The Washington Nationals have struggled recently, losing eight of their last 10 games and dropping seven straight heading into a series finale against the Miami Marlins.
This rough stretch includes a three-game sweep by the New York Mets and two home losses to the Marlins.
As of June 15, the Nationals hold a disappointing 30-40 record. After a 4-3 loss to the Marlins on Saturday, manager Dave Martinez expressed frustration and blamed the players despite a late rally.
Dave Martinez Sends Harsh Message to Nationals Roster Amid Struggles
Sometimes coaches are to blame. Sometimes players are to blame. And, sometimes, everybody is to blame.
According to Bennett Lehmann of District on Deck, this time, Martinez did not blame the coaches but instead delivered a blunt message to the players.
“It’s never on coaching. Never on coaching. Coaches work their a**** off every single day. We’re not going to finger-point here and say it’s coaches. It’s never on the coaches. They work hard,” Martinez said.
“The message is clear. All the work is done prior. Sometimes, they got to go out there, and they got to play the game. It’s always been about the players. Always. I played this game a long time. Never once have I blamed a coach for anything.”
The Nationals manager continued to back his coaching staff with a strong support message in continuation.
“These coaches, I’ve never had such a group of coaches that worked as hard as they do. They’re here diligently. They go over everything. They sit with the players every day. These coaches, they work their a**** off. Every coaching staff is like that.”
Martinez added, “Sometimes, the players know, sometimes you got to put this on the players. They got to go out there, and they got to play the game. And play the game the right way. We can’t hit for them. We can’t catch the ball for them. We can’t pitch for them. We can’t throw strikes for them. They got to do that.”
So for anyone who missed it, this is what Davey Martinez had to say following the Nationals’ 7th consecutive loss.
Interpret this how you will…🤨#Natitude pic.twitter.com/UZPjqUDARx
— Bennett Lehmann (@DCBerk) June 14, 2025
Sure, some players are performing well, like young pitcher MacKenzie Gore. But Martinez did not want to hear that the coaches were to blame.
Overall, Martinez’s message was blunt, and while it may have been an attempt to motivate the team, it came across as puzzling in a dugout full of tension.