Washington Nationals

In the immediate aftermath of Thursday evening's team-record-tying 10th straight victory, it's apparent that the Washington Nationals are finally living up to their potential and putting the rest of the National League, if not all of baseball, on notice.

Things were looking up for Stephen Strasburg headed into his start on Friday night against the Atlanta Braves. At least that’s how it seemed.

Sixth in an 11-part series examining the vagaries of awards voting.

Third in an 11-part series examining the vagaries of awards voting.

Bryce Harper is making progress. Nationals fans should be paying attention to Josh Hamilton, who's had a relatively simple return from his similar thumb surgery. Hamilton has made it through this process normally and not much is ever normal for Hamilton.

Ryan Zimmerman did not show up this spring planning to vacate third base. Did you start the year expecting to give up the job you love? Volunteer to move to a new cubicle? Wistfully admit you're just not the same?

Things change. Days pass. They become years.

If you're lucky, you find the ability to adapt with the times and continue to thrive.

The Washington Nationals have lost Gio Gonzalez for the next few weeks.

Washington Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman is currently on the disabled list with a broken thumb, but when he comes back, he may no longer be "Ryan Zimmerman, Washington Nationals third baseman."

The Washington Nationals are 20-9 in Stephen Strasburg's last 29 starts as a road favorite, which is important to consider when making your MLB picks Tuesday, as they take on the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field.

Sports bettors will find that the Nationals are 10/13 favorites in the pro baseball odds, with the betting total sitting at eight in the market.

With nearly a quarter of the 2014 Major League Baseball season expired, the Washington Nationals sit two games over .500 and in second place in the National League East.

The good news, despite trailing the Atlanta Braves, is that the Nationals' deficit in the division is just 1.5 games.