News from Nats Town - Livan shines, but Wang has a set back

Livan Hernandez had a solid start last night against a New York Yankees that started Jeter, Johnson, Teixeira, Rodriguez, Cano, Posada and Granderson. Hernandez earned the loss, but tossed five innings allowing only one earned run on three hits and three strikeouts. The start was one of the best any Nationals pitcher has had all spring, and will likely earn him a rotation spot once the season starts.

The outing was the first start of the spring for Hernandez who signed late with the Nationals, and his second appearance overall. In eight innings overall this season he has only allowed two earned runs and has struck out five.

Analysis: It seems again that Livan Hernandez has found his way into the Washington Nationals rotation. While a team like the Nationals would like to have young, developing arms on their squad, Hernandez provides a bit of stability that the younger guys can't. J.D. Martin and Craig Stammen will still likely compete for the final spot, as it seems Scott Olson may have pitched himself off the team. The rotation will likely change come late May, as Wang hopes to be healthy and Strasburg's time table for arbitration will be set back.

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Chien-Ming Wang suffered a small set-back Wedensday as he was scratched from his scheduled bullpen session due to a sore right shoulder. Wang reportedly felt the pain when he was tossing on flat ground. MLB.com's Bill Ladson spoke to Steve McCatty:

"He was little bit sore today, but from talking to [head athletic trainer] Lee [Kuntz], it's going to happen," pitching coach Steve McCatty said. "It was not important that he completed his throwing [today]. He will go out in a couple of days and do it again."