

Associated Press
Adam DunnTHE BUZZ
Tracking the Nationals’ news and trends from the last week:
DOWN - JOEL HANRAHAN
Lost closer’s job for the second time this year after loss to Mets; chances of regaining it appear slim
DOWN - RANDY ST. CLAIRE
Pitching coach took the fall for bullpen’s early struggles, Daniel Cabrera’s ineptitude
UP - JOHN LANNAN
Had first complete game of his career Saturday; did all the things well that he did last year
UP - ADAM DUNN
Took called third strike that kept Randy Johnson’s 300th win in stride — and even had some fun with it
MINOR LEAGUE WATCH
Bounced out of the team’s starting rotation just before the season and passed over by both Ross Detwiler and Craig Stammen for a call-up, right-hander Collin Balester is finally having some success at Class AAA Syracuse after a rough start there. He is 2-0 with a 0.78 ERA in his last four starts, allowing a .197 batting average in that span. He might be another player who is viewed differently by acting general manager Mike Rizzo than by former GM Jim Bowden, but Balester is still only 23 years old and has plenty of time left to make an impression.
STRASBURG WATCH
Providing your weekly dose of updates on San Diego State right-hander (and presumptive Nationals No. 1 pick) Stephen Strasburg:
With San Diego State being eliminated from the NCAA tournament, Strasburg’s college career is (presumably) over. The big day arrives Tuesday, when the Nationals almost certainly will make him the No. 1 pick in the MLB draft. Strasburg’s advisor, Scott Boras, is planning to hold a news conference for the right-handed phenom at his Newport Beach, Calif., headquarters, after he is drafted Tuesday; Strasburg won’t meet with the media at San Diego State or at his parents’ home in San Diego.
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