Slaten up, Chico back down

[Jollay]

Props to Chico on pitching a solid game against a dangerous right-handed lineup yesterday. As expected, the Nats called up a seventh arm for their pen, Doug Slaten.

Slaten is a lefty who has pitched well for the Diamondbacks previously and has been very good in AAA this year, not allowing an earned run in 17 innings.

Since Slaten has been very good against righties and lefties, he could get a crack at that seventh inning job. Or, he could become a left-handed specialist, freeing Sean Burnett for that role.

At a minimum, the Nats had to expand their bullpen with a road trip and no days off on the way. And they CANNOT continue to overuse Clippard; he can't set up Capps by pitching over an inning all the time.

[Jollay]

Slaten starts his Nats career in great fashion. Came into face Ike Davis in the bottom of the sixth with two on and one out. Pop-up double play, Nats out of trouble still leading the Mets 2-0.

First situation Riggleman uses him as a situational lefty. Probably would have only faced Davis with Francoeur coming up next if not for the double play...

[Jollay]

Actually Riggleman leaves Slaten in for the seventh against Francoeur and Barajas.

Two singles by the righties and Gary Matthews up to pinch hit with no outs.

I don't care, I like it. Give the guy a crack at the job. Riggleman can't continue to ask Clippard to pitch most of the seventh and the eighth every close game.

Slaten K's Matthews, BTW....

[Jollay]

Slaten's final line: 1.1 IP, 3H, 1ER, 1K, 0BB