VIERA, Fla. - The Nationals trimmed nine players from their stable of players at big league camp today, including two of their top three picks in the 2011 draft. First-round pick Anthony Rendon, who has seen time at multiple infield positions this spring, and third-round left-handed pitcher Matt Purke were both optioned to Single-A Potomac. Infielder Carlos Rivero was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse, while six others - right-handed pitchers Austin Bibens-Dirkx and Rafael Martin, catcher Sandy...

The Washington Nationals today optioned left-handed pitcher Matt Purke and infielder Anthony Rendon to Potomac of the Single-A Carolina League and optioned infielder Carlos Rivero to Syracuse of the Triple-A International League. Additionally, the Nationals re-assigned right-handed pitchers Austin Bibens-Dirkx and Rafael Martin, catcher Sandy Leon, infielder Jarrett Hoffpauir and outfielders Corey Brown and Xavier Paul to minor-league camp. Nationals Executive Vice President of Baseball...

The outfield depth of the Nationals' system has certainly been fortified over the last few seasons through draft and free agent acquisition, especially with the inclusion of former catcher and No. 1 prospect Bryce Harper moving to a corner outfield position in his first season. But also garnering major attention has been former University of North Carolina and the 34th overall selection in 2011, outfielder Brian Goodwin, who the franchise hope will eventually be that prototypical center...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Over in Dunedin, left-hander Wei-Yin Chen allowed one run in three innings to the Toronto Blue Jays and has been replaced by Armando Galarraga. Chen gave up two hits, walked a batter and struck out two. He threw 52 pitches, 29 for strikes. The run scored on a Colby Rasmus double. In two spring starts, Chen has allowed one run and three hits in five innings, with with one walk and five strikeouts. I'm not including his intrasquad outing, when he failed to retire a third...

Tyler Clippard will continue to be one of the most important parts of the Nationals' bullpen. But manager Davey Johnson wants to make one alteration to the right-hander's job description heading into 2012. "I don't envision him coming into ballgames before the seventh inning," Johnson told reporters in Viera, Fla., this morning before the Nationals hosted a Cardinals split squad. "Last year, I think he had a lot of appearances prior to me getting here early on where there was a fire that...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Reliever Matt Lindstrom threw 30 pitches from a bullpen mound this morning and is tentatively set to pitch Wednesday against the Pirates in Sarasota. Lindstrom said he threw everything, first from a windup to get his rhythm and then the stretch. "I'm not trying to throw 100 percent, obviously, since I haven't been on a mound since four or five days ago," he said. "The ball felt good coming out of my hand. And it's not like I've taken a bunch of days off since...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Manny Machado is on the travel roster today. Manager Buck Showalter just can't quit him. Nolan Reimold is still scheduled to play Tuesday. The swelling on his left cheek has gone down considerably. Chris Tillman was ambushed by reporters this morning after throwing three scoreless innings yesterday against the Red Sox and hitting 95 mph with his fastball. "I enjoyed it. It was fun. It was good to get back out there," he said. "Physically, I felt good. Stuff was good....

SARASOTA, Fla. - Tommy Hunter is scheduled to throw four innings Friday, but the location hasn't been determined. Hunter, who's no longer bothered by lower back soreness, will throw 60-65 pitches against the Twins in Fort Myers or in a minor league game at Twin Lakes Park. The smart money is Twin Lakes. No sense making Hunter travel that far. Hunter threw 42 pitches yesterday in a B game and said he felt good. "The ball was coming out, got a few on their hands," he said. "They weren't...

SARASOTA, Fla. - Jai Miller is starting in center field today for the Orioles, which is a switch. He's been a corner outfielder. Also, Wei-Yin Chen gets the start against the Blue Jays, a decision that manager Buck Showalter confirmed after yesterday's game. And John Hester is behind the plate again today instead of Taylor Teagarden, who's been receiving treatment for lower back stiffness. For the Orioles: Endy Chavez LF Robert Andino 2B Nick Johnson DH Joe Mahoney 1B Jai Miller CF Ryan...

Nationals manager Davey Johnson hasn't been shy about making it known that he's looking for some additional left-handed pop off the bench this season. I wouldn't be surprised if Johnson started renting billboard space around Viera or posting "Help Wanted" signs throughout the Nats' clubhouse. Enter Chad Tracy, a 31-year-old corner infielder who spent last season playing in Japan. Tracy slugged 27 homers with the Diamondbacks in 2005, and then hit 20 more the next season. Since then,...