MLB Chatter: Cubs, Nationals, Phillies

Chicago Cubs

The Cubs could be getting a few players back from rehab soon, according to Cubs beat reporter Carrie Muskat. None too soon, considering their recent skid, but Reed Johnson, Jeff Baker, and Alfonso Sorianoare all set to begin rehab in Triple-A Iowa over the next few days. Each has been out at least a month.

Washington Nationals

Jerry Hairston, Jr. and Jayson Werth are listed day-to-day, according to Nats' beat writer Bill Ladson. Hairston is reporting back spasms that began Tuesday morning, and will be out for tonight's game against the Giants. Jayson Werth hurt his right ankle going after a ball near the bullpen mound, but was able to enter Tuesday's game in the 8th.

Patrick Reddington at Federal Baseball covers the Nats' post-draft press conference, and quotes Mike Rizzo on their first three picks: "Well, we feel that with our first pick, six, Anthony Rendon was, we felt, the most accomplished hitter in the draft. He was the most polished, with huge upside, a guy that has proven at the highest levels of amateur baseball that he can hit with power and hit for average. We feel that he's a Gold Glove type of defender. And just one heck of a player who's proved it at every level." 

Philadelphia Phillies

Todd Zolecki is reporting that Roy Oswalt's velocity is down since returning from the DL, despite the club insisting that he's ok. Zolecki notes that Oswalt's post-DL K/9 has been 3.7, shockingly lower than the 7.0 K/9 beforehand. 

The Good Phight takes a look at "which Phillies have been sucking lately," perhaps the most direct and awesome article title of the day. Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Raul Ibanez, and Shane Victorino all have a share of the blame, going cold at the same time as the pitching staff has hit a rough streak. Howard should take most of the blame, though, because he's been "least unlucky" per his BABIP.