U.S. Senator Jim Bunning had some choice words for Stephen Strasburg: "Five-hundred twenty starts, I never refused the ball. What a joke!"

  Jason Marquis says he is physically "back to where [he needs] to be," though he gave up four runs in five innings in his most recent start at Syracuse. He says it's just a matter of perfecting his delivery now.

  Due to Strasburg's scratch on Monday and Livan's early exit yesterday, the Nats' bullpen is a bit stretched. They should be fine, according to Jim Riggleman, unless starter Scott Olsen comes out of the game early today.

  The Nationals have always had a hard time solving Tim Hudson, and yesterday proved to be no different. In 16 career starts against the Nationals, Tim Hudson is 9-1 against the Nats with a 1.50 ERA.

  Now that Strasburg is not pitching Sunday against the Phillies, the Nats need to find a starter. Most likely are John Lannan and Matt Chico, because Marquis and Livan Hernandez will not pitch on short rest.

  Katherine Connors, Miss Iowa 2010 responds to Miguel Batista: "I know I can throw a pitch or two! The question is, can [he] walk the runway in a swimsuit?" I really really hope this story never dies...