"Under-the-radar" Espinosa turning heads

Associated Press photo

Danny Espinosa belted a pair of homers off Cliff Lee in the Nats' 10-2 victory.

Jim Riggleman was talking up Danny Espinosa on Monday, after the rookie second baseman had homered off Roy Halladay to join teammate Jayson Werth as the Nationals' top power hitters so far this season.

"As good as he's playing," Riggleman said, "we certainly haven't seen the best of him yet."

No, Espinosa saved that for Tuesday night, when he homered twice off Cliff Lee and drove in four runs to pace the Nationals during a 10-2 thumping of the Phillies and establish himself as the most productive rookie in the National League.

Check out the NL leaderboard for rookies. Espinosa's name is all over the place. He's now blasted 10 homers, twice as many as any other NL rookie. He's got 33 RBI, more than any rookie in the majors. He's racked up 83 total bases, again topping the list.

And the Nationals are only one-third of the way through their season, having played Game No. 54 on Tuesday. Take those numbers and multiply them by three. That's what Espinosa is on pace to do as a 24-year-old rookie.

"He's a good player," right fielder Jayson Werth said. "Definitely underrated, kind of under the radar."

Espinosa won't be under the radar for long if he keeps this up. He may
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Zimmerman rehab update

Ryan Zimmerman will play several innings in an extended spring training game tomorrow in Viera, his first game action since tearing an abdominal muscle while sliding into second base April 9 in New York.

Zimmerman has been in Viera for the last week, ramping up his baseball activities. He's expected to remain there for another week or so, then begin a minor-league rehab assignment with one of the Nationals' affiliates.

The club still expects the third baseman to come off the disabled list in mid-June.

If you'd like to hear directly from Zim, he's resumed blogging for CSNwashington.com and just put up a new post today.

Burnett searching for answers

On a depth chart of pitchers the Nationals had reason to be worried about entering the season, Sean Burnett probably ranked dead-last. The left-hander was coming off a brilliant 2010, followed by a perfect spring training (zero earned runs allowed in 10 appearances).

Two months into the season, Burnett's struggles may not rank as the No. 1 concern on a Nationals roster full of concerns. But the reliever has been far from the sure thing that made him so valuable one year ago.

After losing Monday's game to the Phillies, Burnett is sporting a 5.59 ERA. He's allowing nearly one hit per inning pitched, his highest rate in three years. He's striking out only 4.7 batters per nine innings, nearly 50 percent fewer than he did in 2010. And right-handed batters are hitting .317 against him, a complete reversal of his fortunes last year.

All of this leaves Burnett baffled.

"I don't have the answer right now," he said after Monday's loss. "The thing is, I have good outings and I have bad outings, and there's just no consistency right now. You can't have that. You're letting good starts slip away, and it's unfortunate and unacceptable. I hold myself to a higher standard than that, and I'm the first one to take blame on

July 2 DH to make up Bucs rainout

The Nationals' May 17 rainout against the Pirates will be made up as part of a traditional doubleheader on July 2, the team announced today.

First pitch of the twinbill is scheduled for 3:35 p.m., with the second game beginning 30 minutes after its conclusion.

Only one ticket is needed for admission to both games. Anyone holding a ticket for the originally scheduled, 7:05 p.m. game that day can attend both contests. Anyone holding a ticket for the May 17 rainout can exchange it for any available ticket of equal value for the doubleheader, or any other regular-season game.

Game 54: Phillies at Nats

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

Can the Nationals stop their string of one-run losses tonight?

The Nationals more than held their own against Roy Halladay yesterday, and that still wasn't enough to win. So tonight, they'll have to both hold their own against Cliff Lee, and hope they hold down the Phillies themselves to pull off a victory and snap their three-game losing streak.

Lee last faced the Nationals on April 14, and the result wasn't pretty: He tossed a three-hit shutout, striking out 12 in the process. Five members of the Nats' lineup from that game are in the lineup tonight: Danny Espinosa, Ian Desmond, Jerry Hairston, Jayson Werth and Michael Morse. The new additions tonight: Ivan Rodriguez, Roger Bernadina and Brian Bixler (who has become the de facto left fielder against lefties).

Jason Marquis, who got rocked by the Phillies at Citzens Bank Park earlier this month, starts for the Nationals. The right-hander is seeking his first win in three outings.

Updates to come...

PHILLIES at NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 7:05 p.m.
TV: MASN
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 185
Weather: Clear, 90 degrees, Wind 5 mph in from RF

STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (22-31)
CF Roger Bernadina
SS Ian Desmond
RF Jayson Werth
1B Michael Morse

Beltway Baseball Live - 5/30/11

Thanks for watching this week's edition of Beltway Baseball Live, where Chase Hughes and I discussed next week's MLB draft. We also took your questions on Ryan Zimmerman, Jim Riggleman and Ross Detwiler.

If you missed the show live at 2 p.m., here's the full episode...

Same old, same old

US Presswire photo

Alex Cora gets caught in a rundown in the bottom of the seventh.

There are any number of ways to analyze the Nationals' 5-4 loss to the Phillies Monday afternoon, parsing Sean Burnett's ragged relief appearance or Alex Cora's baserunning or the entire lineup's hitting approach with men in scoring position.

Within all that may be the answer that explains the Nationals' third one-run loss in as many days. But there's really only one pertinent fact about this game, one that needs not be analyzed, only articulated by Sean Burnett.

"Score four off Halladay and hit three home runs," the reliever said. "That's a game we should win."

Indeed, given their atrocious history against Roy Halladay (now 11-1 with a 2.21 ERA in his career against this franchise) the Nationals must have been pinching themselves to actually put a minor hurting on the Philadelphia ace. They got solo homers from Michael Morse, Danny Espinosa and Laynce Nix, recorded at least one hit in each of
Read more

Game 53: Phillies at Nats

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

Livan Hernandez faces Roy Halladay on Memorial Day at Nationals Park.

It's Memorial Day in the nation's capital, and it's a scorcher. Easily the hottest day of the year so far, so if you're coming to the park, be sure to dress appropriately and drink lots of water. I'd tell you to also be sure you avoid Phillies fans, but we all know that's going to be impossible. There will be another sizable invasion here today.

Those fans from up north will be cheering on Roy Halladay, who as you surely know by now owns the Nationals like no other pitcher. His current career totals against the franchise: 10-1, 2.01 ERA. Since joining the Phillies last season: 5-0, 1.15 ERA.

Jim Riggleman sends out a lineup today that does not include Roger Bernadina or Ian Desmond. Desmond, according to Riggleman, is dealing with some "aches and pains," but could play if needed. Bernadina is simply the odd man out today as Riggleman tries to rotate three players into two outfield positions: Bernadina, Rick Ankiel and Laynce Nix.

Plenty of updates to come, including whatever happens in the Presidents' Race, so please check back often...

PHILLIES at NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 1:05 p.m.
TV: MASN
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 185
Weather: Partly cloudy, 90 degrees, Wind 7 mph out to RF

STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (22-30)
CF Rick Ankiel
2B Danny Espinosa
RF Jayson Werth
LF Laynce Nix

Series preview: Phillies at Nats

Monday, 1:05 p.m. -- RHP Livan Hernandez (3-6, 3.71) vs. RHP Roy Halladay (6-3, 2.35)
TV: MASN Radio: WJFK-106.7 FM, WFED-1500 AM

Tuesday, 7:05 p.m. -- RHP Jason Marquis (5-2, 4.26) vs. LHP Cliff Lee (4-4, 3.50)
TV: MASN Radio: WJFK-106.7 FM, WFED-1500 AM

Wednesday, 1:05 p.m. -- LHP John Lannan (2-5, 4.40) vs. RHP Roy Oswalt (3-2, 2.60)
TV: MASN Radio: WFED-1500 AM, WHFS-1580 AM

PHILLIES UPDATE
The Nationals had enough trouble with their hated nemeses during a three-game sweep at Citizens Bank Park earlier this month. Now they not only get three more games against the Phillies, they get them with Chase Utley back in the lineup and Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee and Roy Oswalt scheduled to pitch.

The Phillies survived just fine without Utley, who missed the season's first seven weeks with a knee injury. Since getting their All-Star second baseman back, they're 5-2, even though Utley hasn't done much at the plate (.238 average with one homer and two RBI in six games). Still, his return to the lineup has to be appreciated over the triumvirate of Pete Orr, Wilson Valdez and Michael Martinez who held the job in his absence.

Remember how bad Raul Ibanez was until he got to feast on Nationals pitching three weeks ago? Well, he's kept it up since, hitting .333 with five homers and 16 RBI over his last 24 games. Ibanez is actually third

Close to winning, or are they?

In a lot of ways, the Nationals are close. Really close, in fact, to playing .500 ball. Just about every game they play seems to be tight, usually decided by one clutch at-bat or one important pitch. Sometimes, it comes down to a break, good or bad.

There is, however, another way to look at this club right now. After an excruciating, 5-4 loss to the Padres on Sunday, the Nationals fell to 5-11 in one-run games this season. Good teams simply don't lose so many close games. Good teams do the little things it takes to turn one-run losses into one-run victories.

So, which is it? Are the Nationals simply unlucky and poised to enjoy a breakthrough at some point? Or are they simply not a good enough team to deserve breaks?

"It's not about breaks, it's about playing baseball the right way," shortstop Ian Desmond said. "I honestly don't know. It's not luck. We're not unlucky. We have runners in scoring position, and we can't score them. It starts with me. I left runners in scoring position out there. I've been leaving runners out there. I've got to do something different. We've all got to do something different."

All these agonizing losses are wearing on a clubhouse full of players that has run out of ways to describe their frustration. Some have tried to remain positive all along, insisting good things are bound to happen
Read more

Game 52: Padres at Nats

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

Yunesky Maya makes his 2011 debut today against the Padres.

When we last saw Yunesky Maya in Washington, the results were pretty unspectacular. In five September starts, the right-hander went 0-3 with a 5.88 ERA and made it through the sixth inning only once. But after a strong showing in the Dominican Winter League and then another strong showing this spring, the 29-year-old Cuban seemed to suggest he has turned a corner.

We'll find out today whether that's true. Maya has been recalled from Class AAA Syracuse, where he went 1-4 with a 3.79 ERA in nine starts, to pitch this series finale against the Padres. Of course, the way the Nats' lineup is producing right now, even a brilliant performance from Maya may not be enough.

Couple of lineup changes from yesterday. Roger Bernadina is back in the leadoff spot and in center field. Wilson Ramos is back behind the plate. Alex Cora is at second base, with Danny Espinosa getting a day off. You'll also notice Jerry Hairston is at third base, even though he was suspended one game by MLB for his actions Friday night with umpire Ed Hickox. Hairston (who is celebrating his 35th birthday) has appealed the suspension, so he's allowed to keep playing until his appeal is heard.

Updates to come...

PADRES at NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 1:35 p.m.
TV: MASN, Ch. 50
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 185
Weather: Partly cloudy, 85 degrees, Wind 10 mph out to LF

STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (22-29)
CF Roger Bernadina
SS Ian Desmond
RF Jayson Werth
LF Laynce Nix

Hairston suspended 1 game, appeals

US Presswire photo

Jerry Hairston argues with Ed Hickox, with Jim Riggleman trying to intervene.

Updated at 1:15 p.m.

Nationals infielder Jerry Hairston Jr. has been suspended one game by Major League Baseball and fined an undisclosed amount for "aggressive actions" with umpire Ed Hickox during Friday night's game against the Padres.

Hairston has appealed the suspension and remains in the Nationals' starting lineup today.

"I had no clue ... in my wildest dreams I would get suspended," he said. "That's why I'm appealing. If I did something wrong, guys, I would admit it. If I did something wrong, I'd step up. But I didn't push or shove him, and the video shows it."

The veteran utilityman, who turns 35 today, was ejected by Hickox in the seventh inning of Friday's 2-1 victory over after he complained San Diego left-hander Clayton Richard quick-pitched before he could get set in the batter's box. Hairston claims Hickox had granted him time out and did not let him reset himself in the box before Richard pitched.

Replays appear to show Hairston clearly re-establishing his position in the box and taking a practice swing before asking for time again, after Richard had already begun his delivery to the plate. Hairston wound up hitting a lazy fly ball to center field, though he never attempted to

Opportunities squandered

US Presswire photo

Ian Desmond is thrown out trying to steal second base in the third inning.

It's an accepted fact at this point that the Nationals don't have the kind of lineup that's going to consistently hammer away at opponents. They've established they're only going to get a couple of legitimate chances at producing runs on a nightly basis.

Which means they've got to take advantage of what few opportunities they get. Not squander them the way they did during Saturday's 2-1 loss to the Padres, the latest maddening display of offensive futility from this squad.

Aside from Laynce Nix's solo homer in the seventh, the Nationals had only two realistic scoring opportunities all afternoon. They loaded the bases in the first against starter Tim Stauffer, only to watch as Michael Morse (the club's hottest hitter over the last week) ground into an inning-ending double play.

Perhaps more frustrating was the wasted opportunity in the eighth after Jerry Hairston led off with a double. Needing one run to tie, the Nationals instead watched as Hairston never advanced past second base. Matt Stairs flied out to shallow center field on an 0-2 pitch from reliever Mike Adams. Rick Ankiel struck out swinging at a 1-2 pitch. And Ian Desmond struck out looking at three consecutive pitches,
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Maya likely to start Sunday

Something unusual will occur Sunday afternoon at Nationals Park: A pitcher who wasn't on the Opening Day roster will start against the Padres, the first time that's happened this season.

With Tom Gorzelanny going on the 15-day disabled list with left elbow inflammation, the Nationals finally find themselves needing to promote a starter from their farm system. Though a formal announcement wasn't made Saturday, right-hander Yunesky Maya is expected to be recalled from Class AAA Syracuse.

The Nationals had been the majors' lone remaining club to use only five starting pitchers so far this season, a rare display of consistency from a franchise that has seen plenty of rotation turnover through the years.

Never before had the Nationals made it this deep into a season needing only five starters. In fact, they've never made it through a season using less than 11 starters and last season used 14. The fact Livan Hernandez, John Lannan, Jason Marquis, Jordan Zimmermann and Gorzelanny all made it this far without missing a start hasn't been lost on team officials.

"That's big," manager Jim Riggleman said. "That doesn't happen anymore in today's world, unfortunately. Very few teams go weeks,

Game 51: Padres at Nats

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

Jordan Zimmermann faces Tim Stauffer today at Nationals Park.

After an eventful Friday night at the ballpark, capped by Michael Morse's walk-off homer, the Nationals and Padres are back at it this afternoon. And the biggest question on everyone's mind, of course, is: Will Teddy actually win the Presidents' Race per Jayson Werth's suggestion?

OK, so maybe there are more significant things going on than that. Like Rick Ankiel (on-base percentage: .294) leading off for the first time in his career. Or Jordan Zimmermann trying to duplicate John Lannan's pitching exploits from last night. Or wondering if Blake Tekotte and Logan Forsythe are actual players in the Padres' starting lineup today or if they're just totally made-up names.

One bit of news to share: Collin Balester has been recalled from Class AAA Syracuse, taking Tom Gorzelanny's roster spot for now. It would appear Balester is here only for one day and will be sent back after the game, with the Nationals promoting someone else (most likely Yunesky Maya) to start tomorrow's series finale.

Plenty of updates to come...

PADRES at NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 1:05 p.m.
TV: MASN
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 189
Weather: Chance of storms, 78 degrees, Wind 12 mph out to LF

STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (22-28)
CF Rick Ankiel
SS Ian Desmond
RF Jayson Werth
LF Laynce Nix

"We needed that"

Associated Press photo

Michael Morse is mobbed at the plate after hitting the game-winning homer.

At the end of a long night -- after John Lannan had tossed 7 2/3 brilliant innings, after Drew Storen had blown his first save of the year, after a massive storm had disrupted the fourth inning, after Jerry Hairston had been ejected for complaining Padres starter Clayton Richard had quick-pitched, after Jayson Werth had tried to clarify his comments from earlier this week and suggested Teddy Roosevelt needs to win the Presidents' Race, after Tom Gorzelanny had been placed on the DL with elbow inflammation and after Michael Morse had clubbed a walk-off homer and been greeted with a Gatorade shower -- only one fact truly mattered.

The Nationals won Friday night, beating San Diego 2-1 to snap a five-game losing streak.

As Hairston put it: "We needed that."

Boy, did they need that. Given all they've been going through lately, the Nationals simply needed to find a way to win this homestand opener against a Padres club that entered with the NL's second-worst record.

That they did it in such dramatic fashion only sweetened the deal.

"Well, it doesn't hurt," Hairston said. "Hopefully it'll be the start of something good. We feel we've got a good ballclub. Even with the
Read more

Gorzelanny to DL with elbow injury

The Nationals placed left-hander Tom Gorzelanny on the 15-day disabled list following tonight's win with inflammation in his throwing elbow, leaving the club searching for someone to start Sunday's series finale against the Padres.

The move is retroactive to Tuesday, the day after Gorzelanny allowed six runs in five innings against the Brewers. The 28-year-old hadn't previously revealed any arm issues, at least not publicly.

Gorzelanny, who is 2-4 with 4.25 ERA in nine starts, was scheduled to return to the mound Sunday afternoon. The Nationals will make a corresponding move before tomorrow's game, and they appear to have several options.

Either right-hander Yunesky Maya or left-hander Ross Detwiler could be promoted from Class AAA Syracuse and start Sunday on at least four days' rest. Maya has been the better of the two recently, though his 1-4 record and 3.79 ERA aren't sparkling. Detwiler, though, is 3-4

LaRoche still hopes to play in '11

Though he acknowledges he will need surgery to repair a significant tear of the labrum in his left shoulder, Nationals first baseman Adam LaRoche remains hopeful he can come back to play in the next month and avoid the procedure until after the season.

LaRoche, who went on the 15-day disabled list Monday after getting the shoulder examined in New York, was back at Nationals Park today and insisted he hasn't conceded that he's done playing in 2011.

"No, I'm holding out hope that [rest and rehab] works," he said. "Whether the doctors know something different, I couldn't tell you. Right now, I'm planning on that. And if it doesn't happen, we'll probably find out pretty quick."

LaRoche plans to refrain from any baseball activities for about two weeks, then work on strengthening the area around his shoulder in an attempt to return to play in about a month. If he continues to feel the injury is negatively affecting his swing after that, he'll have surgery to repair the tear.

"I'm just waiting, doing therapy every day on it right now with the hope that a couple of weeks of no hitting or throwing and just shoulder

Riggleman meets with Werth

Updated at 11:30 p.m. with Werth's postgame quotes

Nationals manager Jim Riggleman met with Jayson Werth Friday afternoon, trying to get some clarity about what his right fielder meant two days earlier when he said "things need to change" with this struggling club.

According to Riggleman, the meeting produced a "very good conversation" during which Werth insisted he wasn't suggesting a change of managers and remains in step with his skipper.

"I'm not going to tell you what we said, but yeah, he's definitely on board," Riggleman said before Friday night's game against the Padres. "It was just a really good conversation. He had some ideas. I had some ideas. I think it was a very good conversation."

Werth's comments following Wednesday's loss in Milwaukee caused something of a stir back in Washington, gaining steam during the club's day off Thursday.

"I've got some ideas obviously, and some thoughts, none I really want to share with the world," the right fielder told reporters in Milwaukee. "I think it's pretty obvious what's going on around here."
Read more

Game 50: Padres at Nats

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

After a dismal road trip, the Nationals return home tonight to face the Padres.

There's no sugar-coating this: The Nationals are reeling right now. They've lost five in a row, having just dropped seven of eight on the road. Their $126 million right fielder made some cryptic comments the other day about the need for change. The clubhouse vibe, for the first time this season, is not exactly an upbeat one.

But if ever there was an opportunity to snap out of this funk and get things going in the right direction again, this is it: A weekend series against the equally reeling Padres, who have lost five of six and boast the majors' worst lineup. John Lannan, who hasn't pitched particularly well this month, needs to take advantage of this matchup.

With Clayton Richard on the mound for San Diego, Jim Riggleman is going with what appears to now be his regular lineup against lefties. That means Brian Bixler in left field over Laynce Nix, a career .192 hitter against left-handers.

In other words, first team to score tonight wins. Check back for updates...

PADRES at NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 7:05 p.m.
TV: MASN
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 189
Weather: Chance of storms, 80 degrees, Wind 9 mph out to LF

STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (21-28)
CF Roger Bernadina
SS Ian Desmond
RF Jayson Werth
1B Michael Morse

Series preview: Padres at Nats

Friday, 7:05 p.m. -- LHP Clayton Richard (2-5, 4.85) vs. LHP John Lannan (2-5, 5.03)
TV: MASN Radio: WJFK-106.7 FM, WFED-1500 AM

Saturday, 1:05 p.m. -- RHP Tim Stauffer (0-3, 3.88) vs. RHP Jordan Zimmermann (2-5, 3.98)
TV: MASN Radio: WJFK-106.7 FM, WFED-1500 AM

Sunday, 1:35 p.m. -- RHP Dustin Moseley (1-6, 3.55) vs. LHP Tom Gorzelanny (2-4, 4.25)
TV: MASN Radio: WJFK-106.7, WFED-1500 AM

PADRES UPDATE
And you thought the Nationals were struggling to score runs this season. Meet the San Diego Padres, owners of the majors' worst lineup. Team batting average: .228. Team slugging percentage: .336. Runs per game: 3.42. The struggles are especially pronounced at home, with this team hitting an astounding .199 at spacious Petco Park this season.

Only one player on the entire roster boasts a batting average over .263: outfielder Chris Denorfia, also the only player on the roster with an OPS over .758. Only one player has more than five homers or 17 RBI: outfielder Ryan Ludwick (who is still hitting only .230). Padres batters have struck out a league-leading 412 times, an average of 8.24 times per game.

San Diego entered the season knowing it might struggle at the plate. The bigger surprise has been a slight regression on the mound. Last year's MLB-best pitching staff now ranks sixth in the NL with a 3.37

Beltway Baseball Live - 5/26/11

Thanks for watching today's live edition of Beltway Baseball at 2 p.m. If you missed the show, you're in luck -- here's the full episode for you viewing pleasure.

The good, the bad, the ugly

US Presswire photo

Ian Desmond has committed just one error in his last 24 games.

It's an off-day for the Nationals, and it comes at a good time for a club stuck in a five-game losing streak at the end of a dismal, 1-7 road trip through New York, Baltimore and Milwaukee.

Perhaps the best thing the Nats can do right now is take a day off, take their minds off baseball for 24 hours and return to the park tomorrow rested and ready for a weekend series with the Padres (owners of the NL's worst record).

And while they do that, this seems like an opportune time to delve deeper into the numbers. Let's take a look at the good, the bad and the ugly with the Nationals right now...

THE GOOD: Jayson Werth is heating up at the plate. Over his last 11 games, he's hitting .366 with six extra-base hits and a 1.057 OPS. For the month, he's hitting .293 with a .381 on-base percentage and .869 OPS.

THE BAD: After a hot stretch to open the season, Tom Gorzelanny is struggling. The left-hander sports a 7.63 ERA over his last three starts,

Game 49: Nats at Brewers

US Presswire photo

The Nats need to win today to avoid a sweep at Miller Park.

After a blowout loss Monday night and a gut-wrenching loss last night, the Nationals are right back on the field at Miller Park this afternoon for their series finale with the Brewers. Milwaukee sends newly acquired ace Zack Greinke (who spurned an offer from the Nats over the winter) to the mound, making the challenge all the more daunting.

If there is a silver lining to things right now, it does appear several key members of the Nationals' lineup are getting hot at the plate. Jayson Werth is hitting .343 with a 1.010 OPS over his last nine games. Michael Morse is hitting .410 with an 1.128 OPS in 16 games this month. And Ian Desmond has nine hits (including four doubles) over his last five games.

All of this, of course, means nothing if the Nats don't get good pitching. So the onus today is on Jason Marquis, who labored through four innings Friday night in Baltimore and then got into it with Jim Riggleman after getting pulled before he was eligible for the win. A quality, bounce-back performance from Marquis today would appear to be critical.

You already know I'm not in Milwaukee, so enjoy the game among yourselves. I'll be back blogging live from Nationals Park Friday night for the start of the homestand...

NATIONALS at BREWERS
Where: Miller Park
Gametime: 1:10 p.m.
TV: MASN
Radio: WFED (1500 AM), WHFS (1580 AM), XM 183
Weather: Roof closed

STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (21-27)
CF Roger Bernadina
SS Ian Desmond
RF Jayson Werth
LF Laynce Nix

Game 48: Nats at Brewers

US Presswire photo

The Nats and Brewers meet again tonight at Miller Park.

As expected, the Nationals have activated Rick Ankiel off the DL this afternoon. The outfielder, who missed 19 days with a sprained wrist, will be in uniform at Miller Park and available to play. He won't, however, be in the Nats' lineup.

With left-hander Chris Narveson on the mound for the Brewers, Jim Riggleman is going with as many right-handed bats in his lineup as he can. But with Michael Morse now taking over at first base, and with Jerry Hairston taking over at third base, the Nats have no other right-handed-hitting outfielders on the roster. So Brian Bixler, who has 7 1/3 innings of outfield experience in the big leagues, will start in left field tonight.

Livan Hernandez, meanwhile, makes his 11th start of the season tonight, hoping to finally get some support from his teammates. The Nationals have scored one total run over Hernandez's last four starts, losing the last two times 1-0.

I'm not in Milwaukee for this series. As always, enjoy the game and the conversation...

NATIONALS at BREWERS
Where: Miller Park
Gametime: 8:10 p.m.
TV: MASN2
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 183
Weather: Partly cloudy, 51 degrees, Wind 12 mph out to RF

STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (21-26)
CF Roger Bernadina
SS Ian Desmond
RF Jayson Werth
C Wilson Ramos

MLB completes review of Guillen's death

A review by Major League Baseball has concluded Nationals minor leaguer Yewri Guillen died of an infection in the brain that was the result of an aggressive sinus infection, not bacterial meningitis as the team originally believed.

MLB medical director Dr. Gary Green conducted the review, with guidance from the sport's Medical Advisory Committee, after receiving information from the Dominican Republic regarding Guillen's death.

The committee also concluded that the Nationals "took the proper steps to insure that Guillen's medical care was handled appropriately, and that proper protocols were followed to prevent the spread of meningitis when that infection was suspected as the cause of Guillen's illness," according to a press release issued by MLB.

Guillen, 18, was a shortstop playing and living at the Nationals' Dominican complex in Boca Chica. According to team officials, he fell ill in early April and was sent home, then to an area hospital. He died
Read more

Gut-check time for Nationals

US Presswire photo

Jayson Werth and his teammates have arrived at a critical juncture of the season.

Remember how good everyone felt Friday night after the Nationals exploded for a club-record 17 runs, as if a 2-ton anvil had been lifted from their shoulders?

Let's see what's happened since...

-- Adam LaRoche finally acknowledged his left shoulder was affecting his swing, so he went to New York to get it checked out and wound up on the DL.

-- Jim Riggleman was ejected two pitches into a game on a call even the manager later admitted was correct.

-- Jason Marquis threw a dugout tantrum that left Riggleman describing the right-hander as "about as upset as I've ever seen a ballplayer."

-- Mike Rizzo and Ivan Rodriguez were disciplined by new MLB disciplinarian Joe Torre for their involvement in Thursday's altercation

Strasburg throws off mound for first time

Stephen Strasburg has crossed another major milestone in his recovery from Tommy John surgery.

The Nationals right-hander threw off a bullpen mound today in Viera, Fla., for the first time since having reconstructive surgery on his elbow in September.

Strasburg, who had previously only thrown long toss off flat ground, broke the news on Twitter, posting: "First bullpen in the books. Felt great! Hopefully time will speed up now!"

Strasburg's first bullpen session comes about 8 1/2 months after his surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament and leaves open the possibility of him returning to pitch in the majors this season. Recovery time for pitchers who had the Tommy John procedure is typically 12-to-18 months, so if Strasburg remains on schedule, he could return to make a handful of starts in September.

LaRoche going on DL, no surgery yet

The Nationals have placed Adam LaRoche on the 15-day disabled list with a left shoulder tear, but the first baseman will not undergo surgery yet and hopes a couple weeks of rest will help alleviate the problem.

LaRoche, who was not in the lineup yesterday in Baltimore, flew to New York to have the shoulder re-examined. He will not rejoin the club in Milwaukee for the three-game series that begins tonight.

A corresponding move will be made tomorrow, with outfielder Rick Ankiel likely to come off the 15-day DL. Ankiel, out the last three weeks with a sprained right wrist, is set to begin a brief rehab assignment tonight with Class AA Harrisburg.

LaRoche found out in spring training he has a partially torn labrum in his shoulder, an injury that hampered his ability to throw but didn't hinder his ability to swing.

But as he struggled his way through the worst start to any of his eight
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Broderick claimed back by Cardinals

Brian Broderick, the Rule 5 draftee who was designated for assignment by the Nationals nine days ago, was re-claimed by the Cardinals today.

Broderick passed through waivers -- any other club could have claimed him but then been required to keep him on the 25-man roster for the rest of the season -- but wasn't allowed to remain in the Nationals organization after St. Louis re-claimed him.

The Nats, who initially paid $50,000 to acquire Broderick during the Winter Meetings in December, receive $25,000 back from the Cardinals.

The 24-year-old right-hander, a starter throughout his minor-league career, was in an awkward position pitching out of the Nationals' bullpen as a long reliever. In 11 total appearances, he went 0-1 with a 6.57 ERA.

Game 47: Nats at Brewers

US Presswire photo

The always festive Miller Park, home of the Milwaukee Brewers.

The Nationals open a three-game series in Milwaukee tonight, and for the second straight day they won't have Adam LaRoche in the lineup or in the field. You should probably get used to that idea, because there's every reason to believe LaRoche is going to wind up on the DL after heading to New York to have his ailing left shoulder re-examined.

Whether LaRoche is sidelined for a brief or long-term period, the Nationals are left without an established first baseman. Michael Morse will get a crack at the position, and he acquitted himself well there yesterday in Baltimore. It remains to be seen if he can produce as an everyday player, something he hasn't established when given the opportunity in the past.

Tom Gorzelanny gets the start for the Nats, hoping to cut down on his recent high walk totals (10 in his last 17 1/3 innings) while maintaining his high strikeout numbers (19 over those same 17 1/3 innings). Right-hander Yovani Gallardo, who got beat around by the Nationals last month in D.C., starts for the Brewers.

I'm not in Milwaukee for this series, so please keep up the banter yourselves...

NATIONALS at BREWERS
Where: Miller Park
Gametime: 8:10 p.m.
TV: MASN
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 183
Weather: Partly cloudy, 67 degrees, Wind 13 mph out to LF

STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (21-25)
CF Roger Bernadina
SS Ian Desmond
RF Jayson Werth
LF Laynce Nix

Series preview: Nats at Brewers

Monday, 8:10 p.m. -- LHP Tom Gorzelanny (2-3, 3.56) vs. RHP Yovani Gallardo (5-2, 4.70)
TV: MASN Radio: WJFK-106.7 FM, WFED-1500 AM

Tuesday, 8:10 p.m. -- RHP Livan Hernandez (3-6, 3.64) vs. LHP Chris Narveson (2-3, 3.44)
TV: MASN2 Radio: WJFK-106.7 FM, WFED-1500 AM

Wednesday, 1:10 p.m. -- RHP Jason Marquis (5-1, 4.08) vs. RHP Zack Greinke (2-1, 6.43)
TV: MASN Radio: WFED-1500 AM, WHFS-1580 AM

BREWERS UPDATE
Nobody in the National League has played better at home than Milwaukee, which just swept the Rockies over the weekend to improve to 16-6 at Miller Park. Winners of 10 of their last 13 overall, the Brewers love hitting in their friendly confines. As a team, they're batting .298 with 30 homers in 22 home games (compared to only .220 with 16 homers in 25 road games).

Production is coming from all over the lineup, but especially from their two big studs: Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder. Braun leads the league with 12 homers and 100 total bases to go along with a .299 average. Fielder, meanwhile, leads the league with 36 RBI and has posted a robust .923 OPS.

Less-heralded is 24-year-old catcher Jonathan Lucroy, who is merely hitting .320 in his second big-league season. Lucroy's impressive performance hasn't opened the door for much playing time for former

Comparing Nats and O's with Eisenberg

The first half of this year's Battle of the Beltways is now complete, with the Orioles having taken two of three over the weekend (even though the Nationals outscored them 21-15). But did this series at Camden Yards establish one team's superiority over the other? Probably not.

Before yesterday's game, John Eisenberg of CSNbaltimore.com joined me to discuss the similarities and differences between the Nats and O's, how each team's offseason acquisitions have performed so far and how Bryce Harper and Manny Machado are faring in the South Atlantic League.

Missed opportunities outweigh one mistake

Associated Press photo

Jim Riggleman argues with plate umpire Todd Tichenor in the top of the first.

BALTIMORE -- Jordan Zimmermann was cruising, baffling the Orioles with an assortment of fastballs, curveballs and sliders and showing no signs of letting up when he took the mound for the bottom of the seventh Sunday at Camden Yards.

So why did there still seem to be a sense of impending doom for the Nationals? Sure, they led 1-0 behind Zimmermann's brilliance. But after squandering so many opportunities to add to that lead earlier, it would only take one mistake by the right-hander to swing this game in the opposite direction.

That one mistake, alas, came in the bottom of the seventh. And it came to perhaps the Orioles' most-feared hitter: Vladimir Guerrero, who dropped Zimmermann's 0-2 curveball into the left-field bleachers and sent the Nationals to a tough-to-swallow, 2-1 loss in the finale of this weekend's interleague series.

A game that saw manager Jim Riggleman get ejected only two pitches into the top of the first ultimately was decided by the Nationals' continued inability to convert with men on base and on Guerrero's 441st career homer.

That home run came on a breaking ball at the knees, a pitch that would normally be acceptable. Against Guerrero, one of the greatest bad-ball hitters in history, it was the equivalent of a hanging beach
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LaRoche to get shoulder re-examined

BALTIMORE -- Adam LaRoche will have his ailing left shoulder re-examined in New York after the Nationals first baseman admitted it's been affecting his swing.

LaRoche found out in spring training he has a partially torn labrum in his shoulder, an injury that hampered his ability to throw but didn't hinder his ability to swing.

But as he struggled his way through the worst start to any of his eight big-league seasons, LaRoche began to accept something was wrong. His .172 average ranks second-to-last in the NL, and on Saturday, he snapped an 0-for-26 streak.

What really troubled LaRoche, though, was the fact he's drawing walks at a higher rate than any other time in his career while striking out less often. That told him he wasn't hitting the ball as well as he should, perhaps a result of him not being able to drive with his top (left) hand.

LaRoche, who was out of the lineup Sunday, said he will travel to New York to get a new opinion on the shoulder. He is expected to rejoin the

Game 46: Nats at Orioles

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

It's the rubber game of the Battle of the Beltways today at Camden Yards.

BALTIMORE -- Interleague play allows for a bit of lineup tinkering, and Jim Riggleman is trying something a little different for today's series finale against the Orioles: Both of his catchers are starting.

Ivan Rodriguez will be behind the plate, but Wilson Ramos will serve as DH. Can't fault the logic behind this move, because both guys have been among the Nationals' better hitters of late. And even if something were to happen to Pudge, Ramos could take over as catcher and the Nats would simply lose the DH and play by NL rules the rest of the way.

Adam LaRoche also gets today off, with Michael Morse starting at first base. Obviously, Riggleman sacrifices some defense by doing that, but LaRoche has shown no signs of snapping out of his season-long funk at the plate, and Morse has been swinging a bit of a hot bat himself (5 for his last 12).

Check back all afternoon for updates...

NATIONALS at ORIOLES
Where: Camden Yards
Gametime: 1:35 p.m.
TV: MASN, MASN2, Ch. 50
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 181
Weather: Mostly cloudy, 80 degrees, Wind 11 mph in from RF

STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (20-24)
CF Roger Bernadina
SS Ian Desmond
LF Laynce Nix
RF Jayson Werth

Nats come up short in two key spots

US Presswire photo

Adam Jones slides in ahead of Wilson Ramos' tag during the Nats' 8-3 loss.

BALTIMORE -- Most ballgames -- even lopsided ones like the Nationals' 8-3 loss to the Orioles on Saturday -- are decided by a handful of key moments over the course of nine innings.

Sure enough, the outcome of this one hinged on two things: 1) John Lannan's inability to stop the bleeding during the laborious third inning, and 2) Matt Stairs' inability to put together a quality at-bat in a big spot in the sixth.

The rest was mostly window-dressing, with the Orioles piling on late and running away with a comfortable victory one night after getting torched by the Nationals for a club-record 17 runs.

Things might have looked different, especially had Lannan managed to navigate his way through that fateful third inning and limit the damage instead of allowing four runs on five hits and a walk.

It began with a free pass to Mark Reynolds followed by a home run from Nolan Reimold, with Lannan falling behind in the count 3-0 against each batter. He did retire the next two hitters he faced, but then served up back-to-back-to-back-to-back singles, three of them
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Game 45: Nats at Orioles

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

The Nats try to make it two in a row today at Camden Yards.

BALTIMORE -- What do you do one day after scoring a club record 17 runs? Don't make any changes!

Indeed, the Nationals lineup for this afternoon's game against the Orioles is identical to last night's lineup (aside from the pitcher's spot, of course). Can't fault Jim Riggleman's logic there. We'll just have to wait and see whether there's any carryover from last night's explosion, or whether they revert back to their previous form.

Whether they hit or not, the Nats need to get another quality outing from John Lannan, who was good in his last two appearances after that horrible start in Philadelphia earlier this month. He hasn't earned a win since April 20, though. Perhaps his teammates will reward him with some run support today.

Plenty of updates to come...

NATIONALS at ORIOLES
Where: Camden Yards
Gametime: 4:05 p.m.
TV: MASN, MASN2
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 181
Weather: Partly cloudy, 82 degrees, Wind 6 mph out to RF

STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (21-23)
CF Roger Bernadina
SS Ian Desmond
LF Laynce Nix
RF Jayson Werth

A reader's message from Afghanistan

Photo courtesy Lucas Tomlinson

You may recall the great 24-hour disappearance of Nats Insider last week due to a crash of Google's Blogger platform. Many of you were kind enough to email and ask whether the site was OK and when it would be back up online, and I appreciated all of those messages.

But only one of you, so far as I know, contacted me from Afghanistan.

Here's an email I received from loyal reader Lucas Tomlinson. (As you can tell by the reference to the Braves series, it's a week old.)...

Mark,
    Love your work.
    I am operating out of a Patrol Base in the Zhari desert of Kandahar Province in southern Afghanistan.
    Despite being in the middle of nowhere, we have a nice wireless connection which keeps me glued to your blog. I was like, "What happened? Zuckerman go subscription on me?" I was back on the next day without missing a beat.
    Hope you enjoy the photo of a Nationals hat I put on a young Afghan boy and

Igniting a much-needed explosion

US Presswire photo

Danny Espinosa rounds the bases after his second-inning homer.

BALTIMORE -- It began, as so many offensive explosions do, with one fantastic at-bat.

When Danny Espinosa battled his way through a 10-pitch marathon against Jake Arrieta in the top of the second Friday night, fouling off five straight pitches before crushing a three-run homer, the Nationals dugout sprung to life.

"It was a big, big at-bat," teammate Jayson Werth said. "It kind of set the tone for the whole game."

Did it ever. By night's end, after you had alternated between watching another home run fly out of Camden Yards while also trying to keep track of how many new club records had been broken during the Nationals' 17-5 thumping of the Orioles, you couldn't help but think back to Espinosa's ice-breaker.

And you couldn't help but think how that one big at-bat erased all the bad vibes from the previous two days and opened the floodgates for the most-enjoyable game of the season.

What records did the Nationals establish during this onslaught?

-- They hit six home runs, most since the franchise arrived in town.
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Rizzo on umpires incident

BALTIMORE -- Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo says he called Major League Baseball executive vice president for baseball operations Joe Torre "immediately" after his incident with umpires following Thursday's loss in New York and insisted that incident had "absolutely nothing to do" with Phil Cuzzi's ninth-inning blown call.

Torre received a formal report filed by Thursday's crew detailing a verbal altercation between Rizzo and the umpires shortly after the conclusion of the Nationals' 1-0 loss to the Mets, an MLB spokesman confirmed.

Rizzo, though, insisted he is not the sole focus of the investigation.

"I contacted Joe Torre immediately after the incident with the umpires, and he assured me that despite a lot of the reports in the media, this by no means is an investigation against Mike Rizzo," the GM said before Friday night's game against the Orioles. "This is an investigation of what happened after the game."

Citing the "ongoing investigation," Rizzo wouldn't offer any details about what did happen in the corridor outside the visitors' clubhouse at Citi Field. The New York Daily News reported that Rizzo got into a verbal altercation with Cuzzi, who minutes earlier incorrectly called Jayson Werth out at first base despite the throw pulling New York's
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Game 44: Nats at Orioles

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

The first installment of the Battle of the Beltways begins tonight at Camden Yards.

BALTIMORE -- It's been four days since the Nationals last scored a run. Yes, four days. Not since Danny Espinosa belted a two-run homer against the Pirates in the eighth inning Monday night has a Nat crossed the plate.

They'll attempt to snap out of this funk tonight against their geographic, interleague rivals from the Inner Harbor. Because we're in an American League ballpark, both teams are using a DH. No, Jason Marquis is not going to hit for himself. Jim Riggleman was asked about that possibility last week when Marquis got two hits. The manager smiled but said no way would he sacrifice his DH for a pitcher.

So Matt Stairs gets a rare opportunity to get more than one at-bat in a game. Yes, he's 2-for-22 for the season. Yes, he's 43 years old. But if you're not going to use this guy as your DH in interleague games, why bother having him on the roster in the first place?

Plenty of updates to come all evening...

NATIONALS at ORIOLES
Where: Camden Yards
Gametime: 7:05 p.m.
TV: MASN, MASN2
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 181
Weather: Chance of rain, 73 degrees, Wind 6 mph LF to RF

STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (20-23)
CF Roger Bernadina
SS Ian Desmond
LF Laynce Nix
RF Jayson Werth

Series preview: Nats at Orioles

Friday, 7:05 p.m. -- RHP Jason Marquis (5-1, 3.54) vs. RHP Jake Arrieta (5-1, 4.03)
TV: MASN2* Radio: WJFK-106.7 FM, WFED-1500 AM

Saturday, 4:05 p.m. -- LHP John Lannan (2-4, 4.53) vs. RHP Jeremy Guthrie (1-6, 3.91)
TV: MASN2* Radio: WJFK-106.7 FM, WFED-1500 AM

Sunday, 1:35 p.m. -- RHP Jordan Zimmermann (2-4, 4.12) vs. RHP Chris Tillman (2-3, 5.35)
TV: MASN2* Radio: WJFK-106.7 FM, WFED-1500 AM

* The Nats Xtra pre- and post-game shows will be on MASN2, with Orioles Xtra on MASN. The game can be seen on both stations, with announcers from both clubs on a joint broadcast.

ORIOLES UPDATE
It's been a wild ride in Baltimore already this season. After opening the year 6-1 and stirring up more excitement than this franchise had experienced in a decade, the Orioles proceeded to lose eight straight and 22 of 35. They're back in last place in the AL East, and now they're dealing with a rash of injuries.

Second baseman Brian Roberts and first baseman Derrek Lee were each placed on the disabled list this week, Lee with a strained oblique and Roberts with a recurrence of the concussion syndromes that hampered him last season. Roberts has been dealing with recurring headaches since sliding headfirst into first base on Monday, so the club

MLB investigating ump incident with Rizzo

NEW YORK -- Major League Baseball will review a report filed by umpire Phil Cuzzi alleging a verbal altercation with Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo following Thursday's game at Citi Field.

An MLB spokesman confirmed newly hired vice president of on-field operations Joe Torre will review the report filed by Cuzzi. The New York Daily News first reported the incident and subsequent complaint.

The issue stems from a call Cuzzi missed in the ninth inning of Thursday's 1-0 loss to the Mets. With one out and a man on second, the Nationals' Jayson Werth hit a sharp grounder down the third-base line, then appeared to beat Justin Turner's wide throw to first. Even if the throw was on time, New York first baseman Daniel Murphy's foot came off the bag before he caught the ball.

"He was safe when the guy got off the bag, and he was safe because he beat the throw," right-hander Livan Hernandez said. "I think he made a big mistake, the umpire there, because it's not about his foot is off the bag. It's safe because he beat the throw. He was safe two

After another shutout, frustration peaking

Associated Press photo

Jim Riggleman argues with umpire Phil Cuzzi after a crucial missed call.

NEW YORK -- Inside an otherwise silent clubhouse a few minutes after Thursday's 1-0 loss to the Mets -- as agonizing a loss as the Nationals have suffered this season -- one veteran player yelled out what plenty of his teammates surely were also thinking.

"I want to be an umpire when I grow up," the player said, with plenty of indignation. "No responsibility. No accountability."

The reference was to Phil Cuzzi, whose blown call at first base in the top of the ninth made the challenge facing the Nationals needlessly tougher than it already was. Jayson Werth had appeared to beat out a grounder to third. And even if the throw was in time, first baseman Daniel Murphy's foot clearly came off the bag as he stretched.

"He was safe when the guy got off the bag, and he was safe because he beat the throw," starter Livan Hernandez said. "I think he made a big mistake, the umpire there, because it's not about his foot is off the bag. It's safe because he beat the throw. He was safe two times."

Werth argued with Cuzzi. So did first base coach Dan Radison. So did Jim Riggleman, who also had words with plate umpire Manny Gonzalez
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