Williams, Papelbon have little to say regarding suspension

Nationals closer Jonathan Papelbon had no comment pregame Friday as he appeals a three-game suspension and fine handed down by Major League Baseball regarding his pitch that hit Orioles third baseman Manny Machado in the left shoulder Wednesday night. Manager Matt Williams had very little to say when asked about the Papelbon suspension. "It is what it is," Williams said. "I know he's appealed. He'll go through that process." Williams also would not reveal who would be the closer if Papelbon's suspension is upheld. "We just hope it's (a) 9-1 (game)," Williams smiled. "That's the plan. We'll have to go with what it is depending on all of those different factors. We'll deal with it when the time comes, when that game comes, if it comes. The thing about it right now we know he's appealed. He's available tonight. We hope to give him the ball in the ninth inning." When Williams was asked again about Papelbon being ejected on the spot Wednesday and then Major League Baseball quickly suspending the closer, he said his focus is on tonight's game. "Listen, my job is to help us try and win games here," Williams said. "It's not my call so we will deal with the rules as they sit and the decision that's made. I know Pap's appealed and we'll go from there." There is some good news on the rehab front as left fielder Reed Johnson is back on the field working out with the team and taking batting practice. He's missed 130 games with a left calf strain, a left foot injury and a broken rib. "He's close, close," Williams said. "He had great defensive work yesterday. No issues. Letting it go today. Got fooled on some pitches today because pitchers aren't letting him know what's coming. Swung and missed, had no issues. That's a really good sign that he's letting it go and not thinking about it." Williams said they will check on residual soreness but Johnson could get in some games in the next week. The news is not as positive for first baseman Ryan Zimmerman, who has been out since September 7 with an oblique injury. "Yeah, he still feels it which is not a good sign," Williams said. "The fact that he still feels it when he swings means that he is not quite there yet."