5 Biggest Washington Nationals Rumors Heading Into July

5 Biggest Washington Nationals Rumors Heading Into July

By Jason Fletcher

July 2, 2015

+Read full article

5 Biggest Washington Nationals Rumors Heading Into July

Tyler Clippard Athletics — The Washington Nationals have opened up a three and a half game lead on the New York Mets in the NL East thanks to winning nine of their last 11 games, while the Mets struggle to score runs. Although the Nationals sit in an enviable position, there are still a number of weaknesses that need to be addressed before the trade deadline. It would also help if the team could get completely healthy. Here are the top five Nationals rumors entering July.

The Washington Nationals have opened up a three and a half game lead on the New York Mets in the NL East thanks to winning nine of their last 11 games, while the Mets struggle to score runs. Although the Nationals sit in an enviable position, there are still a number of weaknesses that need to be addressed before the trade deadline. It would also help if the team could get completely healthy. Here are the top five Nationals rumors entering July.

5. Ryan Zimmerman Could Be Out Longer Than Expected

Ryan Zimmerman Nationals

5. Ryan Zimmerman Could Be Out Longer Than Expected

Ryan Zimmerman Nationals — Ryan Zimmerman hasn't played since June 9 due to plantar fasciitis in his left foot, and his absence has had a noticeable impact on the Nationals. Zimmerman went through a light workout on Wednesday, and according to reports, he still felt some discomfort while running. If Zimmerman can't return to the lineup soon, the Nationals may have to look for a bat on the trade market.

Ryan Zimmerman hasn't played since June 9 due to plantar fasciitis in his left foot, and his absence has had a noticeable impact on the Nationals. Zimmerman went through a light workout on Wednesday, and according to reports, he still felt some discomfort while running. If Zimmerman can't return to the lineup soon, the Nationals may have to look for a bat on the trade market.

4. Anthony Rendon Could Return Soon

Anthony Rendon Nationals

Advertisement

4. Anthony Rendon Could Return Soon

Anthony Rendon Nationals — Anthony Rendon has been sidelined since June 24 with a left quadriceps strain, but he has been able to take batting practice recently. He has yet to try running or taking ground balls, but that will be the next step in the rehab process. He's only 10 days into his disabled list stint, so there's a chance he could return in 7-10 days as long as nothing unexpected pops up.

Anthony Rendon has been sidelined since June 24 with a left quadriceps strain, but he has been able to take batting practice recently. He has yet to try running or taking ground balls, but that will be the next step in the rehab process. He's only 10 days into his disabled list stint, so there's a chance he could return in 7-10 days as long as nothing unexpected pops up.

3. Nationals Interested In Junichi Tazawa

Junichi Tazawa Red Sox

3. Nationals Interested In Junichi Tazawa

Junichi Tazawa Red Sox — One of the Nationals' biggest weaknesses in 2015 has been the bullpen. Although the team is ranked 12th in MLB in bullpen ERA, the group has faltered on a number of occasions in the seventh and eighth innings. Junichi Tazawa has been one of the lone bright spots on an otherwise underachieving Boston Red Sox team. If the Red Sox decide to become sellers, the Nationals are rumored to be extremely interested in Tazawa.

One of the Nationals' biggest weaknesses in 2015 has been the bullpen. Although the team is ranked 12th in MLB in bullpen ERA, the group has faltered on a number of occasions in the seventh and eighth innings. Junichi Tazawa has been one of the lone bright spots on an otherwise underachieving Boston Red Sox team. If the Red Sox decide to become sellers, the Nationals are rumored to be extremely interested in Tazawa.

2. Ian Desmond On His Way Out If Nationals Find A Trade Partner

Ian Desmond Nationals

2. Ian Desmond On His Way Out If Nationals Find A Trade Partner

Ian Desmond Nationals — Ian Desmond has picked the wrong time to have the worst season of his career. He will be a free agent at the end of the season, so he was due to cash in; instead, he's committed 18 errors and is only hitting .219 at the plate. It's going to be extremely difficult, but if the Nationals can find a trade partner willing to take Desmond, it's sounding more and more likely they will pull the trigger, something that wasn't expected to happen.

Ian Desmond has picked the wrong time to have the worst season of his career. He will be a free agent at the end of the season, so he was due to cash in; instead, he's committed 18 errors and is only hitting .219 at the plate. It's going to be extremely difficult, but if the Nationals can find a trade partner willing to take Desmond, it's sounding more and more likely they will pull the trigger, something that wasn't expected to happen.

1. Nationals Interested In A Tyler Clippard Reunion

Tyler Clippard Athletics

1. Nationals Interested In A Tyler Clippard Reunion

Tyler Clippard Athletics — When the Nationals traded Tyler Clippard to the Oakland Athletics for Yunel Escobar this offseason, I'll admit I thought it was a terrible move, but Escobar has exceeded all expectations. Now there's talk about the Nationals revisiting talks with the Athletics to reacquire Clippard to help bridge the gap to closer Drew Storen in the ninth. Clippard has been solid in Oakland, recording 14 saves and posting a 2.67 ERA and 1.09 WHIP in 2015.

When the Nationals traded Tyler Clippard to the Oakland Athletics for Yunel Escobar this offseason, I'll admit I thought it was a terrible move, but Escobar has exceeded all expectations. Now there's talk about the Nationals revisiting talks with the Athletics to reacquire Clippard to help bridge the gap to closer Drew Storen in the ninth. Clippard has been solid in Oakland, recording 14 saves and posting a 2.67 ERA and 1.09 WHIP in 2015.

Jason Fletcher is a MLB Featured Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JasonFletcher25, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google+.

Teams in this article »

Washington Nationals

Share On Facebook

Share