Within the last few minutes, MLB.com's Bill Ladson is reporting via Twitter (@Washingnats) that the Washington Nationals have placed OF Josh Willingham on the DL with left knee issues with rehabbing outfielder Nyjer Morgan to take Willingham's place on the roster, while newly-acquired catcher Wilson Ramos will be called up from Triple-A Syracuse to take backup backstop Wil Nieves' spot while Nieves goes home to spend time with his wife, who is due to give birth in the near future.
Willingham's knee issues have been the focus of much conjecture recently, as the 31-year-old outfielder has struggled to remain in the lineup while battling issues with the meniscus in his left knee. The Hammer had still managed to hit for a .268/.389/.459 line in 114 games and 370 at bats, but the pain apparently became too much in recent days forcing the Nats' everyday left fielder to the bench. Nyjer Morgan was reportedly unhappy with the fact that he was placed on the DL with right hip flexor issues. The 29-year-old top-of-the-order bat made a couple rehab starts, but was reportedly lifted from last night's game without explanation until today's reports.
Most interesting, however, is the fact that Nats fans will, with Wil Nieves taking a brief leave, get to have a look at the catcher DC GM Mike Rizzo acquired from Minnesota at the July 31st Non-Waiver trade deadline in return for former Nats' closer Matt Capps. In 15 games since being acquired, the 22-year-old catcher's hit .317 with a .349 OBP and a .433 SLG (.833 OPS) over 60 at bats in which he's hit two doubles and two HR's at Triple-A Syracuse. In limited time in the majors earlier this year, Ramos made a positive impression with the Twins, filling in for an injured Joe Mauer and going 8 for 27, .296 AVG, with 3 doubles in 7 games.
The Nationals are in Atlanta for two more before heading to Philadelphia this weekend for a 3-game series in Citizens Bank. Neither Morgan or Ramos are in tonight's starting lineup.