Hagerstown's Goodwin could be good to go by end of the week

Ever since outfielder Brian Goodwin went down with a quad injury running to first base after a single April 9, many have wondered when the former Miami Dade College star would return to low Single-A Hagerstown. Goodwin was a prized 2011 draft selection by the Nationals and is still touted as a future leadoff hitter/center fielder with the speed and plus-plus tools to become and everyday major league contributor. In just five games, Goodwin showed he was ready to play well in the pros, able to attack the base paths and hit for power. The 21-year old left-handed hitter went 6-for-16 (.375) with a double, two stolen bases, two homers and eight RBIs in less than one week of play. The Nationals have been very careful in nursing the speedster's quad injury as he rehabilitated first with the team and more recently at the team's year-round facility in Viera, Fla. A source has told me Goodwin is making positive progress and is likely to return to Hagerstown this week or next. Goodwin has been playing three innings at a time in games at extended spring training in Florida with no setbacks. Hagerstown returns from the road Thursday night at Municipal Stadium against Delmarva. It is a good bet that Goodwin could rejoin his team then and resume his career healthy.