Any hope Nationals fans might have had that top pitching prospect Travis Sykora might finish 2026 in the major league rotation went up in smoke yesterday, as the team announced that an MRI (he left a start after one inning not long ago) revealed a torn UCL and he will have Tommy John surgery in a couple of weeks. That is a huge blow not just to the hopeful 2026 Nationals but perhaps also to the 2025 Nationals, as there are reasons to think that this makes a potential trade of MacKenzie Gore more likely rather than less. Sykora being shelved for all of 2026 lowers the odds of the Nats remaining frisky for a wild card all season unless (ha ha) the Lerners authorize Mike DeBartolo or whomever they hire to fill that role to spend some real money (slapping my knee, doubled over, etc.) - which might be enough to tip the scales to trade Gore now. But it might not; we shall see.

Regardless, it is very unfortunate for Sykora and the Nats that he will be out until (likely) spring training 2027.

Click here to read our interview with Sykora

Is Brad Lord the second-best member of the Nats’ rotation right now? In his second start since being returned to the rotation, Lord recorded sixteen outs and allowed just one run, one hit, and one walk…on a mere fifty-nine pitches. From there, four relievers held the Astros scoreless, and Riley Adams delivered an opposite-field home run for a 2-1 win. Adams had two of the Nats’ four hits against Framber Valdez and three relievers.

Ryne Sandberg, Hall of Famer, 1984 National League MVP, and one of the greatest second basemen of all time, passed away yesterday at the age of 65. He was a unicorn for his time, a second baseman who was both a sterling defender and could hit for power (403 doubles, 282 home runs). Sandberg and contemporary Lou Whitaker followed in the footsteps of Joe Morgan and Bobby Grich before them in providing both leather and lumber at what had historically been a position for little guys and slap hitters. RIP to one of the best to ever do it.

📌 Charlie Morton feels 'just regret' for Orioles failings at MLB trade deadline (USA Today)

📌 Sources: Phillies' Bryce Harper cussed out Rob Manfred in meeting (ESPN)

📌 Guardians' Emmanuel Clase Placed on Leave Amid MLB's Sports-Betting Investigation (FOX Sports)