Mock Demoted, Morse to the DL

Posted by Dave Nichols | Sunday, April 11, 2010 | , , , , | 0 comments »

According to Nationals Insider, the Washington Nationals have sent RHP Garrett Mock to Triple-A Syracuse to open a roster space for today's starter, veteran Livan Hernandez.

Additionally, Mike Morse, who strained a calf muscle making a routine catch against Philadelphia Thursday in right field, was placed on the 15-day DL, and OF Roger Bernadina was recalled from Syracuse.

Mock disappointed the Nationals brass by pitching poorly in his first start of the season.  With a spot in the rotation seemingly his to lose, he did not pitch very well as spring training rolled on, and that trend continued Thursday, as he was roughed up by the Mets.

Despite his early season proclimation that he would go after hitters and be a more agressive pitcher, Mock walked five in his outing Thursday night in three and one-third innings.  He also gave up four hits, including two home runs.

Per league rules, Mock must spend 10 days in Triple-A after his option, unless the team sustains a DL injury.  The Nats don't need another starter until next weekend, but it won't be Mock.

Morse was in obvious discomfort trying to run out a ground ball pinch-hitting in yesterday's game, and the move to put him on the DL after sustaining what was originally described as a minor thing is not a surprise.

Bernadina was one of the last cuts this spring, and he'd gotten off to a quick start for Syracuse (6-for-15 with a homer and two stolen bases) in three games.

Henandez makes his season debut today against Johan Santana and the Mets.

The Nats will be without Ryan Zimmerman, who tweaked his left hamstring in yesterday's 4-3, coming out of the game inthe sixth inning.  Adam Kennedy will start at thrid base with Cristian Guzman manning second base.

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