Washington Nationals

Fact: Max Scherzer struck out 11 batters over eight innings in the Washington Nationals' 3-2 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday.

If Max Scherzer's American League Cy Young Award is beginning to feel lonely, it could soon have company.

In the wasteland that is the National League Cy Young race without a fully functioning Clayton Kershaw, anyone could claim this year's award. From Madison Bumgarner to Johnny Cueto to Noah Syndergaard to Jake Arrieta to Jose Fernandez, there's no shortage of strong-armed dudes vying for it.

The Washington Nationals have placed pitcher Stephen Strasburg on the 15-day disabled list with right elbow soreness. It is uncertain when he will return to the rotation.

Continue for updates. 

Jonathan Papelbon's tumultuous tenure with the Washington Nationals has come to an end. The Nationals announced he was officially released on Saturday.

In Saturday's 7-1 loss to the San Francisco Giants, Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper struck out three times and exited after the sixth inning with a stiff neck, per Chelsea Janes of the

For much of the season, the leadoff spot has been a barren wasteland for the Washington Nationals. 

Consider rookie Trea Turner an oasis in the nation's capital.

We're in small-sample territory, but after going 2-for-4 with a home run in Friday's 5-1 win over the San Francisco Giants, Turner is hitting .321 with an .896 OPS in 20 games for the Nats.

The Washington Nationals turned a triple play in Friday's 4-1 win over the San Francisco Giants, marking the first time the franchise has done so since moving from Montreal to Washington in 2005, per ESPN Stats & Info.

The Montreal Expos last had one on September 9, 2002, leaving the franchise with a drought that lasted nearly 14 years.

There's nothing wrong with protecting your prospects. If the Washington Nationals hadn't held on to Trea Turner, they wouldn't have beaten the Cleveland Indians on Wednesday.

Fact: Stephen Strasburg lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday, his first loss since September 9th, 2015 (21 starts).

Bleacher Report will be bringing sports fans the most interesting and engaging Cold Hard Fact of the day, presented by Coors Light.

Source: B/R Insights

The Washington Nationals played an 18-inning marathon against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday, marking the franchise's longest regular-season game since 1989, back when the team was still known as the Montreal Expos, per ESPN Stats & Info.