Good Morning Washington Nationals Fan,

Here are the latest headlines and analyses around the Washington Nationals and Major League Baseball for today, August 25th. My name is Haden Raymer and this is your morning briefing. Yesterday the news broke that Stephen Strasburg was set to retire. Let’s talk about it.

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Leading today’s Morning Briefing: Stephen Strasburg set to retire in September

In the middle of yesterday’s Yankees game, news broke from Jesse Dougherty and Barry Svrluga that Stephen Strasburg was set to medically retire, with a press conference on September 9th to formally announce the retirement. It’s a sad, but expected move from Strasburg, who hasn’t thrown a major league pitch since June 9th, 2022.

This marks the end of an era for the Nationals franchise. Strasburg was one of the first of many homegrown stars to come to DC in the 2010s. With his retirement, the last major piece of the 2019 World Series team is gone, with only Victor Robles remaining.

Sitting here, it is strange to process. Stephen Strasburg retiring isn’t this big surprise. When the report came out in June that he was shut down from any physical activity, it became apparent that it was all going to happen much earlier than anyone else would like. Strasburg didn’t give up, his body did. I am sad that Strasburg the pitcher will never throw a pitch again, but I am beyond happy that Strasburg the person can begin to fully recover and hopefully be able to live a painless rest of his life.

Going through old stories about Strasburg, this one from after game six of the World Series stood out to me. I wish Strasburg nothing but the best and thank you for everything you have done for this organization.

From Richard: Last year, I had the opportunity to witness Stephen Strasburg up close and personal during one of his rehab starts with the Fredericksburg Nationals. Little did I know that it would be one of his final appearances as a pitcher for the Washington Nationals. Watching him on the field served as a vivid reminder of just how incredible a pitcher he was. (I'm currently working on an article for our website.)

Strasburg played a pivotal role in the Washington Nationals' triumphant 2019 World Series win, and fans will forever cherish memories of his MLB debut. However, it's now time to officially conclude the chapter on the 2010-2019 Washington Nationals and begin celebrating and looking forward to the future. This marks the end of an era, but it also signals the start of a new one.

Nationals take series against the Yankees

In yesterday’s game, the Nationals once again battled to a 6-5 victory over the New York Yankees. The Nationals were down heading into the seventh, but home runs from Alex Call and CJ Abrams gave the team the lead. Patrick Corbin threw a quality start and struck out seven over six innings.

You can read our full game recap here.

Alex Call was The Nats Report Player of the Game. The Nationals now travel to Miami to take on the Marlins. Game one of the series begins today at 6:40 p.m. on MASN2.

Commanders and Nationals announce partnership

The Commanders and Nationals have announced a partnership for upcoming home games for both teams. There will be special appearances, charity events, and other special crossover events.

Check out our page for more information.

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Down on the Farm

The Rochester Red Wings lost 4-3 to the Worcester Red Sox. Jacob Young went 2-4 with a home run. Darren Baker went 2-4 with a triple. Joe La Sorsa tossed two shutdown innings of relief.

The Harrisburg Senators lost 3-2 to the Reading Fightin Phils. Brady House hit a double. Tanner Rainey threw an inning, striking out two while not allowing a hit. Andrew Alvarez tossed 5.2 innings of three-run ball while striking out seven.

The Wilmington Blue Rocks won 7-1 to the Jersey Shore BlueClaws. Daylen Lile picked up two knocks. Andrew Pinckney and Yohandy Morales both got a hit. Kevin Made walked three times. Thad Ward tossed four scoreless innings in his rehab appearance. Jared McKenzie went 2-4.

The FredNats lost 2-1 against the Salem Red Sox. Elijah Nunez, Johnathan Thomas, and Leandro Emiliani were the only FredNats to record a hit. Nunez stole two bases. Riley Cornelio threw six innings of one-run ball, striking out seven batters.

Featured Stories of the Day

One Era Ends; Another Begins via TalkNats

Strasburg changed baseball in DC via The Washington Post

Stephen Strasburg possed generational talent - and he fulfilled it via Fox Sports

Stephen Strasburg set to retire via MASN