--RHP Tim Redding didn't win over any of the Nationals' potential trade partners after allowing seven runs in four innings to the Phillies, but Washington wasn't that keen on dealing the right-hander before Thursday's deadline anyway. The organization sees the 30-year-old as a potential mentor for the rest of its young rotation, and since he can't become a free agent until after the 2010 season, he remains affordable. "He's been solid," GM Jim Bowden said. "He's 30 years old. He's figured it out, and he's been a great influence on our younger pitchers in the clubhouse."
--SS Cristian Guzman was out of the lineup for the fourth straight game, but he does not appear to be seriously injured. An MRI taken Wednesday on Guzman's left thumb revealed only a bruise, not any structural damage. Manager Manny Acta said Guzman will probably take another couple of days off before returning to the lineup. --OF/3B Kory Casto hasn't had many opportunities to start for the last week since OF Lastings Milledge and 3B Ryan Zimmerman returned from the DL. Manager Manny Acta, though, said he'll likely try to use Casto some at first base as a way to get the rookie into more games. "I need to get Kory involved in getting some at-bats when I can, because Kory is part of our future," Acta said. "I'm going to work him in there a little bit."
--OF Willie Harris hit his eighth homer of the season, a remarkable achievement given the diminutive utility man's history. Harris had hit a total of seven homers in his first seven big-league seasons, spanning 1,243 at-bats. He's now surpassed his previous career total in only 190 at-bats this year.
--RHP Steven Shell served up a solo homer to Phillies OF Shane Victorino, a rare event for the rookie reliever. Shell had pitched 15 consecutive scoreless innings, a season-high for all Nationals relievers this year.
BY THE NUMBERS: 9 -- Consecutive games the Nationals have lost at Dodger Stadium after getting swept July 25-27.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "Redding pitched well enough to get three wins today." -- OF Willie Harris, on teammate Tim Redding, who allowed one run over eight innings July 25 at San Francisco but still suffered the loss.
