PHILADELPHIA — John Lannan may be the Washington Nationals’ fifth starter after all.
The 23-year-old left-hander, who failed to make the club out of spring training, appears to be the leading candidate to start Sunday’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals after team officials decided against asking two rotation members to pitch on short rest.
Rather than bring back right-handers Tim Redding and Jason Bergmann on three days’ rest, general manager Jim Bowden said yesterday he is leaning toward recalling Lannan from Class AAA Columbus for the weekend finale at Busch Stadium.
Lannan went 2-1 with a 2.18 ERA this spring and made a strong case for inclusion in the Opening Day rotation but lost out to fellow lefty Matt Chico for the final available spot.
“The only reason he didn’t come north is that we only needed four starters,” Bowden said. “Otherwise, he would have been here. I have a heavy heart for John Lannan because I think he belongs here. So I would say we’re leaning toward that, but there’s been no final decision yet.”
Lannan’s potential return could be brief, especially if injured right-hander Shawn Hill is ready to start April 13 as he has hoped. But Bowden suggested yesterday that Hill, on the 15-day disabled list with a sore right forearm, likely will need more time to build up arm strength. Hill is scheduled to pitch today in an extended spring training game in Viera, Fla.
Lopez in left?
With their top two left fielders on the DL, the Nationals are exploring alternate options, including infielder Felipe Lopez.
Lopez, who has never played outfield in his professional career, started working on catching fly balls yesterday during batting practice. He could find himself in the lineup out there for today’s series finale against the Phillies.
“This is a guy that’s always had good jumps and good angles on baseballs,” Bowden said. “You see him on pop-ups and fly balls. He’s always been one of our better guys on that.”
Lopez, who said he simply wants to play somewhere, is amenable to the experiment.
“I’ll pitch if I have to,” he said.
The Nationals could have their regular left fielder back in the lineup soon. Wily Mo Pena, on the DL with a strained left oblique muscle, took swings off a batting tee yesterday in Viera, Fla., and could return sooner than expected.
The man who briefly replaced Pena in left field, Elijah Dukes, does not appear to be as close to returning from a Grade 2 hamstring strain.
Extra bases
An MRI taken on Chad Cordero’s right shoulder revealed no structural damage, and the Nationals closer expects to be cleared to resume throwing today. He hopes to be available to pitch again this weekend. …
Catcher Johnny Estrada, recovering from right elbow surgery, went 1-for-3 and caught seven innings in an extended spring training game yesterday. Bowden said he is close to returning from the DL. …
The Boston Red Sox have decided to give Pena a World Series ring and share of the players’ prize pool and have invited the outfielder to attend Tuesday’s ceremony honoring the championship club. The Nationals will give Pena, who was traded from Boston to Washington on Aug. 17, permission to attend. …
The Nationals’ Opening Day payroll, including all players on the 25-man roster and DL, was $54,961,000, the fifth smallest in the majors.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.