Williams on cleanup spot, bench, Espinosa, Barrett, Ramos, Janssen and more

On Sunday night, Nationals manager Matt Williams placed first baseman Clint Robinson in the cleanup spot behind right fielder Bryce Harper. In Monday's opener against the Reds, Williams placed catcher Wilson Ramos in the cleanup role.

It didn't hurt that Ramos was coming off a game in which he went 2-for-3 with a single, a home run and a walk, plus two RBIs.

But Williams said during his pregame meeting with the media there are a few different strategic reasons why they adjust the cleanup hitter sometimes from game to game.

"It's important for us to look at that," Williams said. "It's also a feel for where we are at as a team. It's an opportunity for Wilson to get back into a position that he is familiar with. And what they have as far as a late matchup potential for us, too. All of those things come into play."

Reliever David Carpenter was placed on the paternity list. The team activated left-hander Sammy Solis. So what will Williams do if he needs a reliever in the eighth inning tonight?

"It depends on where we are at in the game," Williams said. "It's certainly comfortable for Casey (Janssen) back into the game. So he's been there before, whether it's the eighth or the ninth. We have another long guy here, so Blake (Treinen) can fill in that role, too, either of the lefties to matchup."

Second baseman Danny Espinosa has improved his approach from the left side this season and is now batting .258 overall with eight homers and 24 RBIs. Williams said Espinosa has calmed his swing from that side and it has helped.

"The biggest adjustment that Danny's made is his head is still," Williams said. "His head is staying over his backside and he's able to clear through and make better contact from the left side. The right side is the same as it always has been. But that adjustment's been made from the left side."

Robinson has been a key component for the Nationals off the bench. He has hit .267 so far with four homers and 15 RBIs and has played the most games this season (57) that he had ever played in the major leagues. Williams said the decision to keep Robinson and not go with Mike Carp during spring training centered around his quiet swing.

"The deciding factors, I think - for me, anyway - were the fact that Clint could play both outfield positions and first base and I felt like his swing would play easier off the bench, less moving parts," Williams said. "Less margin for error. Again, back then we're not thinking of him playing first base every day. The consideration was how does it play off the bench. And what opportunities would be there for him during the season off the bench in a big situation and that short swing plays."

Players like Robinson, Tyler Moore, Michael A. Taylor, Dan Uggla and even Espinosa were not opening day starters, but intended to be a part of a strong bench. Turns out those players have stepped into major roles helping to guide the Nationals to the best record of the season, 10 games above .500.

"Those guys that are 24th or 25th men on the roster or the bench guys that don't get a chance to play everyday - ... they are capable to step in and do it," Williams said. "To all of their credit, they're all capable, they're all ready to play at any moment and they work hard to keep themselves ready. That's a testament to them and their work ethic."

Reliever Aaron Barrett will pitch again tonight for high Single-A Potomac as he gets closer to returning from a right biceps strain.

"He's pitching again today," Williams said. "And then he will have tomorrow off and then we'll look to a back-to-back."