Worth noting

• Williams believes catcher Jose Lobaton is finally comfortable with his new team. After learning about the new pitching staff, Lobaton is showing his value with the bat, going 7-for-24 (.292) with an RBI in his last seven games before Wednesday's series finale.

"He is hitting the ball back through the middle, which tells me he is just hitting singles. He is worried about hitting the ball through the middle of the diamond," Williams said. "His swing is a little shorter, and his approach has been good."

• Outfielder Scott Hairtson, who is on the disabled list because of a left oblique strain, took batting practice for the first time Wednesday and didn't feel any pain. The key is how he feels Thursday.

• Third baseman Ryan Zimmerman, who is on the disabled list with a fractured right thumb, is doing some running on a treadmill in the swimming pool. He is also taking modified ground balls, which means he is only catching the ball with his glove.