--LHP Ron Villone signed a minor-league contract with the Nationals and will report to Class AAA Syracuse. Villone, 39, has pitched in 654 career games with 11 different teams, most recently the Cardinals in 2008. He'll become the only left-hander on Syracuse's pitching staff and provide some insurance in case LHP Mike Hinckley and LHP Wil Ledezma struggle in the Washington bullpen.
--LHP John Lannan believes he'll have better success Saturday in his second start of the season than he did on Opening Day because of a change in approach on the mound. Lannan, who was roughed up by the Marlins Monday for six runs in only three innings, said he thinks he was trying too hard to overpower opposing hitters. Normally a pitcher who relies on pinpoint control, Lannan believes he can return to his previous success if he just sticks to his usual game plan. --LHP Mike Hinckley saw his scoreless streak of 14 2/3 innings end when he gave up a run in the seventh inning Wednesday. Hinckley recorded 13 2/3 innings of the streak last season, then pitched a scoreless eighth on opening day. The streak is the longest scoreless run to begin a career in franchise history.
--1B Dmitri Young is taking groundballs and batting practice at the Nationals' extended spring training camp in Viera, Fla., but is still not ready to play in any games. Young missed most of last season with back problems and diabetes, and recurring back stiffness kept him out most of the spring. "He needs to be able to do all the agility moves that it takes to play first base," acting general manager Mike Rizzo said. Once Young can play back-to-back games at first base, the Nationals will send him on a rehab assignment, though there's still no guarantee he will wind up in the majors.
BY THE NUMBERS: 3 -- Catchers the Nationals will carry on their season-opening roster (Jesus Flores, Josh Bard and Wil Nieves).
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I did everything that was asked of me. I pitched well. Those options hurt." -- RHP Jason Bergmann, who will open the season at Class AAA Syracuse despite posting a 0.00 ERA this spring because he was one of only a couple Nationals relievers still holding minor league options.
