New-look Nats tested in elevated roles

WASHINGTON -- The departure of eight key players at the Trade Deadline on Friday left vacancies in the Nationals’ roster. It also has created opportunities for increased roles and playing time.

That situation was exemplified in Saturday’s 6-3 loss to the Cubs at Nationals Park.

• Box score

Luis García (second base), Adrián Sanchez (shortstop), Yadiel Hernandez and Andrew Stevenson (both left field) were among those who took positions previously occupied by players moved in trades.

In a bullpen that saw the departures of Daniel Hudson and Brad Hand, Sam Clay pitched earlier than usual in the fifth, and Jefry Rodriguez threw three innings.

“I want to see everybody play,” manager Dave Martinez said after the game. “I want everybody to be engaged. I want to get as many at-bats for everybody as possible. … I want to try to utilize everybody and use everybody and watch them play. Hopefully, they’ll succeed in the situations that they’re in.”

• Nats deal Max, Trea to LA for 4 prospects

Take a look at six players who could see more action in place of players who were dealt at the Trade Deadline:

Starting pitcher
Traded: RHP Max Scherzer, LHP Jon Lester
RHP Paolo Espino: The 34-year-old has been filling in in the rotation since April, yet there was a question of if or when he would be moved back to the bullpen. But the Nationals’ pool of starting pitchers was quickly depleted this week. First, Stephen Strasburg was shut down for the season to undergo surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). Days later, Washington traded Scherzer and Lester. Needing a starter in a pinch in place of Lester, the Nats called on Espino on Friday night. He struck out six in 5 1/3 innings while improving to 3-2 on the season.

Bullpen
Traded: LHP Brad Hand, RHP Daniel Hudson
RHP Kyle Finnegan: It wasn’t until last year that Finnegan made his Major League debut at age 28 with the Nationals. Since then, he has continued to develop and prove himself as a reliable reliever. Without Hand and Hudson, Finnegan’s role will also include that of a closer this season. Finnegan earned his first two career saves on Thursday and Friday.

Clay: And then there was one. Clay is the only lefty reliever in the Nationals’ bullpen following the Trade Deadline. The 28-year-old, who made his big league debut this season, pitched in the fifth inning on Saturday following Joe Ross’ 4 1/3-inning start. Expect to see him later in games, too. Said Martinez, “I’m going to use Sam Clay where he fits best as far as their lineup and where we think he can get the most outs.”

Infield
Traded: Trea Turner (shortstop), Josh Harrison (utility, second base)
García: Whether it’s at second base or shortstop, García wants to help wherever the Nationals need him. García has big league experience at second, where he started 35 games for the Nats last season. When it comes to playing shortstop at the Major League level, Martinez would like García to improve. “He’s swinging the bat pretty good,” said Martinez. “I tell him defense is a huge part of the game. So we’ll get it better.”

Left field
Traded: Kyle Schwarber, Harrison
Hernandez/Stevenson: With the veterans Schwarber and Harrison gone, the Nationals are manning left field by committee. Both Hernandez and Stevenson bat lefty, and the lineup decisions will be based on matchups. Hernandez, for example, got the start in left on Saturday to face righty Kyle Hendricks, which resulted in a first-inning RBI double.