Who will get the call in September?

Photo by USA Today

The Nationals are about to enter September under much different circumstances than they did last season, with different priorities as they get set to expand their roster. Instead of looking for specialists to use sparingly during a pennant race, the Nats can see what a few players have at the big league level and maybe even showcase guys for future trades.

In 2011 when the Nats were also around the .500 mark, they brought up six players, including Steve Lombardozzi, who became a key bench player on the NL East-winning 2012 club, and Brad Peacock, who helped them land Gio Gonzalez the following winter.

Who will get a look this season? Here are a few names to watch as the Nats get ready to expand their roster:

Good bets

LHP Ian Krol – This one’s easy. Davey Johnson already said the Nats plan to call Krol back up in September, after the lefty was optioned to Syracuse on Aug. 21 to make room for Ross Ohlendorf. Krol gave up five earned runs in his last seven innings before being sent down and will look to find the success he had when he was first called up in early June. He should see as much game action as any of the call-ups and could lock up a bullpen role for next season.

RHP Ryan Mattheus – Mattheus was also sent down recently, on Aug. 15, and the roster expansion should help him return to Washington. Mattheus struggled after coming back from the DL on July 26, leaving for Syracuse with a 6.26 ERA through 23 innings this season with the Nats. He’s been okay in three outings in Triple-A since the demotion (1 ER in 3 IP) so we’ll see if he can finish the season strong. 

Game 61: Twins at Nats

Photo by USA Today

Chase here again today as Mark is still recovering from surgery. I will be out here at the park providing coverage for both games as the Nats continue their interleague series with the Twins.

The Nats' lineup for the first game is, well, interesting. Jeff Kobernus is your center fielder and leadoff hitter with Denard Span out with a sore right foot. Fellow second baseman Steve Lombardozzi is slotted in left field and batting second. Chris Marrero is also up as the team's 26th player for the doubleheader, so you may see him today as well.

Fortunate for the Nats, considering their makeshift lineup, is the fact Jordan Zimmermann is on the mound. The right-hander will take his 8-3 record and 2.16 ERA up against a Twins lineup that is not exactly imposing.

Please check back for updates, and enjoy the game...

MINNESOTA TWINS at WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Where: Nationals Park
Gametime: 1:35 p.m. EDT
TV: MASN2, MLB.tv
Radio: WJFK (106.7 FM), WFED (1500)
Weather: Mostly cloudy, 82 degrees

NATIONALS (29-31)
CF Jeff Kobernus
LF Steve Lombardozzi
3B Ryan Zimmerman
RF Jayson Werth

Minor League Report - 5/3

USA Today Sports Images

Syracuse Chiefs – 9-16 (Last in Int’l League North)

Offensive Player of the Week

First baseman Chris Marrero continues to rake with multi-hit games in five of his last seven outings. He ranks second in the International League in home runs (6) and fourth in RBI (20). The Chiefs’ cleanup hitter, Marrero leads the team in both categories and is third in runs with 11 on the season. He also ranks second with a .354 average this year with a team-leading OPS of 1.048. 

Pitcher(s) of the Week

The Chiefs have three relief pitchers in the middle of solid seasons at the Triple-A affiliate. Lefties J.C. Romero and Fernando Abad, plus right-hander Erik Davis have given Syracuse a trio of reliable options out of the bullpen. Romero has a 0.82 ERA through ten appearances with 14 strikeouts in 11 innings pitched. Abad holds a 1.93 ERA through ten games and Davis is even better with a 1.64 mark and two saves.

Nats Minor League Report-4/18

Photo by USA Today

Syracuse Chiefs – 6-6 (4^th in Intl. League North)

Offensive Player of the Week

First baseman Chris Marrero has come on strong as of late with a home run, three RBI, and three walks over the last week. He ranks second on the Chiefs through two weeks in homers (2), RBI (9), and walks (5). After a disappointing 2012, Marrero looks back to his usual self as before last season he was good for 15+ homers and a solid average.

Pitcher of the Week

Returned from the Rockies via the Rule 5 Draft, lefty Danny Rosenbaum may just be more comfortable as a member of the Nats’ organization. He has picked up right where he left off as a Nats prospect with two strong starts for the Chiefs. Through his first two games, Rosenbaum has allowed just one earned run in 11 innings pitched. He was an excellent minor league pitcher at the Nats’ lower level teams and could some day make an impact on the major league club.

Notes 

·       Eury Perez was sent to the disabled list with a sprained wrist he injured diving for a pop-up on April 13

·       J.C. Romero has yet to give up a run through five relief appearances. Catcher Jhonatan Solano said he is pitching very well and is a standout of the Chiefs’ staff.

·       After beginning the year on a tear, Micah Owings is hitless in his last four games and has more strikeouts (7) than hits (5) in his last eight

Nats cut eight, release Snyder

Photo by USA Today

[UPDATED 11:50 a.m.]

The Washington Nationals have announced another round of spring training cuts, sending six players to Triple-A Syracuse and two to minor league camp. The team also granted 32 year old catcher Chris Snyder an unconditional release.

Pitchers Ryan Perry, Erik Davis, and Yunesky Maya, as well as infielder Chris Marrero, catcher Jhonatan Solano, and outfielder Corey Brown are all off to Triple-A. Reassigned to minor league camp are pitcher Ross Ohlendorf and infielder Zach Walters. 

Davis and Maya head north after strong springs that on other teams may have warranted big league roster spots. Davis held a 1.13 ERA through eight innings across seven games, with just one earned run allowed and two walks. He struck out eight batters and posted a .148 batting average against. Maya appeared in five games with a 2.25 ERA and seven strikeouts through eight innings pitched. 

Perry, on the other hand, had a rough spring with a 10.24 ERA in 9 2/3 innings pitched. He allowed 11 earned runs and four walks with a .325 BAA.