NATIONALS NOTEBOOK
Acta Won't Lock Chico Into Relief Role
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Sunday, May 18, 2008
BALTIMORE, May 17 -- One day after Matt Chico turned in another solid outing out of the bullpen Friday night against the Baltimore Orioles, Washington Nationals Manager Manny Acta said he was not yet ready to categorize the young left-hander as a relief pitcher.
"I think he's too young, and we still see him as a starter," Acta said. "In a perfect world, we probably would love to have him starting in [Class] AAA right now. A lot of guys have had success in that role, but it's just too early for us to tab him as a bullpen guy."
Chico started the season as the Nationals' fifth starter but went 0-5 with a 6.87 ERA before being moved to the bullpen May 7. Since the move, Chico has pitched three times in relief, giving up only one earned run in 6 1/3 innings.
Acta said the team "just can't push him aside" after the 24-year old went 7-9 with a 4.64 ERA in 31 starts after moving straight from Class AA to the majors last season and led National League rookies in starts and innings pitched.
But for now, pitching coach Randy St. Claire said Chico was filling an important role.
"When things are going to go a little bit rough for starters, you need somebody that can pick up a three-, four-inning spot," St. Claire said. "And if we don't carry a long guy, what ends up happening is if you have that bad start, you blow out your whole pen. . . . For the time being, I see him there."
Chico said he still hopes to return to the starting rotation but that he is willing to pitch out of the bullpen to help the team.
"Any role that they're going to put me in, I'm going to try my best to help out, and right now it's that role," Chico said.
Johnson Is Out, but Not Gone
First baseman Nick Johnson, who will miss four to six weeks because of a torn tendon sheath in his right wrist, is welcome to remain with the team throughout his recovery -- as he did all last season while recovering from a broken right leg.
"Nick is a quiet guy but a guy that leads by example and a true professional," Acta said. "[He's] the first to show up, the last to leave and just very committed to our ballclub, so it helps" having him around the team.
