They were without key players like Werth , Denard Span , Ryan Zimmerman , Anthony Rendon and Stephen Strasburg for lengthy periods .
The Nationals went into the All - Star break in first place , but injury began to take its toll .
Nationals were without key players like Werth , Denard Span , Ryan Zimmerman , Anthony Rendon and Stephen Strasburg for lengthy periods .
The Nationals went into the All - Star break in first place , but injury began to take its toll .