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Spencer Nusbaum

@spencernusbaum.bsky.social
5.8K followers 240 following 554 posts

Washington Nationals reporter at The Athletic | Past: Washington Post | he/him

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Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Nationals fans: We're holding an end of season survey that seeks your takes on ownership, the 2026 season, the winter ahead and more. Chime in: www.nytimes.com/athletic/761...
nytimes.com
Nationals fan survey: Top offseason priorities and other burning questions
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Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
Final: Nationals 9, Marlins 2 Big day for the team's 23-year-olds: Jackson Kent delivered on a 106-pitch / seven-inning leash, Daylen Lile tripled, Harry Ford homered and Brady House hit a 445-foot nuke that bounced on to the concourse. Record: 64-73
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Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Erik Tolman thought they were going to amputate his leg. There was a chance he would never walk normally again. Now, he’s a big leaguer. Free to read: www.nytimes.com/athletic/754...
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Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Shorter tweet: How has the Nats ownership group made you feel, and what would they have to do to earn / keep your trust? www.nytimes.com/athletic/mlb...
nytimes.com
Washington Nationals Discussion - The Athletic
Breaking Washington Nationals news and in-depth analysis from the best newsroom in sports. Follow your favorite clubs. Get the latest injury updates, player news and more from around the league.
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Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Hey Nats fans! Seeking your thoughts: What would an ownership group have to do to convince you they're the right stewards for the org? A spending spree this winter? Ballpark upgrades? Other minutiae? Hit me with your thoughts here: www.nytimes.com/athletic/mlb...
nytimes.com
Washington Nationals Discussion - The Athletic
Breaking Washington Nationals news and in-depth analysis from the best newsroom in sports. Follow your favorite clubs. Get the latest injury updates, player news and more from around the league.
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Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
CJ Abrams’ agent told The Athletic he is uneasy about the move to second base, but is eager to put the team first. Paul Toboni said if he was Abrams, he'd be upset too. On two sides who praised each other as strong partners and seek common ground: www.nytimes.com/athletic/752...
nytimes.com
CJ Abrams ‘not thrilled’ with change, agent says, but focus remains on Nationals (Gift Article)
The timing of Abrams' move from shortstop to second base — after the trade deadline, but before free agency — remains a point of contention
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Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
The Nationals are moving All-Star shortstop CJ Abrams to second base. Here's what you need to know about Abrams' reaction to the decision, and why the team said it is making this move now: www.nytimes.com/athletic/751...
nytimes.com
Nationals to move All-Star shortstop CJ Abrams to second base in surprising decision (Gift Article)
Blake Butera said Abrams received the decision well and was a "total pro," but the infielder didn't come across as overjoyed Friday.
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Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
After maximizing matchups all season, the Nats seem ready to shift their ethos further into “throw young guys in the fire” mode. Why that could make sense now, and why they’ll still have to be careful: www.nytimes.com/athletic/751...
nytimes.com
The Nationals threw their debuting rookie into the fire. Should they keep doing that? (Gift Article)
There is a lot of support for an overarching ethos that it's time to throw some more guys in the fire this season.
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Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Final: Cubs 8, Nationals 6 This was the Nats' 18th loss while scoring at least five runs. Lot of pitches, not a lot of whiffs. On the bright side, Brady House had three hits, while CJ Abrams, Dylan Crews and Jacob Young each homered. Record: 59-62
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Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Hey Nats fans! Holding a live chat today. Hit me with your questions or takes here: www.nytimes.com/athletic/mlb...
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Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
The Nationals will promote lefty Jackson Kent for his MLB debut this week, per sources. Jarlin Susana is also headed to High-A Wilmington and will pitch in an MiLB game for the first time in 11 months, per source. More on two of the org’s top arms: www.nytimes.com/athletic/750...
nytimes.com
Nationals to promote one of their top pitching prospects for stretch run: Sources
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Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
Final: Nationals 7, Reds 1 The Nationals just swept the Reds. Bullpen looked better. Lineup looked deeper. 1B platoon has crushed it. They have already scored more runs than the 05, 08, 11 and 22 Nats. Season is still alive. Record: 59-61
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Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
Final: Nationals 8, Reds 2 Quality at-bats from Andrés Chaparro and Abimelec Ortiz led the way as the Nats try to recreate Luis García Jr. in the aggregate. Andrew Alvarez also shined behind refined fastball command. That is a series win. Record: 58-61
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Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
That was a rough road trip for the Nats. Help could be on the way soon. What to know about the progress and timelines of Luis Perales and Jackson Kent: www.nytimes.com/athletic/749...
nytimes.com
Looking for hope in Nats' near future? Pitching help should be on the way
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Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Final: Phillies 7, Nationals 3 The Nats went 1-7 on the road trip. The depth of the lineup was tested. Miles Mikolas allowed 12 hits, tied for the third most in Nats history. Andrew Pinckney had his first big-league hit/homer, though, for a silver lining. Record: 56-61
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Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
How do you resuscitate your season? By telling a 37-year-old pitcher to lay down a bunt in extras the day before he reaches his 10th year of service time.
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Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Final: Nationals 10, Phillies 4 (11) The seven-game skid is over thanks to a go-ahead triple from CJ Abrams in the 11th and an RBI bunt from... Miles Mikolas, who became the first Nat older than 28 to get an AB this year. Record: 56-60
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Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
The most revealing element of the Nationals’ solid deadline: They held on to CJ Abrams. A look inside the team’s plan with Abrams, and what keeping him tells us about their priorities and the conundrum they face: www.nytimes.com/athletic/749...
nytimes.com
CJ Abrams remains. Here’s what that says about the Nationals’ rebuild (Gift Article)
The Nationals are too far ahead in their process to trade away players like Abrams — even if they're not quite yet World Series contenders
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Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Final: Phillies 6, Nationals 3 Some good (Ortiz homer, Alvarez early)... but Blake Butera was ejected, James Wood exited early and Derek Hill hit a go-ahead grand slam in the first game post-deadline to put the Nats on an L6. Record: 55-59
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Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
I'm answering any and all questions about the Nationals deadline at the link below, which also includes Paul Toboni's thoughts on Foster Griffin, CJ Abrams, the sell/buy decision and the impact of the recent skid: www.nytimes.com/athletic/mlb...
nytimes.com
Washington Nationals Discussion - The Athletic
Breaking Washington Nationals news and in-depth analysis from the best newsroom in sports. Follow your favorite clubs. Get the latest injury updates, player news and more from around the league.
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Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
The Nationals haven't spent much time internally on offers for CJ Abrams, according to a person familiar with their thinking. This doesn't explicitly rule it out. But the above corroborates league-wide sentiment that Abrams is unlikely to be moved. www.nytimes.com/athletic/liv...
nytimes.com
Nats not spending much time on CJ Abrams offers (Gift Article)
The Washington Nationals haven't spent much time internally discussing offers for CJ Abrams, according to a person familiar with their thinking who was granted anonymity to freely discuss the club’s o...
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Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Luis García Jr. told reporters he wanted to stay in DC past the deadline. He is now a Yankee, excited and sad to leave the org that raised him. “If everybody’s going to be sad that I’m leaving,” García said, “that means I’ve been doing things really good.” www.nytimes.com/athletic/748...
nytimes.com
Nationals trade infielder Luis García Jr. to Yankees in deal for 4 pitchers (Gift Article)
The 26-year-old García was a beloved member of the Nationals clubhouse.
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Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
CJ Abrams on Luis Garcia Jr.: “He was probably the first guy I really talked to, for real. Kind of grew up together. So it’s just tough.” www.nytimes.com/athletic/748...
nytimes.com
Nationals trade infielder Luis García Jr. to Yankees in deal for 4 pitchers (Gift Article)
The 26-year-old García was a beloved member of the Nationals clubhouse.
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Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
Nationals fans: I'm answering any and all questions about the Luis García Jr. trade here: www.nytimes.com/athletic/mlb...
nytimes.com
Washington Nationals Discussion - The Athletic
Breaking Washington Nationals news and in-depth analysis from the best newsroom in sports. Follow your favorite clubs. Get the latest injury updates, player news and more from around the league.
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Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
The Nationals have pitched to multiple teams that they are willing to trade from the surplus of position player talent in their farm system, per sources, though this is merely a partial picture of what is possible at their deadline. More in our live blog: www.nytimes.com/athletic/liv...
nytimes.com
Nationals open to moving farm system depth (Gift Article)
The Nationals have pitched to multiple teams that they are willing to trade from their surplus of position player talent in the farm system, according to people briefed on their plans who were granted...
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Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
All of the Nats’ recent games have been meaningful. But these next four in Atlanta? These are the big ones. Here’s what I saw from the team over the last week, and how it impacts games that could help determine their deadline decisions: www.nytimes.com/athletic/747...
nytimes.com
Three takeaways as the Nationals near a pivotal trade deadline (Gift Article)
Washington's four-game series at Atlanta is the team's most meaningful since it won the World Series in 2019.
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Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Final: Blue Jays 5, Nationals 2 Seven of the Nats' last eight losses were either a) decided by one run or b) saw the other team take a lead in the 7th, 8th or 9th. They are two back in the wild-card race as the deadline looms. Record: 55-54
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Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
The deadline is less than a week away. It felt like a good time to field your trade offers. Here’s a slew of mock trades for the Nats, and who says no… if anyone does: www.nytimes.com/athletic/747...
nytimes.com
Who says no to a CJ Abrams to Red Sox trade? Your best Nationals deadline ideas (Gift Article)
Teams have less than a week to pull off any trades. Our readers shared plenty of ideas
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Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
Nationals fans: Hit me with your mock trades and I’ll choose some of the best ones for our favorite deadline exercise: Who says no? Send them here: www.nytimes.com/athletic/mlb...
nytimes.com
Washington Nationals Discussion - The Athletic
Breaking Washington Nationals news and in-depth analysis from the best newsroom in sports. Follow your favorite clubs. Get the latest injury updates, player news and more from around the league.
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Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
Final: Blue Jays 3, Nationals 2 The Nats could not touch Toronto's bullpen, which allowed 4 hits across 6.1 frames in relief of Max Scherzer. One-run loss in which the tying run was 180 ft away will sting with six games left until the deadline. Record: 54-53
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Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
Final: Nationals 10, D-Backs 7 James Wood and CJ Abrams homered twice. Four others had at least two hits. The bullpen made it far too close. But the Nats held on, and the series win puts them one game back of D-Backs in the wild-card race. Record: 54-52
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Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
Hearing a little bit about the Foster Griffin market. In here: www.nytimes.com/athletic/mlb...
nytimes.com
Washington Nationals Discussion - The Athletic
Breaking Washington Nationals news and in-depth analysis from the best newsroom in sports. Follow your favorite clubs. Get the latest injury updates, player news and more from around the league.
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Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
Taking any and all questions on the Curtis Mead for Connelly Early trade in this chat, with some details from Toboni and Butera pinned. Ask away! www.nytimes.com/athletic/mlb...
nytimes.com
Washington Nationals Discussion - The Athletic
Breaking Washington Nationals news and in-depth analysis from the best newsroom in sports. Follow your favorite clubs. Get the latest injury updates, player news and more from around the league.
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Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
Answered your Qs about the Curtis Mead - Connelly Early trade, including what the Nats are losing in Mead and what this means for the future of the rotation and Brady House: www.nytimes.com/athletic/747...
nytimes.com
Grading Nationals’ trade for Connelly Early, and examining what Red Sox got in Curtis Mead (Gift Article)
The Athletic's Spencer Nusbaum fielded questions from readers right after the trade. Here's what it means for the team's deadline plans.
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Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
The Nationals are not shopping CJ Abrams, but teams are interested, and that could eventually force them to put real thought towards the idea of moving him. What we’re hearing about who is interested and what the Nats will weight, with @willsammon.bsky.social: www.nytimes.com/athletic/art...
nytimes.com
CJ Abrams’ electric season at the plate deepens dilemma for Nats at MLB trade deadline
CJ Abrams has lifted Washington to heights it did not expect to reach this season. Will he still be a Nat after the trade deadline?
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Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
Unsurprising: Rival evaluators expect the Nats to sell off some pieces at the trade deadline. More surprising: The team also plans to buy at least a little bit at the deadline, per source, (though what it adds could still be outweighed by what it sells): www.nytimes.com/athletic/746...
nytimes.com
Nationals’ trade deadline plan includes a new wrinkle: adding big-league help (Gift Article)
Rival evaluators expect Nationals will sell from their big-league roster, though a source says the team also plans to seek some additions
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Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Final: Nationals 8, Rockies 0 The Nationals combine for a shutout in Coors, thanks in large part to six scoreless from Cade Cavalli. Loud contact, smart swing decisions and hustle plays in the late innings help get them back over .500. Record: 52-51
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Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
The Nationals are calling (some) pitches from the dugout. What I’ve seen and heard, free to read: www.nytimes.com/athletic/746...
nytimes.com
Nationals are latest MLB team to adopt a trendy idea: Calling pitches from the dugout (Gift Article)
Coaches calling pitches from the dugout had been a staple of the college game, though it was frowned upon in the pros. That's changing.
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Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Final: Nationals 7, Rockies 3 Andrés Chaparro, Jacob Young and CJ Abrams went deep to lift the Nats, who now lead MLB in home runs. Riley Cornelio, Matt Krook and Tom Cosgrove combined for the bullpen's first scoreless showing this month. Record: 51-50
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Reposted by Spencer Nusbaum
Andrew Golden @andrewgolden.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
Warshan Hussin was 10, living in Iraq, when he watched his father get kidnapped and returned 24 hours later. His family emigrated to Syria, then Baltimore, where he joined a soccer program for refugees. On Hussin, who found home on the pitch:
thebanner.com
He emigrated from Iraq and was saved by soccer. Now he’s giving back.
Warshan Hussin dodged sniper fire as a child before being exiled from Iraq. He ended up in Baltimore, where a fledgling soccer program changed his life.
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Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
Story with @willsammon.bsky.social on the Luis García Jr. trade market: www.nytimes.com/athletic/745...
nytimes.com
Nationals’ Luis García Jr. gaining traction in trade talks as teams look for power bats (Gift Article)
The Nationals are still in the hunt for a wild-card spot but moving García could help them acquire pitchers who could help next season.
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Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
The Nationals have signed first-round pick Chris Hacopian to an under-slot deal of $5.7 million, per a source. Slot value of the 11th pick is $6,133,500.
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Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
The Nationals will recall top catching prospect Harry Ford after the break, per a source. The 23-year-old has a .705 OPS in Rochester this season, but a .911 OPS since June 1. More: www.nytimes.com/athletic/744...
nytimes.com
Nationals to promote prospect Harry Ford after catcher Drew Millas’ injury: Source (Gift Article)
Ford, the headliner in the offseason trade of Jose A. Ferrer, is expected to factor into the organization’s long-term plans.
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Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
“It is an unproven theory right now. But that’s one that we’re betting on.” Inside the Nationals’ changing draft process: profiles they targeted, who (crucially) had a say and how it all blended together: www.nytimes.com/athletic/743...
nytimes.com
How the Washington Nationals modernized their approach to the MLB Draft
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Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
As Devin Fitz-Gerald became a top-100 prospect, his mom was diagnosed with brain cancer and told she had ~18 months to live. Dad is searching for a way to pay for treatment. Mom is stuck at home. And Devin? “I’m trying to play for her.” www.nytimes.com/athletic/743...
nytimes.com
A cancer diagnosis upended their world. Now, her son says, ‘I’m trying to play for her’ (Gift Article)
Colleen Fitz-Gerald, whose two sons are burgeoning MLB talents, was diagnosed with glioblastoma late last year.
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Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Final: Nationals 8, Astros 2 Luis García Jr. was 3-for-4 and hit his career-high 20th home run. Foster Griffin K'd 9 over 7 frames and hasn't allowed more than 1 earned run in 7 consecutive starts, tying a Nats record. Revelatory developments. Record: 48-46
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Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Final: Astros 6, Nationals 3 This wasn't the sharpest game on the bases or in the field, which isn't something we've said about the Nats in a bit. José Tena and James Wood homered again. Bases loaded at the end, but couldn't break through. Record: 47-46
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Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
CJ Abrams’ name is back in the rumor mill. He is trying to break out of a skid. His secret to navigating this stretch? “I just kind of sit there until the feeling goes away. Whether that’s mad, happy, it’s just feeling it, then letting the feelings go.” www.nytimes.com/athletic/742...
nytimes.com
Amid trade rumors, CJ Abrams focused on breaking out of slump, winning with Nationals
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Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
Nationals fans! If you are subscribed to The Athletic, here’s your chance to ask me anything about the trade deadline. Only at the link below. www.nytimes.com/athletic/mlb...
nytimes.com
Washington Nationals Discussion - The Athletic
Breaking Washington Nationals news and in-depth analysis from the best newsroom in sports. Follow your favorite clubs. Get the latest injury updates, player news and more from around the league.
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Spencer Nusbaum @spencernusbaum.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
Final: Nationals 9, Pirates 5 That is now 26 runs over the last 20 innings, 5 wins in their last 6 games and an MLB-best 479 runs across 89 games. Oh, and Daylen Lile and Luis García Jr. homered twice. Also, Foster Griffin's ERA is now 2.87. Surging. Record: 46-43
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