Acta holds team meeting

The Nationals had a team meeting before Friday’s game against the Braves.

Manager Manny Acta told his players that they have made progress, but they could have done more to win games on their recent road trip. Washington went a combined 1-5 against Orioles and Marlins. 

The main problem during the trip was that the Nationals couldn’t advance runners in scoring position. In fact, entering Friday’s action against Atlanta, Washington is hitting .236 in that department.

“We [would have won a few games] in Baltimore and Florida if things would have gone our way,” Acta said. “I wanted to make sure they knew that they are playing better and forget about this last series.” 

To make sure that they score runs more often, the Nationals have dropped shortstop Cristian Guzman from the second spot in the order to the sixth hole. Acta acknowledged that he wants Guzman to drive in runs.