CHATTER
Only at The Washington Times: Mark Zuckerman and Ben Goessling blog on the Washington Nationals.
Latest Blog Entries
Olsen will have surgery; out for the year
Left-hander Scott Olsen's shoulder injury isn't as bad as the Nationals feared when an MRI showed "labrum issues," but it will require surgery that will cause the 25-year-old to miss the rest of the year.
Thru 5: Martin done, Nats down
Livan Hernandez has outpitched the already-departed J.D. Martin, and the Nationals trail the Mets 5-2 after five innings.
MRI shows "labrum issues" in Olsen's shoulder
Interim manager Jim Riggleman said an MRI of Scott Olsen's shoulder showed some "labrum issues" -- a phrase that, for any pitcher, usually sets the recovery timetable in months, not weeks.
Monday lineups
Here are the lineups for tonight's game, the first of three between the Mets and Nationals:
Tavarez gone after blowout loss
The Nationals designated right-hander Julian Tavarez for assignment after the 36-year-old gave up a run and three hits in 2/3 of an inning on Sunday. They called up Logan Kensing - another in-season addition - to take Tavarez's place, making Joe Beimel the only member of the Nationals' Opening Day bullpen still on the team.
Storen to Potomac
Just got word that Drew Storen, who the Nationals took with the 10th overall pick in the June draft, will be promoted from Class A Hagerstown to Class A Potomac after today's game.
Sunday lineups
Here are the lineups for the series finale between the Nationals and Cubs today:
Olsen to DL; Martin pitching Monday
Scott Olsen's strained left lat muscle has turned into the problem the Nats feared it would be. The left-hander will be placed on the 15-day disabled list, interim manager Jim Riggleman said this morning, and J.D. Martin will be called up from Class AAA Syracuse to make his major-league debut.
'I'm not going to quit, and nobody in there better quit.'
Jim Riggleman is 0-3 as Nats manager, but he believes his team is on the verge of turning things around.
Thru 6: Soriano HR gives Cubs 5-4 lead
Jordan Zimmerman was cruising along ... until he faced Alfonso Soriano in the top of the sixth.
Thru 3: Nats up 4-2
Washington has broken out the bats tonight against Randy Wells and probably could have scored even more so far.
Olsen to visit Andrews
Left-hander will have his shoulder examined by orthopedist James Andrews on Monday. The Nats will call up a starter from Syracuse to take his place.
Olsen won't start Monday
Left-hander still battling soreness behind his throwing shoulder. Nats must decide whether to use a reliever on Monday against the Mets or call up a starter from Syracuse.
Thru 6: Zambrano out, but still 3-1
Cubs ace pulled after five innings and 113 pitches, but the Nats still can't take advantage of it.
Thru 3: Nats trail 3-1
Craig Stammen is laboring. So is Carlos Zambrano, but the Nats can't take advantage of that.
