Colome Ready to Help Busy Relievers

Washington Nationals relievers Jon Rauch and Saul Rivera rank first and second in the major leagues in appearances this season, in part because of their solid performances on the mound. But their heavy workload also was born of necessity, one that Manager Manny Acta hopes will be diminished with the return of right-handed reliever Jesus Colome from the disabled list.

"He'll be another fresh arm," Acta said. "It will give us the opportunity to take it easier on Saul and Rauch. He's a guy that can go back-to-back."

Before going on the disabled list June 24 with a soft tissue infection in his right leg, Colome was 4-0 with a 2.76 ERA in 40 appearances. He threw one inning of scoreless relief Saturday night at Toledo for Class AAA Columbus in his third rehab outing. He originally was expected to pitch again for Columbus yesterday, but instead was called up to the big league roster. Outfielder Ryan Langerhans was optioned for assignment to make room.

"The way he was throwing the ball in rookie ball and [Saturday], he cruised through innings," Acta said. "We were going to give him innings there, so why not give him innings here?"

Colome will give Acta more flexibility out of the bullpen. Rauch pitched one-third of an inning yesterday, allowing four runs on four hits. Rivera has allowed six runs in his last six appearances.

Belliard Struggles

Ronnie Belliard is batting .206 since signing a two-year, $3.5 million extension July 23, but the infielder said the reason for his struggles at the plate are simple. "I'm just not seeing the ball good right now," he said. "I'm not a streaky hitter; it's just that when you're hot, you're hot and when you're not, you're not."

For the season, Belliard is batting .278 with seven home runs and 39 RBI. He was not in the lineup yesterday, a move Acta acknowledged he made because of his second baseman's recent slump. "Belliard's been scuffling lately," he said. "He needs a day off."