Washington Nationals Wiretap

Nats: Strasburg Has Two Or Three Starts Left

Nationals star pitcher Stephen Strasburg has "probably" two or three starts remaining before he's done for the season, and he no longer can claim he wasn't told about the pending shutdown.

Manager Davey Johnson said he spoke to Strasburg about the innings limit Wednesday night on the flight home from Miami.

Via ESPN.com

Washington Nationals, Misc Rumor

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Johnson, Rizzo Shrug Off Spat After Loss

Davey Johnson and Mike Rizzo were heard shouting at one another after Washington's loss to Philadelphia on Sunday. The loss had been the Nationals' fourth straight.

"Davey and I talk after every game," Rizzo said. "We talk about the goods and the bads of each and every game, and this was just probably I was a little too emotional. We're both pretty passionate, and I was a little frustrated. I probably could have tabled it until the next morning, but I didn't."

The argument lasted a few minutes before roughly 15 minutes of calmer discussion.

"It's normal business as usual," Johnson said. "I admire Mike because he can get it right out. I kind of keep it in. He gets it out and it's over with. I wish I could do that. The points are well taken."

The two didn't disclose the topic of conversation.

Via Associated Press

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Oswalt Could Be Dealt Before Playoff Deadline

It is "possible" that the Rangers could trade Roy Oswalt before Friday's deadline.

The Dodgers, Nationals and White Sox have been linked to Oswalt as they seek pitching for the stretch run.

Chicago may be an unlikely destination as a source indicated that Texas doesn't want to trade Oswalt to an American League club.

"I don't have any say-so," said Oswalt, who confirmed that he has cleared waivers. "If they trade me, I would have to go. I'm just going to do what they tell me to do."

Via T.R. Sullivan/MLB.com

Texas Rangers, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, Washington Nationals, Misc Rumor, Trade Rumor

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Bryce Harper May Sit Against Left-Handers

The Nationals have considered sitting Bryce Harper against left-handed pitchers down the stretch.

"[Harper is] hitting around .250 and he feels like he probably should hit .400," manager Davey Johnson said. "Instead of trying to be a good hitter and hit line drives everywhere, that you did more so when you first came up here, he's now trying to juice the ball. That's normal with his ability."

Left-handers have been exposing Harper's weakness against off-speed pitches away. At one point in June, the rookie was hitting .366 (15-for-41) with two home runs, two triples, three doubles and four walks against lefties.

In 108 at-bats since then, he is hitting .167 against left-handers.

Via Washington Post

Washington Nationals, IQ, Stats

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Boras Advised Rizzo, But Nationals Made Final Call On Strasburg

Scott Boras, the agent for Stephen Strasburg, refuted the notion that he assisted the Nationals or helped dictate the right-hander's impending innings shutdown.

Boras shared information with general manager Mike Rizzo and agrees with the decision, but he insisted that the franchise made the ultimate decision.

"I don't make the decisions," Boras said. "I don't even know when they're shutting down Strasburg, and I don't need to. They're following expert medical opinion, and that's all I care about."

Boras shares a close relationship with both Rizzo and Nationals owner Ted Lerner. Since the Nationals drafted Strasburg with the first pick in 2009, players represented by Boras have played for Washington.

Via Washington Post

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