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Club Expects To Activate Peña Today
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Sunday, April 13, 2008
When Wily Mo Peña severely strained his left oblique muscle March 12, during spring training, the Washington Nationals expected the outfielder to take at least four weeks, but likely six, to heal. But Peña's swift recovery, and the Nationals' own inept offense, hastened his return. The Nationals said after yesterday's 10-2 loss to Atlanta that they expect to activate Peña today.
"He adds a lot because every time he comes to the plate, he's got a chance to hit the ball out of the ballpark," General Manager Jim Bowden said.
Peña will take over in left, where Felipe López, Willie Harris and Rob Mackowiak have combined for one RBI. He will likely hit sixth, behind right fielder Austin Kearns and ahead of catcher Paul Lo Duca.
Peña had been recovering at the Nationals' complex in Viera, Fla. He reported for a rehabilitation assignment last night with Class AAA Columbus, which was playing in Charlotte. Bowden, though, said Peña would get a couple of at-bats there and then be on a flight last night and in the lineup today.
"This is not about attitude or confidence," Manager Manny Acta said. "This is about a couple of two-run doubles. That's what we need. Right now, we're not doing it."
Peña hit .293 with eight homers and 22 RBI after the Nationals acquired him in a trade with Boston last August.
Cordero 'Ready'
Closer Chad Cordero's second rehabilitation appearance for Class A Potomac on Friday night lasted all of seven pitches -- three to get a strikeout of the leadoff man, then four more to record two more outs. "I felt great," he said. "I'm ready."
But as Cordero comes back from shoulder tendinitis -- he hasn't pitched this year -- Acta said he will be eased into his old closer's role, "at least for one outing," Acta said.
Jon Rauch, who has served in the closer's spot thus far, has allowed runs in four of his five appearances, including two Friday night that put his ERA at 9.00. He is expected back today after missing yesterday because of the birth of his second child.
