A healthy Denard Span returns to form, plus options for Ryan Zimmerman with foot injury

Center fielder Denard Span came up with the Nationals' only hit with runners in scoring position in the team's 11 attempts yesterday. His fifth-inning RBI single not only tied the game but also meant that he's hit safely in all four games since returning from the disabled list last Sunday.

"Whenever somebody's in scoring position, I go up there with an aggressive mentality," said Span. "The leadoff hitter in me goes out the window and I'm trying to get a good pitch and drive somebody in."

Span is coming off an impressive year, in which he tied for the National League lead in hits, so it's no surprise that he's collected five in his first 18 at-bats this season.

Most of the curiosity with the 31-year-old surrounds his recovery from two procedures on his midsection since the end of last season. He underwent hernia surgery in December and, most recently, core muscle surgery in early March.

"Actually, the surgery area's actually been feeling pretty good," he said. "The past couple days, haven't really thought about it for the most part, which is good. Now it's just about getting my legs in shape. There's been a couple times where I've been wanting to steal, but I'm trying to be smart and let my body catch up."

Last year, Span swiped 31 bases in 38 attempts.

Maybe it's still April, but the Nationals are starting at a 10-game road trip against three NL East opponents beginning tonight with the Marlins and ending next weekend with the red-hot Mets. After an unexpected 7-9 start, the Nationals could use a couple of series wins to build some momentum.

"I think any time you play teams in your division, you give yourself an opportunity to gain ground or separate yourselves from the rest of your division," said Span. "So division play is huge."

First baseman Ryan Zimmerman has been dealing with plantar fasciitis in his left foot for the past five days. It noticeably bothered him, especially on the base paths last night.

"I've never really dealt with it, but from what I hear, some days will be better than others," Zimmerman said. "Just treat it and do what you can, and we'll go from there."

Nationals manager Matt Williams intends to give Zimmerman a day off to rest his foot in the coming days. Tyler Moore is certainly an option to fill in at first base if Zimmerman sits. After starting 0-for-10, Moore has picked up three hits in his last eight at-bats, including a home run and a double. Or, with the Marlins scheduled to start three right-handers in this weekend's series, Williams could use the left-handed swinging Clint Robinson at first. It's Robinson's normal position but when he's played in the field this season, it's only been in left. He's hitting .259 with a triple, double and two RBIs in 27 at-bats.