NATIONALS NOTEBOOK
Flores Doesn't Just Deliver Hits, He Takes Them
|
TOOLBOX
   Resize
COMMENT
 Discussion Policy
 CLOSE
Comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.
Who's Blogging  |
Sunday, June 1, 2008
PHOENIX, May 31 -- Two white scuff marks on the left side of an otherwise red-and-blue catcher's mask explained Jesús Flores's absence from the Washington Nationals' lineup Saturday.
The Nationals swapped their regular catcher -- also their hottest hitter -- for backup Wil Nieves one day after two foul tips smacked Flores in the mask, causing a headache and a feeling of nausea.
Before Washington's game Saturday against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Flores said he felt better. But he still noticed some residual effects. "It's like, I feel tired," he said. "I think it's from the pressure I had last night in the head."
The first foul that struck him came in the second inning from the bat of Chad Tracy. Flores stayed in the game. The second foul caught him four innings later, this time with more force. Micah Owings tipped a mid-90s fastball from Joel Hanrahan straight into Flores's mask. The ball deflected into the stands.
One inning later, Flores mentioned his headache to a trainer. Manager Manny Acta removed him from the game, though subsequent tests showed that Flores didn't have a concussion.
Flores's teammates "told me about how far the foul went after it hit me," he said. "Before I have had harder ones than that one. But that one, I don't know, the way it hit the plastic" hurt more than usual.
Strangely enough, Flores had received the opportunity to start almost every day because of injuries to others. When catchers Paul Lo Duca and Johnny Estrada headed to the disabled list May 9, Washington recalled Flores -- selected as a Rule 5 draftee in December 2006 -- from Columbus. Since then, he has batted .340 with eight extra-base hits, including a grand slam.
At the plate, he's been "locked in," Acta said. Acta can tell simply by the way Flores takes pitches: He doesn't lunge, and breaking balls don't catch him off balance.
Zimmerman Available, but Resting
Ryan Zimmerman missed his sixth game in a row Saturday, though the third baseman did take batting practice. Acta said (also for the sixth game in a row) that Zimmerman was available to play if necessary. He has been out of the lineup while nursing a left shoulder injury.
