Byron Kerr

Zimmermann in groove despite recent loss, ready for Friars

May 27, 2011, 3:28pm

Saturday's second game of the series features Nationals right-handed starter Jordan Zimmermann (2-5, 3.98 ERA) against San Diego Padres' right-hander Tim Stauffer (0-3, 3.88). Despite allowing a game-deciding, two-run homer to Vladimir Guerrero in a 2-1 setback at the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday, Zimmermann finished with 6 and 1/3-innings allowing only four hits, those two earned runs, one walk and five strikeouts. "The outing was great," Zimmermann said. "I felt awesome. (Guerrero) is...

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Lannan looks strong early

May 27, 2011, 3:23pm

Nationals

Nationals starter John Lannan had a 1-2-3 first frame against the San Diego Padres. Lannan is looking to bounce back from a rough outing in Baltimore last weekend. He is trying to end a six-game winless streak (2-5, 5.03 ERA). Lefty Clayton Richard countered with an identical 1-2-3 first inning for San Diego. The Padres ended a five-game skid Wednesday with a 3-1 win over St. Louis. No score, second inning.

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Next two weeks crucial to LaRoche's ailing shoulder, season

May 27, 2011, 2:18pm

Nationals

Next two weeks crucial to LaRoche's ailing shoulder, season

Nationals first baseman Adam LaRoche continues rehabilitation from the torn labrum in his left shoulder and a small tear in his rotator cuff, injuries that landed him on the 15-day disabled list. He hopes to return to the lineup in two to three weeks. But that is a big if. And if you saw him swing in Baltimore last week, even when he connected on a base hit with what appeared to be an all-out swing, it turned into a soft single to right-center field. LaRoche is hopeful the next two weeks...

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Riggleman: Werth wasn't referring to skipper regarding "change"

May 27, 2011, 1:14pm

Nationals

Riggleman: Werth wasn't referring to skipper regarding "change"

Nationals manager Jim Riggleman said he has spoken to Jayson Werth following the right fielder's comments during a postgame interview in Milwaukee earlier in the week. Werth said after the 6-4 loss to the Brewers on Wednesday that "things needed to change" and he had "some ideas." Riggleman said during his pregame meeting with the media Friday that he had a meeting with Werth and does not believe Werth was referring to the manager's job status when talking about those needed...

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Solis has reported to Hagerstown

May 26, 2011, 8:47am

Nationals

Nationals No. 2 prospect, Sammy Solis, has reported to the Single-A Hagerstown Suns. Solis has been in extended spring training recovering from various injuries. The 22-year-old lefty will make his first start Monday. He is not on the official roster yet. The Nationals have some time before Solis' Monday start to make that change.

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Marrero turning heads with solid defense in Syracuse

May 26, 2011, 7:38am

Nationals

Marrero turning heads with solid defense in Syracuse

Nationals first baseman Adam LaRoche was sent to the disabled list this week with a shoulder injury, so the discussion regarding the future for the Nationals at that position is in the spotlight. That attention centers around the development of 22-year-old Chris Marrero. The 6-foot-3, 210 lb., Marrero has once again been handling the bat very well for Triple-A Syracuse, batting .275 with eight doubles, four homers and 19 RBIs in almost two months of play. The last 10 games, he has hit .350...

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With De La Rosa gone, could deal for Marquis with Rockies be possible?

May 25, 2011, 7:47am

Nationals

With De La Rosa gone, could deal for Marquis with Rockies be possible?

The Colorado Rockies lost left-hander Jorge De La Rosa to a torn ligament in his elbow Tuesday. He will have to undergo Tommy John ligament replacement surgery and will be out for at least one year. With starting pitcher Jason Marquis having a very consistent start for the Nationals this season, his stock will not be any higher at the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. Washington could be able to cash in if they want to go after some solid leadoff prospects in the Colorado farm system. The...

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Ankiel activated from DL, Marrero remains in Syracuse

May 24, 2011, 11:15am

Nationals

Ankiel activated from DL, Marrero remains in Syracuse

Outfielder Rick Ankiel has been activated from the disabled list. He fills the vacancy created when first baseman Adam LaRoche was placed on the 15-day disabled list yesterday by the Nationals with a torn labrum in his left shoulder. There had been some speculation about first baseman Chris Marrero, one of the up-and-coming infielders in the Nationals' system, potentially getting the call. Jason Benetti, play-by-play announcer for the Chiefs, said that manager Randy Knorr feels Marrero is...

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Updates on Nationals prospects in Florida from your comments

May 23, 2011, 12:08pm

Nationals

Here are some updates from Nationals director of player development Doug Harris on a few of the players you have asked for in the comments section. RHP Russell Moldenhauer, who was named to the 2009 College World Series all-tournament team with the Texas Longhorns: "Moldenhauer has had some physical things that he has dealt with," Harris said. "(Moldy) is kind of a Matt Stairs type. He is a dangerous guy but we really have to grind his defense. He didn't defend in college. He was a...

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Ankiel joins Harrisburg on rehab assignment

May 23, 2011, 10:44am

Nationals

Ankiel joins Harrisburg on rehab assignment

Washington Nationals outfielder Rick Ankiel has joined Double-A Harrisburg Senators on a rehab assignment. Ankiel has been in Viera, Fla., rehabbing a sprained right wrist taking live batting practice. He was placed on the disabled list May 7, retroactive to May 3, and was batting .221 with one homer and seven RBIs in 28 games.

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Destin Hood "excited" to gain Batter of Week honor in Carolina League

May 23, 2011, 9:21am

Nationals

Destin Hood "excited" to gain Batter of Week honor in Carolina League

The Potomac Nationals' offense is starting to get on a roll, and evidence of that came down this week with outfielder Destin Hood being honored as Batter of the Week in the Single-A Carolina League for the period of May 16-22. In the last seven games, Hood hit .448 (13-for-29) with nine extra-base hits (seven doubles, triple, home run) and 10 RBI. Hood connected on five straight multi-hit games and in three of the games, he had at least three hits. During the stretch, Hood had an amazing...

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Pitchers at Syracuse, Harrisburg showing farm system depth

May 22, 2011, 6:02pm

Nationals

Pitchers at Syracuse, Harrisburg showing farm system depth

A lot of the starters at Triple-A Syracuse - such as Ross Detwiler, Craig Stammen, Garrett Mock, J.D. Martin and Yunesky Maya - have pitched in front of Nationals' fans. We could see them again soon on 1500 South Capitol St. One question is: Who might be the next starting pitcher that we haven't seen yet get the call to D.C.? How about starting with two Brads? Right-hander Brad Peacock continues his dominance at Double-A Harrisburg. This weekend, he had another double-digit strikeout...

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Multiple at-bats helping Stairs get back into a rhythm

May 21, 2011, 3:46pm

Nationals Orioles

Multiple at-bats helping Stairs get back into a rhythm

BALTIMORE - The Nationals found themselves down Saturday 4-2 in the top of the sixth inning against Orioles starter Jeremy Guthrie. Following an Ian Desmond line out, Laynce Nix drew a walk and Jayson Werth smacked a solid single to get men on first and second. Designated hitter Matt Stairs stepped in and had a chance to get Washington back in the game. But Stairs grounded into an inning ending 4-6-3 double play. It was one of the few opportunities against Guthrie that the Nationals were...

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Hairston hopes attitude in clubhouse can get offense clicking

May 21, 2011, 11:14am

Nationals

Hairston hopes attitude in clubhouse can get offense clicking

BALTIMORE, Md. -- The Nationals' clubhouse was loose and relaxed. Guys were chatting up each other, playing cards and some joked around. Hardly the feeling you think you would find from a team that just lost two games in New York without plating a run. Yes, this was before Friday night's offensive explosion at Baltimore. The Nationals scored 17 runs and pounded out 19 hits, including six homers and a pair of triples. Nationals third baseman Jerry Hairston Jr. said the guys were relaxed...

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Marquis upset, but understands pitching change against Orioles

May 20, 2011, 7:52pm

Nationals Orioles

Marquis upset, but understands pitching change against Orioles

BALTIMORE, Md. - Nationals starter Jason Marquis was the beneficiary of six runs early on from the offense for his second straight start, but this time he was not around long enough to factor into the decision. It was the first no decision for Marquis since way back on April 10. Marquis managed to get through the first two frames unscathed, but the Orioles scored three runs in the third inning, benefiting from a Roger Bernadina misplay in center field that allowed two runs to score with two...

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Rizzo updates progress of Zimmerman and Ankiel

May 20, 2011, 2:34pm

Nationals

Rizzo updates progress of Zimmerman and Ankiel

BALTIMORE - Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo offered updates on injured players Ryan Zimmerman and Rick Ankiel during batting practice prior to Friday's interleague opener at Baltimore. Zimmerman is rehabilitating from abdominal surgery in early May. Rizzo said it is likely Zimmerman will leave for Florida in about one week, when the team returns from this extended road trip, which ends May 25 at Milwaukee. "We will get (Zimmerman) into baseball activities and then some game action,"...

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Prospect Ray credits Team USA experience for stunning debut

May 20, 2011, 9:26am

Nationals

Prospect Ray credits Team USA experience for stunning debut

It has been an incredible start to the professional career of Single-A Hagerstown Suns left-hander

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Prospect Kelso setting tone for first place Suns

May 19, 2011, 12:48pm

Nationals

Prospect Kelso setting tone for first place Suns

Blake Kelso is off to a great start to his season on a very talented first place Single-A Hagerstown Suns ball club. The talented third baseman has been leading off for manager Brian Daubach, and with good reason. Kelso is batting .358 through 38 games with 10 doubles, a homer and 22 RBIs. His on-base percentage is .411 and he has 12 walks and stolen six bases. Those numbers reflect consistency that Kelso showed with the Vermont Lake Monsters in the NY/Penn League last season. Kelso hit .309...

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Solis one start away from leaving Florida

May 19, 2011, 8:37am

Nationals

Solis one start away from leaving Florida

Nationals left-handed pitching prospect Sammy Solis has fully recovered from a couple of injuries and is ready for what is expected to be his final start in extended spring training in Florida. Solis first injured his quadriceps running late in spring training. Then, he suffered a groin strain that the team's medical staff originally thought might have been a hernia. "It turned out it was not a hernia, so everything is fine," Solis said. If the 6-foot-5, 230-lb., University of San...