Split squads, split decisions
Submitted by Jeff on Sat, 03/15/2008 - 7:54am.
- The Nationals played two games yesterday against the Indians: one Friday afternoon in Viera and one Friday night in Winter Haven. In the afternoon game, with mostly Nats starters and mostly Indians reserves, the Nats got five strong innings from Matt Chico (1 ER, 3 H, 1 BB, 4 K) while the Nats took advantage of a stiff wind to left (the Indians did too, but after Chico left, and not to as great effect); Aaron Boone had 3 RBI and his brother Bret had 1; Dmitri Young had 2 RBI as well. Nats win, 8-4.
- In the nightcap in Winter Haven, with more Indians A-teamers than Nats, Justin Maxwell hit a two-run homer in a game called by rain in the sixth. Jason Bergmann gave up three runs (one earned) in four innings. Nats lose, 3-2.
- The Nats got bad news on Friday with word that Wily Mo Peña will start the season on the DL with a tear in his left oblique muscle; he could be out four weeks "or more". "They say I'll be out a month. I want to come back before that," he said.
- Peña's injury means that Elijah Dukes will likely start the season in left, although the injury raises questions about the team's depth in the outfield. Worse: Dukes strained a hamstring in Friday afternoon's game, and will likely sit for a couple of days.
- Dukes' relationship with the team is working out - "so far", reports MLB.com. Dukes has "daily sessions" with a counselor hired by the team that Dukes said has been very helpful.
- A return to a powerful leg kick has helped Matt Chico, whose strong outing yesterday keeps alive his chances of making the rotation after problems earlier this season. "I've felt better the last three days than I have in three years," he said.
- Minor league first baseman Josh Whitsell, put on waivers earlier this week, has been claimed by the D-backs.
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