Crews Has a Winning Return + Lowe DFA'd

The Nats topped the Phillies 3-2 on Thursday night to open a four game set in D.C. Al & Tim have a lot to get to as prior to the game Dylan Crews was not only activated, but the corresponding roster move likely raised a few eyebrows.  

(04:30) Crews returned from his minor league rehab assignment and made a diving catch in RF in his first fielding opportunity.  Crews also singled in his first Big League At-bat since May 20th.

(08:30) Jose Tena was not sent down and rewarded the Nationals with a go-ahead 2-run single in the bottom of the 7th for a 3-2 lead.  Tena has not played much since returning from AAA and many expected that he would be the odd man out when Crews returned.

(11:40) Another good outing for Brad Lord as he lasted six innings.  Lord has reached the back fringe of the crowded NL Rookie of the Year race with his solid season thus far.

(15:00) Miguel Cairo decided to use Jose A. Ferrer in the 8th against Philadelphia's heart of the order. This led to Cole Henry pitching the 9th to earn his first career save.

(22:40) Nathaniel Lowe, the highest paid player on the team, was designated for assignment to make room for Dylan Crews.  This surprised many, but if you listen to our episode recapping the win in Kansas City, Mark laid out why it was becoming increasingly unlikely that Lowe would be back in Washington in 2026. Lowe was acquired last December from Texas in exchange for reliever Robert Garcia.