Call to the pen
Fansided

Three MLB postseason contenders already in trouble

By David Hill

SEATTLE, WA - MAY 01: Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels gestures toward teammates during warmups before game against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on May 1, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. The Angeles won 10-5. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - MAY 01: Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels gestures toward teammates during warmups before game against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on May 1, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. The Angeles won 10-5. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
(Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

Washington Nationals

The Washington Nationals have had a tendency to start off slowly over the past couple of seasons. Although that did not matter in 2019, when they overcame that start to win the World Series, it doomed them in the truncated 2020 campaign.

Once again, the Nationals are off to a slow start, sitting in the NL East cellar. With a 13-17 record, and one of the worst run differentials in baseball, Washington will need to right the ship soon if they hope to contend in what had been expected to be a tough division.

It certainly did not help that their season was pushed back, as their opening series against the Mets was postponed due to a COVID outbreak. Juan Soto and Stephen Strasburg have also spent time on the Injured List, removing two key pieces from the roster. Add in Patrick Corbin‘s struggles this year and it is easy to see why the Nationals have disappointed.

But injuries alone do not tell the story. The Nationals actually have pitched fairly well, with their bullpen performing admirably. The problem has been the revamped lineup, particularly Josh Bell and Kyle Schwarber, have disappointed, ranking 14th in the NL with 109 runs scored. If Washington is going to make a move in the NL East, and contend for a spot in the MLB postseason, the offense will need to get going.

The Washington Nationals were expected to shake off their rough 2020 season and contend for a playoff spot this season. Unless the bats heat up, that will not happen.

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