Nationals manager Dusty Baker tweaked the order of his bullpen Thursday — and it nearly backfired.
While the Nationals beat the Houston Astros 5-4 in extra innings, Baker elected to use Sean Doolittle in the eighth inning and have Brandon Kintzler close out the game instead. Leading 3-1, Kintzler gave up two runs in the bottom of the ninth for the Astros to tie the game.
The move was a departure from Baker’s usual strategy and the Nationals’ first blown save since July 3. After the game, Baker said he wanted Doolittle to face switch hitter Carlos Beltran and two lefties in Brian McCann and Derek Fisher.
“We thought about it and liked the matchup,” Baker said after the game.
The Nationals begin a four-game series against the New York Mets on Friday over three days and it will be interesting to see if Baker makes any more adjustments to his bullpen group.
Baker recently discussed getting Kintzler, who was acquired at the trade deadline from the Minnesota Twins, to 30 saves before the end of the year. Kintzler currently has 28 saves.
The Nationals have also had to adjust to Ryan Madson being on the disabled list since Aug. 14 with a sprained finger. The Nationals’ resurgence in the bullpen can be largely credited to the combination of Kintzler, Madson and Doolittle, who were all acquired in July.
The Nationals have a 13 1/2 game lead in the National League East, but here’s what else to watch for against another divisional opponent.
Will Max Scherzer make his return?
Max Scherzer will miss Friday’s start against the Mets — with A.J. Cole taking his place instead. Scherzer has been on the disabled list since Aug. 18 with a lingering neck problem, but initially thought he could return for his next scheduled start.
“I’m a couple days behind,” Scherzer told reporters Wednesday. “It’s just a tight band in my neck, and it’s still locking up on me. Nothing to worry about. We’re in an order of days, not weeks.”
If it is a couple of days, Scherzer could start Sunday as the Nationals have a doubleheader against the Mets.
Players Weekend
The Players’ Weekend starts Friday, which means “El Lindo,” “Wiety” and others will take the field throughout the weekend. MLB unveiled the jerseys in early August. As a reminder, here is the full list:
Here’s the full list of Nats nicknames for Player’s Weekend. https://t.co/6GNuYvDouB pic.twitter.com/evRXUmXmYT
— The Prospect Hugger (@AndrewFlaxTNB) August 9, 2017
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