Nats (22-28) vs. Padres (20-31)
What – Game #51
Where – Nationals Park
When – 1:05 p.m.
TV – MASN HD
Radio – WJFK-106.7 FM; WFED-1500 AM
Just about 15 hours after last night’s dramatic walk-off win, the Nats try to build on that momentum when they face the Padres in the second of a three-game series. Jordan Zimmermann (2-5, 3.98) gets the start against University of Richmond product Tim Stauffer (0-3, 3.88 ERA).
As expected, Washington made a few roster moves before the game. Reliever Collin Balester gets the recall from Triple-A Syracuse. With Tom Gorzelanny on the 15-day disabled list (left elbow inflammation), the Nats have an extra roster spot to play with – for now. Balester is 2-0 with a 3.71 ERA for the Chiefs. He has 18 strikeouts in 17 innings. This is his fourth appearance in Washington already this season. In 20 career relief appearances with Washington, Balester is 0-1 with a 3.33 ERA and .207 batting average against. He has posted 11.10 strikeouts per 9.0 innings (30 K/24.1 IP) out of the bullpen.
Balester may not last long, however. The Nats will need to replace Gorzelanny in the starting rotation Look for them to recall Yunesky Maya from Syracuse to make Sunday’s start against the Padres. That leaves the rest of the rotation on normal rest through the three-game set with the Phillies and would send Balester back to Syracuse.
San Diego entered this series with a 34-12 record against Washington dating back to the franchise’s time in Montreal (Aug. 22, 2003). The Padres are now 26-11 since the Nats moved to the District in 2005. Here are today’s lineups.
Padres:
Patterson – RF
Bartlett – SS
Ludwick – LF
Hawpe – 1B
Headley – 3B
Tekotte – CF
Phillips – C
Forsythe – 2B
Stauffer – P
Nationals:
Ankiel – CF
Desmond – SS
Werth – RF
Nix – LF
Morse – 1B
Espinosa – 2B
Rodriguez – C
Hairston – 3B
Zimmermann – P
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