Reasoning behind Murphy at third base; Zimmerman takes swings in BP

Unfortunately, third baseman Anthony Rendon's flu bug has continued into the Dodgers series. Rendon came down with flu-like symptoms late Saturday and was scratched from Sunday's lineup against the Pirates.

"Sick. I mean that's pure and simple," manager Dusty Baker said. "He might be available to pinch-hit today. He wasn't available at all the other day. (I) just didn't want to tell you guys because the other team still thought that he might be available while we were playing the Pirates.

"He hadn't slept or ate much. You guys know how it is when you get sick in the heat. It's terrible. So just hope he doesn't go throughout the club because these kind of things sometimes happen that way."

Rendon will be replaced at third base by Daniel Murphy, in a somewhat unusual move. It will be Murphy's first start at third base for the Nationals. He made 41 starts at third base for the Mets last season. Baker did not want to be specific about why they decided to go with Murphy at third tonight.

"I can't tell you everything about it until after the game," Baker said. "Because that's not my lineup of choice but that's the lineup I have to do. I'll tell you after the game. You guys want me to tell you everything so the Dodgers will know who's available and who's not."

One player that normally could play pretty much every infield spot and has been on a tear at the plate, veteran Stephen Drew, was not seen out on the field during batting practice.

So it appears due to the limited bench options, the Nats are preparing for emergency situations tonight.

Outfielder Chris Heisey spent 20-30 minutes taking grounders off the bat at second base and then turning around and taking throws from the outfield for tags at second base.

Also good news from batting practice were the swings of Ryan Zimmerman. Baker had mentioned the veteran first baseman could be taking outside BP and he did. His swing looked strong and fluid, showing no ill effects from his recovery from a left ribcage strain. Zimmerman has been on the disabled list since July 7. Last weekend he took full sprints during batting practice.

"He was running the bases because you don't want your legs to get out of shape while your trying to get the rest of your body in shape," Baker confirmed. "That's the thing. We got to make a decision whether we send him out for a rehab assignment. I think he is eligible to come off (the disabled list) on Friday. We'll continue to make an evaluation. The thing you don't want is a setback in this situation. That's the one thing that you don't want."

Baker said the decision to start backup catcher Jose Lobaton was an easy one after Wilson Ramos played 18 innings in a close to six-hour game Sunday. He also appreciates Lobaton's abilities to work with young pitchers like Reynaldo Lopez.

"After Ramos caught 18 innings he other day, that was plenty," Baker said. "He probably hasn't really recuperated today. Plus, I thought it would be good for the kid because that's Loby's specialty. His specialty is handling pitchers."

Baker said he made sure that Lobaton, Ramos and bullpen catcher Nilson Robledo spent a lot of time with Lopez this week to help him acclimate a little to the clubhouse and feel more comfortable prior to his major league debut tonight.