BY RICH CAMPBELL
WASHINGTON--
The Washington Nationals shook up their roster yesterday with a few moves that didn't address their offensive troubles. Instead, they targeted the low end of the bullpen.The Nationals selected the contracts of outfielder Ryan Langerhans, left-handed reliever Charlie Manning and right-handed reliever Brian Sanches from Triple-A Columbus. Relievers Matt Chico and Chris Schroder were optioned to Columbus.
Although the moves did nothing to upgrade Washington's slumping lineup, general manager Jim Bowden hopes they will spark the team as a whole.
"It's just a reminder how hard you have to work in the big leagues just to stay here," Bowden said. "Nothing's ever a given. And certainly I think that these moves remind everyone when they look in the mirror and they look at their performance that you don't necessarily get to stay up here. It's a privilege and an honor and you've got to work hard to stay here and work hard to get better."
Chico (0-6, 6.19 ERA) was sent down after giving up four runs in five innings in a spot start on Wednesday night. He led the Nationals with 31 starts last season but was mostly ineffective in eight starts this year, going 0-6 with a 6.91 ERA.
He was demoted to the bullpen on May 7 and pitched better in three relief outings, but the Nationals sent him down so he can fix his mechanics as part of Columbus' starting rotation.
"We thought that was the best thing for him, to go over there and start and get his confidence back and be able to get better at locating his pitches," manager Manny Acta said. "Here, for his own good, just waiting to pitch out of the bullpen, waiting for somebody to have a rough outing so he could get a couple innings, that wasn't very good for him."
Schroder (0-0, 5.40) was sent down for the third time this season. Also, right-hander Ryan Wagner (right shoulder) was moved from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day DL.
Langerhans, 28, filled the roster spot vacated by right fielder Austin Kearns, who went on the 15-day DL Wednesday and had successful arthroscopic surgery yesterday to remove bone fragments from his right elbow.
He hit .306 with 10 doubles, three homers, 24 RBIs and seven stolen bases in 44 games with Columbus. He'll be a reserve outfielder behind starters Wily Mo Pena, Lastings Milledge and Elijah Dukes.
Manning, 29, was called up to the big leagues for the first time after eight minor league seasons. He signed as a minor league free agent last offseason and posted a 1.96 ERA in 19 appearances for Columbus.
He was awakened at 8 a.m. yesterday by his cell phone, which indicated he had missed three calls from Columbus manager Tim Foli. He knew it was either extremely good or bad news.
"I don't really think it has hit me yet." he said. "Everything has been so rushed so far. It's been a blur, the whole day."
Sanches, 29, was 1-1 with a 5.75 ERA in 30 appearances the last two seasons with Philadelphia. He was 0-0 with a 0.98 ERA in 14 games with Columbus.
CORDERO PROGRESSING
Reliever Chad Cordero will play catch on Monday, as he continues to work his way back from a torn right lat muscle. It will be the first time Cordero has thrown since April 29.
"It's probably been the toughest three weeks for me ever," Cordero said. "I just want to hurry up and get back. I'm very anxious."
Cordero will make no more than 20 throws from between 45 and 60 feet. Cordero said he hopes to return by the last week of June.
STEARNS FILLS IN
John Stearns, the manager at Double-A Harrisburg, coached third base for the Nationals last night because Tim Tolman missed the game to attend his son's high school graduation in Tucson, Ariz.
Rich Campbell: 540/735-1974
Email: rcampbell@freelancestar.com