District Daily: Nationals News 5/6
By Kenny DeJohn
Mar 14, 2014; Lakeland, FL, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Scott Hairston (7) bats in the first inning against the Detroit Tigers during a spring training exhibition game at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports
In need of some Washington Nationals news? Here are all the top stories to help you get through your Tuesday:
Williams discusses Nats’ start, Harper in Q&A
In his first year with the Nationals, Matt Williams has proved to be an aggressive manager. He is not afraid to play small ball — hit and run or bunt — to win a game. Williams will even have one of his sluggers like Jayson Werth swing at a 3-0 pitch to get the run across.
Things seem to be working out for Williams — the Nationals were in second place with a 17-14 record, only a half-game behind the Braves entering Monday’s action.
MLB.com caught up with Williams recently to talk about the Nationals. Read full article here.
Nats get Hairston back, send Souza to Triple-A
WASHINGTON — The Nationals’ disabled list remains crowded, but the team got one piece back on Monday, when it activated outfielder Scott Hairston from the 15-day disabled list. Outfielder Steven Souza Jr. was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse to make room on the active roster.
Hairston had been on the DL since April 6 with a left oblique strain. His return could be the first of three this week for Washington, which also expects to get pitcher Doug Fister and catcher Wilson Ramos back in the fold. Third baseman Ryan Zimmerman and outfielder Bryce Harper remain a ways away.
“I think we’ve been staying afloat, especially with all the injuries we have currently,” Hairston said. “That’s the sign of a good team. The depth of the organization, guys who are coming up and making contributions, it’s been really helpful. I think once we piece things together, once we get everybody healthy, we’ll be the team that we’re expected to be.” Read full article here.
Ramos could return to Nationals by weekend
(Andrew Simon, MLB.com)
WASHINGTON — Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos caught nine innings for Double-A Harrisburg and went 0-for-4 in its 8-2 loss at home Monday night against Richmond, the latest step in his Minor League rehab assignment.
Ramos, out since suffering a left hamate fracture on Opening Day, spent time at extended spring camp in Viera, Fla., then played for Class A Hagerstown on Sunday. He served as the designated hitter and went 2-for-3 with a home run.
The Nats wanted to see Ramos get through nine innings behind the plate, with his left hand taking the pounding from catching pitch after pitch. If there are no setbacks, Ramos would stay on track to return sometime this week. Manager Matt Williams indicated that could be as soon as Friday, when the Nats begin a series in Oakland after an off-day. Read full article here.