--SS Cristian Guzman will become the Nationals' new leadoff hitter after OF Lastings Milledge was optioned to Class AAA Syracuse on Tuesday. Guzman leads the NL with 17 hits, but he's not a prototype leadoff man because he doesn't work the count or draw many walks. Manager Manny Acta, though, feels the shortstop is his best remaining option to bat atop the order.
--RHP Jordan Zimmermann was scheduled to make his big-league debut Sunday against the Marlins, but Wednesday's rainout at Nationals Park forced Washington to juggle its rotation. All five starters will be pushed back a day, so Zimmermann's debut will now come Monday against the Braves. The organization's top prospect, Zimmermann threw a six-inning simulated game for Class AAA Syracuse on Tuesday after the team's game was rained out. --RHP Daniel Cabrera recorded the first successful plate appearance of his big-league career Monday, dropping a sacrifice bunt in the second inning of the Nationals' game against the Phillies. Cabrera, who spent the last six years in the American League, had been 0-for-16 with 16 strikeouts previously. He went back to his old ways his next time up Monday, swinging and missing at an offering from Phillies LHP Jamie Moyer.
BY THE NUMBERS: 10 -- Walks drawn by Adam Dunn through the season's first six games, tops in the NL.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I guarantee you we're not going to go 0-for-April." -- Manager Manny Acta, after his team began the season 0-5.
