Rendon still learning, improving at second base

CLEVELAND -- Nationals infielder and top prospect Anthony Rendon said he getting more comfortable at second base and is learning the nuances of the position from hitting coach Rick Eckstein, one of two infield coaches (third-base coach Trent Jewett is the other) on the team.

Rendon was drafted as a third baseman and didn't start playing second base on a regular basis until this year, when he was promoted to Triple-A Syracuse a few weeks ago.

"It has been working great. I'm trying to get feedback from anybody that could help me out," Rendon said. "You never stop learning from this game. That's the crazy thing. I'm trying to do too much. I'm just trying to make the plays."

Eckstein said Rendon has done a nice job at his new spot and is still learning the position.

"He just has to be out there and play," Eckstein said. "The other day, we had a situation where there was a potential play at the plate, and he wanted to make sure he was in the right spot. We confirmed to him that he was in the right spot.

"We want to make sure he is backing up the right way, and him and [shortstop Ian Desmond] work together. The more he is out there, the more he is going to learn."