Game #71
Nats (32-39) vs. Kansas City (29-42)
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Washington goes for two in a row after last night’s 2-1 squeaker. Lineups are listed below. Luis Atilano (5-4, 4.77 ERA) goes against Anthony Lerew (0-0, 3.00 ERA). Some minor pregame news from talks with general manager Mike Rizzo and manager Jim Riggleman. Rizzo says his team has no specific marching orders from ownership regarding the trade deadline that comes up July 31. If Rizzo feels like he can add a piece to this season’s club he’ll do it. If they have to sell a key component to get better in 2011 they will do that, too. No salary restrictions either way. Rizzo pointed out he made a deal for Nyjer Morgan and Sean Burnett in late June last year – well before the trade deadline talks reach a fever pitch.
Rizzo gave no specifics on negotiations with slugger Adam Dunn on a contract extension for next year. At all.
“We’re looking into it,” Rizzo said. “We’ve been talking about it since spring training. We’re looking at all things, every way to improve the club. We like where Adam is at offensively and defensively. He’s a big part of the clubhouse. He’s a big part of the middle of the lineup.”
Will have more in Cheers & Jeers in tomorrow’s print edition on pitcher Jordan Zimmermann’s progress from Tommy John surgery. Rizzo said Zimmermann will head back to Viera, Fla. when the team goes on the road this weekend to continue his throwing program. He could start a minor-league game within weeks – not months, according to Rizzo – and is targeting early August for a return to the big leagues as a starter – if there are no setbacks and he handles business down on the farm. We’ll see. But it will be a huge boost for the Nats to get their second-best pitching prospect back – and a power arm to boot – back this soon. Early August marks one year since Zimmermann’s surgery.
Royals:
Podsednik – LF
Kendall – C
DeJesus – CF
Butler – 1B
Guillen – RF
Callaspo – 3B
Aviles – 2B
Betancourt – SS
Lerew – P
Nationals:
Morgan – CF
Guzman – SS
Zimmerman – 3B
Dunn – 1B
Willingham – LF
Rodriguez – C
Bernadina – RF
Kennedy – 2B
Atilano – P
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