The Morning Briefing: With the Mets series over, Nationals head on the road

Washington Nationals and Major League Baseball headlines, news, and the latest news for June 21, 2021

by Richard Wachtel

Updated June 21, 2021

The Morning Briefing: With the Mets series over, Nationals head on the road

Good Monday morning, Washington Nationals fans!

This Week’s Games:

Tuesday, June 22, 2021: Washington Nationals vs. Philadelphia Phillies; 7:05 pm EST
Wednesday, June 23, 2021: Washington Nationals vs. Philadelphia Phillies; 1:05 pm EST
Thursday, June 24, 2021: Washington Nationals vs. Miami Marlins; 7:10 pm EST
Friday, June 25, 2021: Washington Nationals vs. Miami Marlins; 7:10 pm EST
Saturday, June 26, 2021: Washington Nationals vs. Miami Marlins; 4:10 pm EST

Today’s Top Story: Kyle Schwarber powers Nationals to secure series win against first-place Mets

Coming into this weekend, there was a lot of pressure on the Washington Nationals as the first-place New York Mets came to town for a four-game series. A lot was on the line, and many, including myself, felt that if the Nationals are going to make any serious run and try to climb in the standings, they would have to win or even sweep the New York Mets.

In addition to Kyle Schwarber’s great weekend, the Nationals also brought up fan-favorite Gerardo Parra. Parra made his 2021 Major League appearance in the bottom of the seventh, when Nats Park as a whole chomped along to Parra’s walk-up song: "Baby Shark." Within three pitches, Parra hit a double down the third base line and the Nationals crowd went nuts. A pitch later, Kyle Schwarber hit his third home run of the game and put the Nationals in command of the game.

Read the full article/recap of Sunday’s Game.

The Nationals Hit the Road this Week; Face the Phillies and Marlins

The Nationals will hit the road this week for a two-city road trip after finishing the longest homestand of the year. They will first travel up I-95 to the city of Brotherly Love for a quick two-game series against the second-place Phillies. Currently, the Nationals are only one game back of the Phillies. If the Nationals can sweep the Phillies, the Nationals will be in second place heading to Miami to face the Marlins.

One piece of good news: it is looking like Max Scherzer will be the starting pitcher on Tuesday night. We will have more information as it becomes available, so make sure that you follow us on Twitter for the latest.

Hopefully the Nationals can end the month of June within striking distance of the New York Mets for a chance to win the NL East. There is a long way to go, but either way, hang on, it’s going to get interesting.

Brandon will have the series preview later today on the site.

Perspective: What should the Nationals do if they become “buyers” at the trade deadline?

Brandon takes a look at what the Nationals should do at the trade deadline if they become “buyers."

From the article: “Looking this roster over, it is obvious that the main need are some bats and that comes with improving infield pieces. The outfield is pretty set with Schwarber heating up, Soto being Soto, and Robles being a plus defender in center field. Two positions I have identified that could use an upgrade are second base and the obvious third base position.

First, taking a look at second base, it has been primarily occupied by Josh Harrison and he has done a pretty decent job there this season. But it is still not considered “strong” and when he has to sit out a game, there is usually no Luis Garcia to replace him since he spends the majority of his time in Rochester. Harrison is batting .265, has a .344 OBP, .721 OPS and only four home runs on the season.”

Read the full article here.