2012 Washington Nationals season

Despite being plagued with injuries, the Nationals had an impressive start to the season, never dropping below the .500 mark and consistently holding first or second place in their division.

On September 20, the Nationals beat the Los Angeles Dodgers to clinch the franchise's first postseason berth since 1981, as well as their first in a non-strike shortened season, and the first for a Washington-based team since the Washington Senators won the American League pennant in 1933.

[3] On October 30, 2011, following the World Series, the Nationals granted Todd Coffey, Alex Cora, Jonny Gomes, Liván Hernández, Laynce Nix, and Iván Rodríguez free agency.

Martin, Shairon Martis, Garrett Mock, Óliver Pérez, Miguel Perez, Michael Aubrey, Matt Antonelli, Gregor Blanco, Buck Coats, and Jeff Frazier free agency.

[4] Additionally, on October 31, the Nationals moved interim bench coach Pat Corrales back into a position in player development for the team.

[5] On December 23, the Nationals traded Brad Peacock and Tommy Milone, along with minor-league prospects Derek Norris and A. J. Cole, to the Oakland Athletics for left-handed starting pitcher Gio González and Oakland minor-league prospect Robert Gilliam.

[4] On February 19, 2012, Mike Cameron (signed on December 19) retired after seventeen years in the major leagues, with one All-Star appearance and three Gold Glove awards.

[4] The Nationals held their 2012 spring training in Viera, Florida, with home games played at Space Coast Stadium.

On April 3, 2012, the Nationals placed Drew Storen and Michael Morse on the disabled list to start the season, and John Lannan was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse.

[citation needed] At the All-Star break, which began on July 9, 2012, the Nationals were in first place in the NL East with a 49–34 record, four games ahead of the second-place Atlanta Braves.

Desmond decided not to participate in order to rest a sore oblique muscle; Michael Bourn of the Atlanta Braves was chosen to go in his place.

Giancarlo Stanton of the Miami Marlins declined to participate because of a serious knee injury which required surgery,[9] so the Nationals' Bryce Harper was chosen to play in his place.