Game Day: Patterson's Revenge

The Astros and Nats finish up their four-game series today at 2:05. The Nats can salvage a split with John Patterson on the mound, facing Wandy Rodriguez, who handled us pretty well last season.

Patterson's coming off a forearm strain that he says is better. Perhaps the warmer Texas air will help loosen him up. He's going to need it, as he's an extreme flyball pitcher in a park where popups turn to homers. (The Cy Young Express is certainly still chugging along!)

With a lefty on the mound, expect Brandon Watson and Brian Schneider to sit again. Watson's already in Frank's doghouse for his crappy play, and he's making noises about giving the hot-hitting Marlon Byrd some more PT. YES! Do it!

"If somebody is hot, you reward him if the other guy is struggling a little bit. That's the nature of the game," Robinson said. "As a manager, you have to take advantage of the guys when they are swinging the bat well."

The game's on MASN, and you're working anyway, right? Listen on the radio, 1500 AM and 107.7(?) FM. Yuda's Game Day has the chat. Check the link over there ---->

Wildass prediction: Patterson homers.