Good Morning Washington Nationals Fan,

Here are the latest headlines and analyses around the Washington Nationals and Major League Baseball for today, August 28th. My name is Haden Raymer. Let’s talk about Drew Millas being promoted and last night’s loss.

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Leading today’s Morning Briefing: Nationals promote Drew Millas

Yesterday the Nationals announced they were selecting the contract of catcher Drew Millas. Millas, who was acquired from the Oakland A’s in the Josh Harrison and Yan Gomes trade, started the year in Double-A.

The question with Millas was if he was ever going to hit enough, most exemplified by his 2022 season with the Nationals, where he struck out in over 30 percent of his at-bats in Double-A Harrisburg. This year he’s cut that rate by over half, as he has only struck out in 14.4 percent of his plate appearances since being promoted to Triple-A Rochester. He carried a .270/.362/.403 line at that level this season.

Millas figures to be a strong complement to the current catchers on the roster thanks to his strong defensive skills. FanGraphs went as far as to rate him as one of the top six defensive catchers in the minors, with his present defense being in the top three.

Millas is the second player to make their debut in the past week, with outfielder Jacob Young being called up to replace Stone Garrett. Young will begin playing every day, but with the Nationals carrying three catchers, playing time for Millas will be more scarce.

Nationals lose to Toronto Blue Jays

Last night, the Nationals dropped game one of the three-game series to the Toronto Blue Jays 6-3. Josiah Gray had a rough outing, only going two innings while allowing four runs. The bullpen managed to keep it close, allowing only two runs over the remaining six innings.

CJ Abrams went 3-5 with three stolen bases. Joey Meneses went 2-4 with a double.

CJ Abrams is our Player of the Game. Tonight the Nationals will run it back against the Blue Jays at 7:07 p.m. on MASN2.

Must read on the Nats Report: Stephen Strasburg’s Impact on the Washington Nationals

Stephen Strasburg's journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring young pitchers, reminding them that with dedication and determination, they too can achieve greatness on the mound.

I recently shared my thoughts on Stephen Strasburg and his impact on the Washington Nationals on the Nats Report, Check it out here.

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Down on the Farm

The Rochester Red Wings will begin a home series against the Scranton Wilkes-Barre RailRiders.

The Harrisburg Senators will begin a series on the road against the Binghamton Rumble Ponies.

The Wilmington Blue Rocks will begin a series at home against the Hudson Valley Renegades.

The FredNats will begin a series at home against the Lynchburg Hillcats.

Featured Stories of the Day from around Major League Baseball

• Stephen Strasburg, at the End via FanGraphs
• Felix Bautista’s season is likely over with a UCL tear via FanGraphs

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