Guzman Gets Chance at Second Spot

Washington Nationals shortstop Cristian Guzman entered yesterday's game against Arizona having hit seventh or eighth for seven straight games. Saturday night, he was lifted for a pinch hitter in a key spot in the bottom of the seventh.

Manager Frank Robinson's response? Hitting Guzman second yesterday.

"I'm just trying to get his confidence up, get him to relax, and hopefully he'll have some success . . . " Robinson said. "We've got to get him going."

Guzman, a .266 hitter coming into the season, went 0 for 3 in the 7-3 victory over the Diamondbacks, giving him one hit in his last 20 at-bats. He is now hitting .114, though he did hit a ground ball to second in the fourth that moved a runner from second to third and drew a bases-loaded walk in the seventh, two plays that resulted in runs.

Guzman declined to speak to reporters before and after the game.

Osuna Ready for Action

Reliever Antonio Osuna, who hasn't pitched since giving up four runs in two-thirds of an inning on April 10, said he has been battling inflammation in his right shoulder. He played catch before yesterday's game, making 50 tosses. "I feel better," he said. "I will be able to pitch Tuesday." But after the game, Osuna told pitching coach Randy St. Claire he could pitch today. . . . Tonight's game against Florida is scheduled to be on ESPN and to be shown locally, club officials said. The Nationals face lefty Dontrelle Willis, who tossed a five-hitter against them on April 8.