Nationals' Chris Marrero reports to Triple-A Syracuse

It is obvious that Nationals first baseman Chris Marrero is feeling better and his torn hamstring is not giving him any trouble as he quickly moves up the ranks of the franchise's minor league system. A club source confirmed that Marrero has completed his rehab stint with Double-A Harrisburg and has reported to Triple-A Syracuse. Marrero already made quick stops at Single-A Hagerstown and Potomac. He originally tore his hamstring in winter ball, has also battled back from a slight shoulder issue in May and then a bruised thumb last week. Marrero has hit .333 (13-for-39) with four doubles, two homers and seven RBIs in 11 games during his minor league rehab. Last season, Marrero played in 31 games with the Nationals, hitting .248 with five doubles and 10 RBIs. Manager Davey Johnson had been high on the possibility the Miami native would make the team out of spring training as a big bat off the bench. But the winter ball hamstring injury delayed that plan. General manager Mike Rizzo has moved the roster along this year and not waited out problems, so how quickly will he move to get Marrero back with the Nationals and what that might mean for guys like Xavier Nady or Tyler Moore? Either way, this quick rise back to Syracuse is a great sign that Marrero is feeling good at the plate and in the field. And depth is never a bad thing when you look to maintain first place. Editor's Note: please notice my new twitter handle for exclusive Nationals coverage is @masnKerr. Everything else sports and otherwise still at @bkerr32. Thank you!