The Nationals are on a four game losing streak and the last two games against the Marlins have been ugly. Here are tonight’s starting lineups.

Marlins: (56-56)

Ramirez-SS
Morrison-LF
Sanchez-1B
Uggla-2B
Ross-CF
Stanton-RF
Murphy-3B
Hayes-C
Nolasco-C

Nationals: (49-65)

Bernadina-CF
Desmond-SS
Dunn-1B
Zimmerman-3B
Morse-RF
Kennedy-2B
Rodriguez-C
Harris-LF
Hernandez-P

Pitching matchups: Livan Hernandez (8-7, 3.03 ERA) vs. Ricky Nolasco(12-8, 4.57 ERA)

Update Before the game, Jim Riggleman said that he wanted to give Willingham an extra day off and that he will play tomorrow. Seems like an injury that’s been kind of nagging him this season.

Update 9:03 After a 1 hour and 57 minute rain delay, the Nats and Marlins are on. This series has a way of making games worse and worse, maybe Nats can reward the fans who stuck around with a victory.

Update 9:36 Marlins rookie Mike Stanton has destroyed the Nationals this series. In the second inning he hit what was originally ruled a triple, then it was overturned by the umps (correctly) to a home run. 2-0 Marlins lead.

Update 10:35 Since an RBI single from Cody Ross in the third things have been quiet. The Nationals have not been able to get anything going against Nolasco as they’ve only gotten three hits off him through four innings. Livo has done well through five especially compared to Nationals’ starters the last few nights.

Update 11:16 Livo is done for the evening and he gave the Nats a chance to win tonight, the offense just hasn’t been there. Final pitching line to go up in a bit. 

Update 11:28 Valiant effort on the part of Hernadez, but he cannot get the win tonight. Here’s his final line: 6.1 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 3 K

Scott Olsen and the Nats try to put an end to a three game losing streak.

Marlins (55-56)

Ramirez-SS
Morrison-LF
Sanchez-1B
Uggla-2B
Ross-CF
Stanton-RF
Murphy-3B
Paulino-C
Volstad-P

Nationals (49-64)

Bernadina-CF
Desmond-SS
Dunn-1B
Zimmerman-3B
Morse-RF
Kennedy-2B
Rodriguez-C
Harris-LF
Olsen-P

Pitching Matchups: Scott Olsen (3-3, 4.12 ERA) vs. Chris Volstad (5-8, 4.63 ERA)

Update 7:07 First pitch from Scott Olsen to Hanley Ramirez was a strike. Check back here for periodical updates on tonight’s game.

Update 7:24 How would I best describe the top of the first for Scott Olsen? To quote Jay Sherman of The Critic, “It stinks!” Olsen gave up four runs and gave up four hits in a row, five total for the inning.

Update 7:38 An RBI single from Ryan Zimmerman gets the Nationals on the board but they still need to dig themselves out of a hole. They trail 4-1 after just one inning.

Update 8:01 OK, so Strasburg was bad last night, but he wasn’t really THIS bad. Here’s the final pitching line for Olsen: 1.2 IP, 8 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 2 BB, 1 K

Update 8:42 In the bottom of the third the Nationals added a run with an ian Desmond solo shot. The Nationals now trail by a score of 8-2. Bad coule of nights for the Nats starting pitching.

Update 9:22 While Olsen was clearly worse, Volstad didn’t exactly shut dow the Nationals. It is now 8-4, a game that is still just a grand slam away from being knotted up. Here’s the pitching line for Volstad: 5 IP, 8 H 4 R 4 ER 1 BB 2 K

Big day here at Nationals Park, Stephen Strasburg returns from the DL and the team is honoring new Hall of Famer Andre Dawson who had played on the Montreal Expos. Much to my joy, the Nationals are going to wear Expos caps in tonight’s game. Here are the lineups.

Marlins (54-56)

Ramirez-SS
Morrison-LF
Sanchez-1B
Uggla-2B
Ross-CF
Stanton-RF
Helms-3B
Paulino-C
Sanchez-P

Nationals (49-63)

Bernadina-CF
Desmond-SS
Zimmerman-3B
Dunn-1B
Willingham-LF
Morse-RF
Rodriguez-C
Kennedy-2B
Strasburg-P

Pitching Matchup: Stephen Strasburg (5-2, 2.32) vs. Anibal Sanchez (8-7, 3.50)

Update According to MLB.com’s Bill Ladson, the Nationals will only be wearing the Expos hats during batting practice. Seems like a bit of a tease to me.

Update 7:08 First pitch from Miss Universe to Hanley Ramirez is a ball. Remember you can check back here for updates throughout the game.

Update 7:20 It was a rough first inning for Strasburg as he walked a batter then gave up a two run shot to Dan Uggla. It seemed to stun the home crowd. The Nationals have a bit of a hole to climb out of down 2-0.

Update 7:32 After a bad first inning Strasburg bounced back striking out Mike Stanton and Wes Helms before getting Ronny Paulino to ground out to Adam Kennedy.

Update 7:51 Dan Uggla was, yet again the source of production for the Marlins as he drove in two more runs in the third to make it 4-0 Marlins. Strasburg is having a bit of trouble with his command today.

Update 8:13 Despite a lead-off double, Strasburg got out of the fourth inning unscathed. Pitch count getting a bit high though. Nationals trail 4-1 after they got a run off a wes Helms error at third base.

Update 8:32 Strasburg’s day is done as Miguel Batista comes on to pitch. this was Strasburg’s shortest outing of his young career at just 4.1 innings. Strasburg has given up five earned runs and there is still a runner on second that belongs to him.

Update 8:45 Here is Strasburg’s pitching line for the night. The squeamish may want to look away: 4.1 IP, 6 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 2 BB, 4 K

Update 9:08 At this point in the game things look a bit out of reach, as the Nationals trail 8-1. Craig Stammen is now pitching and I would not be surprised if his main job was to eat as many innings as possible and save the bullpen for tomorrow.

Here are this afternoon’s starting lineups as the Nationals go for the sweep:

Phillies (56-48)

Rollins – SS
Polanco – 3B
Werth – CF
Howard – 1B
Francisco – LF
Brown – RF
Ruiz – C
Valdez – 2B
Hamels – P

Nationals (46-58)

Bernadina – CF
Desmond – SS
Dunn – 1B
Zimmerman – 3B
Willingham – LF
Morse – RF
Gonzalez – 2B
Nieves – C
Lannan – P

Pitching Matchups: John Lannan (2-5, 5.76 ERA) vs. Cole Hamels (7-7, 3.48 ERA)

1:35 Frist pitch from John Lannan was a ball. Remember to check back here throughout the game for updates.

Update 1:48 Ugly top of the first as John Lannan gives up two runs on three hits. Ryan Howard left the game after awkwardly sliding into second base. He appears to have hurt his ankle or leg. The Phillies really don’t need another star on the DL as Victorino and Utley are currently injured.

Update 2:38 In the bottom of the fourth, Cole Hamels struck out the side, but not before Ryan Zimmerman drove in two runs with a double. The game is now tied 2-2.\

Update 3:01 John Lannan let the first two batters reach in the fifth inning, but then struck out the next three batters he faced. Those are his only three strikeouts of the day. That put him at 96 pitches and Miguel Batista is throwing in the pen so his day is likely done.

Update 3:08 Miguel Batista on to pitch, here’s Lannan’s final pitching line 5 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 3 K

Update 3:44 Much like last night’s game, the Nationals bullpen in unable to hold onto a lead after the starter has left. the game is now tied at 4 apiece.

The biggest move of the day was one the Nationals did not make. Adam Dunn is still a National and is in the lineup today:\

Phillies (56-47)

Rollins – SS
Polanco – 3B
Ibanez – LF
Werth – CF
Ransom – 1B
Brown – RF
Ruiz – C
Valdez – 2B
Blanton – P

Nationals (45-58)

Morgan – CF
Kennedy – 2B
Zimmerman – 3B
Dunn – 1B
Willingham – LF
Bernadina – RF
Rodriguez – C
Desmond – SS
Detwiler – P

Pitching Matchups: Ross Detwiler (0-1, 0.00 ERA) vs Joe Blanton (4-6, 5.85 ERA)

Update General Manager said the the Nationals were not offered a deal for Dunn that was as good or greater value than the power hitting first baseman. What remains to be seen is if the Nats can work out a multi-year extension with Dunn. If that is not the case Dunn can be dealt through other means on the waiver wire in August. Manager Jim Riggleman said that he figured that Rizzo would need to be overwhelmed before giving up player of his caliber.

Update About a half hour ago the Nationals introduced Yunesky Maya, a Cuban RHP. General Manager Mike Rizzo said that the signing of Maya was the first big international one since he had taken over and that it represented the direction the team wanted to go in the international market. Maya will be evaluated in Vierra, Fla. before they decide whether he should go straight to the majors or get some work in the minors.

Update 7:30 Big first inning for the Nationals as they put three runs up on the board against Joe Blanton. The Nats had back to back to back RBI singles from Willingham, Bernadina and Pudge.

Update 8:12  The Phillies got on the board in the fourth with an RBI single from Wilson Valdez. That’s the only run allowed thus far by Detwiler. Pretty good start.

Update 8:45 Ross Detwiler’s day is done. Considering he is still working his way back, the start was pretty successful. Here’s his final pitching line: 5.1 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 3 K

Update 9:10 Tyler Clippard came in and gave up a two-run home run to Raul Ibanez to tie the game at 4. Too bad Detwiler is no longer in line for the win. Slaten coming on to replace Clippard.

Update 9:24 Final pitching line for Blanton: 6 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 1 BB, 8 K

The Washington Nationals have traded closer Matt Capps and cash to the Minnesota Twins for minor leaguers Wilson Ramos (Catcher) and Jon Testa (LHP). Capps was the sole All-Star on the Nationals and has saved 26 games this season, including tonight’s 5-3 win. Ramos is apparently a highly touted prospect but is blocked, of course, by Joe Mauer who I’ve heard is pretty good. Check back tomorrow for a column on the trade and what it means the to Nats future.

Here are this afternoon’s lineups:

Braves (58-42)

Prado – 2B
Infante – RF
Jones – 3B
Glaus – 1B
Diaz – LF
Infante – SS
Ross – C
Cabrera – CF
Lowe – P

Nationals (43-58)

Morgan – CF
Kennedy – 2B
Zimmerman – 3B
Dunn – 1B
Willingham – LF
Morse – RF
Desmond – SS
Nieves – C
Olsen – P

Pitching Matchup: Scott Olsen (2-2, 3.77 ERA) vs. Derek Lowe (10-8, 4.48 ERA)

Update 11:41 Stephen Strasburg has been placed on the 15-Day DL, retroactive to July 22. He said that he would be traveling with the team on the road in the event he’s ready to go.

Update 12:37 First pitch from Scott Olsen is a strike to Martin Prado. Remember to check back here for periodical updates.

Update 12:40 Well that was fast. Scott Olsen had a great first inning getting Atlanta 1-2-3 on all ground outs to Desmond. Took just seven pitches.

Update 1:17 With a 1-2-3 top of the third Olsen continues to roll. In the bottom of the second the Nats got on the board with an RBI groundout from Michael Morse and a solo shot from Ian Desmond. Nats lead 2-0

Update 1:35 One bad pitch from Olsen ties the game at two as Matt Diaz crushed the ball over the left field wall. It was his fifth home run of the season

Update 2:03 With five innings in the books there seems to be a threat of rain as we have heard one boom of thunder. That’s right the unit of measurement for thunder is “booms”. The Nationals took the lead in the bottom of the fourth inning on a two RBI single from All Time good guy Wil Nieves.

Update 2:15 The game is now going into rain delay as the groundscrew is putting the tarp on the field. The Braves scored a run in the sixth, but the Nationals still lead 4-3. With the rain delay, Olsen’s day is likely done. The team has to be happy with a quality start.

Update 3:47 After a delay of an hour and 32 minutes we are back with Josh Willingham at the plate.

Update 3:48 Final pitching line for Derek Lowe on the day: 5 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 3 K

Update 3:39 Sean Burnett takes the place of Scott Olsen. Here is his final pitching line: 6 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K

Nationals try to string together a couple of wins after losing Stephen Strasburg last night. Here are tonight’s lineups:

Braves (57-42)

Prado-2B
Heyward-RF
Jones-3B
McCann-C
Hinske-LF
Glaus-1B
Gonzalez-SS
Cabrera-CF
Hudson-P

Nationals (43-57)

Morgan-CF
Kennedy-2B
Dunn-1B
Zimmerman-3B
Bernadina-RF
Rodriguez-C
Harris-LF
Desmond-SS
Hernandez-P

Pitching Matchup: Livan Hernadez (7-6, 3.12) vs. Tim Hudson (10-5, 2.47 ERA)

Update 7:06 First pitch from Livo is a strike to Martin Prado as we are underway.

Update 7:29 So after a full inning of play, the Braves have jumped out to an early 2-0 lead. Thanks to a double steal, Jason Heyward was able to score the game’s second run. The first run of the game came from a Chipper Jones sac fly. 

Update 8:24 An RBI single from Chipper Jones knocks Herandez from the game. The Nats had to think they would get more than 4.1 innings out of Livo. Doug Slaten is now in to pitch to face a couple of lefties.

Update 8:35 Here is Livo’s final pitching line: 4.1 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 3 K

Update 8:41 A basehit from Michael Morse gets the Nationals on the board but that would be all in the fifth inning for Washington. Morse is hitting well over .300 this season as a pinch hitter and fourth outfielder. Got to be happy with his production.

Stephen Strasburg tries to play the stopper yet again against the Atlanta Braves. Here are tonight’s starting lineups:

Braves (57-41)

Prado-2B
Heyward-RF
Chipper- 3B
McCann-C
Hinske-LF
Glaus-1B
Gonzalez-SS
Cabrera-CF
Hanson-P

Nationals (42-57)

Morgan-CF
Guzman-2B
Zimmerman-3B
Dunn-1B
Willingham-LF
Bernadina-RF
Pudge-C
Desmond-SS
Strasburg-P

Pitching Matchups: Stephen Strasburg (5-2, 2.32 ERA) vs. Tommy Hanson (8-6, 4.12 ERA)

Update One of the more unfortunate pieces of news today was that Tyler Walker will likely miss the rest of the season due to a torn labrum. He said that he will likely have surgery.

Update 7:08 First pitch of the game comes from Miguel Batista instead of Stephen Strasburg. I’ll have an update when the reason is announced for Strasburg being scratched.

Update 7:27 General Manager Mike Rizzo met with the media to discuss why Strasburg was scratched from tonight’s start. He said that Strasburg was having difficulty getting loose in the bullpen before the game. He said that Strasburg was not feeling pain in his arm, he just wasn’t getting loose. Strasburg will likely get an X-Ray and MRI for precautionary reasons.

Update 8:24 In non-Strasburg related news, Miguel Batista has been great allowing no runs through four innings. He has struck out a Strasburgian six batters over that span. Nationals lead the game 3-0.

Update 8:45 Miguel Batista was truly impressive as he was able to get up at a moment’s notice and start. Here’s his final pitching line: 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 6 K

Update 9:04 With pinch-hitter Matt Diaz at the dish, Tommy Hanson’s night is over. Here’s his final pitching line: 6 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 8 K

The Washington Nationals have released a statement on the passing of Yankees owner, George Steinbrenner:

“The Washington Nationals and the Lerner Family are deeply saddened by the loss of George Steinbrenner – a monumental figure of the baseball world for more than 35 years.  He will be remembered as a driven competitor and champion, but also a man who gave much to the people and communities he loved.  George was a one of a kind owner, sports figure, and man.  He will be missed.  Our condolences go out to the Steinbrenner family, the Yankees organization and Yankees fans everywhere.”

Nationals try to bounce back after a tough 10-5 loss. Here are today’s starting lineups

Giants (46-41)

Rowand-CF
Sanchez-2B
Huff-LF
Posey-C
Ishikawa-1B
Uribe-SS
Sandoval-3B
Schierholtz-RF
Bumgarner-P

Nationals (39-49)

Morgan-CF
Guzman-2B
Zimmerman-3B
Dunn-1B
Willingham-LF
Rodriguez-C
Morse-RF
Desmond-SS
Hernandez-P

Pitching Matchup: Livan Hernadez (6-4, 3.12 ERA) vs. Madison Bumgarner (1-2, 2.86 ERA)

Update 1:38 First pitch from Livan Hernandez is a strike to Asron Rowand. Check back here throughout the game for updates.

Update 1:52 The first inning continues to be a sore spot for Nationals pitchers as Livo gave up two runs. Having to get out of a hole early is in just about every game is bad news for any team.

Update 2:21 The double play ball has kept the Nationals from getting runs on the board and Livo contues to struggle as he gave up three runs in the third inning. Giants lead 5-0

Update 2:48 through four innings here and the Nationals have not been able to get anything going. When they’ve had runners on, they have grounded into a double play. Bumgarner has done a great job so far as he’s only allowed three hits.

Nats try to take the second game of the series against the Giants. Here are tonight’s starting lineups:

Giants (45-41)

Rowand-CF
Sanchez-2B
Huff-LF
Posey-C
Uribe-SS
Ishikawa-1B
Sandoval-3B
Schierholtz-RF
Sanchez-P

Nationals (39-48)

Maxwell-CF
Guzman-2B
Zimmerman-3B
Dunn-1B
Willingham-LF
Rodriguez-C
Morse-RF
Desmond-SS
Stammen-P

Pitching matchup: Craig Stammen (2-3, 5.73 ERA) vs. Jonathan Sanchez (7-6, 3.15)

Update 7:29 Normally the team to give up a run in the first inning, the Nationals turned the tables on the Giants and they jumped out to an early 2-0 lead thanks to a RBI double from Ryan Zimmerman and a wild pitch that allowed Cristian Guzman to score.

Update 7:44 In the second inning, Craig Stammen managed to give up three runs with two outs. After getting Uribe to hit into a double play, he allowed four straight runners to reach base. A double from Schierholtz and a single from Sanchez made up the run scoring hits.

Update 7:53 Everytime he’s in the lineup it seems Michael Morse gets a big hit, this can’t be true, but it certainly feels that way. He hit his fourth home run of the season to tie the game at 3.

Update 8:18 An RBI double from Pudge makes it a 4-3 lead for the Nationals. With no outs in the inning and a runner on second, Sanchez’s pitch count stands at 74, a bit too high for 3 + innings of work.

Update 8:29 Sanchez gave up yet another double this time to the pitcher Stammen and that was it for the lefty. His final pitching line on the night: 3.2 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 6 K

Update 9:04 A nice relief appearance by Sean Burnett saves the lead for the Nationals. Stammen gave up one more run before he was replaced by Burnett to make it 5-4. Here is Stammen’s final pitching line: 5.1 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 2 K

Update 10:08 In the top of the seventh the Nats gave up four runs to not only give up their lead, but end up trailing by three runs. Tyler Clippard was charged with all four runs.

Nationals try to make it three in a row against a very good Padres team. It’ll be interesting to see if the Nats can keep their offense going against such a potent pitching staff. here are tonight’s starting lineups.

Padres (49-35)

Hairston, Jr. – 2B
Headley – 3B
Gonzalez – 1B
S. Hairston – LF
Torrealba – C
Cunningham – RF
Denofria – CF
Cabrera – SS
Latos – P

Nationals (38-47)

Morgan – CF
Bernadina – RF
Zimmerman – 3B
Dunn – 1B
Willingham – LF
Rodriguez – C
Kennedy – 2B
Desmond – SS
Atilano – P

Pitching Matchup: Luis Atilano (6-5, 4.72 ERA) vs. Mat Latos (9-4, 2.62 ERA)

Update 6:37 After all the votes were counted, Ryan Zimmerman came up short against Joey Votto in the final man vote to see who goes to the All Star Game. Nick Swisher won the final spot ffor the AL roster. I must say, Votto certainly deserved to be on the All-Star team this year.

Update 7:06 We are underway with a strike to Jerry Hairston Jr. The start time temp is 86 degrees, though the humidity makes it feel much worse.

Update 7:23 After an inning of play, the Padres have taken a 1-0 lead on a Yorvit Torrealba single. The Nats came up empty in the bottom half of the inning.

Update 7:59 Through three full here from Nats Park and the score is still 1-0 as the Nationals have yet to figure out Latos. Atilano responded well after a rocky first inning.

Update 8:15 The top of the fourth was, well, ugly for Atilano. He gave up two solo home runs, one to Chris Denorfia and one go Mat Latos. Yes, the pitcher. I’d imagine no pitcher ever, ever, ever wants to give up a home run to a fellow hurler. We’re now going into the top of the fifth and the Padres lead 3-0.

Update 8:33 After allowing another run to score on a fielder’s choice, Atilano has been taken out of the game for Miguel Batista. Nats trail Padres 4-0.

Update 8:37 Atilano’s final pitching line: 5.1 IP, 8 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 2 K

Nationals try to make it two in a row as they continue playing in this insane heat. Here are tonight’s starting lineups:

Padres (49-34)

Gwynn-CF
Hairston Jr.-2B
Gonzalez-1B
Hairston-LF
Headley-3B
Hundley-C
Cunningham-RF
Cabrera-SS
Garland-P

Nationals (37-47)

Morgan-CF
Berndadina-RF
Zimmerman-3B
Dunn-1B
Willingham-LF
Rodriguez-C
Kennedy-2B
Desmond-SS
Martin-P

Pitching Matchup: JD Martin (0-4, 3.38 ERA) vs. Jon Garland (8-5, 3.24 ERA)

Update: 7:06 Starting temp tonight-98 degrees. That’s the second hottest game time start since the Nats have moved to DC. The hottest was last night’s game which started out at 99 degrees.

Update 7:11 In the top of the first, Adrian Gonzalez showed his power by hitting an opposite field home run with ease. Lucky for the nationals, it was only a solo shot. Padres lead, 1-0 as the Nats come to bat.

Update 7:30 Nationals responded in a big way as they scored four runs in the bottom half of the inning. Not a bad lead for Martin, but can he keep it?

Update 8:06 Adam Dunn hit his second home run of the game in the bottom of the third to give the team a 5-2 lead. The bats have been hot so far this series.

The Nats are coming off an ugly loss to the Mets on Independence Day and after a day off look to get back on the winning track. Here are tonight’s starting lineups:

Padres (49-33)

Gwynn – CF
Hairston, Jr. – 2B
Gonzalez – 1B
Hairston, S. – LF
Headley – 3B
Torrealba – C
Cunningham – RF
Cabrera – SS
Richard – P

Nationals (36-47)

Morgan-CF
Guzman-2B
Zimmerman-3B
Dunn-1B
Willingham-LF
Rodriguez-C
Morse-RF
Desmond-SS
Hernandez-P

Pitching Matchup: Livan Hernandez (6-4, 2.98 ERA) vs. Clayton Richard (6-4, 2.74 ERA)

Update 7:07 The temperature is 99 degrees for Livan Hernandez’s first pitch to Tony Gwynn Jr. The park is pretty much empty tonight as no one wants to sit in this heat.

Update 7:39 After a busy first inning, the Nationals lead 3-1. Scott Hairston drove in Tony Gwynn Jr. on a sac fly in the first and in the bottom of the inning, singles from Pudge Rodriguez and Michael Morse gave the Nationals the lead.

Update 8:21 Through three innings here at Nats Park and both pitchers have had a bit of trouble getting in a groove. In the top of the third, Hernandez gave up an RBI single to Adrian Gonzalez to bring the Padres closer to the Nats, 3-2. You’ve got to think the heat tonight must be difficult to pitch in.

Update 9:04 After six full innings the Nationals added two solo shots-Zimmerman in the fourth and Desmond in the fifth-to give them a 5-2 lead over the Padres. Livan Hernadez is approaching 100 pitches and is still coming out to pitch the top of the seventh. It would be ideal for Livo to go seven then hand it off to Clipp then Capps.

Update 9:12 Clayton Richard’s day is done and he got roughed up a bit, his final line: 6 IP, 9 H, 5 R, 4 BB, 6 K

Update 9:40 In the eight inning, the Padres tied the game at 5 as the scored three runs, one of which a result of an Ian Desmond error. It’s hard to ignore the amount of errors made by Desmond this season (21) and how it has hurt the team.