Williams impressed with LaRoche's spring

VIERA, Fla. -- Nationals first baseman Adam LaRoche is off to a good start, going 5-for-15 with two home runs and four RBIs entering Sunday's action.

Manager Matt Williams is most impressed by how LaRoche is handling left-handed pitchers. LaRoche is taking pitches from the lefties up the middle.

"He has been pretty consistent," Williams said. "I like when he hits the ball up the middle, especially against the left-hander. He has done that a couple of times. He has driven some balls to center field as well. I think he is right on track."

Generally, it takes LaRoche a lot of at-bats to get going, and Williams still plans to have LaRoche get at-bats in Minor League camp.