A glimpse into possible September call ups for the Nationals

Nationals manager Davey Johnson talked about the 40-man roster Tuesday and speculated as to some of the possibilities offensively in September the Nationals might bring up to the big club when rosters can be expanded. Johnson mentioned first baseman Chris Marrero and a name we had not heard before, outfielder Corey Brown. Both are on the 40-man roster. Marrero is batting .309 in 117 games, with 14 homers and 67 RBIs. It is about time he gets a chance to face major league pitching. Brown is hitting just .231 in 106 games, but has shown power, with 13 homers and 34 RBIs. Johnson also said infielder Steve Lombardozzi and other possibilities would have to be added to the 40-man roster before being called up. Lombardozzi has been leading off and is hitting a team-high .320 with 10 doubles, two triples, four homers, 25 RBIs and eight stolen bases in 50 games. Johnson talked about guys that have played in D.C. this season and have major league experience like pitchers Craig Stammen, Yunesky Maya, Atahualpa Severino and outfielder Roger Bernadina. "Most of those guys are playing every day, so that is helping," Johnson said. "How much we get them into the big league environment and how they would fit in terms of where we go in the future, it will be an organizational decision. It all depends on what Mike Rizzo wants to do and what his timetable is." Johnson has spoken several times about starting pitchers Tom Milone and Brad Peacock getting a shot. They both have had impressive strikeout to walk ratios and have dominated at some point during the season. But for Milone, Peacock or Lombardozzi to get a shot someone will have to come off the 40-man or be placed on the 60-day disabled list. The team added draft picks in pitcher Matt Purke and third baseman Anthony Rendon to the 40-man roster last night.