Wondering how some of the everyday Nats players have fared in recent weeks compared to earlier this season? You may be surprised how dramatic the differences have been.

Let's take a look at four key guys and their numbers. Three of them (Ryan Zimmerman, Austin Kearns and Lastings Milledge) all spent considerable time on the DL and have performed significantly better since returning. The other guy (Cristian Guzman) hasn't spent any time on the DL, though he did miss some time recently with a thumb injury. But in Guzman's case, I'm comparing his numbers before he signed his two-year extension on July 22 and since then. It's quite dramatic...

CRISTIAN GUZMAN

Before signing extension on 7/22: .310 AVG, .339 OBP, .423 SLG

Since signing extension on 7/22: .167 AVG, .205 OBP, .214 SLG

RYAN ZIMMERMAN

Before going on DL on 5/26: .257 AVG, .291 OBP, .427 SLG

Since returning from DL on 7/22: .302 AVG, .397 OBP, .349 SLG

AUSTIN KEARNS

Before going on DL on 5/22: .187 AVG, .295 OBP, .267 SLG

Since returning from DL on 7/3: .260 AVG, .324 OBP, .374 SLG, 3 HR, 14 RBI

LASTINGS MILLEDGE

Before going on DL on 6/28: .245 AVG, .312 OBP, .368 SLG

Since returning from DL on 7/25: .310 AVG, .355 OBP, .549 SLG, 5 HR, 11 RBI

So basically, Guzman has completely fallen apart since signing his extension (obviously the thumb injury has played a role in that). Zimmerman and especially Milledge have really turned things up since coming back from their injuries. Kearns has improved since coming back from the DL, but not nearly to the extent of those other two teammates.

• 
• Comment