Don't call it a comeback

VIERA, Fla. - Dan Uggla was considered a long shot to make the Nationals roster when he showed up for spring training. A lot has changed in the past month-and-a-half for the former three-time All-Star who's batting .303 with two homers, two doubles and six RBIs in 16 Grapefruit League games.

"I'm really pleased with the way I've been seeing the ball," Uggla said. "The timing the first 10-15 at-bats was coming together all in itself just like it is at the beginning of every spring training. The difference this year during those at-bats, where you're trying to work on your timing and trying to get that back, I'm seeing the ball really well. I'm just pleased with how it's gone so far."

The Nats made a significant trade in mid-January to acquire infielder Yunel Escobar to be their starting second baseman. An oblique strain knocked Escobar out of the lineup for most of the spring and Uggla took advantage of the extra reps and at-bats.

"I just think his direction is good," said Nationals manager Matt Williams. "It has been good. The fact that he's just taking balls to right field. He's shown some power the other way in spring which is good. For him that's key. I know that he feels good about where he's at, I know he feels good about seeing the ball. And the results are showing so, yeah, I think he's performed really well.

"He's been a joy to have around. He's a veteran guy, understands the whole process of spring training but he's worked really hard too. So for me he's been real good."

Uggla's career took a nosedive after being hit in the head by pitches in 2012 and 2013. The same guy who became the game's only second baseman to hit 30 or more home runs in five consecutive seasons was lost. Uggla was struggling to focus at the plate and in the field where basic plays became adventures.

In August, Dr. Robert Donatelli in Las Vegas diagnosed him with oculomotor dysfunction, a condition possibly caused from being hit in the head both times a few seasons ago. After going through several tests and exercises to retrain the ocular muscles, Uggla says he gradually improved. He now feels really good with his vision back to normal.

"You put in all that work in the offseason and especially when it comes to something you've never really focused on before and done before and something that's been that important before," said Uggla. "So I was nervous and excited and all those type of emotions coming into camp. And I'm really pleased that, so far, everything was worth it that I did this offseason."

Uggla calls Donatelli a "dear friend" now and says the two talk frequently. He continues exercises with his eyes and his confidence has returned with the results.

"Anytime when you're moving around whether it's a small movement when you're loading up to hit the ball or running after a ground ball or fly ball that's where they said when the vision got really bad is when my head was moving," he said. "To know that I don't have to worry about that anymore. The running after a fly ball, it's not bouncing and disappearing on me. Ground balls, same thing. And same thing with a 95 mph fastball coming at me."

Uggla was originally drafted by Arizona in 2001 when Williams was finishing up his career with the Diamondbacks so the Nats second-year manager is plenty familiar with his capabilities and resiliency.

"I'm not surprised," said Williams. "I was a player in the same organization that he was a player in, long time ago, so I'm not surprised by anything he does. His track record speaks for itself. He's got power he's got the ability to be a dominant big league second baseman. So he's a good player and he's worked hard."

With just nine days left before opening day, Uggla is down to the numbers game as the Nats begin to aggressively trim down the roster.

"I'm just here to do my thing and however it plays out in the end that's not my decision," said Uggla. "I control how I play and the effort I put out there and that's really the only thing I'm worried about."