Game 134: Nats at Braves

File photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

The Nats try to make it two in a row tonight at Turner Field.

Fresh off a 9-2 thumping of the Braves last night, the Nationals are back in Atlanta tonight in search of their second straight win. John Lannan gets the nod against Derek Lowe.

Jayson Werth is in center field again, with Laynce Nix in right field and Rick Ankiel on the bench. Chris Marrero starts at first base, and Jesus Flores makes his second straight start behind the plate in place of ailing catcher Wilson Ramos.

Enjoy the game...

NATIONALS at BRAVES
Where: Turner Field
Gametime: 7:10 p.m.
TV: MASN
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 184
Weather: Partly cloudy, 87 degrees, Wind 6 mph in from RF

STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (63-70)
SS Ian Desmond
CF Jayson Werth
3B Ryan Zimmerman
LF Michael Morse

Game 133: Nats at Braves

File photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

The Nats face the Braves tonight at Turner Field.

I'll keep this short and sweet, since I've obviously got a few other more pressing things to tend to right now. But I wanted to make sure I posted a thread for tonight's series opener between the Nationals and Braves.

One note: Though I'm not covering the team at the moment, you can still find full articles on all games and any other pertinent news on CSNwashington.com. All Nats-related articles on CSN are linked from the top right corner of Nats Insider. So I encourage you to please click on those links for full stories.

Enjoy the game tonight! I probably won't be paying much attention to it. Can't take my eyes off the newest love of my life...

NATIONALS at BRAVES
Where: Turner Field
Gametime: 7:10 p.m.
TV: MASN
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 184
Weather: Sunny, 87 degrees, Wind 8 mph in from RF

STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (62-70)
SS Ian Desmond
CF Rick Ankiel
3B Ryan Zimmerman
LF Michael Morse

Meet Brian Zuckerman

Photo by one proud father

You know, when I mentioned yesterday that Mrs. Z and I were awaiting the birth of our son sometime in the next two weeks, I honestly didn't think the wait would barely surpass six hours. But Mother Nature -- or, I suppose in this case, a very cautious (and extremely talented) OBGYN -- has a funny way of doing business.

Sure enough, "Baby Z" decided eight months in the womb was enough for him. Like I speculated, the kid just really wanted to be here in time for Stephen Strasburg's return. And he is.

I'm thrilled to announce that Brian Leonard Zuckerman was born at 12:13 p.m. Monday, five weeks early but still checking in at an impressive 6 pounds, 9 ounces. Both Brian and my wife, Rachel, are doing great. He appears to be fully developed and 100 percent healthy. And based on the first day of his life, he appears to be an incredibly well-behaved child. (Yes, I know that's not going to last long!) Rachel, meanwhile, is recovering well from her C-section, and we should all be able to go home together as one happy family in a couple of days.

Now, I know you're all trying to figure out where we came up with Brian Leonard. No, it's not some weird homage to legendary Nationals Brian Bruney and Lenny Harris. And it's not in honor of Brian Lawrence

Most significant developments of 2011

US Presswire photo

Jordan Zimmermann's breakthrough was a key development of the season.

First off, an explanation for the lack of postings on the site over the weekend and why it's probably going to remain this way for the immediate future. As you probably know, my wife and I have been expecting our first child all season. His official due date is Oct. 4, but he is definitely going to be born before that, almost certainly in the next two weeks. (What can I say? The kid just really wants to see Stephen Strasburg with his own eyes!) The good news is, both Mrs. Z and Baby Z are healthy. We're just playing the waiting game now, which of course prevents me from covering the team the way I normally do. Thanks for understanding; can't wait to post the news (and hopefully some photos) once the big day arrives!

OK, back to baseball. The Nationals got swept in Cincinnati over the weekend, three disheartening losses that featured plenty of frustrating moments. They're off today, spending their time in Atlanta before opening a three-game series against the Braves tomorrow night.

What I'd like to do with this off-day posting is pose a couple of questions to all of you: 1) What has been the most significant development of the 2011 season to date? and 2) What remains the most significant development that could play out over the next month?

Let's start with the most significant development to date. To me, there are no shortage of candidates. You've got Jordan Zimmermann's full return from Tommy John surgery and ascension to front-line

Game 132: Nats at Reds

File photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

The Nats need to win today to avoid a sweep at Great American Ball Park.

No matter what happens today, Jordan Zimmermann has enjoyed a highly successful season. Fully recovered after Tommy John surgery in 2009, he not only stayed healthy the entire year, he pitched like a true front-line starter. It sure would be nice, though, if the right-hander could end 2011 on a high note today, when he surpasses the 160-inning limit and is shut down for the winter.

Zimmermann and the Nationals do face a daunting challenge in their series finale against the Reds. Not only is Johnny Cueto on the mound for Cincinnati, but the Nats are going to be without Ryan Zimmerman (given a rare day off to deal with some wear and tear).

Alex Cora will be at third base in Zimmerman's place. Meanwhile, Chris Marrero (after a shaky debut last night) is on the bench, with Laynce Nix at first base and Michael Morse staying in left field.

Enjoy the game and what should be a nice, sunny Sunday now that Irene has passed through...

NATIONALS at REDS
Where: Great American Ball Park
Gametime: 1:10 p.m.
TV: MASN2, Ch. 50
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 189
Weather: Sunny, 77 degrees, Wind 12 mph out to CF

STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (62-69)
SS Ian Desmond
RF Jayson Werth
CF Rick Ankiel
LF Michael Morse

Game 131: Nats at Reds

File photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

Ross Detwiler faces Mike Leake tonight at Great American Ball Park.

It's been more than five years since the Nationals made Chris Marrero the 15th overall pick in the country. Tonight, the now-23-year-old first baseman will make his major-league debut at last, recalled from Class AAA Syracuse to take the roster spot that opened when Ryan Mattheus (shoulder) went on the 15-day DL.

Marrero, who hit .300 with 14 homers, 69 RBI and an .825 OPS at Syracuse, will be in the Nats' lineup tonight, batting seventh. That means Michael Morse moves back to left field for the first time since June 29. Look for Morse to get plenty of playing time out there through the rest of the season, because the Nats plan for him to open 2012 in left field with Adam LaRoche (or possibly Marrero) at first base.

The other domino effect of Marrero's arrival is that Jayson Werth will start in center field tonight for the first time this season, with Laynce Nix in right field. Ross Detwiler is on the mound, looking to continue his recent upward trend. He'll be opposed by right-hander Mike Leake, whom the Nats roughed up for six runs at Nationals Park 11 days ago.

As you know, I'm not on this road trip. Back here in D.C., hunkered down for the storm and taking care of Mrs. Z and soon-to-be Baby Z. Enjoy the game, and please stay safe everyone!...

NATIONALS at REDS
Where: Great American Ball Park
Gametime: 7:10 p.m.
TV: MASN, MASN2
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 189
Weather: Sunny, 82 degrees, Wind 10 mph out to CF

STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (62-68)
SS Ian Desmond
CF Jayson Werth
3B Ryan Zimmerman
LF Michael Morse

Game 130: Nats at Reds

File photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

The Nats open a three-game series tonight at Great American Ball Park.

After three straight losses to the Diamondbacks in which they scored a total of only three runs, the Nationals hit the road tonight for the start of a six-game trip through Cincinnati and Atlanta. They'll hope to rediscover their offense in cozy Great American Ball Park, which boasts outfield dimensions roughly comparable to those at the Little League World Series in Williamsport.

With left-hander Dontrelle Willis on the mound for the Reds tonight, Davey Johnson has stacked his lineup with nothing but right-handed hitters. Brian Bixler is again in center field, with Jonny Gomes in left field.

Chien-Ming Wang starts for the Nats, facing the same Cincinnati club he beat 10 days ago and hoping to again make batters swing and miss at his offspeed stuff the way he did five days ago against the Phillies.

I'm not on this road trip, so please enjoy the conversation as always among yourselves...

NATIONALS at REDS
Where: Great American Ball Park
Gametime: 7:10 p.m.
TV: MASN2
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 189
Weather: Sunny, 81 degrees, Wind 5 mph out to RF

STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (62-67)
SS Ian Desmond
CF Brian Bixler
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Michael Morse

Series preview: Nats at Reds

Friday, 7:10 p.m. -- RHP Chien-Ming Wang (2-2, 4.33) vs. LHP Dontrelle Willis (0-3, 4.14)
TV: MASN2 Radio: 106.7 FM, 1500 AM, XM 189

Saturday, 7:10 p.m. -- LHP Ross Detwiler (2-3, 2.61) vs. RHP Mike Leake (10-8, 4.09)
TV: MASN2 Radio: 106.7 FM, 1500 AM, XM 189

Sunday, 1:10 p.m. -- RHP Jordan Zimmermann (8-11, 3.10) vs. RHP Johnny Cueto (9-5, 2.03)
TV: MASN2, Ch 50 Radio: 106.7 FM, 1500 AM, XM 189

REDS UPDATE
Amid worries about Hurricane Irene affecting the entire East Coast, the Reds wound up playing a doubleheader at Florida on Wednesday, giving them a chance to leave town early and enjoy an off-day at home Thursday. Cincinnati split the twinbill, dropping the opener 6-5 before hanging on to win the finale 3-2.

Joey Votto was front-and-center during the doubleheader, going a combined 5-for-7 with two homers and four RBI to extend his recent surge at the plate. The reigning NL MVP is beginning to thrust himself back into the discussion for this year's award. He now leads the league in both on-base percentage (.441) and OPS (.992), to go along with a .328 average, 24 homers and 84 RBI.

The Reds send Dontrelle Willis to the mound for tonight's series opener. It's been a long, strange ride for the left-hander, who burst onto the scene as a dynamic young star for the Marlins during

Game 129: Diamondbacks at Nats

The Nationals and Diamondbacks close out their four-game series tonight at 7:05 p.m., with left-handers John Lannan and Wade Miley facing each other.

Jayson Werth is back in the Nats' lineup after missing last night's game with a straianed hip/groin.

I'm unfortunately not going to be able to cover the game; need to take care of Mrs. Z. No worries, everything's fine.

I can't post the full game thread from my phone, but here's the Nats lineup...

SS Ian Desmond
CF Brian Bixler
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Michael Morse

Davey's "balk" comes back to haunt Nats

As Wednesday night's game was playing out before him, Davey Johnson made a mental note to pull Livan Hernandez after seven innings. The veteran right-hander had done everything in his power to give the Nationals a chance to win, allowing two early runs (aided in part by an error) and otherwise shutting down a first-place Diamondbacks lineup.

But as the eighth inning approached, Johnson had a change of heart. Hernandez had been cruising. His pitch count sat at only 83, and 62 of those pitches had been strikes. The Nationals trailed by two runs, but Hernandez seemed as likely as anyone out of the bullpen to toss another scoreless inning and give his teammates a chance to mount a rally.

By the end of the night, once the Diamondbacks had put the finishing touches on a 4-2 victory, Johnson was kicking himself for calling an audible at the line of scrimmage, one he felt helped cost his team the game.

"I take responsibility for that one," the manager said. "He was really pitching a great game. And when he's good, he's pretty good. I had it in my mind: If he gives me seven, I'm getting him out of there. And I balked. He got in trouble and couldn't get out of it. Like they say,
Read more

Strasburg takes BP, ready for Syracuse

Having experienced no setbacks in his bullpen session at Nationals Park this afternoon, Stephen Strasburg has been cleared to pitch Saturday for Class AAA Syracuse in what will be the penultimate start of his minor-league rehab assignment.

Strasburg, who has made four starts for Class A affiliates Hagerstown and Potomac, will make the leap up to Class AAA, facing the Pawtucket Red Sox on Saturday night. He should be allowed to go up to five innings or 75 pitches, whichever comes first.

The right-hander noted after his last outing at Hagerstown that he could benefit from pitching against higher competition after facing nothing but Class A batters who often are overly aggressive at the plate and don't offer him and opportunity to pitch with a gameplan.

"I think it would help me out a lot," Strasburg said following a three-inning start Monday night. "I've never pitched at this level before. This is kind of new. I'm still trying to figure out how these guys are going to approach me. ... I've really learned how to set guys up. At this level, I don't really have a chance to set them up, because they're already swinging."

The step up does provide another challenge that has nothing to do with the act of pitching. Because National League affiliates don't
Read more

Game 128: Diamondbacks at Nats

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

Livan Hernandez faces Daniel Hudson tonight at Nationals Park.

Jayson Werth is not in the Nationals' starting lineup tonight after straining his hip and/or groin tracking down a ball in right field last night. Werth didn't believe the injury was anything serious after the game, but Davey Johnson suggested he might take the cautious route and give the veteran a game off to rest.

With Werth out of the lineup, Laynce Nix slides over to right field, with Jonny Gomes starting in left field. The rest of the lineup looks familiar for a Nats squad that has been going with mostly the status quo for a while now.

Livan Hernandez gets the start against fellow right-hander Daniel Hudson. Hudson's name, you'll recall, came up last summer when Mike Rizzo was talking with the White Sox about a deal for Adam Dunn. Hudson wound up going to Arizona in the Edwin Jackson deal, and he's proceeded to post a solid season for the NL West-leading Diamondbacks (12-9, 3.83 ERA).

Updates to come...

DIAMONDBACKS at NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 7:05 p.m.
TV: MASN
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 189
Weather: Partly cloudy, 84 degrees, Wind 11 mph out to LF

STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (62-65)
SS Ian Desmond
CF Rick Ankiel
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Michael Morse

Werth soars as Espinosa plummets

US Presswire photo

Jayson Werth has quietly gotten hot over the last month.

Jayson Werth may or may not be in the Nationals' lineup tonight after straining his hip/groin area while tracking down a ball in right field during last night's game. The injury isn't considered serious, and even if he doesn't play, Werth figures to be back in action within a day or two.

Here's something you probably hadn't been thinking to yourself, though: Right now, the Nationals really need Werth in their lineup as much as possible.

I know, that would have sounded like a ludicrous statement not long ago. But it's true. Look at the numbers.

Remember when Werth's season seemed to be spiraling out of control, with no hope of being salvaged? That was back on July 18, when his batting average had plummeted to .211, his OPS to a paltry .669.

Well, in 30 games since then, Werth is hitting .295 with a .500 slugging percentage and .878 OPS. In other words, pretty much exactly what the Nationals figured he'd do for the entire season.

This one-month surge hasn't entirely salvaged what will forever be remembered as a colossally disappointing debut year for the $126 million right fielder. But it has at least eased some fears about

Zimmermann's final hurdle

Getty Images

Jordan Zimmermann reacts to Sean Burroughs' seventh-inning home run.

Jordan Zimmermann has, in so many ways, exceeded even the Nationals' loftiest expectations this season. Team officials merely wanted the right-hander to enjoy a pain-free year after recovering from Tommy John surgery, and perhaps flash a glimpse or two of the front-line starter they believe he will be some day.

Zimmermann wound up doing far more than that, establishing himself as one of the National League's best young arms and maintaining an ERA right around the 3.00 mark for the last three months.

But as his season reaches its early conclusion -- he's due to be shut down after making one more start Sunday due to an organizational limit on innings pitched -- Zimmermann still knows he has one more major hurdle to cross in his professional development. He still needs to learn how to gut his way through one more inning, avoiding the late disasters that unfortunately have plagued him far too often this season.

It happened again Tuesday night against the Diamondbacks. Dominant for six innings, Zimmermann made one critical mistake in the seventh, resulting in Sean Burroughs' two-run homer. And that proved the difference in the Nationals' 2-0 loss at the end of a strange day in Washington that included the region's largest earthquake in more than a century.

"One pitch kills me again," Zimmermann said.

Indeed, this wasn't the first time the 25-year-old saw an otherwise fabulous outing ruined by a late blast from the opposition. Vladimir
Read more

Werth leaves game with minor strain

Jayson Werth had to be removed from Tuesday night's game in the ninth inning with an injury to his hip or groin area, leaving the Nationals outfielder's status for Wednesday uncertain.

Werth believes he hurt himself tracking down Arizona pitcher Ian Kennedy's fifth-inning single to right. He remained in the game until the ninth inning, when Brian Bixler replaced him in right field.

"It could just be like a muscle spasm," Werth said. "We'll see how it feels tomorrow. It's real mild. I don't think it should be a big deal."

The Nationals gave conflicting information on the precise nature of the injury. Manager Davey Johnson initially said Werth "tweaked his hip." A club spokesman then told reporters the injury was actually to Werth's groin. The right fielder later referred to it both as a "hip

Top 3 draft picks unveiled

Associated Press photo

Alex Meyer meets fellow draft picks Anthony Rendon and Brian Goodwin.

The Nationals introduced their top three draft picks this evening shortly before the start of the game. Third baseman Anthony Rendon, right-hander Alex Meyer and outfielder Brian Goodwin all donned their Nationals jerseys (Rendon wearing No. 23, Meyer No. 17 and Goodwin No. 24).

Scott Boras, who serves as agent for all three players, also appeared and had perhaps the best line of the press conference, as you'll read below.

Here are some of the highlights...

SCOTT BORAS
"I first want to thank Mark [Lerner]. I told Mark, being from California, to come here and the hospitality we receive here by having an earthquake to make us feel at home ... I don't know how the Lerners do it. They go out of their way."

ANTHONY RENDON
On a possible position switch if Ryan Zimmerman remains at third base: "Yeah, I'm always willing to make a position switch. I just want to be in the lineup, to get the opportunity. But my position here is to

Game 127: Diamondbacks at Nats

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

The Nationals look to make it three in a row tonight against the D'backs.

And so there will be baseball tonight on South Capitol Street, albeit slightly delayed. After engineers determined Nationals Park sustained no structural damage from this afternoon's 5.9 magnitude earthquake, the club announced its game against the Diamondbacks would start at 7:25 p.m. Anyone who had tickets and decided not to attend may exchange them for seats of equal or lesser value to any future home game in 2011.

As for the actual game tonight, Jordan Zimmermann makes his penultimate start of the season, his innings count sitting at 150 2/3 at the moment. He'll be opposed by right-hander Ian Kennedy, a 15-game winner and breakout hurler for Arizona this season.

Plenty of updates to come, and check the homepage later for highlights from the press conference to introduce draft picks Anthony Rendon, Alex Meyer and Brian Goodwin...

DIAMONDBACKS at NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 7:05 p.m.
TV: MASN
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 189
Weather: Mostly sunny, 78 degrees, Wind 7 mph out to LF

STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (62-64)
SS Ian Desmond
CF Rick Ankiel
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Michael Morse

Updated: Game will start, but slight delay

US Presswire photo

Fans wait for the gates to open outside Nationals Park.

Updated at 6:53 p.m.

Tonight's game between the Nationals and Diamondbacks will be played, though the start will be delayed by 20 minutes after engineers spent the afternoon confirming Nationals Park did not suffer any structural damage from this afternoon's 5.9 magnitude earthquake.

Team officials delayed the opening of the main center field gates, which normally open at 4:30 p.m., for about two hours. A line began forming outside the gate and swelled shortly before the gates were finally due to be opened around 6:40 p.m.

First pitch should be at 7:25 p.m.

"As a precautionary measure following today's earthquake, the team delayed opening gates to the ballpark to allow D.C. inspectors and structural engineers to survey the facility prior to tonight's game," the club said in a press release.

The Nationals announced that fans may exchange their unused tickets from this game for tickets of equal or lesser value to any future home

September rotation battle looms

Associated Press photo

Ross Detwiler allowed one run over 6 2/3 innings in last night's win.

It's been a while since there was any reason to pay more than scant attention to September baseball in the District. Over the last five seasons, the Nationals have entered the final month of play with virtually nothing at stake, aside from a bit of pride and the occasional late-season debut of a prospect (Ian Desmond in 2009, Danny Espinosa and Wilson Ramos in 2010).

Make no mistake, though: This September will be worth watching, for any number of reasons.

There is, of course, the pursuit of a winning record for the first time since the franchise arrived in town. With last night's 4-1 victory over the Diamondbacks, the Nats now sit at 62-64. Which means they'll need to go 20-16 down the stretch to surpass the .500 mark. This could very well come down to the season's final series in Florida.

The other compelling storyline that is beginning to emerge, though, is the battle for spots in the Nationals' 2012 rotation. There is plenty left to decide, and there is plenty of reason to believe September performances are going to matter in this race.

At this point, three starters are assured of jobs next year: Stephen Strasburg, Jordan Zimmermann and John Lannan. Strasburg (assuming all goes well over his next two rehab starts) will be back

Strasburg ready for next step

Updated at 10:55 p.m.

HAGERSTOWN -- It can be easy to forget, given everything that's happened over the last 18 months, that Stephen Strasburg had never spent a day below Class AA before he embarked on his rehab from Tommy John surgery this month.

Strasburg has now started four games against Class A competition, three of them for the Hagerstown Suns. And though he's accomplished everything he's needed to in these outings -- including Monday night's three-inning outing against the Hickory Crawdads -- he also understands it's time to move on to a higher caliber of opponent.

"I think it would help me out a lot," he said. "I've never pitched at this level before. This is kind of new. I'm still trying to figure out how these guys are going to approach me. ... I've really learned how to set guys up. At this level, I don't really have a chance to set them up, because they're already swinging."

Strasburg, for the uninitiated, is hardly the prototypical million-dollar arm with a 10-cent head. He's as analytical a pitcher as they get, especially for a 23-year-old with only 12 games of big-league experience.

And at this stage of his rehab, now that he's reached the 60-pitch plateau and established that his arm feels as strong as it ever has,
Read more

Game 126: Diamondbacks at Nats

File photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

Ross Detwiler and Joe Saunders meet tonight in a showdown of left-handers.

On the heels of an impressive series against the Phillies in which they twice rallied to win in walk-off fashion, the Nationals tonight open a four-game series against the NL West-leading Diamondbacks. There was plenty of bad blood between the two teams when they met in Arizona in June, with a flurry of batters plunked and the D'backs side not happy with Wilson Ramos as he took his time rounding the bases on a home run. We'll see if there's any carryover tonight.

Ross Detwiler starts for the Nationals, looking to build off his strong outing five nights ago against the Reds. He'll be up against Springfield, Va., native Joe Saunders, who surely will have family in attendance.

Davey Johnson has stacked his lineup with right-handed hitters, including Brian Bixler in center field and batting second. Ryan Zimmerman, holding down his usual No. 3 spot in the lineup, is riding a 12-for-24 homestand that earned him co-NL Player of the Week honors with San Diego's Nick Hundley.

I'm in Hagerstown for Stephen Strasburg's rehab start tonight, so check that game thread for updates. I'll leave all of you to carry on the conversation here; based on the 300-plus comments on yesterday's game thread, I think I can trust you fine people, right?...

DIAMONDBACKS at NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 7:05 p.m.
TV: MASN
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 189
Weather: Partly cloudy, 79 degrees, Wind 11 mph LF to RF

STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (61-64)
SS Ian Desmond
CF Brian Bixler
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Michael Morse

Class A: Hickory at Hagerstown

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

Stephen Strasburg faces the Hickory Crawdads tonight at Municipal Stadium.

HAGERSTOWN -- Hello once again from Municipal Stadium, which must mean Stephen Strasburg is pitching tonight. (I can assure you I didn't drive up here just to shop at the outlet mall.)

This is Strasburg's fourth rehab start, and it comes on the heels of perhaps his worst professional outing to date, in which he was tagged by the Lexington Legends for five runs over 1 2/3 innings. Tonight, the right-hander faces the Hickory Crawdads, low-Class A affiliate of the Texas Rangers. The big name to watch out of the Crawdads' lineup is leadoff hitter and shortstop Jurickson Profar, an 18-year-old top prospect out of Curacao who enters tonight hitting .286 with 11 homers, 32 doubles and a .396 on-base percentage.

The plan for Strasburg: four innings or 65 pitches, whichever comes first. Mike Rizzo and Mark Lerner are here to watch in person. I'm here, too, and I'll be providing updates during each of Strasburg's innings of work. Obviously, I won't be in D.C. for tonight's game against the Diamondbacks, but I'll post a game thread for that one shortly...

HICKORY at HAGERSTOWN
Where: Municipal Stadium
Gametime: 7:05 p.m.
TV: None
Radio: hagerstownsuns.com
Weather: Clear, 74 degrees, Wind 9 mph out to RF

STARTING LINEUPS
HAGERSTOWN (70-55, 30-25 second half)
CF Michael Taylor
3B Blake Kelso
2B Adrian Sanchez
C David Freitas

Series preview: Diamondbacks at Nats

Monday, 7:05 p.m. -- LHP Joe Saunders (8-10, 3.91) vs. LHP Ross Detwiler (1-3, 2.87)
TV: MASN Radio: 106.7 FM, 1500 AM, XM 189

Tuesday, 7:05 p.m. -- RHP Ian Kennedy (15-4, 3.22) vs. RHP Jordan Zimmermann (8-10, 3.11)
TV: MASN Radio: 106.7 FM, 1500 AM, XM 189

Wednesday, 7:05 p.m. -- RHP Daniel Hudson (12-9, 3.83) vs. RHP Livan Hernandez (7-11, 4.34)
TV: MASN Radio: 106.7 FM, 1500 AM, XM 189

Thursday, 7:05 p.m. -- LHP Wade Miley (0-1, 11.25)
vs. LHP John Lannan (8-9, 3.61)
TV: MASN Radio: 106.7 FM, 1500 AM, XM 189

DIAMONDBACKS UPDATE
It's been a streaky August for the D'backs, who less than one week ago were riding a seven-game winning streak and had opened up a 3 1/2-game lead on the Giants in the NL West. But they've since lost five straight, losing a pair in Philadelphia and then getting swept in Atlanta over the weekend. Their lead over the equally struggling Giants is down to 1 1/2 games.

The problem during this losing streak? A complete lack of offense. Arizona has scored only six total runs in its last five games. All-Star Justin Upton continues to lead the way, and recently promoted rookie first baseman Paul Goldschmidt has been a welcome addition. But the loss of shortstop Stephen Drew to a season-ending injury has been

Another step forward

US Presswire photo

Ryan Zimmerman is congratulated after scoring the winning run in the 10th.

In terms of sheer drama, this hardly stacked up to Ryan Zimmerman's walk-off grand slam Friday night. Really, walk-off hit-by-pitches don't make for timeless highlight videos.

"I mean, you can just walk home," said Zimmerman, who had the honor of doing just that when Brad Lidge drilled Jonny Gomes in the left elbow with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 10th inning late Sunday afternoon. "But, a win's a win."

Actually, this was more than just a win for the Nationals. This 5-4, 10-inning victory over the Phillies may well have represented a significant moment for this franchise.

Coupled with Zimmerman's flashier heroics on Friday, this win ensured a series victory for the Nationals, spoiling the weekend for the tens of thousands of Phillies fans who invaded South Capitol Street. And combined with the results of some previous encounters between the reigning kings of the NL East and the division's up-and-comers, the Nationals and their fans can at last crow a little bit.

Yes, the Nats have now won five of their last seven meetings against a Philadelphia club that has flat-out owned them over the last four seasons. There may not have been a majority of Nationals fans
Read more

Game 125: Phillies at Nats

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

Chien-Ming Wang faces Roy Halladay today at Nationals Park.

Good morning from Nationals Park, where another big crowd is expected for today's series finale. I'll tell you what, though: I promise to refrain from making any mentions of all the Phillies fans invading D.C. today ... provided it doesn't once again overtake the game itself in newsworthiness.

Despite last night's ugliness, the Nats do have an opportunity to take this series and earn their fifth win in their last seven games against Philadelphia ... if they can somehow beat Roy Halladay. For that to happen, they're going to need a quality performance from Chien-Ming Wang, who wasn't as good last time out as he was the time before that in Chicago, but has overall made significant progress since coming off the DL.

Both of today's pitchers would be wise to work at a brisk pace. The forecast calls for only a 10 percent chance of rain until 4 p.m., at which point it goes up to 30 percent, then 60 percent by 5 p.m. A nice, 2 1/2-hour affair would be much appreciated.

Check back for updates...

PHILLIES 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: Late-afternoon storms, 88 degrees, Wind 11 mph out to CF

STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (60-64)
SS Ian Desmond
CF Rick Ankiel
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Michael Morse

Still at home in D.C.

Getty Images

Hunter Pence rounds third to resounding cheers from the Philly faithful.

The largest crowd in Nationals Park history stood and applauded in anticipation of the evening's final out. And when the batter tapped a routine grounder and the first baseman stepped on the bag to complete the 5-0 shutout, the vast majority of those in attendance roared with approval and serenaded their triumphant team off the field.

If only all of this had been directed toward the home ballclub instead of the visitors from 134 miles up the road.

Yes, the Phillies invaded South Capitol Street once again Saturday night and pummeled the Nationals into submission. This, of course, was nothing new. The soon-to-be five-time NL East champs have been dominating their division rivals for years, and they've been doing it in front of their own faithful so many times, the locals have lost count.

Something about this scene, though, felt different than any previous occasion. For one thing, the announced paid attendance was 44,685, a new ballpark record that shattered the previous mark (41,985 on June 25, 2009 against the Red Sox).

Then there was the gross disparity between supporters of the two teams. As that final out was being recorded on Danny Espinosa's groundout, the stadium remained 85 percent full, and 90 percent
Read more

Game 124: Phillies at Nats

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

John Lannan faces Roy Oswalt tonight at sold-out Nationals Park.

After last night's wild affair, the Nationals and Phillies are back for Game 2 of this series. No word yet if Livan Hernandez is available out of the Nats' bullpen after throwing more than 300 pitches last night between the game and warm-ups, though I'm sure Livo will insist he is.

Roy Oswalt, who was supposed to start the opener but was scratched after the 2-hour, 22-minute rain delay, gets the ball at last for the Phillies. He'll face a Nationals lineup that has Michael Morse back in the cleanup spot after sitting out one game with elbow inflammation.

John Lannan, meanwhile, takes the ball against the Phillies yet again. Seems like he never misses these guys, even though his lifetime numbers against them (1-11, 5.84 ERA) are horrendous.

It's Ian Desmond bobblehead night, the forecast is clear and this game has already been sold out. 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, 85 degrees, Wind 6 mph RF to LF

STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (60-63)
SS Ian Desmond
CF Rick Ankiel
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Michael Morse

Master of the moment

US Presswire photo

Ryan Zimmerman gets a Gatorade shower from Michael Morse.

The game had begun 5 hours and 19 minutes earlier, with far more fans in the stands, an ominous-looking storm hovering over the ballpark and no reason to believe it would ever get to this point.

Yet there stood Ryan Zimmerman, at 12:25 a.m. Saturday, knowing he would be the final batter in what had become a wild bottom of the ninth.

The Nationals had already rallied from two runs down to tie the Phillies. The bases were loaded. The count was full. Ryan Madson glared at him from the mound. The entire marathon night had come down to this singular moment, a moment that would leave mere mortals shaking with trepidation but incredibly leaves Zimmerman in his ultimate comfort zone.

How is that even possible?

"The pressure's on him, man," Zimmerman said, referring to the pitcher. "It's not on me. I'm like 0-for-whatever against him. I'm supposed to get out."

Zimmerman, of course, didn't make an out. He didn't even come close to making an out. He turned on Madson's 3-2 fastball and sent it sailing toward the left-field bleachers and into the already large
Read more

Harper to 7-day DL, season likely over

Class AA Harrisburg has placed Bryce Harper on the 7-day disabled list with a strained right hamstring, a move that doesn't officially end the 18-year-old's first professional season but almost certainly ensures it.

Harper was examined by a doctor in Harrisburg Friday evening, an examination that confirmed the hamstring strain he suffered Thursday in Akron.

Though the injury is not considered serious, Nationals officials don't believe there is reason to try and rush him back before the Senators' season ends on Sept. 5. One team official said Thursday night Harper would be shut down unless he was ready to return in a matter of one or two days.

"I'm not going to worry a whole lot about Bryce Harper down there with a slight pulled hammy," manager Davey Johnson said prior to Friday night's game against the Phillies. "It's the end of the season. He probably won't play the rest of the year. There's only a few days
Read more

Game 123: Phillies at Nats

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

Livan Hernandez faces Roy Oswalt tonight at Nationals Park.

The Phillies are in town, which is a tough enough challenge in itself. That challenge becomes even tougher when your best and most consistent hitter isn't in the lineup.

Such is the case tonight for the Nationals, who have posted a lineup without Michael Morse listed. Laynce Nix is starting at first base and batting cleanup. Two possible reasons for this: 1) Morse could still be dealing with a bad left elbow after getting drilled there last week in Chicago, and 2) Though Morse has good numbers against Phillies starter Roy Oswalt (3-for-9, 2 doubles), Nix has REALLY good numbers against Oswalt (11-for-25, 4 doubles, 1 triple, 3 homers).

Livan Hernandez starts for the Nats, facing a Philly lineup that has both Ryan Howard and Carlos Ruiz back after each missed last night's game with injuries. Howard had a sore right hand. Ruiz had -- wait for it -- a bruised left testicle. Yep. Feel free to take a moment and cringe at the sound of that.

It's sunny right now at Nationals Park, but there's again a chance of showers tonight. Check back for updates...

PHILLIES at NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 7:05 p.m.
TV: MASN
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 185
Weather: Chance of storms, 85 degrees, Wind 4 mph RF to LF

STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (59-63)
SS Ian Desmond
CF Rick Ankiel
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Laynce Nix

Series preview: Phillies at Nats

Friday, 7:05 p.m. -- RHP Roy Oswalt (5-7, 3.84) vs. RHP Livan Hernandez (7-11, 4.21)
TV: MASN Radio: 106.7 FM, 1500 AM, XM 185

Saturday, 7:05 p.m. -- RHP Kyle Kendrick (7-5, 3.25) vs. LHP John Lannan (8-8, 3.55)
TV: MASN Radio: 106.7 FM, 1500 AM, XM 185

Sunday, 1:35 p.m. -- Roy Halladay (15-5, 2.53) vs. RHP Chien-Ming Wang (2-2, 4.22)
TV: MASN, Ch 50 Radio: 106.7 FM, 1500 AM, XM 185

PHILLIES UPDATE
Things continue to hum along nicely in Philadelphia, even when key players are lost due to injury or other calamities. The Phillies just took two of three from the NL West-leading Diamondbacks, winning last night's game despite missing Ryan Howard, Shane Victorino and Carlos Ruiz from the lineup.

Howard (hand) and Ruiz (groin) could return to play tonight. Victorino, though, will be serving the second game of his now-reduced suspension for his actions against the Giants on Aug. 5. The center fielder is slated to return tomorrow.

Others have stepped up their absence, especially outfielder John Mayberry Jr., whose two-run blast last night was his fourth homer in his last 10 games. Backup catcher (and former Nat) Brian Schneider

Long time comin'

US Presswire photo

Jesus Flores gets high-fives after hitting his first home run in more than two years.

As Jesus Flores crossed the plate, pride swelling after clubbing his first big-league home run in more than two years, Jordan Zimmermann stood there waiting to offer some choice words of congratulation.

"About time!" the Nationals pitcher told his batterymate, prompting both guys to start laughing.

If anyone could appreciate what this moment meant for Flores, it was Zimmermann. The two spent the second half of 2009 and the first half of 2010 in virtual isolation together at the Nationals' spring training complex in Viera, Fla. Each was rehabbing from a major arm injury, Zimmermann's torn elbow ligament actually less damaging than Flores' shredded right shoulder.

Zimmermann was back in the big leagues last August, 13 months removed from Tommy John surgery. Flores didn't make it back until earlier this season, nearly two full years after he first took a foul ball off his shoulder, fracturing the bone.

"Some people had their doubts if he'd ever make it back up here," Zimmermann said. "He was busting his tail down there in Florida and finally got healthy. He called a great game tonight, and he's swinging the bat pretty good, too."

It's been a long time coming, but Thursday night both players made major contributions to a Nationals victory. Zimmermann gutted
Read more

Harper leaves game with hamstring strain

Updated at 11:38 p.m.

Bryce Harper had to be helped off the field in the eighth inning of Class AA Harrisburg's game tonight at Akron, the Nationals' top prospect after suffering a right hamstring injury that could prematurely end his first professional season.

Harper was advancing from first to third base on a double by teammate Archie Gilbert when he pulled up lame.

Amateur video showed the 18-year-old outfielder being helped off the field by Harrisburg manager Tony Beasley and a team trainer, not putting any weight on his right leg.

The Nationals later announced the injury as a hamstring strain and said Harper would be re-evaluated Friday.

There are only 2 1/2 weeks remaining in the minor-league season, so Harper wouldn't have much time to return to play if the injury is at all serious. A Nationals club official said unless Harper is capable of

Purke rarin' to go

Matt Purke hasn't pitched in a competitive baseball game since June 4, when he tossed five innings for TCU against Dallas Baptist.

In the two-plus months that have since passed, there has been plenty of question about the status of Purke's left shoulder and whether it would prevent the Nationals from signing their third-round draft pick and putting him back on a mound.

There was never a doubt in Purke's mind, though. Confident all along his shoulder was fine, the left-hander spent the summer throwing near his home in Houston, keeping his arm in shape so he'd be ready to go the moment he signed his professional contract.

"Right now, I'm ready for about two or three innings of work," he insisted today upon his introduction at Nationals Park.

Apparently, there was nothing to worry about all along.

Any concerns the Nationals had, though, were eased earlier this summer when Purke consented to undergoing an enhanced MRI. Doctors injected a dye in his shoulder to help determine whether

Strasburg back to Hagerstown Monday

Stephen Strasburg will return to Hagerstown for yet another rehab start Monday night, Nationals manager Davey Johnson said today.

This will be Strasburg's fourth minor-league start on his road back from Tommy John surgery, his third for the low-Class A Suns. He made his 2011 debut in Hagerstown on August 7, allowing one run over 1 2/3 innings, then advanced to high-Class A Potomac on August 12, tossing three scoreless innings in a dominant performance.

Strasburg returned to Hagerstown last night for rehab start No. 3 and was roughed up by the Lexington Legends, allowing five runs on four hits and two walks and reaching hi maximum pitch count of 49 after only 1 2/3 innings.

Team officials, though, weren't concerned about Strasburg's poor numbers from this latest start, only that his surgically repaired arm felt strong. His velocity was similar to the two previous starts,
Read more

Game 122: Reds at Nats

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

It's the rubber game of the series against the Reds tonight at Nationals Park.

Davey Johnson tried out a new-look lineup last night, with Ian Desmond hitting leadoff for the first time since mid-April. That new look didn't exactly produce a whole lot -- aside from Ryan Zimmerman's ninth-inning homer -- but in their defense, the Nationals were up against a dynamite starter in Johnny Cueto.

So Davey will stick with this lineup for at least another day, hoping it fares better tonight against Bronson Arroyo, the veteran right-hander who has struggled this season but has posted a 3.60 ERA over his last three starts.

Jordan Zimmermann, meanwhile, gets the ball for what is going to be one of his final starts of the season. If you're keeping track of such things, Zimmermann's innings count currently stands at 145, so he's got roughly 15 more to go before he's shut down.

I'm back at Nationals Park tonight, so plenty of updates to come, including highlights from Matt Purke's introductory press conference...

REDS at NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 7:05 p.m.
TV: MASN
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 187
Weather: Chance of storms, 85 degrees, Wind 9 mph RF to LF

STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (58-63)
SS Ian Desmond
CF Rick Ankiel
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Michael Morse

Thoughts on Detwiler, Burnett, Strasburg

US Presswire photo

Ross Detwiler allowed one run and struck out seven over six strong innings.

Catching up on a few things after a busy Wednesday in NatsTown...

-- Last night's 2-1 loss to the Reds had to be frustrating on a number of levels, not the least of which was the fact the Nationals had the tying run on third with one out in the ninth before Wilson Ramos grounded into the game-ending double play. But that disappointing finish shouldn't completely overshadow Ross Detwiler's stellar start.

Entering this one, serious questions surrounded the left-hander, who had failed to complete six innings in any of his last four big-league starts dating to last season. So when Detwiler not only went six against the Reds, but allowed only one run while establishing a new career-high with seven strikeouts, team officials had to be encouraged.

The Nationals want to continue to get more looks at Detwiler. Since the day he was drafted sixth overall in 2007, he's been more potential than results, but every once in a while you see an outing like this and realize there may yet be something productive inside that left arm.

-- Sean Burnett gave up a costly tack-on run last night that put the Reds up 2-0 in the eighth instead of a 1-0 deficit that would have been erased by Ryan Zimmerman's ninth-inning homer. It was yet another

Strasburg roughed up in Hagerstown

Updated at 10:58 p.m.

HAGERSTOWN -- Stephen Strasburg has known all along his return from Tommy John surgery wouldn't be without any bumps in the road, despite what all evidence to this point suggested.

So when it actually happened Wednesday night while wearing a Hagerstown Suns uniform, Strasburg wasn't so much upset as he was relieved to get this out of the way now.

Relieved? After getting roughed up for five runs in only 1 2/3 innings by the low-Class A Lexington Legends?

Well, yes.

"Sometimes it's good to have games like this," Strasburg said. "Because you need to get knocked around a little bit to see what you're doing wrong. I think I learned a lot from this outing."

Then he smiled. Stephen Strasburg. After probably the worst outing of his professional career.

Clearly, these rehab starts are about more than his final pitching line, though that was by no means pretty: 1 2/3 innings, four hits, five runs, two walks, three strikeouts.

The Nationals had penciled Strasburg in for three innings and 50 pitches. But by the time he recorded his fifth out of the night, his pitch count already stood at 49. So Hagerstown manager Brian Daubach
Read more

Game 121: Reds at Nats

File photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

Ross Detwiler faces Johnny Cueto tonight at Nationals Park.

Way back when this season began, Ian Desmond was the Nationals' leadoff hitter. Wow, does that seem like a long time ago, or what? By April 15, the shortstop had been dropped in the order, and he's spent the majority two months batting either seventh or eighth. But he's started to get hot again, having hit .283 over his last 12 games, so tonight Desmond is back in the leadoff spot for the first time since April 14.

The residual effect: red-hot Rick Ankiel gets bumped down to No. 2, with slumping Danny Espinosa now in the 6-hole. What tangible effect this all has on the Nationals' lineup remains to be seen.

Ross Detwiler will be on the mound, looking once again to establish his ability to pitch deep into a game, something he's struggled with in the past. He and the Nats have a tough challenge ahead of them, facing Reds right-hander Johnny Cueto, who leads the NL with a 1.94 ERA.

As you know, I'm in Hagerstown tonight for Stephen Strasburg's rehab start. So I won't have updates or a postgame article from Nationals Park. Please keep up the conversation as always here, and be sure to check for my full Strasburg recap later on the site...

REDS at NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 7:05 p.m.
TV: MASN2
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500 AM), XM 187
Weather: Partly cloudy, 85 degrees, Wind 8 mph in from RF

STARTING LINEUPS
NATIONALS (58-62)
SS Ian Desmond
CF Rick Ankiel
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Michael Morse

Class A: Lexington at Hagerstown

Photo by Mark Zuckerman / NATS INSIDER

Stephen Strasburg returns to Hagerstown tonight for his latest rehab start.

HAGERSTOWN -- Hello from historic Municipal Stadium in Hagerstown, where tonight the low-Class A Suns host the Lexington Legends in the finale of a three-game South Atlantic League series. Most notable, of course, is the name of Hagerstown's starting pitcher: Stephen Strasburg.

Strasburg makes his third rehab start. He already pitched here 10 days ago in his return from Tommy John surgery. Five nights ago, he dominated at high-Class A Potomac. The plan tonight: Four three innings or 60 50 pitches, whichever comes first. (Considering he only needed 33 pitches to get through three innings at Potomac, the right-field bullpen could be getting some extra work in the fifth tonight.)

Strasburg will be facing a Lexington lineup that features second baseman Delino DeShields Jr. I actually covered his father's final season with the Orioles in 2001. And yes, it's stuff like that starts making me feel really old.

I'll have inning-by-inning updates from here. Obviously, I'm not in D.C. for the Nats-Reds game, but I'll have a game thread posted shortly so everyone can follow along there and comment as always...

LEXINGTON at HAGERSTOWN
Where: Municipal Stadium
Gametime: 7:05 p.m.
TV: None
Radio: hagerstownsuns.com
Weather: Partly cloudy, 83 degrees, Wind 4 mph out to CF

STARTING LINEUPS
HAGERSTOWN (68-52, 28-22 second half)
LF Michael Taylor
3B Blake Kelso
2B Adrian Sanchez
C David Freitas

Beltway Baseball Live - 8/17/11

In the latest edition of Beltway Baseball, Chase Hughes and I discussed this week's draft signing deadline, Stephen Strasburg's impending return from Tommy John surgery and Danny Espinosa's second-half slump. We also answered your questions on Michael Morse, Rick Ankiel and Chien-Ming Wang.

The show aired live at 1 p.m., but if you missed it, no worries. Here is the full show, split into two segments. Part 2 is below the jump...