Greetings from Minneapolis! Welcome to the latest edition of the Nationals Beat newsletter. This is your stop for the latest on and off the field, from news to exclusive player interviews and insights, brought to you by MLB.com club reporter Jessica Camerato. |
Right-hander Jake Irvin’s love for the game of baseball was sparked watching the Twins in his hometown of Bloomington, Minn. On Sunday, Irvin will step on to the pitcher’s mound at Target Field in Minneapolis as a Major Leaguer for the first time in his three-year career. Irvin, 28, is scheduled to start for the Nationals on Sunday in the series finale against the Twins at 2:10 p.m. ET. “It's hard to put into words really what it means,” Irvin said. “More than anything, it's something where I get to be really grateful for the position I'm in, but also thankful for the people that helped me get here and the team that inspired the passion to be here.” The Nationals' schedule and starting rotation order aligned in Irvin’s favor. The Nats played an afternoon home game on Wednesday, flew to Minneapolis that night and had an off-day on Thursday. Irvin then had the first two games of the weekend series off before being tabbed in the finale. |
“I've been looking forward to this since [the schedule] came out last year,” Irvin said. “... I was just happy to let these guys come here and show my teammates what Minnesota was really all about.” After spending time with his family upon his arrival, Irvin invited some of his teammates out on a boat on Lake Minnetonka for the off-day. He was glad to show them why his home is so special to him. “The beauty of this state, everything that Minnesota has to offer,” Irvin said. “A lot of these guys joke, they think it's a tundra. You think of Minnesota, you think of the snow, you think of the cold. And when you're here in the summer, there's a reason people stay – this place is beautiful. “[I] wanted to show them just a little piece of home, getting out on the lake is a special way to do that. And more than anything, Minnesota hospitality, that ‘Midwest Minnesota Nice’ and try to just show them a good day, have a good time and relax on an off-day in what's been a super busy season.” |
Irvin was in attendance when Johan Santana struck out 17 batters on Aug. 19, 2007, at the Metrodome. That performance ignited Irvin’s interest in pitching. Eighteen years later, he will have the opportunity to make a big league start in the same setting at Target Field. “This series isn't about me at all,” Irvin said. “It's about the people that helped me get to where I'm at and the love that I have for everybody here, the state and the game of baseball. We're here to promote the game of baseball and what we love to do. I'm thankful for the Twins' organization for helping me fall in love with the game like I did when I was a kid. This is about just giving back to the people here, for sure.” |
MLB MORNING LINEUP PODCAST |
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NATIONALS REACT TO ROSARIO TRADE |
Veteran utility infielder Amed Rosario made a strong impression in the clubhouse during his short time with the Nationals. Following Saturday’s win over the Twins, Rosario was traded to the Yankees in exchange for right-hander Clayton Beeter (No. 20 prospect, per MLB Pipeline) and outfielder Browm Martinez. Interim manager Miguel Cairo: “He’s a professional baseball player, a professional big leaguer. The Yankees are going to get a guy that can hit lefties, for sure. The way he handles himself, the way he goes about his business, he’s a pro. We’re going to miss him. It’s a great opportunity for him to go help a team in the [playoff chase], and they’re getting a really good hitter.” 2B Luis García Jr.: “It’s really sad, but at the same time, I’m really happy for him. I know he’s going to do great. … I think [he taught me] everything. On defense, he taught me a lot of things and during practice, how to mirror it in real games.”
OF Alex Call: “We’re going to miss him. He’s a great guy in the clubhouse, a great player, always ready to hit, always ready to play the game. I think he was just a great leader for a lot of the young guys and showing what it means to be consistent, what it means to be a veteran. So it’s a nice presence to have, very even-keeled, very steady. Just a big leaguer, a solid big leaguer that you know, that guy gets it.”
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SUSANA K’S 8 IN REHAB START |
Nationals' No. 2 prospect (MLB No. 49) Jarlin Susana was dominant on Saturday as he works his way back from an elbow sprain. In his second rehab appearance with High-A Wilmington, the right-hander recorded eight strikeouts, allowed two runs off three hits, and did not issue a walk in three innings against the BlueClaws. He threw 39 of his 49 pitches for strikes. Susana, 21, was placed on the IL on May 10 and began a rehab assignment on July 20. He was 0-1 with a 4.15 ERA in six starts with Double-A Harrisburg this season prior to the injury. |
• Friday: Grateful Dead Day; Syracuse University Day; Freedom Fireworks (postgame)
• Saturday: Jacob Young bobblehead giveaway (first 10,000 fans in attendance); James Madison University Day
• Sunday: Kids James Wood growth chart giveaway (ages 12 and under); Scout Day |
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