Shoulder inflammation lands Haren on DL
Nationals recall first baseman/outfielder Moore from Triple-A
WASHINGTON -- The Nationals placed right-hander Dan Haren on the 15-day disabled list because of right shoulder inflammation and recalled outfielder/first baseman Tyler Moore from Triple-A Syracuse on Tuesday.
Haren last pitched Saturday and allowed six runs in 3 1/3 innings against the Rockies. The next day, Haren said he had a tough time getting loose, which might explain why he's had such a rocky season.
On Monday, the team's off-day, Haren received a cortisone shot and hopes to play catch by Thursday. Manager Davey Johnson indicated that Haren most likely will not be back with the big league team until after the All-Star break.
"There was normal wear and tear. I got a shot. With that, you have to take two to three days off. That will usually help any stiffness and stuff that is in there," Haren said. "I'll probably throw ... on Thursday. I would assume I would be missing the minimum amount of time however it works out with the rotation. I wouldn't lose much more than 15 days."
Haren acknowledged that he hates being on the DL.
"I don't feel like I'm part of the team. I want to be out there with the guys," Haren said.
The Nationals have yet to announce who will replace Haren in the rotation. The team probably will not make an announcement for another couple of days, but Taylor Jordan is the leading candidate to pitch against the Mets on Saturday. Jordan is arguably the best pitching prospect in the system and ranked No. 17 by MLB.com. He started the season with Class A Potomac and is now with Double-A Harrisburg. Entering Tuesday's action, Jordan is a combined 9-1 with a 1.00 ERA for the two teams.
Johnson also announced that right-handers Ross Ohlendorf and Nathan Karns are candidates to get the start.
As for Moore, this is his second stint with the team this season. During the first stint, Moore went 15-for-95 [.158] with 36 strikeouts. He acknowledged that he was thinking too much while he was at the plate.
Moore still struggled with Syracuse, but Johnson is looking for a right-handed bat off the bench and the manager is hoping that Moore can be his run producer from the right side.
"I feel good at the plate. I went down to Triple-A and had consecutive at-bats and the batting average wasn't that great," Moore said. "But I squared some balls up, had a bunch of walks. I'm standing in stride a little bit more."