Tyler Moore ready for start against Pirates, not rusty from wait

Nationals Tyler Moore gets the start in left field Wednesday in the series opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Finally. Moore started in his first game in a Nationals uniform against the Dodgers back on April 29. In only his ninth game - so far he has only gone 2-for-11 (.182) without an extra base hit - Moore gets a chance to start at Nationals Park against the Pirates. He says it has not been tough waiting for his opportunity. "No, not really," Moore said. "We got great coaches and great veterans on the team that kind of help me out and kind of direct me on my role and situations. They kept me locked into the game. That helps me out a lot." The Nationals' best power hitter in the minor league system (69 homers) has not gotten discouraged with not starting every day. Nothing has slowed his preparation. He is certainly thrilled with the chance to start, but is not about to let himself get too hyped. "Definitely it is an adjustment, but it is something that has to be done," Moore said. "It is not any time to make excuses or anything. You need to get in and help this team win. It is a great experience for me because I am learning the game more and more, kind of thinking along with what Davey (Johnson) is thinking. It has been good." Despite Moore's lack of experience in left field, he said continuing to go out and work at getting used to playing the outfield has helped him catch up to what he needs to defensively that's far from his usual position at first base. "Every time I get out there I feel better," Moore said. "Just shagging fly balls every day, reading balls in different situations and (trying) not to panic out there really helps." Moore did not sit around on days he knew he wasn't starting either, getting in the weight room, doing his running and working in the batting cage. "I am just trying to stay with my routine that I have always done," Moore said. "Days you are not starting you try to get a little lift in and sweat going on so you can get that feeling of playing every day still in you. It's going good. I am thankful for my opportunity and hope things go well tonight."