MacKenzie Gore Struggles Again as Trade Deadline Nears

HOUSTON – If Mackenzie Gore's appearance on Wednesday turned out to be his final game with the Washington Nationals, it certainly wasn't a memorable way to end things. Already down by three runs and struggling during the sixth inning, the left-handed pitcher believed he had gotten Houston's Cooper Hummel to strike out looking. However, the call wasn't made. As a result, when the Astro outfielder hit a two-run home run on the following pitch, Gore looked exasperated, walked towards home plate umpire Ryan Additon, and raised his arms in disappointment.

He faced the final batter, Gore, who became the center of many discussions before Thursday's MLB trading deadline, in a game they lost 9-1. His overall performance: 5⅓ innings pitched, allowing six runs, eight hits, and two home runs. After the All-Star break, his earned run average stands at 10.66.

His challenges during the latter part of this month likely wouldn't stop a team from offering the Nationals a significant package to get him. However, his situation... is complicated and relocating him would indicate that the Nationals' rebuilding process is unlikely to conclude anytime soon.

Gore stated on Wednesday that he is familiar with the rumors.

I'm not telling the truth if I say I didn't notice it," he stated. "It's somewhat unusual. However... I've been working hard to find ways to help people leave and prepare for every beginning. But I'm not telling the truth if I say I didn't notice it.

A 26-year-old player, still bound by his contract until 2027, mentioned that this beginning marks progress.

I pitched the ball significantly better, but home runs aren't something you can retrieve," Gore stated. "Those two home runs are the kinds of pitches that I'm certain I'll reflect on for some time. However, I believe we performed better with our pitching compared to the previous game.

Interim manager Miguel Cairo received the ball from Gore after Hummel hit a home run. Gore kept talking with Additon as he headed toward the dugout. Cairo also did so, getting ejected from the game and confronting the home plate umpire right before being sent off. Bench coach Henry Blanco oversaw the remainder of the match.

I needed to stand behind my pitcher. I've always got my team's support," Cairo stated. "The pitch was tight, so I just informed him that it was close. Stay steady on both sides. That's what I told him: stay consistent. He was getting a bit tense.

The situation for the Nationals deteriorated further following Gore's departure. Cole Henry came into the game and recorded an out before allowing a base runner and a hit, which resulted in a three-run home run by Yainer Diaz, sealing the outcome. Washington was able to manage only five hits, with Josh Bell—another potential trade candidate—accounting for two of those.

The Nationals (44-64) head back to their stadium after a 3-3 away series that concluded with some exciting moments.

Prior to Wednesday's match, the Nationals exchanged relief pitchers Andrew Chafin and Luis García sent to the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for two minor league players: left-handed pitcher Jake Eder and first baseman Sam Brown. Washington brought back Zach Brzykcy, but only had seven relief pitchers available in the bullpen on Wednesday.

During the evening of Wednesday, the Nationals exchanged starting pitcher Michael Soroka with the Chicago Cubs in exchange for two prospects from the minors: shortstop Ronny Cruz and outfielder Christian Franklin.

Washington sent infielder Amed Rosario to the New York Yankees On Saturday, two players were involved. As the deadline approaches, more trades can be expected, with close-knit Kyle Finnegan being the top possibility. Other potential targets include Bell, Nathaniel Lowe, and Paul DeJong, who are all under one-year contracts.

I'm certain many of us will be looking at various things during the day and keeping an eye from a distance," stated Bell, noting that his three children will occupy his attention. "I'll try my hardest to put my phone in a drawer for the first part of the day [Thursday].

The initial batter Gore encountered established the direction of his performance: Jose Altuve reached base on Gore's opening pitch. Indeed, three out of Houston's first five hitters took the first pitch. Cam Smith recorded a sacrifice fly, also against the first pitch, giving Houston (62-47) a 1-0 advantage. Daylen Lile answered back with a similar play in the second inning, tying the game at 1.

The Astros kept up a pattern of batters taking swings at early pitches against Gore, as he becomes significantly tougher to hit when he has an advantage. After his last game, Gore mentioned that he believed improving his pitch sequencing could lead to greater effectiveness. However, among the 25 pitches Gore delivered to open innings on Wednesday, 16 were four-seam fastballs. He only used four cutters out of a total of 97 pitches and mainly depended on his curveball.

During the second inning, with players at both base edges and two outs, Gore once more encountered Altuve. He delivered a first-pitch off-speed pitch, but it was too elevated, allowing Altuve to send it soaring into the Crawford Boxes in left field, giving the Astros a 4-1 lead.

The attention now shifts to the upcoming deadline on Thursday. Gore is familiar with this period. He was sent to the Nationals during the 2022 trade deadline and has seen colleagues depart in previous deadlines. Following his performance on Wednesday, he expressed typical sentiments—trades are an inherent aspect of the game, and he's trying to tune out the distractions.

However, he acknowledged that being the athlete many competing teams desire is an unfamiliar experience.

Very different, I'd say," he stated. "I truly don't know how to describe it. It simply is as it is at the moment. My focus needs to be on getting people out. ... I just have to return to throwing the ball effectively and perform to the best of our abilities, focusing on what we can manage. This situation is entirely beyond my control. I'll prepare for the next opportunity and find out what comes next.