Good Morning Washington Nationals Fan,

Here are the latest headlines and analyses around the Washington Nationals and Major League Baseball for today, October 13, 2023. I am Haden Raymer, let’s dive into the news.

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Leading today’s Morning Briefing: Harper and the Philadelphia Phillies

Last night, the Philadelphia Phillies won the NLDS. After Bryce Harper got doubled up to end the game on Monday night, Jake Mintz of Fox Sports became national baseball news for publishing a quote from Braves shortstop Orlando Arcia, who was repeatedly saying “Atta boy Harper” while laughing in the clubhouse after the game. Now Arcia was not talking to Mintz, but there were many reporters and TV cameras in the room. The Washington Post’s Chelsea Janes had audio, but no name to tie it to.

After that quote got out, Harper had one of the best games of his career, in which he hit two home runs to power the Phillies to a 10-2 win. While trotting around the bases, Harper stared down Arcia while rounding second. Last night Trea Turner was a triple short of the cycle, and Nick Castellanos hit two home runs. The Phillies won 3-1.

My take: As for the “atta boy Harper” quote, Arcia needs to show restraint when reporters are in the clubhouse if he doesn’t want that to get out. Mintz was completely within his right to publish the quote. His job is to report and there was never an established “off the record”. Arcia knows there are reporters and cameras in the clubhouse, and he should know what he says could end up in a story. It is not Mintz’s or anyone else’s job to protect the Braves from saying things that could motivate the other team. The Phillies outscored the Braves by 12 runs in this series. Play better baseball, and no one would have cared.

Join the Conversation

In our discussion thread, we are discussing whether MLB should change the postseason format. You can join the conversation here.

MLB Postseason Continues

The MLB Postseason continues with the Division Series Round.

Phillies 3, Braves 1:  Along with the offense that Turner and Castellanos provided, the Phillies pitching dominated the Braves. Manager Rob Thompson was aggressive with his pitching changes and used five different relievers to navigate the last four innings. Craig Kimbrel and Jose Alvarado got big outs in the middle of that, and Matt Strahm earned the save. Ranger Suárez threw five innings of one-run baseball.

Diamondbacks 4, Dodgers 2: The Diamondbacks beat the Dodgers 4-2 again. The Diamondbacks put up four runs in the bottom of the third thanks to four solo shots from Ketel Marte, Christian Walker, Gabriel Moreno, and Gerlado Perdomo. Paul Sewald earned the save. The Diamondbacks will now take on the Phillies in the NLCS.

Astros 3, Twins 2: All the Astros needed were home runs from Michael Brantley and Jose Abreu. Jose Urquidy was an out shy of a quality start. Ryan Pressly struck out the side to earn the save. Royce Lewis tried his best to power the Twins to the playoffs, hitting a home run in the bottom of the first, but not much offense happened outside of him and fellow rookie Edouard Julien. The Astros will not take on the Texas Rangers in the ALCS.

Featured Story of the Day

Wander Franco is hoping to be able to play in Dominican Winter Ball via Tampa Bay Times

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