After tough outing in Syracuse, will Lannan get shot Saturday in doubleheader for Nationals?

By Byron Kerr

Nationals

July 16, 2012, 5:25pm

Comments

Left-hander John Lannan started off slowly at Triple-A Syracuse but then got into a nice rhythm, compiling six wins. Before the season started, Lannan sent out an email requesting a trade, following his demotion to Triple-A. He has been waiting for his shot back with the Nationals or to pitch well enough to get another team's attention, or both. The Nationals have a couple of doubleheaders coming up on the schedule where Lannan could get the opportunity to showcase his talents again with the big league ballclub. The doubleheaders are scheduled for July 21 against Atlanta and then August 3 versus Miami. Monday was not the best of warm-ups as Lannan went five innings (plus three batters) and allowed nine hits, including a pair of home runs. He ended up surrendering six runs and one walk and had two strikeouts. He has now allowed 14 runs in his last three games, and his season ERA is at 4.89. Another possibility is southpaw Zach Duke, who has had a tremendous season, going 10-4 with a 3.78 ERA in 18 starts for Syracuse. The veteran spent seven seasons with Pittsburgh and Arizona, compiling 48 wins, 537 strikeouts and a 4.56 ERA. He was released by the Astros at the end of spring training and then signed with the Nationals.