Rendon's ripple effects, plus notes on Oduber and Karns

The promotion of third baseman Anthony Rendon from Double-A Harrisburg is a great opportunity for the organization's top prospect. The two weeks on the disabled list will give Ryan Zimmerman a chance to rest his tender hamstring. It also might be a good time for Zimmerman to work with coaches, especially infield coordinator Jeff Garber, to deconstruct and reconstruct his post-surgery throwing motion from third base. I would imagine this type of concentration on his throwing motion would take place in Viera, Fla., at the team's extended spring training facility, away from the bright lights of Nationals Park and the inquiring eyes of reporters and fans. Again, this is just a possibility, not a directive, and is just a thought on my part. Even with Rendon's 0-for-4 debut, seven games in Nationals Park will be a perfect spot for the young third baseman to get going in front of friendly fans and in comfortable surroundings. Having Rendon around will also give the Nationals choices if Danny Espinosa has any more issues at second base, whether from injury or at the plate. Steve Lombardozzi certainly showed he can hit and produce for the Nationals in the recent Marlins series and as he did in spring training and last season. Would Davey Johnson ever make the switch and put Lombardozzi in as the permanent starter if Espinosa falters? What if Rendon goes on a run and plays very well? It is most likely that Rendon is here for seasoning. General Manager Mike Rizzo brought up Bryce Harper and Tyler Moore in late April last season, and eventually both were here for good. But the most likely scenario is 15 days for Rendon with the Nationals and then a return to Harrisburg for more seasoning as he makes his way soon back to D.C. * How about the schedule this week and next? The Cardinals and Reds at home, then four games at Atlanta. The Braves lost again to the Pirates Sunday - too bad the Nationals couldn't grab Sunday's game at New York. But the loss for Atlanta certainly helps, keeping the Nationals three games back of first in the National League East. * I liked seeing Randolph Oduber hitting a three-run homer Saturday for Harrisburg. Oduber struggled through nagging injuries last season. The 6-foot-3 right fielder from Aruba was hitting .387 in eight games for high Single-A Potomac, with two doubles, one homer and nine RBIs. He did have an 11-to-1 strikeout-to-walk in Potomac, and has struck out six times already in four games for Harrisburg, but Oduber deserves a long look at this level and is one of the better outfielders in the Nats system. * Right-hander Nathan Karns put together a sterling performance versus Altoona on April 20 for his first win at Double-A Harrisburg. Karns went seven innings, allowed two hits, one run, one walk and struck 13 batters. He now has 24 strikeouts in three games. After surrendering seven runs April 8 in his debut. Karns has given up just one run on five hits in his past 12 innings, with 21 strikeouts and only two walks. * A heads-up that Harrisburg will be in the area this weekend starting Friday to take on the Bowie Baysox.