could the Nationals use this opportunity to trade him?

Over the stretch, Thomas is batting .268/.375/.329 with 22 hits and 11 walks. It is the longest on-base streak by a Nationals player this season and the second-longest on-base streak of his career, behind a 26-game stretch in 2023.

Another potential trade candidate is closer Kyle Finnegan. His 2.23 ERA and 28 saves make him an attractive option for teams needing bullpen help. However, with team control through 2025, what kind of return can the Nationals expect for Finnegan? According to The Athletic, the Philadelphia Phillies have shown interest in both Thomas and Finnegan.

Josiah Gray's Season-Ending Surgery

News broke this week that Nationals pitcher Josiah Gray will undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery. According to Dave Martinez, RHP Josiah Gray underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery and an internal brace procedure performed by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Keith Meister in Arlington to address a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament on Wednesday.

"He had a reconstruction,” said manager Dave Martinez. “He’s going to miss time, as we all know, but he’s doing well. He feels good about it.”

Gray was placed on the injured list on April 9 (retroactive to April 6) because of a right elbow/forearm flexor strain. He made five rehab starts, progressing to Triple-A, but he was shut down after allowing seven runs in three innings with Rochester on June 30.

Stone Garrett: A Potential Replacement

Outfielder Stone Garrett has been on fire in Triple-A Rochester. His impressive performance (.625 slugging percentage, 1.038 OPS) suggests he might be called to the majors if Lane Thomas is traded.

Nationals Sign Luke Dickerson

The Nationals made a splash in the draft, signing second-round pick Luke Dickerson for a record-breaking $3.8 million. This is the highest bonus pool signing for players drafted outside the first and supplemental first rounds.

The Nationals will travel to St. Louis to begin a weekend series against the Cardinals. The first pitch is scheduled for Friday at 8:15 p.m. ET.