The Nationals have scouted B.J. Upton, but aren’t interested in acquiring him now and haven’t discussed a possible trade with the Rays, according to MLB.com’s Bill Ladson. Ladson’s source says the Nationals scouted Upton on routine assignments.
The Nationals are eyeing center field help around the league, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. However, they’re happy with the play of Rick Ankiel, who has become the everyday center fielder since the Nationals sent Nyjer Morgan to Milwaukee.
GM Mike Rizzo is a supporter of Ankiel’s because he can handle right-handers (.778 career OPS) and plays strong defense, though he struggles to hit left-handers and always has (.658 career OPS). Jerry Hairston Jr. and Roger Bernadina are other internal options for the Nationals to consider.
