Johnson wants to see more aggression from second baseman
The Nats’ batting order was a hot topic on Tuesday before their game with the Diamondbacks. Here are some of manager Davey Johnson’s impressions.
- Look for Danny Espinosa to hit from lower in the order. Johnson said hitting No. 2 that Espinosa (.205) has been “too fine,” trying to get on base instead of attacking ball with an aggressive mind-set. “He’s as strong a pound-for-pound guy as there is in the league,” Johnson said. “I hate to see him trying to serve the ball to the opposite field.” With Steve Lombardozzi batting No. 2 today, Espinosa will hit No. 6 Tuesday night. He batted No. 3 on Sunday, going 0-for-3 with two strikeouts.
- Even with Ryan Zimmerman out, Johnson wants to keep Jayson Werth at the No. 5 hole as it provides protection for cleanup man Adam LaRoche and breaks up a stacking of lefties at the bottom of the order. Johnson will use different players at the No. 3 spot, depending on matchups. Rick Ankiel bats No. 3 Tuesday night against the Diamondbacks.
- Don’t expect to see Bryce Harper leave the No. 7 hole soon. “I don’t want to put too much pressure on the young guy.”
