Brad Peacock of the Nationals doesn't have the hype and expectations of Stephen Strasburg, nor did he get a fancy name for his major league debut like "Strasmas." In fact, he got thrown into an unexpected situation against a player getting consideration for National League MVP.
The Washington Nationals completed their 2011 roster expansion Tuesday, adding right-hander Brad Peacock and infielder Steve Lombardozzi, along with right-handers Yunesky Maya, Craig Stammen, left-hander Atahualpa Severino and outfielder Corey Brown.
The Washington Nationals will make two additions to their rotation the next time through as they head toward expanded rosters. Left-hander Tom Milone will assume Jordan Zimmermann's spot and make his major league debut at home Saturday against the New York Mets.
Remember how Stephen Strasburg sent shock waves through baseball and became a huge gate attraction last year, making his team a national story in the process?
Tuesday afternoon, under the Florida sun, Stephen Strasburg will throw a simulated game. Chances are, if all goes well with his surgically repaired right elbow, the Washington Nationals ace will pitch in a professional game.
The Washington Nationals made their first trade deadline deal of the 2011 season Tuesday night, getting the right-handed power bat they'd been looking for to augment their predominantly left-handed bench in outfielder Jonny Gomes from the Cincinnati Reds. In order to acquire Gomes, along with cash, the Nationals parted with two minor leaguers: outfielder Bill Rhinehart and left-hander Chris Manno.
The Washington Nationals are .500 as the second half begins for the first time since 2005, their first year in D.C. After a first half that featured gut-wrenching losses, an eight-game win streak, the sudden resignation of a manager and 36 one-run games, they open the second half Friday with a chance to finish with their best record in the nation's capital.
Sunday at Chase Field, Bryce Harper faced some of the best pitching he's seen in his first pro season. He was 0-for-4 with two strikeouts – a fact that didn't seem to dim his Futures Game experience from the way he spoke afterward – and unleashed a rocket throw from the left-field corner that didn't bounce on its way to the plate.
Everything about the journey to get to the Futures Game on Sunday has been different for Double-A Harrisburg teammates Bryce Harper and Brad Peacock.
