| Nats Deal Griffin, Franklin for Next Year’s Bullpen
Ok, maybe not, but it’s pretty clear that the Nats’ goal for the 2026 trade deadline was to get upper-minors pitching that will be ready sooner rather than later. They’re not all relievers, but if Washington can get enough starters to stop with the short-season league treatment, that alone will make writing up the games just a little easier. TRADE #1 – GUARDIANS
TRADE #2 – ORIOLES |
| Team | Yesterday | Today | Pitching Probables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rochester | OFF DAY | @ Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, 7:05pm | Pilkington (2-5, 4.69) vs. Beck (8-2, 2.85) |
| Harrisburg | OFF DAY | @ Chesapeake, 6:35pm | Lyon (4-4, 3.70) vs. Hunter (1-0, 0.00) |
| Wilmington | OFF DAY | vs. Brooklyn, 6:35pm | Sthele (0-0, 16.20) vs. Carreno (0-1, 6.15) |
| Fredericksburg | OFF DAY | vs. Delmarva, 6:35pm | Millikan (0-1, 7.71) vs. Mejia (0-6, 9.35) |
| DSL Nationals | Lost, 16-5 | vs. DSL Angels, 11am |
Rochester Red Wings, 18-15, 4th I.L. East, 5GB – 63-43 overall
It remains to be seen how the influx of pitchers will be distributed over the final two months of the season with—as we go to virtual press—six pitchers assigned to the Senators yesterday and thus far no releases or cases of Hellenic flu. This week, the Red Wings make their final trip to Moosic, PA to play the RailRiders for five night games and a day game on Sunday. Roster moves: 1B-DH Abimelec Ortiz, LHP Andrew Alvarez recalled to Washington.
Harrisburg Senators, 17-14, 3rd E.L. Southwest, 5GB – 51-49 overall
It’s safe to say the Harrisburg rotation is going to change this week. The $64,000 question is if Alex Clemmey or Isaac Lyon will be deemed ready for AAA or if Riley Maddox and Jared Simpson will be headed to the ‘pen or back to Delaware. This week, the Senators head to Bowie for seven, including a doubleheader tomorrow if the rains pass through without damage to the field. Roster moves:LHPs Will Dion, Josh Hartle; RHPs Joe Glassey, Ben Grable, Jack Cebert, Kendeglys Virguez; OF Nick Mitchell assigned from Washington.
Wilmington Blue Rocks, 21-14, 1st Sally Lg. North, 1½ GA – 52-48 overall
The Blue Rocks have quietly taken over first place in the Sally League North with a four-game winning streak and a chance to make some hay at home against the Cyclones this week. While releases at AA are probably more likely, there’s a chance Riley Maddox could return to help bolster a rotation that’s been patchwork all season long.
Fredericksburg Nationals, 16-19, 4th C.L. North, 4GB – 62-39 overall
Fredericksburg hasn’t won a series in the second half or three games in a row since late June. The offense remains potent but the pitching has been dragged down by the influx of FCL roster-fillers. Unlike Wilmington, it seems doubtful that there will be some “pushdown” given the bevy of guys too old for High-A, never mind Low-A. The FredNats return home this week to face also-ran Shorebirds.
DSL Arizona Red 16 DSL Nationals 5 (8 inn.)
• Reynoso (L, 0-4) 2IP, 2H, 8R, 8ER, 7BB, 2K, 2HBP, 4WP
• Moreno ⅓ IP, 0H, 0R, 1BB, 1K
• Araujo 1-2, 2B, 2RBI
• Ja. Garcia 1-3, R, RBI
• Tusen 1-3, BB, RBI, 2K
Rain (presumably) cut this mercifully short as the D-Nats dropped their seventh straight, 16-5 in eight innings. Franniel Reynoso lost for the fourth time on eight runs given up on two (2) hits, seven walks, two hit batsman, and four wild pitches over two-plus innings. Without video, it’s impossible to know if his two K’s came from swings while ducking out of the way. Andry Araujo came off the bench to double in two while Adrian Tusen, Joneirbis Garces, and Jawel Garcia each went 1-for-3 with an RBI.