LAKELAND, Fla. -- Infielder Brendan Ryan is showing that he wants to be on the Nationals' 25-man roster come Opening Day on April 4 against the Braves. After Sunday's 7-6 loss to the Tigers, Ryan is 8-for-20 (.400) with four runs scored.
"That's what he is supposed to do. He is trying to make the club," manager Dusty Baker said. "This guy doesn't have 10 years of experience for nothing. He is playing every position. He's hustling. He was down a couple of days with a [strained left oblique]. We want him to give himself the best chance to make this club.