Only two more left until the focus shifts to postseason ball

It cannot be easy playing four games in two days. Heck, all I did was sit around and watch four games in two days and talk about it on TV a bit, and I'm exhausted right now. I can't imagine how the players or coaches feel after going through that physical and mental wringer. It cannot be easy, especially at this point in the season, when bodies are tired and pitchers' arms have logged dozens upon dozens of innings. Especially when there are bigger goals that still lie ahead, and the last thing you want is an injury a week before the postseason begins. Yet, that's exactly what the Nationals did the last two days. They played two against the Mets on Thursday, splitting the doubleheader, then suited up for two more yesterday, splitting that twinbill with the Marlins. Of course, it certainly helped that these back-to-back doubleheaders came when teams have the benefit of working with expanded rosters. Matt Williams could essentially go with two separate lineups, playing one stocked with veterans and then another filled mostly with call-ups and bench players, guys eager to get multiple at-bats in a game and make an impact down the stretch. The bullpen might've been tested a bit, and Williams will need to monitor how his relievers are used this weekend, but there don't appear to be any real concerns on that front as we enter Saturday's action. Those two victories the last two days secured home-field advantage through the National League side of the playoffs, the only tangible goal the Nats had left to accomplish before the regular season comes to a close. There are other broader goals, Williams and the players say, goals that they hope to meet over these next two days before the regular season finally wraps up and we can all turn our attention towards the postseason. They want to continue playing hard, giving full effort and doing their best to ensure they're playing their best ball going into the playoffs. Because of the four-day layoff in between Sunday's regular season finale and Friday's Game 1 of the National League Division Series, the Nats feel it's important for them to stay as sharp as possible this next week, and the regular position players getting a good amount of playing time today and tomorrow will assist with that. So look for Williams to start most of his regulars in both games against the Marlins this weekend, then pull them after a few at-bats to ensure that they stay healthy. Staying sharp is important, but so is staying in good shape physically. Only two regular season games remain, folks. The postseason is quickly approaching.