A couple updates from Manny Acta’s pregame press conference:
—Wily Mo Pena is in the lineup tonight as the DH. He’s played just two games this spring because of a strained left shoulder. “He’s ready to swing the bat. He’s not ready to play in the field yet,” Acta said. He had no timetable for when Pena would be ready to be in the field.
SEE RELATED:
—Shawn Hill still hasn’t started throwing yet. Acta said most of the pain is out of his elbow, but the Nationals are waiting until his elbow completely settles down before putting him on the field.
—The first round of cuts is still coming tomorrow—10 players, give or take a few.
—Even if none of the Nationals’ outfielders are shipped out via trade, Acta he’s fine starting the season with Josh Willingham or Austin Kearns on the bench. “None of these guys have shown interest in breaking Cal Ripken’s record,” Acta said. “We can rotate them and get enough at-bats for them I can play (Willingham) at first base, I can play him in left field, I can pinch-hit in the National League. All of them will get enough at-bats once we get that number down to whoever’s going to be going to D.C.”
