--SS Cristian Guzman (strained left hamstring) was available to pinch-hit in an emergency Thursday night, and he should be ready to return to the lineup by Saturday. Guzman has progressed faster than team doctors expected and on Thursday was able to participate in drills and run on a treadmill. SS Alberto Gonzalez has been filling in at shortstop in Guzman's absence.

--2B Ronnie Belliard, who hadn't played since April 8 due to a sore back, returned to action Thursday. He popped out as a pinch hitter.

--RHP Shairon Martis snapped the Nationals' seven-game losing streak and posted the first quality start by a Nationals pitcher this season, allowing two runs over 6 1/3 innings Thursday in an 8-2 victory over the Phillies. The key for Martis: He went right after hitters. The rookie threw first-pitch strikes to 19 of 26 batters he faced. "This was a very important outing," manager Manny Acta said. "Starting the season 0-7 and with all the pressure of who's going to win the first game, who's going to have the first quality start. He's 22 years old, goes out there against this quality, powerful lineup and does his job."

--RHP Joel Hanrahan still hasn't pitched in a save situation, but the Nationals' closer wasn't complaining about that Thursday night. Warming up in the eighth inning with Washington clinging to a 4-2 lead over the Phillies, Hanrahan expected to finally get his chance. But the Nationals scored four times in the eighth to take a commanding 8-2 lead, leaving Hanrahan to pitch in a mop-up role.

MEDICAL WATCH:

SS Cristian Guzman (strained left hamstring) left the April 13 game. He said he hoped to return within a few days, and he was available to pinch-hit April 16.

2B Ronnie Belliard (sore back) left the April 8 game and did not play April 10-15. He returned to action April 16.

2B/OF Willie Harris (strained left oblique muscle) went on the 15-day disabled list April 13. There was no timetable for his return.

1B Dmitri Young (strained back and hip) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 1. Young, who has been working himself back into shape while trying to manage diabetes, will remain at extended spring training in Viera, Fla. The Nationals hope he'll be ready to go on a rehab assignment at some point in late April and perhaps return to the big-league roster soon after that.

RHP Terrell Young (inflamed right shoulder) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 27. He started a throwing program at extended spring training in early April.

LHP Matt Chico (Tommy John elbow surgery in July 2008) went on the 60-day disabled list March 28. He will miss at least the first half of the season.

ROTATION:

LHP John Lannan

LHP Scott Olsen

RHP Daniel Cabrera

RHP Shairon Martis

BULLPEN:

RHP Joel Hanrahan (closer)

LHP Joe Beimel

RHP Saul Rivera

RHP Steven Shell

RHP Julian Tavarez

RHP Mike Hinckley

LHP Wil Ledezma

CATCHERS:

Jesus Flores

Josh Bard

Wil Nieves

INFIELDERS:

1B Nick Johnson

2B Anderson Hernandez

SS Cristian Guzman

3B Ryan Zimmerman

INF Ronnie Belliard

INF Alberto Gonzalez

OUTFIELDERS:

LF Adam Dunn

CF Elijah Dukes

RF Austin Kearns

OF Josh Willingham

OF Roger Bernadina