Welcome to one of the main issues that face major league managers, dealing with the disabled list. The Washington Nationals have the face of their franchise (Bryce Harper) on his way back from a thumb injury, but in his absence the Nationals covered for his not being there by moving Ryan Zimmerman (who was also coming back from his own stint on the DL) to left field which allowed the Nationals to keep one of their hottest hitters in Anthony Rendon in the lineup everyday and playing 3rd base. Now, with Harper on the verge of coming back what is Matt Williams going to do? Zimmerman has excelled in left field, Rendon is looking like their future third baseman, and Adam LaRoche has been as consistent at first base as anybody.
The one thing that helps Williams is that his guys are versatile. Zimmerman once played third (even though he has had problems getting the ball across the diamond), Rendon can play second base, and Harper can play any of the outfield positions, but who is going to sit? Denard Span is the leadoff hitter and starter in center field, Span sets the table for the guys behind him and plays gold glove caliber defense, it'll be difficult to solve this issue. None of the players wants to sit and the face of the franchise has to play. I'm looking forward to seeing how Williams configures his lineup once Harper is back.
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