With Zim out, where will runs come from?

US Presswire photo

Ian Desmond reached second on an error and scored the Nats' only run today.

The gut punch came 75 minutes before first pitch at Nationals Park, when the home clubhouse doors closed for a brief meeting in which the entire team was informed Ryan Zimmerman will have surgery Tuesday to repair a torn abdominal muscle.

The knockout blow came four hours later when the Nationals trudged off the field following a 2-1 loss to the Giants that was as inexplicable as any they had experienced in a long time. Despite putting 14 men on base -- 12 via walk or hit batter -- their moribund lineup could not push more than one run across the plate.

Which led to a stark realization back in that clubhouse at the end of a demoralizing Saturday afternoon: Somehow, this team that seems to get a quality pitching performance every time it takes the field has to figure out some way to increase its offensive production, with the "Face of the Franchise" sidelined for at least another six weeks.

"It's hard to lose your best player, regardless," first baseman Adam LaRoche said. "It's great having him around now, but it's killing him not to be out there. And it hurts. But there's nothing we can do about it. The best thing we can do is wish him the best and hope he recovers sooner than expected and go on and try to win some games."
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Zimmerman needs surgery, out 6 weeks

Updated at 3:48 p.m.

Ryan Zimmerman will have surgery Tuesday to repair a torn abdominal muscle, a procedure that will keep the Nationals third baseman out approximately six more weeks.

Zimmerman, who has been on the disabled list for three weeks since aggravating the injury while sliding headfirst into second base, was not making progress in his attempt to return through rest and rehab. He consulted a second doctor in Philadelphia on Friday, at which point a torn rectus muscle (the six-pack in the abdomen) was diagnosed.

Surgery will take place Tuesday in Philadelphia, with specialist Bill Meyers performing. The Nationals said rehab will begin the day after surgery, and general manager Mike Rizzo said rehab should take six weeks "if all goes well."

That would put Zimmerman on target to return to the lineup in mid-June, about nine weeks removed from his last game.

"It's tough," said, who was hitting .357 in eight games before suffering the injury. "We went through it a couple of weeks trying to get it better. It's frustrating, but it's nice to have closure, get it fixed and get working to come back and help this team continue to play well like they have been."
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Game 26: Giants at Nats

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

John Lannan faces Jonathan Sanchez in a rare 4:05 p.m. game at Nationals Park.

After Jason Marquis' shutout gem last night, what does John Lannan have in store for the Giants today? The left-hander hasn't been spectacular so far this season, but he hasn't been poor, either. Kind of typical John Lannan, to be honest, though I'm sure he expects more out of himself (especially since he's yet to reach the seventh inning in five starts).

Lannan will be facing another lefty in Jonathan Sanchez, who has yet to surrender more than three earned runs in any start this year. Jim Riggleman's lineup includes Wilson Ramos, Michael Morse and Jerry Hairston.

I'm back at the ballpark today for this rare late-afternoon start (Fox has the 1-4 p.m. TV window, which explains the 4:05 p.m. first pitch), so check back for updates throughout...

GIANTS at NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 4:05 p.m.
TV: MASN
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 188
Weather: Sunny, 67 degrees, Wind 9 mph in from LF

STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (12-13)
2B Danny Espinosa
CF Rick Ankiel
RF Jayson Werth
1B Adam LaRoche

Marquis shuts down Giants, Lincecum

US Presswire photo

Jason Marquis was brilliant in out-dueling Tim Lincecum tonight.

Is it safe to say Jason Marquis has officially put his disastrous 2010 behind him? The right-hander certainly has done everything in his power to reverse the trend so far this year, capped tonight by a brilliant, 3-0 shutout of the Giants and ace Tim Lincecum.

Marquis, who needed only 96 pitches to complete his first shutout in nearly two years, is now 3-0 with a 2.62 ERA. He was aided tonight by an opportunistic Nationals lineup that scored three runs off Lincecum, two of them on a Laynce Nix homer.

Ian Desmond also continued his hot streak at the plate, going 3-for-3 with a stolen base. In two games since rejoining the club following the birth of his son, the young shortstop has five hits and has collectively hit for the cycle.

Rich Dubroff has the full report of an impressive night at Nationals Park on CSNwashington.com.

Nats bench in a pinch

The Nationals haven't exactly been coming through in pinch-hitting situations this season. In fact, they entered tonight's game with only one hit in 15 pinch-hit at-bats this season.

That stat, though, doesn't entirely reflect the performance of the Nats' bench so far.

Read Rich Dubroff's story on CSNwashington.com.

Game 25: Giants at Nats

File photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

The Nationals will have their hands full tonight with Tim Lincecum and the Giants.

A struggling lineup without its best hitter facing the defending World Series champions and their ace right-hander? Sounds like a recipe for disaster, right?

Well, maybe not. Yes, the Nationals are going up against Tim Lincecum and the Giants tonight in the first of a four-game series on South Capitol Street. But Lincecum is coming off a shaky start last week against the Braves, and San Francisco's lineup has been shaky throughout the season's first three weeks. And to top it off, the Nats actually beat Lincecum last year at AT&T Park, knocking him out after 4 2/3 innings.

We'll see if tonight's lineup -- featuring Wilson Ramos and Laynce Nix -- can do it to Lincecum again. And we'll see if Jason Marquis can keep up his early-season string of quality starts.

I'm covering the Capitals' game tonight at Verizon Center, but Rich Dubroff (who has been covering baseball in this area for years) will be filling in and filing articles to CSNwashington.com. I'll be sure to link to them here...

GIANTS at NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 7:05 p.m.
TV: MASN
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), XM 188
Weather: Partly cloudy, 63 degrees, Wind 13 mph LF to RF

STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (11-13)
2B Danny Espinosa
CF Rick Ankiel
RF Jayson Werth
1B Adam LaRoche

Series preview: Giants at Nats

Friday, 7:05 p.m. -- RHP Tim Lincecum (2-2, 2.70) vs. RHP Jason Marquis (2-0, 3.55)
TV: MASN Radio: WJFK-106.7 FM
 
Saturday, 4:05 p.m. -- LHP Jonathan Sanchez (2-1, 3.21) vs. LHP John Lannan (2-2, 4.05)
TV: MASN Radio: WJFK-106.7 FM, WFED-1500 AM

Sunday, 1:35 p.m. -- RHP Matt Cain (2-1, 3.34) vs. RHP Jordan Zimmermann (1-4, 4.55)
TV: MASN Radio: WJFK-106.7 FM, WFED-1500 AM

Monday, 7:05 p.m. -- LHP Madison Bumgarner (0-4, 6.17)
vs. LHP Tom Gorzelanny (0-2, 3.97)
TV: MASN Radio: WJFK-106.7 FM, WFED-1500 AM

GIANTS UPDATE
San Francisco's title defense has gotten off to a bit of a ragged start. The Giants opened the season 1-4, won nine of their next 12, then lost five of six before beating the Pirates yesterday afternoon.

The problems have mostly come at the plate, where hits aren't coming in bunches or at opportune times. The Giants were a paltry 2-for-24 with runners in scoring position during the Pittsburgh series, yet somehow managed to take two of three thanks to their always-strong

Distractions off field, success on it

Getty Images

Ian Desmond is congratulated after homering in the fifth inning.

Ian Desmond and Livan Hernandez are, in many ways, polar opposites on the baseball diamond. Desmond is all energy, a second-year shortstop who acknowledges he's likely to vacillate between highs and lows over the course of a season, or even a game. Hernandez is the laid-back veteran pitcher, never flustered by anything, a sage right-hander who simply tries to maintain a level of consistency every fifth day.

Each, though, knows who he is and doesn't try to be somebody else. And when they stick to that philosophy and put it all together, as they did tonight during the Nationals' 4-3 victory over the Mets, they are invaluable to this ballclub.

In Desmond's case, that meant returning from a two-day trip to Sarasota, Fla., to witness the birth of his first child and then homering and tripling to deep left-center. In Hernandez's case, that meant shrugging off this week's revelation that he's been linked to a federal money laundering case and authoring a prototypical Livo gem on the mound.

Those two efforts, combined with a fantastic 3-2 slider from closer Drew Storen to ex-teammate Willie Harris with the game on the line in the ninth, helped the Nationals snap a three-game losing streak. And that helped both Desmond and Hernandez regain a sense of normalcy after an eventful few days.

"It was nice to be back," Desmond said. "Watching the games the last couple days, it seemed like the team needed a little spark. I came in here today hoping to be able to do that. I did, and it felt really good."
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Desmond returns, plus Zimmerman update

Shortstop Ian Desmond came off the paternity leave list today, rejoining the Nationals after missing two days for the birth of his first child.

Desmond left the club Tuesday morning and made it to Sarasota, Fla., in time for wife Chelsey to deliver 6-pound, 11-ounce son Grayson that afternoon. He remained there yesterday before flying back to Washington today, where he went straight to Nationals Park and was in the starting lineup for the series finale against the Mets.

Major League Baseball created the paternity leave list this season, allowing clubs to replace expectant fathers on the roster during their absence.

Roger Bernadina, who was called up from Class AAA Syracuse Tuesday to take Desmond's spot, was optioned back to the minors Thursday afternoon. The outfielder appeared in both games while in D.C., going
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Game 24: Mets at Nats

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

The Nationals try to avoid a series sweep tonight at the hands of the Mets.

Livan Hernandez has started 58 games Washington, D.C., more than any other pitcher since baseball returned in 2005, and few men who have toed the rubber at either RFK Stadium or Nationals Park have been as beloved as the big right-hander. Tonight, Livo takes the mound under different circumstances, the news of his possible involvement in a federal money laundering case having gone mainstream yesterday.

If this was another town, or if this was another pitcher, the crowd response tonight might not be very pleasant. I have a hunch, though, that Hernandez will be greeted warmly as always when he emerges from the dugout shortly before 7:05 p.m. We shall see.

In other news, Ian Desmond has returned from paternity leave and has been added back to the roster. The Nationals optioned outfielder Roger Bernadina back to Class AAA Syracuse to make room for Desmond, who will start at shortstop tonight and bat sixth.

Plenty of updates to come...

METS at NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 7:05 p.m.
TV: MASN2
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 183
Weather: Partly cloudy, 70 degrees, Wind 12 mph out to RF

STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (10-13)
2B Danny Espinosa
CF Rick Ankiel
RF Jayson Werth
1B Adam LaRoche

Harper sparks bench-clearing incident

Bryce Harper has had quite an eventful week. After his pro career got off to a sluggish start, the 18-year-old outfielder has gone on a bit of a tear. He's homered in three of his last five games, this after getting contact lenses upon learning his vision wasn't so great. He crashed into the wall in Hagerstown making a catch and missed the second half of a doubleheader because of it.

Last night, Harper squared off against Jameson Taillon, the right-hander selected by the Pirates one spot behind him in last summer's draft. Taillon, in his minor-league debut, walked Harper in the top of the first, then didn't face him again because heavy rain forced the suspension of the game after two innings.

Harper had already made headlines the previous night when he exchanged some words with West Virginia's catcher after crossing the plate upon homering. When Harper struck out looking later in the game, he and the opposing pitcher started jabbering back and forth,

A ninth-inning implosion, a frustrating loss

US Presswire photo

Sean Burnett couldn't make a clean play on Willie Harris' ninth-inning bunt.

Jim Riggleman wandered into the Nationals' clubhouse about 15 minutes after his team had completed a demoralizing, 6-3 loss to the Mets Wednesday night and saw at least a half-dozen players sitting at their lockers, heads down or staring off into space.

The manager made a point to walk past each guy, slap him on the back and offer one or two words of encouragement.

There wasn't much consoling after this unsightly loss, though, not after the Nationals allowed five late runs, blowing leads in both the eighth and ninth innings. Washington's third straight loss and sixth in seven games leaves this club in last place in the NL East only one week after it was threatening to challenge for the division lead.

Where to place the blame for this latest loss? Certainly, relievers Tyler Clippard (who served up a tying homer to Daniel Murphy in the eighth) and Sean Burnett (who gave up four runs in the ninth) played their part. The defense behind those guys, particularly behind Burnett in the ninth, wasn't exactly crisp.

And Riggleman himself had a hand in this one, making a few late-game decisions that backfired and perhaps left him feeling like he needed to console some of his players afterward.
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Hernandez named in investigation

Nationals right-hander Livan Hernandez is reportedly the subject of a federal investigation involving money laundering for Angel Ayala Vazquez, a convicted drug trafficker in Puerto Rico.

According to a report on Puerto Rican news site El Vocero, Hernandez is one of several celebrities being investigated and could face charges of money laundering and bank fraud. The report said Hernandez testified in relation to the Vazquez case in front of a grand jury in the summer of 2009. He spent most of that season pitching for the Mets before being signed by the Nationals on Aug. 26.

As part of the case against Vazquez, Hernandez's name was mentioned multiple times by various witnesses as a figurehead or prominent part of Ayala Vazquez's operation. During the trial, U.S.
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Gaudin to DL, Rodriguez activated

The Nationals have placed reliever Chad Gaudin on the 15-day disabled list with right shoulder inflammation and activated fellow reliever Henry Rodriguez off the DL to take his roster spot.

Gaudin had been experiencing some shoulder discomfort in recent days, particularly since getting struck by a line drive. He last pitched Monday night in Pittsburgh, retiring both batters he faced in the seventh inning, so the DL move is retroactive to Tuesday.

The 28-year-old, who has started most of his career but is currently being used as a long reliever, is 1-1 with a 6.48 ERA in 10 appearances this season.

Rodriguez will be available out of the Nationals' bullpen tonight after completing his minor-league rehab assignment. On the 15-day DL since the end of spring training with a strained neck, the right-hander

Game 23: Mets at Nats

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

Losers in five of their last six games, the Nats try to get back on track tonight.

The Nationals' upcoming schedule isn't very kind. They've got four games this weekend against the World Series champion Giants (with Tim Lincecum slated to pitch Friday's opener). Then a nine-game road trip to Philadelphia, Florida and Atlanta, three locales that haven't been so kind to these guys over the years.

The next two evenings against the Mets, then, start looking really important. After dropping last night's game 6-4, the Nats can ill afford another loss that would drop them to three games under .500.

Tom Gorzelanny, still in search of his first win with the Nationals, gets the ball against knuckleballer R.A. Dickey. Jim Riggleman is sticking with his same lineup from last night, including rookie catcher Wilson Ramos (who is starting his third straight game for the first time).

Updates to come...

METS at NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 7:05 p.m.
TV: MASN2
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 183
Weather: Chance of storms, 76 degrees, Wind 16 mph out to LF

STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (10-12)
2B Danny Espinosa
CF Rick Ankiel
RF Jayson Werth
1B Adam LaRoche

Beltway Baseball - 4/27/11

Thanks to everyone who watched today's live edition of Beltway Baseball, and thanks to everyone who submitted questions for me and CSNwashington.com producer Chase Hughes.

If you missed the show, here's the recorded version for your viewing pleasure.

Slaten's continued struggles cost Nats

US Presswire photo

Doug Slaten allowed the tie-breaking double in tonight's 6-4 loss to the Mets.

Relief pitchers already have precious little margin for error when they enter a game. That margin shrinks to microscopic levels for left-handed specialists, who get to face only one batter on any given night, typically with the entire game on the line.

Doug Slaten has always taken pride in his ability to come into a game in a jam, face a tough left-handed hitter and get out of the jam without sustaining any damage.

"That's the No. 1 key to my job, probably," he said. "Coming in and getting guys out with guys on base."

If that's the best measure of a lefty reliever's success, Slaten isn't performing up to standards so far this season. And on Tuesday night, his inability to get a big out with the game on the line helped send the Nationals to a 6-4 loss to the Mets.
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Submit questions for Beltway Baseball Live

Chase Hughes and I will have another live edition of Beltway Baseball tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. on CSNwashington.com (also live-streamed here on NatsInsider.com). And this week we've got a new twist: We'll be answering a few questions from all of you.

If you've got a topic or a specific question you'd like us to address, put it in the comments section of this thread. Obviously we won't be able to get to them all, but we'll pick the best ones and use them during tomorrow's show.

Make sure to tune in at 1:30 p.m. tomorrow to find out if we selected your question.

Zimmerman still needs time to return

Ryan Zimmerman took a step Tuesday toward his eventual return from an abdominal strain, but the Nationals third baseman is still going to need some more time before he's activated off the disabled list.

Zimmerman performed some light baseball activities Tuesday afternoon for the first time since going on the 15-day DL April 9. Standing down the right-field line at Nationals Park, he played catch with head trainer Lee Kuntz from about 60 feet, fielded some hand-thrown grounders and then jogged about 90 feet several times.

Zimmerman hasn't yet taking batting practice, run the bases or fielders grounders off a bat, steps he must take before he can return to game action. Even then, he'll need to go on a minor-league rehab assignment for at least a couple of days to face live hitting before
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Game 22: Mets at Nats

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

After a rainy road trip, the Nats are back home tonight to face the Mets.

The Nationals open a seven-game homestand tonight, still reeling somewhat from their disappointing 2-4 trip to St. Louis and Pittsburgh and in need of a bounce-back victory tonight. Under normal circumstances, a home series against the Mets would be exactly what the doctor ordered, but the Nats may be catching their division rivals at the wrong time. New York has won four in a row, and right-hander Chris Young (who one-hit the Nationals April 10 at Citi Field) is back from the DL starting the opener.

Jordan Zimmermann gets the start for the Nats, trying to bounce back himself from his worst start of the season (five runs, eight hits allowed in St. Louis). Zimmermann has already beaten the Mets once this year.

With Ian Desmond officially off the roster while on paternity leave, Alex Cora will be starting at shortstop. Roger Bernadina has been recalled to temporarily take Desmond's roster spot; the outfielder will be available off the bench tonight.

Check back for updates throughout, and catch me on CSN's "SportsNet Central" live from the ballpark at 6 p.m. ...

METS at NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 7:05 p.m.
TV: MASN2
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 183
Weather: Chance of storms, 75 degrees, Wind 13 mph out to LF

STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (10-11)
2B Danny Espinosa
CF Rick Ankiel
RF Jayson Werth
1B Adam LaRoche

Desmond on paternity leave, Bernadina up

Updated at 6:29 p.m.

The Nationals have placed shortstop Ian Desmond on the newly created paternity leave list and recalled outfielder Roger Bernadina from Class AAA Syracuse to temporarily take his roster spot.

Desmond's wife, Chelsey, had been due to give birth to the couple's first child in Sarasota, Fla., and the Nationals had been prepared for the shortstop's departure for the last week. Grayson Wesley Desmond was born at 3:56 p.m., weighing 6 pounds, 11 ounces.

Major League Baseball created the paternity leave list this season, allowing expectant fathers to come off the roster for up to three days, with a replacement promoted from the minors to fill that spot. Desmond becomes the second big-leaguer to go on the list, joining Rangers right-hander Colby Lewis.

Desmond has gotten off to a sluggish start to the season, hitting .205 with two homers and eight RBI over his first 20 games. He's also committed seven errors, tied with Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro for the

Series preview: Mets at Nats

Tuesday, 7:05 p.m. -- RHP Chris Young (1-0, 1.46) vs. RHP Jordan Zimmermann (1-3, 3.70)
TV: MASN2 Radio: WJFK-106.7 FM, WFED-1500 AM
 
Wednesday, 7:05 p.m. -- RHP R.A. Dickey (1-3, 4.10) vs. LHP Tom Gorzelanny (0-2, 4.96)
TV: MASN2 Radio: WJFK-106.7 FM, WFED-1500 AM

Thursday, 7:05 p.m. -- LHP Chris Capuano (2-1, 5.95) vs. RHP Livan Hernandez (2-2, 3.48)
TV: MASN Radio: WJFK-106.7 FM, WFED-1500 AM


METS UPDATE
It's already been a season of high drama in Queens, to the surprise of no one. Last week, the Mets looked like the worst team in baseball, having dropped eight of nine games at home. Then they went on a four-game tear, beating Houston and sweeping Arizona to raise their record to 9-13.

The resurgence coincided with the return of Jason Bay from the DL. The left fielder hadn't played since straining a muscle while taking batting practice in late-March in Viera. Bay's return helps stabilize New York's lineup, which had already been getting good production from Ike Davis and David Wright.

The Mets' pitching staff will get its own boost tonight when Chris Young returns from the DL. The right-hander missed the last two weeks with what the club believes was biceps tendinitis, a sigh of relief

When it rains, it pours

US Presswire photo

Ian Desmond dodges raindrops on his way to third base during tonight's loss.

PITTSBURGH -- At the end of a long (and very wet) road trip, the Nationals could only look to the heavens and ask: Why us? Why does it seem to rain everywhere we go?

"April showers," John Lanann muttered. "I can't wait for April to be over. Let's go to May."

Lannan, of all people, has a right to feel that way. He's made five starts now this season, three of which have been disrupted in some fashion by Mother Nature. His season debut included a 55-minute rain delay in the fourth inning. His fourth scheduled start last week in St. Louis was postponed altogether. And his fifth start, Monday in Pittsburgh, featured a 21-minute interruption that completely altered the course of this game.

The Nationals were careful not to blame this 4-2 loss to the Pirates on the conditions. But the look of exasperation in their eyes said it all.

"There's nothing you can do about it," said manager Jim Riggleman, whose team has experienced three postponements and three in-game delays in 3 1/2 weeks. "It's Maryland, it's Pennsylvania in April, and you're going to get that. We've dealt with it before, and we may not be past it. So it's just a situation you've got to deal with, and no excuses."
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Stairs on 0-for-11: "Just embarrassing"

US Presswire photo

Matt Stairs enters Monday night's game hitless in 11 at-bats this season.

PITTSBURGH -- Matt Stairs has been in this game too long and hit his way out of too many slumps to start mincing words now at age 43. And the Nationals' struggling pinch-hitter isn't making any excuses for his 0-for-11 start to the season.

"I can honestly say my 11 at-bats I've had so far -- besides my four walks -- have been just embarrassing," he said before Monday night's game against the Pirates. "I'll be the first one to admit it.

"The thing that bothers me is, it's 0-for-11, but it's not even good at-bats. It pisses me off. I can honestly say when I step into the batter's box, I have no chance of getting a hit."

Over the course of 19 big-league seasons, Stairs has endured through his share of slumps, including an 0-for-30 slide that stretched out over nearly two months in 2009 with the Phillies. So he's not about to start panicking, though he did lose a bit of sleep Sunday night.
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Zimmerman to resume baseball activities

PITTSBURGH -- Ryan Zimmerman, on the disabled list more than two weeks with a strained abdominal muscle, will resume some baseball activities Tuesday before the start of the Nationals' seven-game homestand. The third baseman's return to the lineup, though, won't happen until he goes on at least a brief minor-league rehab assignment.

Zimmerman went on the 15-day DL April 9, one day after he aggravated a previous strain while sliding headfirst into second base at Citi Field. He was eligible to be activated Sunday, but he so far has undergone only physical therapy and has not participated in any baseball activities.

The Nationals, who are wrapping up a six-game road trip Monday night against the Pirates, plan to evaluate Zimmerman prior to Tuesday's game at Nationals Park. He'll doing some throwing, though it's uncertain whether he'll take batting practice yet.

Either way, the prolonged layoff means Zimmerman will need to get a few at-bats on a minor-league rehab assignment before he's activated. That means he's unlikely to return to the Nationals' lineup until late this week at the earliest.

Game 21: Nats at Pirates

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

The Nats try to get back over .500 tonight at PNC Park.

PITTSBURGH -- John Lannan will reach a milestone tonight when he delivers his first pitch to Pirates leadoff man Andrew McCutchen. The lefty will have officially made 100 starts in the major leagues. That's no small feat for an 11th-round draft pick out of Siena College, who over his first 99 starts has established himself as a pretty good, big-league pitcher.

Opposing Lannan tonight is Paul Maholm, who incredibly has made more starts (157) than any other left-hander in the National League since 2006. Yes, Paul Maholm. Go figure.

A couple of twists to the Nats' lineup tonight. Rick Ankiel gets his first day off of the season, so Jerry Hairston is starting in center field. Ian Desmond gets bumped up to the No. 2 spot behind Danny Espinosa. Brian Bixler makes his first appearance, starting at third base.

Plenty of updates live from the ballpark to come...

NATIONALS at PIRATES
Where: PNC Park
Gametime: 7:05 p.m.
TV: MASN
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 188
Weather: Chance of storms, 74 degrees, Wind 9 mph RF to LF

STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (10-10)
2B Danny Espinosa
SS Ian Desmond
RF Jayson Werth
1B Adam LaRoche

Starters earning their manager's trust

US Presswire photo

Jason Marquis talked his way into finishing the sixth inning yesterday.

PITTSBURGH -- There's a stat about the Nationals' pitching staff -- how their starter has gone at least five innings in every game this season, something no other rotation in the majors has done -- that keeps getting cited. (Full disclosure: I'm one of the ones who keeps citing it.)

It's not an entirely meaningless stat. If nothing else, it shows you the Nats have yet to receive one legitimately sub-par outing from a starting pitcher this season. But it also leaves out an important point: Just because they're lasting at least five innings doesn't mean they're pitching deep into these games.

Indeed, only six times in 20 games has a Nationals starter thrown even one pitch in the seventh inning. Livan Hernandez (to the surprise of no one) has three of those six starts. Jason Marquis has two; Jordan Zimmermann has one; John Lannan and Tom Gorzelanny have yet to do it.

Jim Riggleman has talked about the need for his starters to go deeper in games, but the manager's actions suggest he still doesn't have complete faith in all of his starters to do it, particularly the younger

Morse, LaRoche spring to life vs. Pirates

US Presswire photo

Michael Morse and Adam LaRoche each homered during today's 6-3 win.

PITTSBURGH -- They may insist they pay no attention to such things, but members of the Nationals' lineup can't help but notice how abysmal their offensive numbers are right now.

Only two of Jim Riggleman's starting nine Sunday against the Pirates boasted batting averages better than .225: Leadoff man Danny Espinosa and pitcher Jason Marquis, who was hitting a robust .286. Three starters were sitting below the Mendoza line. Four sported on-base percentages below .300.

"You look at the averages right now, and it's not real good," cleanup hitter Adam LaRoche said.

Perhaps the Nationals began to dig themselves out of their season-long funk Sunday afternoon in pounding out 15 hits en route to a 6-3 victory. Certainly, LaRoche (2-for-5, homer) and Michael Morse (3-for-4, three-run homer) had to feel good about their performances.

This lineup may not be loaded with thumpers who can be counted on to produce every single night. But there's certainly more offensive talent wearing curly W jerseys right now than has been put on display.

"It's nice to put a few hits together today," LaRoche said. "That's been few and far between. Our pitchers have been keeping us in there, but we haven't been able to get the big hit. So to have Mike come up with the big three-run home run and drive some runs in when we needed them, and to keep adding on to it, was a good sign."
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Game 20: Nats at Pirates

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

The tarp's on the field right now, but they should be able to play today at PNC Park.

PITTSBURGH -- Good afternoon from soggy PNC Park on the banks of the Allegheny River. There has been rain (or the threat of rain) all weekend, though it looks like things should clear up enough this afternoon for the Nationals and Pirates to play the second game of this series.

No matter the weather conditions, the Nats need to start hitting if they want to snap out of their three-game slide. Considering the lineup they're fielding today, that might be easier said than done. Only two members of the lineup boast batting averages over .225: Danny Espinosa and Jason Marquis (whose .286 average is tops in this lineup by leaps and bounds).

Ian Desmond, who committed two errors during last night's loss, has the day off. He's still in uniform and with the team, though he could leave at any point once his wife goes into labor. Meanwhile, Todd Coffey was officially activated off the DL and is available to pitch.

Plenty of updates to come live from the ballpark, so please check back often...

NATIONALS at PIRATES
Where: PNC Park
Gametime: 1:35 p.m.
TV: MASN2
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 186
Weather: Chance of rain, 62 degrees, Wind 5 mph RF to LF

STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (9-10)
2B Danny Espinosa
CF Rick Ankiel
RF Jayson Werth
1B Adam LaRoche

Balester optioned, Coffey coming off DL

The Nationals optioned right-hander Collin Balester to Class AAA Syracuse following tonight's loss in Pittsburgh, paving the way for Todd Coffey to return from the disabled list tomorrow.

Balester made three appearances during his brief stint with the Nats, allowing three runs (all Thursday in St. Louis) over 3 1/3 total innings. The reliever, who still has minor-league options, figures to make regular trips back and forth from Washington to Syracuse this season.

Coffey, out since April 9 with a strained left calf, is eligible to come off the 15-day DL tomorrow. The right-hander remained with the club during his DL stint and threw off a bullpen mound in Pittsburgh.

Game 19: Nats at Pirates (Take 2)

File photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

After last night's rainout, the Nats and Pirates hope to play tonight at PNC Park.

Sick of delays and rainouts already? The Nationals sure are after last night experiencing their third postponement in a week. Be warned, though: There's more rain in the forecast tonight in Pittsburgh, and there's the possibility of rain tomorrow as well.

Whenever the next game is actually played, Livan Hernandez will be on the mound for the Nats, making his 450th career start. Right-hander Jeff Karstens (you may remember him as the opposing pitcher last summer for Stephen Strasburg's debut) starts for the Pirates.

Roster news: Brian Bixler is now officially eligible to play after having his contract purchased from Class AAA Syracuse. To make room on the 40-man roster for Bixler, the Nats have designated left-hander Lee Hyde (a reliever they plucked off waivers from the Braves last month) for assignment.

I'm covering the Capitals' game today for CSNwashington.com, but good news: Thanks to last night's rainout, I'm going to head up to Pittsburgh tomorrow and cover the final two games of this series in person. Until then, enjoy tonight's game...

NATIONALS at PIRATES
Where: PNC Park
Gametime: 7:05 p.m.
TV: MASN2
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), XM 183
Weather: Showers, 68 degrees, Wind 13 mph RF to LF

STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (9-9)
2B Danny Espinosa
CF Rick Ankiel
RF Jayson Werth
1B Adam LaRoche

Another postponement, makeup Monday

For the third time in seven days, the Nationals have been rained out. Unlike the previous two times, they won't be making this one up as part of a doubleheader.

Tonight's game against the Pirates has been postponed. With more rain in the forecast all weekend, they've already decided to wait to make it up until Monday at 7:05 p.m. (previously an off-day for both clubs).

The Nats' rotation will remain the same: Livan Hernandez starts tomorrow night, Jason Marquis Sunday afternoon, John Lannan Monday night. That means Lannan will now get to start on normal rest instead of short rest as was planned.

Game 19: Nats at Pirates

File photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

Beautiful PNC Park hosts the Nationals for a three-game, weekend series.

With some of the good vibes they were feeling only 48 hours ago gone after dropping back-to-back games in St. Louis, the Nationals tonight begin a three-game series in Pittsburgh ... if the weather cooperates. There's rain in the forecast tonight. There's rain in the forecast tomorrow. And there's rain in the forecast Sunday.

(For what it's worth, both teams are off Monday, in case they need to extend this series to get it completed. Of course, Monday's forecast: Rain.)

Livan Hernandez gets the ball, looking to continue his early season trend of effectiveness. He'll have what has become the Nats' mostly regular lineup behind him, with Jerry Hairston at third and Wilson Ramos behind the plate.

Brian Bixler, meanwhile, has had his contract purchased from Class AAA Syracuse. The Nationals still need to remove someone from the 40-man roster to make room for the infielder, who is available in case Ian Desmond's wife goes into labor and the shortstop needs to leave the team for a few days.

Sadly, I'm not on this trip to get to see my favorite ballpark in the world (PNC Park). Enjoy the game and the always lively conversation here...

NATIONALS at PIRATES
Where: PNC Park
Gametime: 7:05 p.m.
TV: MASN2
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 188
Weather: Rain, 48 degrees, Wind 18 mph in from LF

STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (9-9)
2B Danny Espinosa
CF Rick Ankiel
RF Jayson Werth
1B Adam LaRoche

Series preview: Nats at Pirates

Friday, 7:05 p.m. -- RHP Livan Hernandez (2-1, 2.88) vs. RHP Jeff Karstens (1-0, 4.50)
TV: MASN2 Radio: WJFK-106.7 FM, WFED-1500 AM
 
Saturday, 7:05 p.m. -- RHP Jason Marquis (1-0, 3.26) vs. RHP Kevin Correia (3-1, 2.48)
TV: MASN2 Radio: WJFK-106.7 FM, WFED-1500 AM

Sunday, 1:35 p.m. -- LHP John Lannan (2-1, 3.43) vs. LHP Paul Maholm (0-3, 4.30)
TV: MASN2 Radio: WJFK-106.7 FM, WFED-1500 AM


PIRATES UPDATE
Baseball's perennial losers for 18-plus years now, the Pirates got off to a hot start when they opened the season 5-3. Since then, they've fallen back into their usual ways, losing eight of 11 and getting swept by the Marlins this week.

They've actually begun to establish a nice, young corps of position players in center fielder Andrew McCutchen, third baseman Pedro Alvarez, second baseman Neil Walker and left fielder Jose Tabata. The pitching staff, though, remains a mess, with Kevin Correia and Paul Maholm serving as their Nos. 1 and 2 starters. (To his credit, Correia has opened the season 3-1, no small feat.)

Pittsburgh had high hopes for Ross Ohlendorf, but the right-hander came down with a recurrence of shoulder pain and was placed on the DL. Swingman Jeff Karstens, who you may remember as the guy who started against Stephen Strasburg in the latter's big-league debut last

Flores optioned, Bixler likely coming up

The Nationals optioned Jesus Flores to Class AAA Syracuse following today's 5-0 loss to the Cardinals, sending the catcher back to the minors to get more at-bats.

The club will promote another player before tomorrow night's game in Pittsburgh, and Syracuse infielder Brian Bixler is the likely choice. Bixler was pulled for a pinch-hitter in the fourth inning of today's 14-0 loss at Pawtucket, was not injured and was not on the team bus after the game, according to an organizational source.

The Nationals need another infielder in place before Ian Desmond goes on paternity leave. Desmond's wife, Chelsey, is due to give birth to the couple's first child any day.

Bixler is not currently on the 40-man roster, so the Nationals will need to remove another player to make room for him. They'll also be able to promote someone else from the minors to take Desmond's spot while

Game 18: Nats at Cardinals

File photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

The Nats try to take this series from the Cardinals today at Busch Stadium.

There's a decent amount riding on today's series finale in St. Louis. For one thing, the Nationals are trying to maintain a winning record heading into this weekend's series in Pittsburgh. For another, they're trying to pull off their first series victory at Busch Stadium since 2007.

Tom Gorzelanny gets the ball for his third start of the season. The lefty has the worst numbers of anyone in the Nats' rotation (0-1, 5.56 ERA) but he's actually pitched pretty well. He struck out eight in his season debut against the Mets, then earned a quality start last week against the Brewers. He'll be attempting today to continue an impressive streak: Nationals starters have gone at least five innings in all 17 games this season, the only rotation in the majors to do that.

Ian Desmond (6 for his last 16) will hit fifth today for Jim Riggleman, with Michael Morse (slugging a paltry .209) hitting sixth. Have we mentioned how much this lineup really needs Ryan Zimmerman back?

As you know by now, I'm not on this road trip, so please enjoy the dialogue amongst yourselves...

NATIONALS at CARDINALS
Where: Busch Stadium
Gametime: 1:45 p.m.
TV: MASN
Radio: WFED (1500 AM), WHFS (1580 AM), XM 186
Weather: Cloudy, 54 degrees, Wind 18 mph RF to LF

STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (9-8)
2B Danny Espinosa
CF Rick Ankiel
RF Jayson Werth
1B Adam LaRoche

Minor-league report - 4/21/11

The always-clever Bill Gluvna of the Nationals PR department is back again this season with his pun-tastic weekly updates on the minor leagues. Here is the latest version, presented unedited...

This Week’s Top Headline

WHAM, BAM, THANK YOU CAM!: Hagerstown RHP Cameron Selik has yet to allow a run in 15.0 innings (3 starts) of work this season...the 23-year-old owns a 6.3/1 strikeout-to-walk ratio (20 K, 3 BB) and a stingy .170 batting average against...on Monday night vs. Lakewood, Selik struck out 11 in 5.0 scoreless innings of one-hit ball...Selik was Washington's 22nd-round pick in the 2011 First-Year Player Draft.

Class AAA Syracuse Chiefs

International League North Division
6-7, 5th Place, 2.0 Games Behind

ROSS IS BOSS: LHP Ross Detwiler is 2-0 with a 2.50 ERA in 3 starts with the Chiefs...in 18.0 innings, the former first round pick (6th overall, 2007) has fanned 15 and walked only 4 (3.75/1 strikeout-to-walk ratio)...Detwiler beat Pawtucket Wednesday night, allowing three runs over six innings.

DON'T MISS CHRIS: 1B Chris Marrero leads the Chiefs in homers (2), RBI (8) and total bases (19) through the season's first 12 games...the 22-year-old was drafted by the Nationals in the first round

Game 17: Nats at Cardinals

File photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

Jordan Zimmermann looks to extend the Nats' winning streak to five tonight.

Well, well, well. Look who is suddenly on a four-game winning streak, with a chance to sweep its second straight doubleheader this evening? Quite a turn of events in NatsTown.

If the Nationals are going to make it five in a row, they're probably going to need a quality performance from Jordan Zimmermann, who certainly did that last week in carrying a perfect game into the sixth against the Phillies. Tonight, though, they really need Zimmermann to churn out six or more innings and take some pressure off a bullpen that required the prolonged services of both Tyler Clippard and Drew Storen in Game 1.

Wilson Ramos, Michael Morse and Jerry Hairston are all playing tonight as Jim Riggleman stacks his lineup with right-handed bats against Cardinals lefty Jaime Garcia.

I'm not in St. Louis for this series, but please keep up the conversation here...

NATIONALS at CARDINALS
Where: Busch Stadium
Gametime: 8:15 p.m.
TV: MASN2
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), XM 186
Weather: Cloudy, 55 degrees, Wind 8 mph LF to RF

STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (9-7)
2B Danny Espinosa
CF Rick Ankiel
RF Jayson Werth
1B Adam LaRoche

Game 16: Nats at Cardinals (Take 2)

File photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

John Lannan gets the ball for Game 1 of today's doubleheader at Busch Stadium.

OK, let's try this again. After last night's rain, hail and tornado warning in St. Louis, the Nationals and Cardinals will play two today. It's a split doubleheader, with this afternoon's opener preceding tonight's regularly scheduled contest.

So the Nationals are playing their second straight doubleheader, with two days off in between. Don't see that too often. John Lannan and Jake Westbrook, last night's scheduled starters, will pitch the first game. Couple of lineup changes from last night, with Michael Morse and Wilson Ramos sitting this one so they can face lefty Jaime Garcia tonight.

Broadcast info: Both games will be televised on MASN2. Game 1 is on 1500 and 1580 AM, with Game 2 on 106.7 FM only.

I'm not on this trip -- heading over to CSN headquarters this afternoon to shoot a couple of video segments, be sure to check the site at 1 p.m. for a live edition of Beltway Baseball -- but please keep the conversation going as always. I'll post a new thread later for the second game...

NATIONALS at CARDINALS
Where: Busch Stadium
Gametime: 2:15 p.m.
TV: MASN2
Radio: WFED (1500 AM), WHFS (1580 AM), XM 186
Weather: Partly cloudy, 53 degrees, Wind 12 mph LF to RF

STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (8-7)
2B Danny Espinosa
CF Rick Ankiel
RF Jayson Werth
1B Adam LaRoche

Rainout tonight, doubleheader tomorrow

After waiting out a massive storm that included tornado sirens in the area around Busch Stadium, the Cardinals finally postponed tonight's game against the Nationals and scheduled a day-night doubleheader for tomorrow.

The two teams will play the makeup game at 2:15 p.m. EDT. The nightcap will begin as originally scheduled at 8:15 EDT.

John Lannan, tonight's scheduled starter, will pitch the opener against Jake Westbrook. Jordan Zimmermann faces Jaime Garcia in Game 2.

This will be the Nationals' second consecutive doubleheader. After Saturday's game against the Brewers was rained out, they swept Milwaukee Sunday afternoon.

Game 16: Nats at Cardinals

File photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

The Nats carry a three-game winning streak into Busch Stadium tonight.

The Nationals are 3-0 since Danny Espinosa took over the leadoff spot Friday night. Coincidence, an actual sign of something or simply poor pitching by the Brewers over the weekend? Whatever the case, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

So Jim Riggleman is sticking with that lineup tonight for the start of a three-game series in St. Louis. Jayson Werth returns after sitting out the second game of Sunday's doubleheader. Wilson Ramos is behind the plate batting fifth, with Michael Morse behind him.

John Lannan gets the start against a Cardinals squad that labored to score runs through the season's first week but has been re-energized by the return of cleanup hitter Matt Holliday from an emergency appendectomy.

I'm not on this road trip, so no live updates from Busch Stadium. Please continue the conversation, as always...

NATIONALS at CARDINALS
Where: Busch Stadium
Gametime: 8:15 p.m.
TV: MASN2
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 186
Weather: Thunderstorms, 71 degrees, Wind 17 mph out to CF

STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (8-7)
2B Danny Espinosa
CF Rick Ankiel
RF Jayson Werth
1B Adam LaRoche

Series preview: Nats at Cardinals

Tuesday, 8:15 p.m. -- LHP John Lannan (1-1, 3.38) vs. RHP Jake Westbrook (1-1, 7.63)
TV: MASN2 Radio: WJFK-106.7 FM, WFED-1500 AM

Wednesday, 8:15 p.m. -- RHP Jordan Zimmermann (1-2, 2.45) vs. LHP Jaime Garcia (2-0, 1.35)
TV: MASN2 Radio: WJFK-106.7 FM

Thursday, 1:45 p.m. -- LHP Tom Gorzelanny (1-1, 5.68) vs. RHP Kyle Lohse (2-1, 2.82)
TV: MASN Radio: WFED-1500 AM, WHFS-1580 AM


CARDINALS UPDATE
After a sluggish start to the season, St. Louis has won four of five to get back to .500 entering this series. But all is not rosy in the Gateway City. Closer Ryan Franklin has blown four of his five save opportunities to date, including Sunday's 2-1 loss to the Dodgers, and now manager Tony La Russa is considering a change. Whether La Russa goes with right-hander Mitchell Boggs or a closer-by-committee remains to be seen.

Offensively, the Cardinals struggled during the season's first week. But the return of Matt Holliday from an emergency appendectomy has re-energized the lineup. Holliday is hitting .441 with nine RBI and a 1.235 OPS in his first nine games. Veteran Lance Berkman (six homers in 14 games) has also proven a welcome addition.

The rotation was a question mark coming into the season, with co-ace Adam Wainwright sidelined for all of 2011 after Tommy John surgery. But Chris Carpenter and Co. have held down the fort, and Kyle

A rookie in name only

US Presswire photo

Rookie Danny Espinosa leads the Nationals so far with 14 RBI.

Make a circle around the far end of the Nationals' home clubhouse and you'll find a chain of big-league veterans, from Matt Stairs to Adam LaRoche to Rick Ankiel to Jayson Werth to Ryan Zimmerman to Ivan Rodriguez to Alex Cora to Jerry Hairston.

That's a lot of major-league experience around that semi-circle, enough to perhaps intimidate a 24-year-old rookie who only three summers ago was playing college ball.

Spend a few minutes with Danny Espinosa, though, and it's quickly apparent very little intimidates this guy.

"It's real easy as a young guy to come up and not be sure if you belong here," LaRoche said. "Kind of feel your way around. Is this for me? Am I good enough to play up here? I haven't seen any signs of that. When you play with the guy and talk with the guy, you think he's been around three or four years. The fact he's that mature as a ballplayer is impressive."

So is the fact Espinosa currently has twice as many RBI as anyone else on the Nationals' roster.

Yep, with yesterday's six-RBI performance in the Nats' doubleheader sweep of the Brewers, Espinosa now has driven in 14 runs in 15

Lineup finally breaks out during sweep

US Presswire photo

Danny Espinosa is congratulated after homering in Game 1.

The hits would come, the Nationals kept insisting, even as batting averages tumbled below the Mendoza line and the team's collective slugging percentage threatened to fall below .300. As long as they kept getting quality performances from their pitching staff, everyone was confident the bats would do their part.

And then on Sunday, the Nationals saw everything come together in a perfect little package. They got two more quality performances from their pitching staff. And they finally got the offensive explosion everyone was waiting for.

The end result: A thoroughly satisfying doubleheader sweep of the Brewers (by scores of 8-4 and 5-1) that left the Nationals with a winning record and spirits soaring.

"Fifteen games is nothing. We've got a long way to go, and a lot can happen," first baseman Adam LaRoche said. "But if we keep playing like this, it might be a good situation."

As long as the Nationals' rotation continues to pitch like this, and as long as they get the occasional clutch hit, they're certainly going to be in position to win every time they take the field. They proved that twice on Sunday in a rare, traditional doubleheader that saw some unlikely offensive heroes emerge.
Read more

Game 15: Brewers at Nats

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

The Nats look to sweep the doubleheader and the series from the Brewers.

Fresh off an impressive, 8-4 victory in Game 1 of this doubleheader, the Nationals are right back on the field for the nightcap. They're looking to both sweep this twinbill and sweep the series from the Brewers, which would put them over .500 for the season.

Livan Hernandez gets the ball, hoping to continue perhaps the most-impressive stat about the Nats so far this year. In 12 of 14 games, their starting pitcher has allowed three earned runs or fewer. If they can somehow keep that sort of thing up, this team is going to have a chance to win every day, weak lineup or not.

Marco Estrada, a one-time Nationals prospect who had a couple cups of coffee in the big leagues in September 2008 and '09, starts for Milwaukee. He's filling in for injured ace Zack Greinke.

Updates to come...

BREWERS at NATIONALS (Game 2)
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 5:10 p.m.
TV: MASN
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), XM 183
Weather: Sunny, 60 degrees, Wind 19 mph out to RF

STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (7-7)
2B Danny Espinosa
CF Rick Ankiel
LF Michael Morse
1B Adam LaRoche

Game 14: Brewers at Nats

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

Jason Marquis faces Yovani Gallado in Game 1 of today's doubleheader.

It's a beautiful day for baseball. Let's play two! (Sorry, I had to.)

We've got an old-fashioned, Sunday doubleheader here in the District. A reminder to those of you coming to the park: If you have a ticket for today's game, it's good for both games. If you had a ticket to yesterday's game, you can exchange it for a seat of equal value at both of today's games.

Game 1 features Jason Marquis vs. Yovani Gallardo. Jim Riggleman is fielding the lineup he planned to use yesterday before the rains came, with Danny Espinosa leading off, Ian Desmond sixth, Ivan Rodriguez behind the plate and Alex Cora at third base.

If you didn't see the earlier news, Todd Coffey has been placed on the DL with a left calf strain and Collin Balester has been recalled from Syracuse. More to come on that, and obviously plenty of updates to come from both of today's games...

BREWERS at NATIONALS (Game 1)
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 1:35 p.m.
TV: MASN
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), XM 183
Weather: Sunny, 60 degrees, Wind 19 mph out to RF

STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (6-7)
2B Danny Espinosa
CF Rick Ankiel
RF Jayson Werth
1B Adam LaRoche