Since Blowup, Schneider Has Rallied at -- and Behind -- the Plate

No one would argue that Washington Nationals catcher Brian Schneider has had an outstanding season. Yet General Manager Jim Bowden asked over the weekend, "What did he do the last two weeks?"

Indeed, Schneider is on the brink of salvaging the year. As recently as Aug. 5, he was hitting .223, more than 30 points lower than his career mark of .256 coming into the season. But lately, Schneider has hit the ball much more solidly, driving it to left-center field. The result: a mildly hot stretch that has his average back up to .244 -- within range of finishing above .250 and respectability.

"The last two weeks, he's swung the bat better than he has all year," Bowden said. "The sweet spot of his bat is attacking the zone with bat speed, which he hasn't had."

Schneider drew some attention on Aug. 13 when, after a loss to the Mets, he uncharacteristically exploded in the clubhouse after a reporter asked him if his struggles -- particularly throwing the ball -- were the result of an injury.

Schneider emphatically and profanely denied that he had shoulder problems, and his play since then would indicate he's right. Since the incident, he's hitting .333 and slugging .500. Moreover, he has thrown out each of the three would-be base stealers who have tried to run against him.

Schneider has 11 RBI in August to give him 45 on the year, one more than he had in 2005 and just four off his career high, set in 2004 in Montreal.

Escobar Out for Year

Outfielder Alex Escobar, who dislocated his right shoulder while diving back into first base on Friday night in Atlanta, had an MRI exam and was examined yesterday by team orthopedist Ben Shaffer.

The exam revealed a tear in the labrum and, as the team expected, Escobar is out for the remainder of the season.

Escobar, who hit .356 with four homers and 18 RBI in 33 games, will have surgery to repair the tear in the next seven to 10 days.

He is one of 13 Nationals on the disabled list.