Washington Nationals look to take positives from recent decline for post-season-MLB Update
In the last couple of weeks, Washington Nationals have appeared to be performing like a mediocre team. Their dominance throughout the season has been tainted with losses they recently suffered.
However, the Nationals are taking the losses as a source for learning lessons from and preparing for the post-season. In the playoffs the matches will characterise pressure cooker situations. Experiencing the same scenarios beforehand can serve as an opportunity
which helps them perform well in the matches ahead.
Nationals’ manager Davey Johnson planned once their place in the post-season was secured that he will rest his regular starters so that they are fresh by the time the playoffs start.
The strategy has so far resulted into failures of his side. Pitchers that he is employing on the mound are leaking runs. Edwin Jackson and Ross Detwiler were struck for massive hits by the opponents and had horrible outings on the mound.
Despite the fact the Nationals begin to downgrade, Johnson intends to continue with his plan.
He has in his mind the combination of players that he will use in the crucial matches.
Even the players are of the view that losses they are facing right now will turn out to be of great help once they enter the post-season.
Desmond sees an advantage in the recent poor performances by the Nationals with regard to making preparations for the bigger challenges.
“It’s a good test for us,” Ian Desmond said. “I would much rather play teams that are in it as opposed to teams that are out of it. We’re getting their best. There’s no doubt about that.”
Similarly, relief pitcher Tyler Clippard’s focus is least disturbed by the below par shows in the last two weeks as he eyes on helping the Nationals enjoy the glory in the season.
“That’s important,” Tyler Clippard said. “As much as we would have liked to have locked down the division a week and a half ago, it’s a blessing in disguise. We’re getting these big games late in the season to get us ready for where we want to be and what
we want to do.”
Regardless of the recent downfall, the Nationals will be looking to start the post-season with momentum on their side.
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