Hernandez in competition for fifth starter
Monday: Pondering the Nationals roster | Tuesday: Examining Guzman and Duncan | Wednesday: Nats release Dukes, Kensing | Thursday: More on Dukes, a thought on Guzman | Saturday: Strasburg, Storen optioned | Sunday: Updates on Morgan, Zimmermann
Friday, March 19:
Ben Goessling writes on Stephen Strasburg: "The Nationals have more cuts coming in the next few days, and if Strasburg stays in the majors, his next start would be on the road against the Yankees next Thursday. That doesn't seem like a situation the Nationals will put Strasburg in at this stage of his career, and if he's going to start in the minors anyway, moving him there now would give Livan Hernandez a chance to get stretched out in something other than simulated games. Even if the Nationals sent Strasburg down, they could bring him back for the April 3 exhibition against the Red Sox. But I wouldn't expect to see him with a chance to make the rotation all the way to that point." [masnsports.com]
Adam Kilgore reports the Nats got Zech Zinicola back: "Right-handed reliever Zech Zinicola, taken by the Toronto Blue Jays in the Rule 5 Draft, returned to the Nationals [Thursday] because of Rule 5 guidelines. The Blue Jays did not choose to carry him on their 40-man roster." [Washington Post]
Bill Ladson examines Livan Hernandez as a possible fifth starter: "Most experts consider him the leading candidate to be the fifth starter, but keep in mind that he is coming off a disappointing season. Once he signed with the Nationals in late February, Hernandez had to get into pitching shape and didn't play in an exhibition game until Sunday against Cardinals. He pitched three innings, gave up one earned run and walked three batters. His next start will be Friday in an intrasquad game." [MLB.com]
Mike Henderson ranks the Nationals centerfield fourth in the NL East: "The enthusiasm, speed and personality of Nyjer Morgan will serve Washington well -- or at least entertainingly -- provided his hamstring is healed and he doesn't suffer further injury on the base paths. Utilityman (and possible right fielder pro tempore) Willie Harris will collect some of his 300 or so at-bats on the days he subs for Morgan in center. That's a role in which Harris should be comfortable, having played over 450 innings at the position in 2009." [Nationals Pride]
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