After acquiring Jonathan Papelbon, Nats quiet as trade deadline passes

FLUSHING, N.Y. - The Nationals were quiet as the trade deadline expired earlier this evening. General manager Mike Rizzo didn't wait until the end, making his splash on Tuesday in the controversial trade for veteran closer Jonathan Papelbon.

"We thought improving the bullpen was something that we would like to do," Rizzo said. "We thought if there was room to improve ourselves, we were fortunate to come up with a deal that worked for us. (We) acquired a close down relief pitcher and we are happy to have (Papelbon)."

Meanwhile, the Mets, who were active all week, landed slugger Yoenis Cespedes in a late trade Friday afternoon with the Tigers. Cespedes should provide the punch in the Mets lineup they've been lacking badly all year. The 29-year-old was hitting .293 with 18 homers and 61 RBIs for Detroit.

Before Cespedes, the Mets acquired veterans Juan Uribe and Kelly Johnson from the Braves on Sunday and then landed former Nats right-hander Tyler Clippard on Monday.

"Nice moves, good moves," Nationals manager Matt Williams said about the Mets. "They've improved their club. They filled needs that they felt were missing for them. We know Clip very well. He's a quality pitcher. We don't know Cespedes that much because he's been in the American League but the stats speak for themselves. He's a powerful guy that plays the outfield really well. He knows how to drive runs in and hit some homers. So they've added some good pieces. We're gonna have to play well of we're gonna beat 'em.

The Nationals continue to lead the division despite the rash of injuries they've suffered this season. While other teams like the Mets were making deals, Williams and Rizzo were looking to simply gain the punch back in their offense from the likes of Anthony Rendon, Jayson Werth, Ryan Zimmerman and Denard Span.

"Given all that's gone on this year, I think we're fortunate to be where we're at," Williams said. "We got two months to play and we need to win baseball games like everybody else does. We got some guys back off of injury, we're gonna get a couple more pretty soon, so that will help us and we'll go get 'em."

Span has missed 18 games after back spasms sent him to the 15-day DL on July 7. Williams indicated Span is feeling better and progressing toward baseball activities.

"He's in D.C. now working with a therapist," Williams said. "We will see him in the next couple of days to make a determination on where he goes when he starts hitting, running, throwing and doing all of that stuff. He's doing all the exercises that are required for him to get back."

Right-hander Stephen Strasburg (left oblique strain) is expected to make his second minor league rehab start at Triple-A Syracuse on Monday night.