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Patterson Doesn't Have Nose for Ball
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Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Washington Nationals right-hander John Patterson, battling a sinus infection, won't be able to make his scheduled start tonight in New York against the Mets, according to team officials, further clouding Washington's already unsettled pitching situation.
Manager Frank Robinson said Sunday that if Patterson can't pitch, he will likely have to throw a series of relievers tonight against the Mets. The Nationals tried that approach Sunday against the Atlanta Braves, using eight pitchers in a 9-7 loss. After that game, Robinson said he would try a "different approach" the next time the Nationals needed the bullpen to pitch an entire game, but he wouldn't indicate what approach he would take.
Patterson (8-5, 2.74 ERA) now will almost certainly pitch on Friday in San Diego. Team physician Bruce Thomas said Patterson played catch for 10 minutes yesterday at RFK Stadium before the team departed by train for New York. But Thomas doubted Patterson would be ready in time for tonight's game.
"He did pretty well," Thomas said. "His color looked better. Right now, we've got him listed as day-to-day. He could throw off a mound [today], but I don't think he'll be ready for the start."
Patterson was first bothered by the condition last Thursday, when he gave up a season-high seven runs in 4 2/3 innings in a loss to Florida. He didn't remain at RFK Stadium for Friday or Saturday's games against the Braves, instead sleeping and resting at home. He lost 10 pounds in the process. The sinus infection, Thomas said, turned into bronchitis and then a mild asthma attack.
On the Flip Side
Major League Baseball held coin flips yesterday to determine who would host one-game playoffs in the event there is a tie for the National League wild-card playoff berth. Should the Nationals end the regular season in a tie with Philadelphia or Florida, the game would be played at RFK Stadium. If the Nationals finish tied with the Astros, they will play in Houston. . . .
Second baseman Jose Vidro (inflamed right knee) could return to the lineup during the road trip.
