Return engagement: Josh Bell & Trevor Williams

[imref]

some improvement for Bell over his Last 7: .261 / .393 / .391, still not what you want to see from your DH

[nobleisthyname]

Given MLB average OPS is only ~.685.710 that's actually pretty solid.

[IanRubbish]

Given MLB average OPS is only ~.685.710 that's actually pretty solid.

Yeah, and for now they need his patience at the plate.  One thing I have noticed is he seems to be in worse shape than last time he was here, looks like he's been taking full advantage of the Terra Club chefs.

[IanRubbish]

Now dead last in MLB among qualified players in BABIP. 

[JCA-CrystalCity]

Now dead last in MLB among qualified players in BABIP. 

seems strange they are sitting him v lhp today. Lowe could use a rest.

[Smithian]

Josh Bell has shown signs of life. Still, I’d like to hear reports of James Wood taking infield at First before a few games. Lowe is solid there, but I prioritize keeping James Wood away from DH at this age.

Trevor Williams needs to be in the bullpen yesterday.

[IanRubbish]

Trevor Williams needs to be in the bullpen yesterday.

His fastball velo is so slow it's made his changeup useless. So my guess is batters are expecting his slider/sweeper.   This has been compounded by the fact that he's struggling to stay in the zone with that pitch.  So if you tell him to throw fewer ball fours and more four seamers, you're basically going to have to rescue the outfielders from flipping over walls or making long diving catches.  We don't need anymore OF injuries.

[welch]

Williams needs to be a reliever again. Maybe he can throw harder over one or two innings. Lord should start.

[JCA-CrystalCity]

Lord is prospering in the bullpen. I am getting comfortable with Henry, Lopez when used with rest and a clean inning, Chafin, Lord, and Finnegan if he's healthy. Even Ferrer and Rutledge are fine more often than not. I suppose that,if the alternative is Williams putting us in a hole every 5 days or having him slotted in low leverage until he gets right, I guess Lord to the rotation makes sense

[imref]

Rizzo you magnificent genius.

[Slateman]

Josh Bell redemption arc?

[JCA-CrystalCity]

Josh Bell redemption arc?

5/11 was the start of Josh Bell vindicating his signing.

.277 / .370 / .489 over 54 PAs with 3 HRs. Done with pretty neutral BABIP, too (.303).

Nats are 9-7 over this stretch.

[Slateman]

Also, Bell said he specifically worked with Darnell to fix his swing.

Suck it, Darnell haters!!

[JCA-CrystalCity]

Also, Bell said he specifically worked with Darnell to fix his swing.

Suck it, Darnell haters!!

well, he was trying to elevate and pull, so the one thing Darnell can do is discourage that and get you swing flatter.

[Smithian]

Let’s see if this hot couple weeks turns into a hot month.

That DH spot still looks awfully appetizing for a few options once Jacob Young gets healthy or Brady House forces his way up.

[JCA-CrystalCity]

Need to get Lowe and Bell to heat up so we can deal one. Alternatively, I suppose Seattle might want him instead of Tellez if we need to clear space and Bell stays hot.