"My BlackBerry will be buzzing the whole time after the game," said Manny Acta. He was referring to the fact that no fewer than five Nationals pitchers were making rehab appearances last night in three minor league games. A quick overview:

• Most eyes were on John Patterson, who struggled in his first rehab start for high-A Potomac, allowing three earned runs on three hits and three walks, going only 2.1 innings on 45 pitches. Patterson did say that he didn't experience any discomfort while throwing, and was experimenting with his pitching mechanics. "When I'm throwing it wrong, I'm throwing it really wrong," he said. "But when I'm throwing it right, it's right."
• After the game, Patterson said he expects to make his next rehab start Wednesday for Double-A Harrisburg, aiming for a five-inning/75-pitch performance. He declined again to put a timetable on his return to the Nationals. "I've just got to continue to get my mechanics a little more consistent, and I'll be right where I need to be."
• At Harrisburg, Mike O'Connor started and Jerome Williams relieved. O'Connor allowed one run, on a solo homer, on five hits in four innings; Williams allowed two unearned runs on two hits in three innings.
• Jason Bergmann pitched three scoreless innings for Triple-A Columbus, allowing two hits. He was followed by Luis Ayala, who allowed a walk in one inning of relief.