Maxwell Prospers With New Stance

ATLANTA, Oct. 1 -- On Sept. 15, Justin Maxwell -- hitting .204 at the time, looking overmatched against big league pitching -- found himself in the Washington Nationals' starting lineup against Phillies ace Cliff Lee.

Hitting coach Rick Eckstein and first base coach Marquis Grissom approached the outfielder with a suggestion. They'd studied other tall hitters -- Alex Rios, for instance, and Dave Winfield. All, when batting, started their swings with their hands at chest level. The 6-foot-5 Maxwell started his swing with his hands almost behind his ears.

The coaches suggested that Maxwell change his approach, shortening his swing.

"That's actually how I hit in college," Maxwell said, "and I kind of got away from it when I got into pro ball because at the time I wasn't hitting for much power.

"But [Rick] told me, 'You've got to learn how to be a hitter first and the power will come afterward.' "

Since Maxwell adjusted his stance, the results have come, with no detriment to his power and plenty of benefit for his future.

Since September 15, Maxwell is hitting .333 (8 for 24). His walk-off grand slam on Wednesday is the most eye-catching highlight, but more promising for his development is this: He has struck out just five times in that span. This from a guy who struck out 10 times in 16 hitless May at-bats.

The improvement has positioned Maxwell, 25, to have a strong chance at a bench role with the Nationals in 2010.

"He's really been a better hitter since that adjustment," interim manager Jim Riggleman said. "It's still a work in progress, but we like the results so far."

Another Start for Detwiler

Starting pitcher Ross Detwiler's six-inning, one-run outing on Monday had the makings of a satisfying last impression.

The Nationals, after all, didn't want the rookie to overextend himself this season, and at least publicly, they indicated that another pitcher -- perhaps Marco Estrada or Zack Segovia -- would fill Detwiler's rotation spot for Saturday's game against Atlanta.

Thursday, the Nationals decided to fill Detwiler's spot with Detwiler.

Though the left-hander already has thrown 147 1/3 innings this year, counting work in the majors and minors -- a jump of 23 1/3 innings from his total last year -- General Manager Mike Rizzo said, "His inning count is under control, so he's good with that.

"And we want him to get one more start under his belt before he shuts it down for the year."

Detwiler earned this final start because of an impressive September, in which he's worked 18 2/3 innings over his three starts, with a stellar 2.41 ERA.