Mikolas' Struggles Test Nats' Patience

It's April 4th, from the locker room to your ears.

This is Washington Nationals News Today, powered by AI.

I'm Cory with the story.

Miles McCollus had a night to forget in yesterday's game for the Nationals, getting

shelled for a club record 11 earned runs after two solid innings.

Over his first two starts, he's given up 17 runs total and just 9.1 innings pitched,

putting his earned run average through the roof.

Early in the season, the NAT signed the 37-year-old

variety to a one-year deal, hoping he'd e-innings despite his 4.98 ERA over the last three.

Years and 98 starts, now facing tougher defenses behind him, and lineups that know his game,

his fastball has dipped from 93 miles per hour to 91 point.

9.

Leaving him hittable when his command slips.

Fans and analysts are buzzing about how long manager Blake Boutera will stick with

him, especially after back-to-back disasters against strong, offences.

To rebuilding squad, so patience makes sense for a vet with two all-star nods.

But the results are catastrophic so far, testing the new front.

Offices resolve.

Boutera says McCollus gets his next turn, yet prospects like Andrew Alvarez are shining

in triple A with a 2.31 ERA in 5 big league.

Starts last year and a dominant 5 scoreless innings with 10 strikeouts recently.

As a lefty, Alvarez brings sharper breaking stuff and deception than McCollus lacks.

Father time waits for no one, and if Nicolas doesn't rebound quick, expect those uncomfortable

talks to heat up.

The gnats have options and smart teams.

Pivot-fast on experiments gone wrong.