Well, We're Waiting

The Nationals pulled one out of the fire last night winning a game they should have won in 9 innings in 12 innings. Once again, a great outing by John Patterson was wasted (14 no-decisions this year!!!) Additionally, the Nationals once again had to use multiple arms out of their bullpen taxing an already overworked group of guys who have not complained. To recap ... Wednesday night, doubleheader versus Atlanta: Stanton, Majewski, & Eischen pitch game 1, while Stanton & Cordero go in game 2. Thursday night against Atlanta, Bergmann, Carrasco, Majewski, Stanton & Ayala pitch. Friday night against Philadelphia, Stanton, Eischen, and Carrasco pitch. Last night against Philadelphia, Eischen, Cordero, Majewski, and Stanton pitch. And still no help for the pen from roster expansion. Yet. But Bill Ladson mentions his game notes that help may be on the way.

With right-handers Tony Armas Jr. and Luis Ayala battling injuries, look for the Nationals to call up some pitchers, including Darrell Rasner and Travis Hughes, sometime next week. Rasner, playing for Double-A Harrisburg, is 6-7 with a 3.59 ERA in 27 games. He was the Expos' second-round pick in the 2002 First-Year Player Draft. He will likely be added to the rotation. Hughes has been with the Nationals twice this season, and has given up no runs in 4 2/3 innings. The numbers game is the reason he twice had to be sent down to Triple-A New Orleans. In addition, look for Jon Rauch to be back with the team. He is currently on a rehab assignment with Triple-A New Orleans and is doing very well. In six games -- five of them starts -- he is 1-1 with a 2.45 ERA.

Some time next week? How about today?