--RHP Collin Balester, who had been battling for a starting role, was optioned to Class AAA Syracuse. 

Alex Cintron tripled, doubled and drove in four runs, leading the Washington Nationals past the Houston Astros 6-3 on Saturday. 

Shairon Martis and Jordan Zimmermann have won the last two spots in the Washington Nationals' starting rotation. 

Shairon Martis and Jordan Zimmermann have won the last two spots in the Washington Nationals' starting rotation. 

The Nationals' attempts to upgrade their roster haven't slowed down since general manager Jim Bowden resigned on March 1. 

--CF Lastings Milledge was named the Nationals' leadoff hitter, getting the role for the first time after bouncing around Washington's lineup most of last season. 

The Nationals organization, from the front office to the bullpen, looks completely different than it did before pitchers and catchers reported on Feb. 

Johan Santana gave up one run on four hits over seven dominant innings, and the New York Mets rolled to a 4-1 win over the Washington Nationals on Friday. 

Johan Santana gave up one run on four hits over seven dominant innings, and the New York Mets rolled to a 4-1 win over the Washington Nationals on Friday. 

Johan Santana gave up one run on four hits over seven dominant innings, and the New York Mets rolled to a 4-1 win over the Washington Nationals on Friday. 

Mark down Rockies first baseman Todd Helton, 35, as an early candidate for Comeback Player of the Year. 

Mark down Rockies first baseman Todd Helton, 35, as an early candidate for Comeback Player of the Year. 

When theWashingtonNationals convened at Space Coast Stadium some six weeks ago, they bore only slight resemblance to the team that now occupies the clubhouse and breaks camp in one week. 

After a slow offseason, the Nationals made a big splash just before spring training, signing 1B/OF Adam Dunn. 

--INF Anderson Hernandez left the March 25 game with a strained left hamstring.