The Nationals have been in control of the NL East the whole year. With a career year from Ryan Zimmerman, Harper playing like an MVP, and Daniel Murphy playing well yet again, the Nationals offense has been a force to be reckoned with. Max Scherzer, Gio Gonzalez, and Stephen Strasburg (when available) have been extremely effective in the starting rotation. The major obstacles on their trek towards the World Series: the winner of the NL Central, then the winner of the Dodgers series. How will they fair?
1st Story: Can the Nationals handle Harper’s injury?
How much will Bryce Harper’s injury hurt the Nationals?
Since Harper hurt his leg on August 12th, he hasn’t been cleared for baseball activities. Luckily for the Nationals, Jayson Werth has returned from the DL, so that alleviates a small percentage. They’ve also called up Victor Robles, their top prospect, to alleviate some of the depth issues.
Up until August 12th, Harper was having a great run. In the first half, Harper had played in 81 games carrying a slash line of .325/.431/.590. The great years the other Nationals players have lessened the blow to Harper being injured, but it’ll be crucial to have Harper back for the playoffs. Harper this year has crushed RHP, hitting 26 HR’s and carrying a .332 AVG. Against Darvish, Arrieta, or Nelson, this will be critical to help the Nationals lineup.
2nd Story: Will Max Scherzer win the NL Cy Young?
So far, Scherzer is likely the front-runner for the NL Cy Young award. With a 13-5 record and a 2.19 ERA, the traditional stats definitely support Scherzer. The next closest competition is Greinke, who’s having a great year being 16-6 with a 3.01 ERA.
In addition to that, Scherzer has 232 SO’s in 172.1 IP, which puts him second behind Sale. One of the more impressive stats for a former pitcher: 84.5% LOB. Being able to dial it in to that degree is impressive, and definitely deserves the Cy Young.
3rd Story: How will the Nationals fair in the playoffs?
When the Nationals have played all the potential playoff contenders, they’ve been able to hold their own. Against the following likely playoff opponents: Dodgers (2-1) with one series left, Cubs (4-3), Brewers (3-4), Dbacks (4-2), and the Rockies (4-3).
The Nationals are currently second in Runs Scored, at 730. They’ve definitely got the fire power to bash their way through the playoffs. The Nationals, with Trea Turner leading the way with 38 SB, also have 93 SB as a team, giving them a speed element that can change the course of an inning in the playoffs.
In addition, the Nationals have built a strong bullpen throughout the year. From the last few playoffs, a strong bullpen has been able to carry a team. Giving the opposing team different looks constantly can easily disrupt their timing, and give your pitching staff the advantage.
The Nationals are looking solid, and if Harper can return to form before the playoffs, they’ll be a tough team to beat.
Previous entries in the “3 Stories” series: Arizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Indians, Colorado Rockies, Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Los Angeles Dodgers, Miami Marlins, Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Twins, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Oakland Athletics, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers
