On the latest episode of the Washington Nationals Roundtable Podcast, we dive into the losing streak and whether should be any concern in either James Wood or Connelly Early
Hosted by Tyler Lochte and Ahmed Ghafir on the next episode of DC Roundtable diving into the Washington Nationals, we dive into what has been a slow, but impactful offseason for general manager Will Dawkins and the front office as they put the final pieces around what could be the franchise's strongest roster foundation in a decade.
It seems like the entire outlook of the season has entirely shifted since dropping the four game series against the Phillies in Philadelphia, capping off an eight game trip with just one win ahead of the trade deadline. Ever since, the misfortune has seemed to carry the Nationals so far.
Still, there is something left to play for as the Nationals have turned to a handful of new pieces to step up whether it be in the rotation, bullpen or even at first base. With Abimelec Ortiz replacing a portion of the production left by Luis Garcia Jr. and Curtis Mead, the Nationals will look for other pieces to step up. But who should be on the radar? We answer all of that and more.
The other side is the lack of availability from a handful of pieces. Manager Blake Butera noted that outfielder James Wood is recovering slower than expected from his left oblique injury suffered earlier this month, while last Friday's update noted that he's hitting off the tee at 60% intensity, playing catch out to 90 feet at 65% intensity and took dry swings at 70% intensity. Yet with no timeframe to return despite already being eligible to come off the injured list, will the Nationals see him again this season? More importantly, does it make sense to see Wood again in 2026 with the postseason all but dashed?
Similar could be said about Connelly Early, the left handed pitchers who the Nationals acquired in the first of three trades that president of baseball operations Paul Toboni made ahead of the deadline. Despite expressing continued optimism in a full return, does that materialize in 2026? Does it make sense for his Nationals debut to happen this season? Should there be any long term concern about his status?
Make sure to like and subscribe to the show as we dive into everything you need to know surrounding the Washington Nationals through the rest of the offseason and ahead of a season with heightened expectations for year three under head coach Brian Keefe. Watch the full episode here.
